Sea To Summit Ultra-light Siliconized Pack Cover

I've used this thing a number of times. Some times it works and other times not so much... I think that basically it boils down to a number of factors, some of which may be out of your control. If you can't arrange it in such a way that no water could possibly get, then it wont work. This seems obvious, but imagine real-world conditions: a bunch of sleeping apparatus, some nalgene bottles, maybe some trekking poles or other technical paraphernalia attached to the outside of your very full pack. There are bound to be a few odd bulges that pull the elastic edges away from the body of the pack creating the potential for water to get in. Now imagine that you are up on a ridge in wind and rain - water is flying around practically horizontal...some parts of the pack are bound to get wet despite your rain cover. You basically need to be very careful with the arrangement of your pack and probably use a few dry-bags in additional for your critical items like sleeping bag and extra clothes.

I will say that the form factor, integrated stuff sack and adjustable elastic + velcro fastening system leave very little to be desired, but unless you get the rest of it just right, you'll get your stuff wet.

Used on the Inca Trail and in the jungle in Peru during rainy season over an Osprey Talon 33. Worked wonderfully. Had also ordered a Granite Gear Cloud Cover at the same time for the trip (because I could only get one of these due to limited supply). The Granite Gear item weighed the same by specs, but seemed less sturdy and didn't fit as well.

This is crucial/essential gear without a doubt. You can buy multiple waterproof items and stuff sacks etc.. but of course not everything is waterproof and nobody likes soaking wet clothes and poteintial electronics getting wet. The answer, just make sure you have this and before it starts downpouring you will have nothing to worry about. It packs into a small ball for maximal portability, and easily fits over your pack (with approprite sizes). Well worth the money and will really make your day when you reach camp and ALL your stuff is dry not just the waterproof stuff.

I bought the small size that is suppose to max out @ 3000 cu. in. This more than swallows my Golite Jam2 3000 cu. in. pack when it's fully loaded. The neatest thing to me other than the fact it feels like it weighs next to nothing is that it packs up into its own attached stuff sack...great bonus!