JohnnyCool

Can this be done using spray on Scotch Guard or something? I wouldn't expect it to be actually waterproof, more like somewhat more water resistent. It's a basic nylon backpack. I think I need to start carrying a couple of plastic garbage bags for the unexpected rains...oh well...next time.

Booger

I am a finance analyst by trade and about 95% of my professional life is tied up in my laptop. I'd like to start commuting, but it rains darn near every day for 4-5 months here in Oregon. Anyone know of any bags (preferably backpack style) that they would trust to protect an important piece of equipment? I'd also like room for a change of clothes, lunch, odds and ends, etc. The idea of a wet laptop makes me nervous.

womble

A good plastic bag from the supermarket, and then the backpack of your choice!

Or an Ortleib backpack/messenger bag.

cradduck

There are a couple of different ways you can go about waterproofing a backpack. Scotchguarding may do the trick but it depends on the weave and make of the nylon. You could go the cheapest route and just tie a garbage bag over it. The problem is that you may find yourself in a position where the bag starts to create a serious amount of drag off your back (like riding with a loose t-shirt on). You could also look into getting a waterproof backpack cover. This is like a shower cap for your backpack and they usually have a snug fit that stretches over your bag. You may also look into waterproof stuff sacks to put your clothing and other items into.

dynaryder

Another idea:get a laptop or small messenger bag and add a rack to your bike. You can wear your laptop under your raingear,then put everything else in a trashbag-lined duffle and put that on the rack. My commuter pack is small enough,and I get my raingear large enough,that it's being waterproof is moot.

oboeguy

Oy!

jharte

Sometimes I wish my Arkels were waterproof. Last week I got caught in the rain on my way to work. Not a downpour, but a nice light steady rain.

I've tried to waterproof my bags but they still take on a little water. I wore a rain jacket, but my clean shirt got wet. My clean socks got wet, too.

So last night I was in Walmart and saw some of those space bags. The kind you put stuff in and just squeeze all the air out though a one-way valve. THAT'S WHAT I NEED!

Walkafire

Ziploc Bags work great!

I know they make 2 gallon sizes... they might have some mega size out there...
I always put my Cell and Wallet in a Ziploc... if I had clothes, they would be in one too... Just common sense



{edit} Found some Mega Ziplocs:

Xtra Large
2ft x 1.7ft, 4 per box

XXtra Large
2ft x 2.7ft, 3 per box

Cromulent

Plastic grocery bags work pretty well too. Put your stuff in, tie the bag up, put it in your backpack or panniers.

I also used to use those rectangular-shaped bags that comforters and futon covers come in. Those were great for books.

oboeguy

What, nobody thinks it's funny that there are three recent waterproofing threads all stacked together this morning?

Anyway, my solution.

swwhite

Well, yes, I myself probably don't NEED to, but what I do need is motivation to keep me getting on the bike when there is an easier way to get to work parked in the driveway. I use gear and gadgets as motivators. In the case of rain gear, I make it a game to see if I can get the proper equipment to ride in all but the worst rain and arrive totally dry. Then I look at a rainy day as a chance to test the equipment. I also do enjoy the comments of co-workers when it starts to rain during the day and the come over to my cube to ask if I rode my bike.

Cromulent

Hey... we gotta keep the gear dry. That's a cool pack. You are Locutus of Bike.

oboeguy

Resistance is futile! It's not about the bike... it's all about the gear!

Eggplant Jeff

You know, my cheapo $20 "Trans-it" trunk rack from performance has never let in a drop of water, even when I rode all the way home in a decent rain the other night. I think it claims to be waterproof, and it actually appears to be.

Jarery

Haha, too funny, im the exact same way.

I LOVE buying new gear. If i dont buy new gear, the wife spends the money eventually anyaways. So i go hog wild, get all kinds of stuff. Rain being the 'last frontier' to conquer.

My next rain challenge is head cover. Trying to spend an hour commute in rain, with least amount of helemt head look.

Thinking a dowrap winter cap https://www.dowrap.com/Merchant2/merc...gory_Code=DWWS

With a tight fitting eVent material hood that goes under helmet. Probably the one from Showers Pass. Along with their century elite jacket.

joelpalmer

do we want to know why you dont have clothes?

Walkafire

EXTRA.... EXTRA....

Extra Clothes dab nab it.... I forgot where I was... I knew someone would catch it.

JohnnyCool

What I want to know is how come the thread about why I posted my post got more responses than my post??

oboeguy

I don't need to see your join date to know that you're new around here.

Walkafire

Great for use on canvas, nylon, leather, suede and most fabrics

$4.00

supcom

It's almost impossible to get a good waterproofing of a backpack. There are too many seams to seal. The best thing is to use a plastic bag to line the inside of the pack and put your stuff inside that. A trash compactor bag works best as it sturdier than most. Twist tie or simply roll the top to seal. For daypacks, cut the top off the bag to size it but leave a generous amount of extra for rolling closed. If you have multiple compartments, use multiple bags. A ziplock freezer storage bag is good for a small front pocket.

PLastic bags are small and light enough that you can easily fold them up and store them inside the pack until needed.

Backpack covers invariably leak because they either leave the back exposed or have holes for the shoulder straps.

bandregg

The biggest lesson I ever learned in boy scouts. The more something says it's waterproof, the less it is.

swwhite

I made myself a backpack cover. It has holes for the shoulder straps and is open at the bottom, but is as long as the bottom, on the theory that water will run down the cover to the bottom of the backpack and drip off. It does the job, but as mentioned the back does get wet, though not enough to soak through. I made it before I was aware of the existence of waterproof backpacks and messenger bags, so now I am hoping to upgrad in a few months. The fabric, by the way, was raincoat fabric from Joann Fabrics.

jyossarian

Well, if you really need to waterproof your backpack,

https://www.ems.com/products/product_...=1127325144954

Available in XS-L. Too expensive for me, but I could be persuaded. However, I think the ziploc baggies is a cheaper idea and would work just fine for protecting laptops, pda's and cellies.

jyossarian

Here's something expensive:

https://www.ems.com/products/product_...=1127325144954