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I'm looking at doing some backpacking trips that involve swimming such as west clear creek(when it warms up). So I was curioius what would be the best route to go. I've seen entire backpack covers as well as waterproof liners that go inside the backpack. I know my first line of defense will be an inflatable innertube. But I want to make sure that my sleeping bag, tent, and clothes stay dry. I think I will use ziplocs for food and smaller items. Or maybe I should just be using a garbage bag!

Let me know what you think and what experiences you have had.



Thanks!

I just went to Wally world and bought some compactor bags for my pack... I took one out and discovered that they are all perfumed! I gave it a bleach bath but it still smells like perfume to me.. Maybe after a few days it will air out.... Looking at the package it says "Odor Control - Clean Fresh Scent" <groan>

I did Tonto Creek last year with the large black plastic bags as a pack liner, secured with hair ties. It worked alright, but I'm glad I brought extra bags, because my gear would stretch and rip the bags, when unpacking and repacking. I've got a trip coming up to West Clear Creek, and decided to go the drybag route. I shopped around and found a 65 liter military drybag(ILBE system) made by Sealline for $40 shipped, from hankssurplus.com. They sell some places for $90. It's more than enough to line my whole pack and then some. It comes with a purge valve and says it's airtight. I'll let you know how it preforms.

Walmart now sells dry bags. Don't know how they work, but seemed reasonably priced. I plan on picking up acouple next visit.

@kevinweitzel75
If it's the set of 3 (Green, Blue, Red/Orange), Don't waste your money.

I have a set of 3 (Green, Blue, Red/Orange) semi water tight bags for half off if you want them

I second that. I took that same set with me Tonto Creek and despite keeping them relatively protected in a garbage bag most of the time, they didn't fare so well just sitting on top of my wet pack at camp. They're good for a bag within a bag within a bag... more of a stuff sack than anything.

No, they are single bags, clear and come in different sizes. I might just srart off with the cheapest one and see how that works.