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Conference noted::bicycle

Title:	Bicycling
Notice:	Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:	JAMIN::WASSER

Created:	Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	3214
Total number of notes:	31946

1295.0. "Waterproofing touring bike packs" by CYCLST::DEBRIAE () Thu Aug 24 1989 12:55

    
    What have you found to be the best way to make Codura-type 
    bike packs to be more waterproof?
    
    In past years I've tried lining the insides of the packs with
    heavy duty plastic bags, and had nominal success.
    
    A salesperson from a camping outlet suggested spraying the 
    outside of the packs with 3M Scotchguard. This sounds like a 
    decent idea.
    
    Have any of you tried this? Does 3M Scotchguard really waterproof
    fabric as well as 'protect' it? Has it worked for you? Or has 
    anyone discovered a better method of waterproofing packs?
    
    Thanks for the input...
    -Erik

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
1295.1	Ask a skier	GSFSWS::JSMITH	Support Bike Helmets for Kids	`Thu Aug 24 1989 13:01`	9
	> Have any of you tried this? Does 3M Scotchguard really waterproof > fabric as well as 'protect' it? Has it worked for you? Or has I've never tried it on panniers but it works great for skiing. Ask any kid that ski's in jeans what they use to keep them dri and they'll probably say Scotchguard or silicone spray. _Jerry
1295.2	USE PLASTIC TO INSURE DRYNESS	AKOV11::FULLER		`Thu Aug 24 1989 13:21`	5
	Even if you Scotchguard it, don't depend that this will keep your clothes dry. Plastic or lined nylon bags are needed. I think any experienced tourist will agree with this. steve
1295.3	get thee some Seam Sealer!	SUSHI::KMACDONALD	Is there life after drywall?	`Thu Aug 24 1989 13:51`	7
	Using seam sealer on the bags is essential to keeping the water out. Most of the water that leaks into packs made of waterproof fabric is thru the seams. Even this won't stop water 100%; inner bags will help to catch the remainder. Personally I don't take anything on an extended tour that can't stand at least a LITTLE water.... ken
1295.4	Dry Gear	VAXWRK::OXENBERG	Apocalyptical Illusion	`Thu Aug 24 1989 14:31`	15
	I I have had excellent success lining my panniers with hefty plastic bags. I usally get the thickest ones available. I've been caught in some very heavy rain storms, some lasting for 25 miles or so of riding before I got sick of the weather and my gear remained dry. I also like my panniers (Rhode Gear), they've even kept gear dry in modest rainfall w/out any baggies. Good Luck. Actually the Lincoln Guide Service (in Lincoln MA) last summer was selling panniers made out of neoprene but needless to say they were costly. Phi
1295.5	don't get	GOLETA::DELSON_KE		`Mon Aug 28 1989 20:04`	9
	The best way to keep your gear dry is to use the heavey duty glad bags. There light and very durable in fact I usually take along the large zip-lock bags to hold clean socks,t-shirts,etc. In fact I have even seen tourers using trash bags for parcas. scotchguard is good but if you get caught in strong rain and very wet roads even Rhode Gear protected will leak. kevin
1295.6		SX4GTO::HOLT	Robert Holt @ UCS	`Wed Aug 30 1989 01:05`	16
	On my trip through Czechoslovakia I encountered rain 3 out of 5 days. I used 30 gal. trash bags to pack my clothes. They stayed dry inside my Kirtland panniers. Had 6 of them (Glad), used 4... I only packed them as an afterthough but they were a lifesaver since they could not be had in Cz and without them my clothes would have weighed 10 times as much. My 2 spare bags were highly appreciated by some East Germans coming into Prague from Cottbus.