I really want to modify my Zpacks Hipbelt Pockets

Thanks Bob, I already know I will get more use from the pockets with this mod.

I considered doing a “360 degree” installation, but the “180 degree” worked so well I just left it at that :)  I’m sure there are use cases where the 360 would work great.

So, after all this dedicated modifying of the hip belt pockets, can anyone tell me, are they really waterproof?  I’m seriously doubtful, as the same zipper set-up is used on his Multi-pack 4-in-1.   I use it on top of my Arc Blast as a “lid”. The last hike I took with it was an all-day drizzle, and everything was wet inside.  Where those zipper pulls meet is a teeny, tiny gap that water finds perfectly accessible.  This time, when I go out tomorrow and it is supposed to be damp, I’m going to flip it over when I clip it on, so that the zipper isn’t on the top, and see if that helps.

I have the older hip-belt pockets, with the fold-over elastic top, custom modded to use a mitten hook (oh, no, not the dreaded mitten hook!) so that I can operate it one-handed, not the side-pinch clip.  I’ve never had an issue with them letting water get inside, although I do put important stuff in zip-loc bags in case.  I’m wondering if this is a case of an “improvement” that isn’t.

So, waterproof, yes or no?

Diane, last October I did a trip during which my oldest, most used cuben/poly pocket was subjected to intermittent rain and a couple of deluges over 4 days and it didn’t leak, or if it did it wasn’t enough to notice. I have repaired a couple of small holes in that particular pocket with cuben tape. The Arc Blast also didn’t leak, and it has also seen a repair or two inside the bag with cuben tape, and also 2-3 on the water bottle pockets.

I guess it depends on the age of the item and how frequently it is zipped/unzipped or otherwise stressed. Eventually, anything short of a Pelican case is going to leak, though.

Maybe hold the multi-pack up to some bright light and see if there are some holes in it?

LOL, oh yeah, you know you’ve ‘arrived’ when you’ve mastered the mitten hook. :^)

I don’t know if Bob’s experience is the norm, but I certainly hope so.  I have not had the pockets out in the rain, but I have always packaged things in the hip belt pockets in a ziplock.  The slight additional packing complexity is worth it to ensure things stay dry.

Not waterproof, to my experience. Very water resistant, yes, but moisture has gotten in when exposed to a sustained rain. I think it’s because the zipper is on top, where falling rain can hit it directly. It didn’t get “wet” inside, just a little moisture, for example my camera was in there and it was fine, but it made me decide to bring a zippie sandwich bag to ensure it stays dry.

So, does anyone who performed these mods still think it was a good idea?  What about the longevity of this modification?  Would you do it again?

I modified my pockets per Bob Moulder’s design. The tape has held and the mods look and function today exactly as they did the day I completed them.

^ Ditto.