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What type of zipper do you use on the packs ? Is it regular or the water resistant/proof type ?

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True waterproof zippers are rarely used except in gear like wet suits, and are very expensive. What most people consider waterproof zippers are often water resistant zippers or regular zippers turned inside out. Water resistant zippers, while better have issues as well as the coating often delaminates causing zipper failure. On my jackets over the years, the ones that most often have failed or been problematic are the "water proof style zippers". In fact, the jackets that have not had zippers replaced often have a reduced enough function that they would be more accurately considered pull overs. We prefer to go the old school, proven zipper route and use a standard zipper turned inside out. We have a garage of sorts at the top to protect the top and due to the vertical orientation, it is very water resistant when worn. Alternatively, you can actually offset the talon compression a bit to cover the zipper entirely if desired. We feel this is the best balance of durability, functionality, and usability. This is also the reason that you can choose no zipper during purchase, and we also are offering a custom pack bag option, if you want something very different than we offer.

For what it is worth, I've spent a fair amount of time with and without the zipper. I find the Talon is enough that access to the pack bag is not a "big deal" to me, but I will say the side zip is very useful and functional especially during later seasons when insulation is often changed, and sometimes a lot.

I'll add to Kevin's post a bit by saying that in our testing the standard YKK zipper turned inside out is highly water resistant. In fact before seam sealing we had water penetrate the stitch holes around the zipper instead of through the zipper teeth. After seam sealing very little water penetrated anywhere in a rain situation.

The urethane coated zippers may be good for five years before problems start, maybe more or less depending on the amount of usage. Our zippers are proven to work for a very long time which is why we chose to go this route.

If you want a waterproof zipper such as found on dry suits and body bags that is possible but would be a custom shop build.


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Thanks for the replies. You answered all I needed.

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