KDOG3 said:
my pack is 1000 denier Cordura nylon (Maxpedition Baby Condor) and it was soaked by the time I got inside. The interior wasn't too wet but I was only outside for about 2 minutes. Is there a spray or coating we can put on our packs for water resistance?
Cordura nylon is notorious for poor waterproofing.
A friend of mine that builds his own packs, tents, etc. told me that the texture of cordura fabric just doesn't work well with coatings - they don't adhere that well when applied and then rub off easily during use.
I've never had a Cordura pack (and I've owned quite a few from various manufacturers) that kept out rain worth a damn, even when new. Same thing with Cordura gaiters.
On the other hand, I've had inexpensive packs and gaiters made of nylon packcloth that were quite rainproof when new, and stayed fairly rainproof for years.
Cordura nylon works well for packs that will see a lot of rough use. Items like briefcases made of cordura will hold up to daily use for years. Just don't expect cordura items to be more than water repellent, even when new.
As others have pointed out, lightweight, waterproof rain covers for packs are fairly inexpensive and work well if you get one that fits properly. If you use a rain cover and also line your pack with a heavy duty garbage bag, your gear will stay dry even during heavy rain.
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