Backpack Rain Cover

[buck]

I've yet to have  need for a rain cover for my backpack, but our future plans will/may make it impossible to avoid wet weather.

Are there pack covers that are deep and wide enough to cover up items I might tie to the outside of my pack (sleeping pad, camp seat, etc.) and still fit the pack? The ones I see in pictures fit tightly around the pack and there seems to be nothing hooked on the outside of the pack for the rain cover to be wrapped over.

My pack is an REI Flash 65.

[DavidR]

I had this same issue. Just get a larger cover than your pack. Try to run items on the outside vertically instead of horizontal.  I use granite gear. It's very compact but unfolds to cover everything.

[Cuffs]

Go for a pack liner instead. 

[auwesman]

X2 on what Cuffs said.  Pack liner keeps everything dry and can serve multiple uses during a trip.  Also less space and weight

[ednotmilkman]

i don't even know exactly what a pack liner is - you can't line stuff that is outside of your pack anyway can you (Q)

[Cuffs]

Stuff that is on the outside is usually durable even when wet.  I think he said it was his camp chair?

[buck]

If I use a bag liner, what about the pack itself soaking up rain? Does this not eventually create a good bit more weight?

[Cuffs]

Ive not noticed any significant weight gain from rain.  Your pack is going to get wet whether you use a cover or liner. with a cover the rain will run down between you and the pack, soaking into the padding.  It's also one more thing to do to put it on when it starts raining.  By using a liner, your stuff is dry and you don't have to do anything further with it.  Using trash compactor liners, you can get a box of them for the same or less amount as one cover.     

[Lostsheep]

Take a 3mil trash compactor bag. Open it up inside your pack. Fill it. Twist the neck and tie it off. Everything is dry.

What's on the outside should generally be alright to get wet. Plus, if it falls in a creek, yep, still dry.

I have a pack cover (gregory intended for 6000cuin pack) but don't really use it anymore. I line my pack, then take 2 extra. Never know when they'll come in handy...

[angrysparrow]

Have you thought of making your own pack cover?  Sil-nylon isn't hard to sew, and a pack cover is a nice and simple project.  A multi-purpose pack cover plan can be found here.

Cuffs is definitely right that water will run down between your back and the pack, even with a rain cover..but a cover does help a lot.  There is one solution for keeping your pack dry, though.  The Packa.

[buck]

I appreciate the information. I'm leaning toward the pack liner idea the more I think about it.

[Mountain Dog]

As with everything, there are good and bad in all outfits.  I now use a Paka, no rain on the back and easy to open to get air flow when rain is not bad.  But, it will not cover a large pack with stuff tied outside.  Like I said, there are pros and cons to everything.  Check out the Packa, you might like it although they are expensive.

[Rob]

I have a Sea to Summit pack cover that I have used for my large volume Kelty pack, it is helpful keeping gear lashed to the outside of the pack protected, but when in heavy rain the pack area around my back still gets fairly wet. A pack liner is great for complete dryness of internally packed items, however it is best used with top loaders unless you don't mind not using side access options on other types of packs.

[SmokeDiver]

I'm looking for a pack cover in blaze orange. I hate wearing orange clothes during hunting season, so leaving a blaze orange cover on would be perfect. Has anyone seen one?

[Cuffs]

Granite gear and etowah outfitters both make a blaze orange pack cover

[SmokeDiver]

Granite gear and etowah outfitters both make a blaze orange pack cover

You're the man.

[Cuffs]

I'd rather be the woman, but it just doesn't sound the same.  :-)

[Rigormortis]

If you can get your hands on one of the orange garbage bags that the state highway department uses to pick up trash on the side of highways you can make a great pack rain cover out of it, just slide it over your pack and mark on the bag where your shoulder straps would come through then put a strip of duck tape over the marks then cut horizontal slits the width of your shoulder straps then take straps loose at the bottom of your pack then slide them through the slits then fasten the straps back at the bottom.  You are ready to go.

[SmokeDiver]

I'd rather be the woman, but it just doesn't sound the same.  :-)

 

[Lesley]

I use a pack liner and a poncho tarp to cover both myself and pack when it rains. But usually I'll just let myself be wet. Liners by sea to summit are really durable but trash bags work just as well. I tie a blaze orange bandana to my pack or head during hunting season. You may be able to find an orange ponco (ok you can for less than $5 via google).