Spring is an enchanting time of year, for the promise of longer days, bluer skies, and warmer temperatures. Life returns to frozen landscapes, and adventure trails begin crawling out from under their blankets of snow. As romantic and charming as that all sounds, it does come with a little side effect: spring showers. Erratic cloudbursts are a time-honored rite of the spring season, so outdoor enthusiasts would do well to be prepared for its quirks. Backpackers especially are affected by sudden showers, when every possession they carry probably performs better when dry. Here are a few solutions for springtime backpackers to help keep the moisture in the air, rather than in your pack!
Granite Gear eVent Sil Waterproof Pack Liners – $38.95 – $49.95
There are only so many things you can do to waterproof a pack, and if you’re still getting wet, try one of these waterproof pack liners from Granite Gear. These lightweight but durable Cordura nylon liners come in three sizes, each featuring their exclusive eVent system to allow air to escape as the bag is compressed. An arched stay in the roll-down top keeps the sack open while loading, and forms a handle when sealed. When all the air is removed from the sack, it forms a compact block shape that slips easily into your pack, keeping your possessions dry and safe from the elements. Each weighs less than a pound on its own, so make sure one of these liners makes it into a pocket somewhere!
Outdoor Research Pack Hoody – $37.95
This is an awesome creation from Outdoor Research, who is thinking of the backpacker as well as the pack. This lightweight waterproof shell is designed to cover the entirety of your pack, as well as your head and shoulders, so there’s no water leaks between your back and the pack. A bungee cord anchors the hood and shoulders to the sternum strap, and an elastic drawcord cinches the back and bottom of the shell. The integrated stuff sack makes this pack hoody easy to compress and have at the ready should the skies begin to darken.
Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket for Tablet – $22.95
If you’ve got a tablet device with you on a backpacking trip, it just makes good sense to protect your investment with a dry pocket, like this one from Outdoor Research, regardless of any anticipated weather conditions. It is waterproof, submersible, and will fit most tablet devices on the market today. A touch-sensitive window panel and completely sealed external headphone jack allows complete interaction with the device while keeping everything inside safe from water, dust, and other contaminants that electronics tend to hate. It even has a small window on the back for clear pictures with an iPad camera. Closure is a waterproof zip-lock and roll-down system. This dry pocket is a small price to pay for a little bit of security. Also available for smartphones.
