Waterproof (or close to) backpack

O

OmegaJuicebox

Joined
Jan 29, 2009
Messages
80
Hey folks, later this year I'm going to be going to a forest in western California in the Saratoga area and it'll be winter. Where I'm going during the winter, it's going to be constantly freezing rain. For those of you who don't what that is, it's like between rain and hail. Anyway, I'm looking for a good/great water proof or very moisture resistant backpack for day hikes. Any specific brands and models would be nice. Also some good quality ponchos to go over a Nautica jacket which is nicely thick. I just want to have to wipe off the freezing rain afterward.
 
your best bet may be a pack cover or using dry sacks inside the pack (or both).

a pack cover, in case you don't already know, is basically a large sheet of waterproof material (like coated nylon) with an elastic sewn all around the edge. you simply wrap the material around your pack, and the elastic keeps it against your back all around. this means that your pack straps will still get wet, but it will keep the contents dry.

dry sacks...you can get small and medium sized bags that would make good stuff sacks for organizing the contents of your back, and keep everything dry at the same time.
 
What forest? I just happen to live in Saratoga, Ca. Do you live around here, or are you planning to make a trip out here?

I'm sorry I can't be of help with the backpack as I don't know any that are waterproof, but they do sell waterproof backpack covers. You might want to look into those.

ETA: Looks like Siguy beat me to it, and he also brought up dry sacks which is something else you should look into.
 
stingray4540 said:
What forest? I just happen to live in Saratoga, Ca. Do you live around here, or are you planning to make a trip out here?

I'm sorry I can't be of help with the backpack as I don't know any that are waterproof, but they do sell waterproof backpack covers. You might want to look into those.
Click to expand...

I'll going to (hopefully) as a counselor for Walden West.
 
stingray4540 said:
What forest? I just happen to live in Saratoga, Ca. Do you live around here, or are you planning to make a trip out here?

I'm sorry I can't be of help with the backpack as I don't know any that are waterproof, but they do sell waterproof backpack covers. You might want to look into those.
Click to expand...

I'll going to (hopefully) go be counselor for Walden West.
 
Large ziplok type freezer bags work great for keeping stuff dry; also, you can squeeze the air out and save space. You can also get heavy-duty rubberized bags with fold-down tops, designed for canoeing and kayaking. The pack covers work well, but in heavy downpours a little extra precaution is good to have -- dry socks, kindling, food, camera gear, etc.
 
If you want a truly waterproof pack, you do not have many options. Probably the best ones out there are the Arc'Teryx AC2 packs, the Accrux and Naos series. They have roll tops and are made from a waterproof material with the components like straps and such bonded/welded to the pack. They are made out of pretty bomber materials and are still relatively lightweight. Just be sure to be sitting down when you see their price. :)

I personally go for the dry sack method, and just keep everything in the pack in dry sacks. If you do not need complete waterproofing, just lining the inside with a trash bag works great.
 
Seal Line have the best waterproof bags and packs IMO. Check out their Boundary Pack.
boundary_pack_large.jpg
 
I am yet to see ( so I'm willing to be corrected) a waterproof pack with a good harness.
Best bet is a water proof pack liner and stuff sacks.
Carl
 
^ i'll second sealine! I used one for years in vancouver winters (rain) when i delivered parcels.
 
Storl is right. There's not that many options right now. The Arcteryx ones look great and if they're as comfortable and sturdy as my Bora 80, they should be fantastic.

The price makes me wince a bit though. Pretty damn spendy.
 
Wow, I didn't know I was so limited to waterproof backpacks. I thought by this day and age we had have a lot. The few that are are a bit pricey. YIKES!
 
BOOMSTICK said:
where in saratoga are you going..? big basin? I'm heading there this weeked
Click to expand...

Later on this year (hopefully) at Walden West if you ever heard of that outdoor school place. I went there in the 6th grade for a science trip and I want to work there as a counselor for same yearly science week.

EDIT: BTW I also live in San Jose. xD
 
Hassilov said:
Seal Line have the best waterproof bags and packs IMO. Check out their Boundary Pack.
boundary_pack_large.jpg
Click to expand...

These are what we use in the fire program. They're certainly water proof, practically air tight too, but they're not the most comfortable (no internal frame, basically just straps on a a bag) and they really suck for retrieving gear out of, they just have 1 big compartment and when the tops are unrolled theyre really deep, and when something works its way to the bottom--which is always the case--you literally gotta climb into the bag to dig it out or dump everything out to find it.

If it's only rain you need to keep out of your bag I'd make a bag poncho out of some poly, or just use a garbage bag within the pack.
 
Walden West, is that at or really close to the sanborn park? That's right around the corner from me, and I just took a couple of short hikes on the sanborn-skyline trail.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top