Are pack liners better than rucksack covers?

It depends on what matters most to you. A properly closed liner protects the contents directly and does not blow off, while a cover sheds rain from most of the outside of the pack but leaves the harness side exposed. Dry bags are still sensible for critical kit, whichever system you choose.

How much does a rucksack cover weigh?

There is no single reliable range: weight varies with pack size, fabric, and design. Check the specification for the exact cover you are considering rather than assuming a generic figure.

Why is it so hard to put a rucksack cover on in the wind?

Because it is essentially a large, formless piece of fabric that catches air and inflates like a balloon when you are trying to stretch it over a three-dimensional pack covered in straps. In strong wind, it genuinely tries to escape.

Do You Actually Need That?

Rucksack Covers: Solving Wet Gear by Carrying More Stuff

The logic is sound — keep your bag dry by wrapping it in waterproof fabric. The practice involves wrestling a shapeless nylon sack over your pack in horizontal rain while it fills with air and tries to become a sail. Some people swear by them, others line the inside instead, and both groups think the other lot are doing it wrong.

8 August 20269 min read