Don’t Forget the Packfly Raincover (and How To Make a Durable Trashbag-Pack Cover)
Nobody enjoys it, but getting one day’s clothes wet while hiking in the rain doesn’t spell the end of a trip. On the other hand, getting a whole pack full of clothes can spell the end of a trip. Pack flys (aka raincovers) are an expensive accessory after dropping $200+ on a big pack, but they’re well worth the investment. The fitted shape around the shoulder straps makes it more comfortable and easier to manage than a tarp or trashbag while hiking during a downpour. Right now: this Osprey raincover packfly is less than $25 (31% off) and eligible for free shipping at Altrec.
If you have to use a trashbag: Buy the heavy duty lawn and garden-type bags. They really hold up to sticks and brush better. Then, take at least one whole bag and one fitted bag on the trail. The whole bag is used to cover the pack completely at night and the fitted bag is used during the day while hiking. Make a fitted trashbag by cutting a U-shaped hole just big enough to let the hipbelt and pack straps out (from the open edge, about 2-3 inches narrower than the straps and 2 inches shorter than distance from pack bottom to where the straps connect). Line the edge of the U-shaped cutout with duct tape to keep it from tearing while it’s being used.