Eve Alexandra
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2017 Astorga-SDC, April 2022 SJPP-Muxia
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I used both dry bags and freezer Ziplocs to keep items from getting wet from rain or other sources of water. While walking, I had my sleeping bag and clothes in two separate dry bags. I would also use the larger drybag to take my change of clothes and valuables into the shower with me, which would keep them dry. I used the freezer Ziplocs to store electronic components, guide books, and passport and other paperwork. I used the freezer Ziplocs as they were more durable to repeated openings.Is it a good idea to invest in dry sacs? Does the "line your pack with a trash bag" thing work well, given nice sturdy contractor bags are going to be waaaaaaay too big for a 35 L pack? What about freezer style (thicker) ziplocks instead of dry sacks?
Just looking at the mess on the floor of my kit and trying to figure out the simplest way to keep everything dry and easy to find.
Is it a good idea to invest in dry sacs? Does the "line your pack with a trash bag" thing work well, given nice sturdy contractor bags are going to be waaaaaaay too big for a 35 L pack? ...
Is it a good idea to invest in dry sacs? Does the "line your pack with a trash bag" thing work well, given nice sturdy contractor bags are going to be waaaaaaay too big for a 35 L pack? What about freezer style (thicker) ziplocks instead of dry sacks?
Just looking at the mess on the floor of my kit and trying to figure out the simplest way to keep everything dry and easy to find.
Is it a good idea to invest in dry sacs? Does the "line your pack with a trash bag" thing work well, given nice sturdy contractor bags are going to be waaaaaaay too big for a 35 L pack? What about freezer style (thicker) ziplocks instead of dry sacks?
Just looking at the mess on the floor of my kit and trying to figure out the simplest way to keep everything dry and easy to find.
..... but when soaked, a backpack can absorb a lot of weight and become quite heavy so that's another reason to protect the pack from the outside. I personally don't like pack covers as I've always found water dribbles down between my back & pack, getting the pack wet and I hate soggy pack straps.
I'm never sure what qualifies as an "internal frame." My Osprey Talon 33 in small size, holds only 31 L and I've found it to be an excellent choice. It doesn't have a frame such that the pack will stand upright by itself, but I can live with that. So I wouldn't assume that a 35 L pack isn't good enough.35l is probably too small to have internal frame and hip belt. Get a better pack that has these features.
... and the 30 gallon heavy-duty bags have a double duty purpose....field expedient poncho. Don't laugh. Wore them a few times at Mardi Gras parades when the weather turned.
Its an internal frame if the pack is designed to transfer load from the frame to the hip belt. I'm not well versed on the availability of 35l packs with a frame but I haven't seen one in passing, while looking at gear at the outdoor store, either.I'm never sure what qualifies as an "internal frame." My Osprey Talon 33 in small size, holds only 31 L and I've found it to be an excellent choice. It doesn't have a frame such that the pack will stand upright by itself, but I can live with that. So I wouldn't assume that a 35 L pack isn't good enough.
I would also use the larger drybag to take my change of clothes and valuables into the shower with me, which would keep them dry. .
Osprey has some ultra light ones too.Check out Sea to Summit dry bags. Light as a garbage bag, tough, quiet, wonderful.
Hi Eve, I've used a wonderful kitchen trash compactor bag (not trash contractor bag...those things are enormous) lining my 25L pack on both Caminos and love it. I'm sure it must have been somewhat large, but it still fit nicely so thought nothing of its size. The excess at the top I just folded over on itself and used a chip clip to secure it. I will do it again this year and I never needed a rain cover for my pack, either. I also felt it was extra bedbug protection besides the spraying of my backpack, for it kept everything tight inside at night. I never left anything sitting out. They are amazingly strong. I had no worries of wet gear inside my pack and never invested in dry sacks. I use heavy duty 1 gallon ziplock bags for all other items, and a 2 gallon for my sleeping bag as it's so much easier than trying to stuff it in the little sack it came with. And I do have a small toiletry bag.Is it a good idea to invest in dry sacs? Does the "line your pack with a trash bag" thing work well, given nice sturdy contractor bags are going to be waaaaaaay too big for a 35 L pack? What about freezer style (thicker) ziplocks instead of dry sacks?
Just looking at the mess on the floor of my kit and trying to figure out the simplest way to keep everything dry and easy to find.
That's a great idea getting a HUGE men's Frogg Togg jacket to be used like a short Altus.Instead of a garbage bag as a pack liner, many long-distance hikers use a trash compactor bag which is smaller but sturdy. Alternately, you can buy an ultra lightweight bag liner from a company like Zpacks http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/dry_bags.shtml. In reading many thru-hiker blogs, it appears that a pack liner is popular but when soaked, a backpack can absorb a lot of weight and become quite heavy so that's another reason to protect the pack from the outside. I personally don't like pack covers as I've always found water dribbles down between my back & pack, getting the pack wet and I hate soggy pack straps. I have always used an Altus poncho tho' this year I'm going to try wearing an XXL Frogg Toggs men's jacket which actually covers both me and my backpack!
My 12 liter Osprey Dry Sack weighs 1.2 ounces.Speaking of using what you have...years ago, when I used cloth diapers for my babies exclusively, I invested in 3 bags for storing the wet diapers in a diaper bag until I got home. No, they aren't gross. They've been through the wash many times and don't smell at all. They are about 12 x 13, and they are waterproof. I put one on my kitchen scale and it only weighs about 2 ounces.
I can shove my stuff sack that has both my Costco down quilt and my liner, into the fuzzibunz bag and still have room for another whole small bag of stuff.
....what does a standard dry sack weigh? Would you use what you have already?
This is what I own, just a much older version (which apparently weighs less than the new one)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJG6HV6/?tag=casaivar02-20
Speaking of using what you have...years ago, when I used cloth diapers for my babies exclusively, I invested in 3 bags for storing the wet diapers in a diaper bag until I got home. No, they aren't gross. They've been through the wash many times and don't smell at all. They are about 12 x 13, and they are waterproof. I put one on my kitchen scale and it only weighs about 2 ounces.
I can shove my stuff sack that has both my Costco down quilt and my liner, into the fuzzibunz bag and still have room for another whole small bag of stuff.
....what does a standard dry sack weigh? Would you use what you have already?
This is what I own, just a much older version (which apparently weighs less than the new one)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJG6HV6/?tag=casaivar02-20
My 12 liter Osprey Dry Sack weighs 1.2 ounces.
Hmmm...they may be too heavy, then. I suppose it depends on what the bag ends up weighing in the end.
I will not be using the Osprey 25L pack this year as it was borrowed and just too small and the cramming I had to do...jeez! But it did have a full Airspeed trampoline back and internal frame. I am finally investing in a 36L for this year.Well it sounds like a combination is the best way to go. I'm really liking the idea of one that can double in the shower for valuables and the clothes I'll be putting on afterwards. But probably not necessary for everything. I've got a pack cover. And a rain jacket. I will look at compactor bags the next time I'm at the store.
My Deuter ACT 35 has both a great internal frame and vents near the back and a great hip belt. When I researched packs, it was mostly those under 30 that didn't have internal frames...although one or two of the nicer 28 L ones still have a good frame, but not the ventilation on the back. REI was invaluable for the pack help. Would not have known what to look at without them.
I use the 1 and 2 gallon ziplock bags to hold most of my things, but on a whim I recently purchased two smallish 15"x18" zippered mesh laundry bags at Walmart for only $1.17 each. I couldnt resist at that price though I haven't checked them out yet to see if I like them enough to bring them.I brought a giant ziplock bag with a handle for carrying my stuff into the showers, toting my laundry, etc. The best thing about it was the price - only a dollar for two at the Dollar Tree store. Or one XXL for a buck.
And it never became necessary, but I could have fit most of the contents of my backpack into it if I had had to walk in really heavy rain.
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I also bought some small zippered mesh bags at the Dollar store that I used for clothes that didn't quite dry. I put the damp clothes in one and pinned it to my pack while I walked.
They are NOT too heavy at all!Hmmm...they may be too heavy, then. I suppose it depends on what the bag ends up weighing in the end.
They are NOT too heavy at all!
Others I walked with used the kitchen trash bag liner method. It worked well for them. I thought about a dry sack, but weight ruled it out. There was only one time when one of my stuff sacks got a little wet. It was no big deal. I used a rain cover in my pack. I haven't decided if I'd use the trash bag liner approach next time. Right now I'm leaning toward no, just for the hassle factor. It would prevent me from accessing anything from the side zipper. Plus, it would be noisier in the alburgue. Neiukd bring more zip locks next time. I didn't have enough of them.Is it a good idea to invest in dry sacs? Does the "line your pack with a trash bag" thing work well, given nice sturdy contractor bags are going to be waaaaaaay too big for a 35 L pack? What about freezer style (thicker) ziplocks instead of dry sacks?
Just looking at the mess on the floor of my kit and trying to figure out the simplest way to keep everything dry and easy to find.
I love using a trash COMPACTOR bag to line my pack. They are extremely durable, still lightweight and do not make noise. I will be purchasing a new backpack this time and along with top loading I plan to have a zipper entry as well, which is a concern as it does prevent using the front load option. My plan is to only use the zipper to quickly access my jacket or put it away. It would not be in the compactor bag, but I don't think that as a big problem. At the albergues, I will just use the top opening.Others I walked with used the kitchen trash bag liner method. It worked well for them. I thought about a dry sack, but weight ruled it out. There was only one time when one of my stuff sacks got a little wet. It was no big deal. I used a rain cover in my pack. I haven't decided if I'd use the trash bag liner approach next time. Right now I'm leaning toward no, just for the hassle factor. It would prevent me from accessing anything from the side zipper. Plus, it would be noisier in the alburgue. Neiukd bring more zip locks next time. I didn't have enough of them.
Do you have a brand name for the non rustling reusable freezer bags?I used a pack cover to keep pack and its pockets dry in a shower of rain. Inside I used freezer bags for vulnerable items, the re-usable type which don't rustle. I packed and repacked my bag until I knew where everything fitted best and could find it easily. With a poncho rather than a rain jacket I had no problem with the pack or its straps getting wet in heavy rain. Your nappy(diaper) bags sound like a good idea for your clothes and bed roll etc.
Mine are from Tesco - the supermarkets own brand. They are very soft feeling but strong.Do you have a brand name for the non rustling reusable freezer bags?
Ziplock bags are all I've used over many years of hiking/climbing/walking. Cheap, easy, see thru (or can be labeled) and can be purchased at most grocery shops.Is it a good idea to invest in dry sacs? Does the "line your pack with a trash bag" thing work well, given nice sturdy contractor bags are going to be waaaaaaay too big for a 35 L pack? What about freezer style (thicker) ziplocks instead of dry sacks?
Just looking at the mess on the floor of my kit and trying to figure out the simplest way to keep everything dry and easy to find.
I agree that one can get carried away with the fun of pouches and drybagsIn my excitement I purchased pouches for everything, put all my things in them then into my pack. Put my pack on "OMG!" took pack off.
I happen to have one of those at my side right now, trying to figure out a good use for it. I have just weighed it - 220 g, which I think is too much for this purpose. It is also rather stiff and bulky to fit nicely into my backpack, and finally, it is extremely noisy. Maybe some of them are more suitable, but not this one!blankets and sheets sometimes come in clear heavy-duty rectangular plastic bags with a zipper 3/4 of the way around the top
I happen to have one of those at my side right now, trying to figure out a good use for it. I have just weighed it - 220 g, which I think is too much for this purpose. It is also rather stiff and bulky to fit nicely into my backpack, and finally, it is extremely noisy. Maybe some of them are more suitable, but not this one!
Well, I happen to have that at my side, as well! And my scales. My biggest dry bag (about 1 m x .5 m) is the one I put my whole pack into at night in the albergue. It is fairly sturdy and weighs 140 g. Other bags about half that volume (say, 35 L) weigh 40-60 g. As I mentioned, I carry at least 300 g in bags!BTW, since you said yours weighs 220 grams, I'm wondering what a similarly-sized dry bag weighs.
I don't know the capacity of your blanket bag, but I have a 12 liter Osprey dry bag that weighs 1.2 ounces/34 grams.BTW, since you said yours weighs 220 grams, I'm wondering what a similarly-sized dry bag weighs.
Yup, I know what you mean! The size & shape of the one I have seems ideal and, while somewhat stiff, it doesn't crackle-and-pop like others. And, if it doesn't work out, I have several different sizes of packing cubes (rectangular, zippered net bags) and what-have-you to choose from.
BTW, since you said yours weighs 220 grams, I'm wondering what a similarly-sized dry bag weighs.
The largest zip lock bag I have ever seen is a 2 gallon, which would never fit a backpack. I am curious where a huge one could be purchased as it sounds like a great idea for protection against bedbugs.Ziplock bag as bedbug barrier:
We travel with a large heavy-duty zip lock bag for each of our backpacks to prevent bedbug infestations in our gear. As soon as we arrive at an albergue we remove our sleeping gear (which is kept in a small ziplock) and put our packs inside the big ziplock bags. (I apologize if this suggestion has already appeared in this thread - I haven't read all the replies). regards.
XXL ziplock bags are sold for storing bulky items. We got ours at our local supermarket.The largest zip lock bag I have ever seen is a 2 gallon, which would never fit a backpack. I am curious where a huge one could be purchased as it sounds like a great idea for protection against bedbugs.
Hmmm, I'll have to scout around at my local supermarket in the aisle where ziplock type bags are sold. I've never seen such a large one, but I'll take your word for it that they do exist!XXL ziplock bags are sold for storing bulky items. We got ours at our local supermarket.
I didn't try to find one huge ziplock to fit all my backpack contents but instead had several largish ziplocks, one for each change of clothing and another for my hoodie/fleece. That way, when I went to shower, I could take a ziplock with a set of clean clothing with me and be confident that (a) it was bedbug free and (b) it would stay dry while I was showering. After I changed, my dirty clothes went into the same ziplock until they were cleaned.The largest zip lock bag I have ever seen is a 2 gallon, which would never fit a backpack. I am curious where a huge one could be purchased as it sounds like a great idea for protection against bedbugs.
I also used multiple ziplock bags. In the morning ( I always left in the LATE morning) I took inventory. I would examine each bag to see if it held all that it was supposed to and then I would check that I had all the bags. I didn't lose a thing.I didn't try to find one huge ziplock to fit all my backpack contents but instead had several largish ziplocks, one for each change of clothing and another for my hoodie/fleece. That way, when I went to shower, I could take a ziplock with a set of clean clothing with me and be confident that (a) it was bedbug free and (b) it would stay dry while I was showering. After I changed, my dirty clothes went into the same ziplock until they were cleaned.
It being July/August, the hoodie/fleece rarely left its ziplock.
As a kindness to other pilgrims in the albergue, consider NOT using plastic bags for anything you bag up in the morning—especially if you are an early riser!
There is no way ziplock bags are silent. If nothing else, the sound of them being opened and searched through! You may think they are silent until someone else rustles them in the dark.
What I did too.I never opened them up or rustled through them in the morning. My habit was to sleep in the clothes I would walk in the next day, changing clothes after walk and a shower. My morning routine was to pick up my silk sleeping bag liner and stuff it into an outside pocket of my backpack, pick up my phone and put it into my pants pocket, grab my pack and head out of the room. Outside the room, I would stuff the sleeping bag liner into its sac (not plastic) and put that into the backpack. My son would watch my stuff while I headed into the bathroom and visa versa. Then on with the shoes and up with the poles and out we went. I don't think we made a lot of noise with the plastics.
I do still believe they make a lot less noise than the plastic shopping bags. Practically anything can make *some* noise if you are rustling through it, including fancy cloth dry sacs. Plastic shopping bags make a lot of noise if you barely touch them.
Quite right ! (we never try to pack up in the dark - it is a good reason to sleep in).As a kindness to other pilgrims in the albergue, consider NOT using plastic bags for anything you bag up in the morning—especially if you are an early riser! Plastic bags in the early morning darkness, especially when accompanied by a headlight, are the most obnoxious sounding things!
The garbage bag as a liner would work to keep the contents of your pack dry, but in serious rain your backpack (and everything in the external pouches) will get wet.
Personally, I like to organize my things carefully anyway, so I use several dry-bags of various sizes to do that. They also allow me to isolate my sleeping bag, etc., if I think I have been exposed to bedbugs. I also carry a large pack "liner" that my whole pack fits into, and always keep it in the bag, closed tightly, in the albergue to protect against bedbugs.
The simplicity and organization of my things is very important to me, so that I won't get overwhelmed by all the choices and decisions and rummaging around. I want only one combination/outfit that depends totally on the weather conditions - No style choices like "do I want a red shirt today, or a blue one?"
My dry bags are actually my main luxury item - they are certainly more expensive than alternatives, and the weight can get significant. Ziplock bags would be my alternative of choice.
Oh! Any bag you use to line your backpack needs to be bigger than the back pack, so that you can pack things in efficiently to fill all the crevices in the pack.
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