Pack cover - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

In an effort to go as light as possible I’m looking at two options for a pack cover. The first is an Outdoor Research cover that I’ve modified to get its weight down to 4.1 oz. The second is a garbage bag that weighs .4 oz. I’ve used the OR cover before and have been pleased with its performance. I’ve carried the garbage bag before, but never had to use it. So, I have a few questions: Anyone use a garbage bag before? If so how did it hold up? Did you have to have replace it every so often on a long distnace hike?

guru

#2

i’ve used garbage bags on many weekend trips over the past 15 years and been 100% satisfied every time. in addition to the cover i also bag items inside the pack and have even heard of people using a garbage bag as a pack liner. i’ll use a bag several times before it needs replacing. also, re-used bags already have the appropriate holes cut in them for shoulder straps so putting them on is quicker.

andy schmidt

#3

Garbage bags do not hold up well at all when used as a pack cover. Too much brush, etc on the AT. It will be ripped to shreds in no time.

I let may rain coat do double duty as a rain coat and pack cover. If it rains, I pull in over my head and hike under it while it is still covering my pack also. Not raining, it is tied over my pack to protect it in case it does start raining.

Just my way of doing things.

See you out there.:cheers :cheers :cheers

Maintain

#4

Dancing Light Gear [www.trailquest.net]sells a pack cover of sil nylon @ 3oz.You might want to try using a compactor traah bag as a liner.They are more durable than the regular trash bag. :slight_smile:

OLD & IN THE WAY

#5

Guru, take a look at The Packa (www.thepacka.com). It’s sil-nylon, lightweight and doubles as a raincoat. Cool.

Eileen

#6

I origonaly planned on using a pack cover. But in trying to save weight I decided to use a super light poncho with the extended back, so it will cover me and my pack. I figure you dont get as hot and there is no were for water to collect. I would be interested to hear if anyone else has went this way before and decided it didn’t work(and why).I was an Army guy so I may like the poncho more than most.

Buckwheat