Waterproofing Shoulder Straps with Wax

[ricitosdeplata]

My Osprey Kestral 38 has a rain cover to keep it dry, but my shoulder straps might get wet since I'm going to be wearing a rain jacket and my umbrella may not be enough to protect them. Then there's the matter of sweat being absorbed daily. Any advice about waterproofing the shoulder straps of a backpack with wax. I'm thinking that the foam in the straps would be stiffened by a waterproofing liquid.

 

[Anniesantiago]

My goodness, I've never had a problem with wet shoulder straps.
I feel like you're overthinking this a bit?

 

[jpflavin1]

My Osprey Kestral 38 has a rain cover to keep it dry, but my shoulder straps might get wet since I'm going to be wearing a rain jacket and my umbrella may not be enough to protect them. Then there's the matter of sweat being absorbed daily. Any advice about waterproofing the shoulder straps of a backpack with wax. I'm thinking that the foam in the straps would be stiffened by a waterproofing liquid.

Scotch-guard them.

 

[ricitosdeplata]

My goodness, I've never had a problem with wet shoulder straps.
I feel like you're overthinking this a bit?

I never considered this until I read a post on this forum about the experience of another pilgrim. She said she went through a lot of rain and wound up with shoulder straps that stunk terribly. I figured october might be wet so better to take precautions while I can.

 

[Anniesantiago]

What month are you going?

 

[ricitosdeplata]

What month are you going?

Sept. 17 through November 4 I'll be on Vdlp, Cf, and then Finesterre.

 

[Bajaracer]

Wax will seal in the "funk," scotch guard maybe, or you can let Mother Nature air dry it.

 

[CaptBuddy]

Camino Fever has set in.
Don't worry about the straps.
Have a great trip. Buen Viaje.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Yeah, I'd just not worry about it.
I haven't yet...

 

[whariwharangi]

I've hiked in all weather for over 30 years ... wet shoulder straps are not an issue. Putting wax on them would likely cause more problems than it would solve.

If the shoulder straps stink try using a deodorant. On your pits that is. You can wash your pack in a tub of warm water and woolite when it does get too smelly.

 

[ricitosdeplata]

Consensus: fuhgeddaboudit.

 

[LauraK]

Ricitosdeplata: a fellow Texan here. I have been reading your posts and enjoying them. You sound very prepared for your camino so agree with others...don't sweat the small stuff (there will be smellier stuff than your pack straps). One good thing about my past caminos is that I didn't know I was going until shortly before (calendar opens up) so rarely have had more than a few weeks to prepare. Used this forum to put together a packing list spreadsheet (10 years old now) that gets slightly altered each time based on season and my last experience. It all just works out. I am excited to hear how your camino goes!

 

[C clearly]

My shoulder straps are not so thick that I am worried about them getting wet. I think they would dry quite quickly.

However, since I have the impression that you are (like me ) handy with a sewing machine as well as being an equipment nerd, you might be interested in the famous "super-duper Maggie shoulder cape" created by @Magwood. (Scroll down that linked page quite far.) She has lots of other good tips on her blog.

 

[ricitosdeplata]

@C clearly, I remember seeing this before. Thanks for reminding me about Maggie's website. I agree there are a lot of good ideas on it.

 

[newfydog]

I have a pack with waterproof shoulder straps. They are sweaty and awful. I would much prefer that they breathe.

 

[ricitosdeplata]

@newfydog, thanks for your response. This makes it a definite no to any kind of waterproofing of my shoulder straps.