Waterproofing backpack

[Kumquat]

With the nasty weather at the moment my rucksack is getting soaked on my commute.

I'm flirting with the idea of getting a fully waterproof rucksack e.g. lomo, aquanought polaris, but I'm put off by the fact that proper waterproof bags I've seen have only a big main compartment, with maybe a tiny key pocket if your lucky, and I prefer my stuff to be a bit more organised. Also a welded-seams, roll top bag is overkill for the rest of the year. I do like the look of something like this http://www.chromeindustries.com/uk/en/welded-rucksack but it's not cheap..

Alternatively I could spray a non-waterproof bag with nikwax or similar. Obviously it's not as waterproof, but my commute is only 30 mins and there are no important documents or anything I need to keep dry. Has anyone tried this with some success?

 

[Drago]

A liner, or a cover. Or a waterproof rucksack to carry a smaller bag inside with all the little pockets you desire.

I use a relatively cheap Highlander job for SAR work. It's completely and utterly waterproof, and has more little compartments than you can shake a soggy stick at.

 

[sidevalve]

Covers are available for peanuts on good old E Bay - maybe not perfect but OK for a 30 min commute.

 

[Kumquat]

I take your point about a cover, but half the time I will probably forget it.. :P
Worth waterproofing the bag underneath for if/when I forget it, or not?

 

[si_c]

I have a deuter bike one, it has a waterproof rain cover which tucks away into a pocket when not in use, so can't forget it. Comfortable too. Worth a look imo.

 

[MartinQ]

Get two waterproof covers and leave one at the bottom of your bag for "emergencies", if you think you might forget. Probably the easiest / cheapest solution.
Most cycling rucksacks have them built in these days.

 

[steve50]

heavy duty plastic bag to line your existing rucksack, zip top sandwich bags for the smaller compartments, nikwax for the rucksack itself, waterproofing on a budget

 

[Snugglebum]

I have a Respro hump that just bungee's on which seems to do the job?

 

[Spiderweb]

Polaris Aquanought in hi viz lime green for me. Fully waterproof with both chest and waist straps. Excellent.

 

[roger06]

Surely the nikwax waterproofing option won't work as water will get in through the zips?

I am having the same dilemma, it's sooooooo wet at the moment. And very muddy so back pack gets filthy.

 

[Heisenberg71]

I bought a cheap Karrimor X-Lite from Sports Direct for about £17. I use it daily for my 25 minute each way commute. Keeps stuff nice and dry, fully made from reflective silver material, has waist belt pockets for phone and wallet etc, takes a hydration pack if needed. It's also lightweight and comfy.

However my top tip is neatly fold your clothes, place them in a seperate carrier bag inside the rucksack. I have never arrived at work with wet clothes yet. A great £17 bargain so far.

 

[classic33]

If you go down the bag route, consider how you close the bag.
Remove excess air, fold the open end one way, back on itself, then forwards for a few folds.
Sounds harder than it actually is, and is all but watertight.

 

[Brains]

A builders rubble sack

 

[slowmotion]

A builders rubble sack

Why stop there? 1000 gauge DPM?

 

[marzjennings]

I have a Sea to Summit dry bag that is fantastic, everything inside stays bone dry. Even when 'friends' toss it overboard in open water.

Not cheap, but it's lasted me about 4 years so far. For organization inside I use smaller stuff sacks.