December 10, 2000


How come nobody makes waterproof daypacks?

Hey Gear Guru, It seems like almost every kind of gear from running shoes to stocking caps is available these days with Gore-Tex lining (or some other kind of "pseudo Gore-Tex" laminate.) How come nobody is making backpacks or daypacks with lightweight waterproof linings? Those heavy PVC-coated "dry bags" don't count.

— Craig Totten Portland, Oregon

It's true, Gore-Tex is found in dozens of products these days. But packs are a little different creature—the numerous seams are an Achilles' heel, and the stresses a pack undergoes work against the use of something like Gore-Tex, which actually is pretty delicate stuff. So making a waterproof pack that's affordable is a real challenge.

But there are a few. The ones I'm most familiar with are from VauDe, a German company that distributes products in the U.S. VauDe makes seven waterproof packs, ranging from the compact Hobb Creek 40 (about 3,000 cubic inches; $159) to the big Blue Canyon 70 (about 6,000 cubic inches; $399). They're nice packs—well made and comfortable. But the need to keep seams to a minimum (the seams are welded, not taped—a complex process) means that the packs are a very simple bag design, lacking exterior or interior pockets. So while I see the utility of a waterproof pack, particularly if you're doing a lot of hiking in soaking wet conditions, I generally think you're a little ahead to get a non-waterproof pack (most of which will be better packs, dollar for dollar) and then purchase a light, inexpensive pack cover.

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