water proof packs vs. rain covers

Just wondering, is there a reason we don't see more manufacturers making water proof packs rather than just selling a rain cover separately? I'm looking around for a backpack for a friend, it'll be her first "backpacking" style pack and was wondering if there were any good waterproof packs out there.

As far as I know, most good backpacks are water resistant. Mine has kept most of my contents dry in very serious rainstorms when closed tightly. immersing any backpack into a river is a guarantee of soaking wet items no matter how many covers you put on, or how well made with one exception: If it specifically says waterproof, and is made for river/stream fording. Usually what is done in this case is that the contents INSIDE the backpack are kept in specifically waterproof containers designed to withstand immersion, while the pack itself gets wet.

There are waterproof bags of all sizes you can get, depending on just how soaked you intend to be. These bags add weight, so to make a backpack with this capability is to sell an essentially heavy backpack for specialty use.

But, as I said, I've had my backpack and carried it in pouring rain, with few contents getting wet. The top items did, but little else. There I a very waterproof/water repellent inner lining in all good bag that stop almost all water from entering except at the openings. If the bag is well used, abused, and old, this lining may be damaged. Hint: Put a heavy trash bag inside the bag, or several of them, and made an impromptu waterproof enclosure good for all but being immersed. It is lighter, and does the job most of the time.

Does this help?

Thanks Tortuga, would you be able to tell me which brand/model you have? I may start there.

Thanks.

I've had several, and all of them were more or less water resistant, depending on how tightly the top was clamped down, and if I had some waterproof items on TOP. I have used bag covers a few times, and they are useful in downpours, but if the pack is sitting in water, forget about it, water seeps UNDER the covers.

The one I have now is an old REI pack. I also had a water resistant US army ALICE pack as well, but that went missing. That bag didn't close so well, so I had to use doubled trash bags to ensure a degree of water tightness. I also had a REALLY waterproof mountaineering backpack with a sack-type closer and rubber body. It was smaller than I needed and top feed only. It was heavy for the weight it carried, and not especially ergonomic either.

But then, it was a mountaineering pack designed for harsh weather, and there was a weight penalty for the tough rubbery fabric.

Lately, if I am going somewhere tropical, I use water-tight bags for socks and clothes, and will probably use a hefty bag or two with a rubber band for real water-proofing. The thing is this: If the bag is really waterproof, then if it gets wet, it is VERY hard to dry out properly in damp climates, especially if immersed, and mildew is a really bad thing. Army bags often have 'ventilation' holes to prevent water from accumulating inside.

Then they have official army waterproof sacks for the contents, of course.

So, just look around, and unless they're going deep in the tropics or hiking in all kinds of weather,(not just putting ones bags down between hostels), any new good backpack that has a waterproof liner is fine, with plastic bags and specialised waterproof bags for serious stuff like electronics.

Here's another reason there aren't more large waterproof packs on the market: http://www.rei.com/product/780142/arcte ... is-65-pack

$499.00 for a 65 L backpack. The waterproof fabrics and beefier waterproof zipper add about a pound of weight over a comparable water resistant Arc'teryx 65 L bag.

When traveling always take large black bags with you and plastic string. You can use this for covering your pack in an emergency.

100% waterproofing adds too much weight and expense.

Rain is God's way of telling you to find a nice cozy bar until the sun comes out...

Cheers,
Terry

just came across this a couple of weeks ago. this looks like a nice option. still on the pricey side, but super light though. http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products.html