Of dubious usefulness...

By Brian G. Sweeney Ranked #568 - Backpacks July 8, 2009

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.

Also this will be obvious to those of you that use tents but if you get it wet and leave it in the stuff sack for any duration it will be mildew on it - mildew causes the urethane to de-laminate thus totally ruining the thing (I learned the hard way...)

View Details: Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes