how to make packs waterproof

by **alto11_2001** » Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:36 pm

can anyone recommend how to make the packs waterproof? I have two seek outside backpacks (Unaweep Fortress Olive and Unaweep Divide ) - and whilst using them on two separate occasions in rain conditions, after one day water enters the backpack and pools in the bottom. after the experience with the first trip all of my gear became wet. On the second trip with a different pack i stored everything in dry sacks (luckily). The packs are brand new.

I assume the water is entering at the joins of the fabric and other points where straps ext have been fixed to the back pack.

Any tips on what product to use for seam sealing and where to apply i.e. on the outside or the inside (could be quiet tricky).

by **kevin_t** » Fri Feb 26, 2016 9:05 pm

Sean seal outside of need be. I've never had much issue even submersed . Webbing can wick in as well on webbing but really the OTT strap is the only place

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by **Fedster** » Sat Feb 27, 2016 11:37 am

The appropriate video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD1r0sQ61IA

I did that and my packpag is 100% waterproof. I was generous with the seam sealing.

by **Mocs123** » Sat Feb 27, 2016 12:26 pm

Seam seal your pack using GE Clear Silicone thinned with mineral spirits, Permatex Flowable Silicone Windshield sealant (you don't need thinner), or even Seam grip.

The material is absolutely waterproof but some water could come in the seams. I had mine in Alaska for two weeks and while it rained A LOT I didn't get any water inside. When hiking in a rainy environment I always line my pack with a trash compactor bag and keep my down gear, clothes, etc in just in case. I would never trust a pack - any pack - to be 100% waterproof over the long haul. Packs can be a little tricky to seam seal and water can wick through the webbing, etc, plus packs get a lot of stress on the seams shortening the lifespan of sealing significantly.

That said the pack should be pretty waterproof out of the box. I recommend seam sealing it and make sure you aren't letting water in the top - you need several rolls to be waterproof, and going somewhere like Alaska I would use a trash compactor bag for my essential "don't get wet gear" just in case.

by **alto11_2001** » Wed Mar 02, 2016 4:45 am

thank you for the extremely helpful feedback and assitance, the video is particularly helpful.

whats the best sealer to use? silicon based or a polyurethane based like seam grip, or a water based sealer?

by **Fedster** » Thu Mar 03, 2016 2:11 am

by **GDM** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 5:45 am

What do you do around the zipper? Silicone the stitching and webbing right up to the zipper teeth? or leave that alone..?

by **kevin_t** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 10:54 am

I leave the zipper alone maybe others have done differently . I know from a hiking perspective I have heard that even the exposure does very well if sealed .. At least from field reports from users

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by **Nathan C** » Thu Apr 28, 2016 11:12 am