Keeping your rucksack’s contents dry

26 June 2008 16:19

The misery of damp kit is a lesson that has to be learned over and over again, it seems. But several solutions are at hand, meaning there’s no excuse for wet kit...

Dry bags
The Exped Crush drybag and roll drybag range are excellent, lifelong solutions to keeping an organised, dry rucksack. They are waterproof, compress their contents and come in a range of sizes and hues, so they can be colour-coded and used for everything from sleeping bags and spare layers to rubbish.

Rucksack liner
Good liners are basically large versions of stuffsacks, which are light and thin, but keep the gear inside dry (if not organised!). Exped makes good 40 and 80 litre options, and if a tough liner is required, Ortlieb is a good option. Get one slightly bigger than your sack, so if needs be you can put your rucksack inside the liner and sling it outside your tent for the night. 

Rucksack cover
The simplest way to keep your rucksack dry, covers are quick and easy to put on, but they do leave gaps which rain can find its way into. That said, they are generally very good for anything bar the heaviest downpour.

Rubble bags
Cheap and available from any hardware store, rubble bags provide thick and durable disposable waterproofing for your gear. Lack of proper closure can be an issue, but they are a good failsafe.

All of the above!
When backpacking – especially in winter – wet gear in the middle of a big expedition can put you in a very dangerous situation. Take all the necessary precautions to keep your sleeping bag and spare clothes dry.