4 Waterproof Backpack Liners | Comparing and Testing

LINKS BELOW! ⬇️
◽️ Compactor bags: bit.ly/3rhEYzB
◽️ Nylofume bags: bit.ly/3KapENU
◽️ Nylofume 5-pack: bit.ly/3gvXpLO
◽️ Six Moon Designs Nylon Liner: bit.ly/3GrtBvl
◽️ Zpacks DCF Liner: bit.ly/3I0Jucs
😎 Special thanks to Kuhl for making this video possible! Please take a moment to check them out at bit.ly/31XmkEB
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links. As a participant in affiliate programs, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting this channel!
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CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - What is a pack liner?
1:00 - Compactor bag overview
2:25 - Nylofume bag overview
3:05 - Nylon liner overview
4:10 - DCF liner overview
4:40 - Specs
4:50 - Video made possible by Kuhl
5:50 - Noise comparison
6:25 - First waterproof test
7:40 - Second waterproof test
8:40 - My thoughts
10:55 - Is the $$$ worth it?
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#waterproof #backpacking #liner #rain

[@GearTestTV]

Since I don’t have a repeatable durability test, if you have longterm experience with any of these pack liners, please comment on the durability below!

[@rickkaylor8554]

I have been using plain old kitchen trash bags for 20+ years. Never a problem. Usually when I get back from a trip I use it for my kitchen trash container and use a new one for my next trip. If I think it is going to rain a lot I'll pack a standard lawn garbage bag since it can be used to cover stuff when you are setting up camp and can be used as a rain jacket or rain skirt in a pinch.

[@joewagnerphoto]

The trash bag beats the cash bag. Thanks for the review!

[@Gas_Station_Tampons]

Exactly.

[@dustyoldhat]

I have no idea if this would help anyone, but if you think the "roll top closure" is worth paying all that money for, you can DIY that in about ten minutes by gluing some nylon strap across the edge of one side of a compactor or nylofume bag, leaving a few inches hanging off each side (use a plastic/vinyl glue, you can get at home depot or michaels etc) and then just lace/thread on buckle closures to the ends of the strap. Sorted. When that bag wears out or falls apart, cut it off and do it again on another one. It's really easy.

[@philipgillesse9866]

For a reliable waterproof closure on a Nylofume bag, squeeze the air out of the unused top portion, twist that portion fairly tightly, fold it in half, and put an elastic band on it to keep it from untwisting. Also, if you are trying to maximize space utilization in your pack, it helps to get a liner that is slightly larger than the inside of your pack; that way your sleeping bag or quilt fills the bottom corners of your pack. Very helpful video as always.

[@GearTestTV]

Great tip!

[@MidwestMotocamp]

I have been using the same nylofume liner for over a year. The durability has been great with no tears or punctures. The material is showing aging. It seems more brittle and the noise has gotten worse. Great topic.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

I prefer SeaToSummit Lightweight dry sacks. I started using these for canoe camping because the canoe packs are so big, individual bags/modules are much easier to organize your gear, While they are heavier than bag liners, there are a few benefits for backpacking: First, just like canoe camping, they make organizing your gear very easy and allow you to set each bag outside in the rain when packing and not worry about them getting soaked (anyone in rainy environments will appreciate this). Second, they allow you to compress the air out of puffy clothing and sleeping bags. If you’re using a -9˙C sleeping bag, this can be quite a lot of volume.

[@TH-sp5xw]

I’ve been using compactor bags for quite a while. Never let me down…

[@tomsitzman3952]

As a now retired wilderness guide, I gave my trippers a 10 mill bag or bags depending on the type of trip as a waterproof pack liner. They are so tough that both my son and I have used the same bags for years. They are the type used for asbestos disposal. We used them on river trips, backpacking and bike touring. They just refuse to wear out. They are just the right size to fit in a pack.

[@appreciatizer5911]

This really was extremely helpful. Thank you for taking the time and effort to do this.

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

You have THE best reviews !! I appreciate your methodical approach to testing gear. Keep them coming !!

[@JonathanThrift]

I've been using the same nylofume bag for the last 5 trips and it's still in great shape. Great video! You always do the best tests on gear.

[@GearTestTV]

Thanks!

[@GearSkeptic]

This is why I come here! Testing plus topics nobody else covers. Thanks for all your thoughtfulness and effort!

[@srinadian]

interesting to hear you share the surprise about the smd pack liner. Given that the 40D nylon will be way more puncture resistant than any other option there that's good news for delicate inflatable bed users out there as an added bonus. nice work

[@jaybutera3353]

Thanks for doing these objective tests and for your thoughtful insights based on the results.

[@rumidude]

I use a compacter bag and really like them. I have unscented ones. Generally they will last an entire season onless something extraodinary happens. I like that they are white so that I can actually see things inside instead of having a dark hole to stuff gear into. My wife uses one as well. We do lots of backpacking and so a pack of 20 is not an issue. I have handed out a few to others as well. I generally leave a few items out of the liner, like my Ursack and such that go in the top of the pack. When I get to the place that I no longer put stuff in it, I tightly roll it down and then put stuff on top of that.

[@zacharykuhns6060]

Ground sheets next please! Polycro, tyvek, DCF, silpoly! Great video

[@BaggyRider22]

Add Mylar (emergency blanket) to that list too!

[@memathews]

And a cheap 3 or 4 mil painter's plastic drop cloth.

[@SalmondOutdoors]

Great video man, I love your test reviews! I’ve been using a contractor bag for a while, I’ll have to check out the nylofume bags!

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

What a great review! Thanks a bunch for doing this. We used compacter bags until I finally bought a nylofume bag. Used it only a few times so far. I like the Six moon design bag as it can do double duty as a food hang bag

[@GearTestTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnc2242]

I’ve been using a nylofume bag for 2 years and it still holds up great. Before that I was using a trash compactor bag for 2 years and recently used it on a kayaking trip - same one and it’s basically bomb proof.

[@InOurElement]

We use the nylafume liners and they have never let is down. Great review!

[@DontTellMyMom]

Love your tests! Keep up :)

[@ewoksalot]

Appreciate your honesty about the test results. Hopefully Zpacks can use the information to better their product.

[@mjlcc55]

Great video, thanks. I am a compactor bag user, but may rethink using a nylofume bag.

[@Z4raggs]

Good to know, and I already have the nylofume liner. Yea!

[@poppy3215]

I use the NyloPro Odor Barrier Bags from Z-Packs. Not only do they fit my Z-Packs backpack perfectly, but in areas where bears are not a problem, I can use it as a food hang bag. Never had a critter get into my stuff. Been rained on lots of times, but never had my stuff get wet.

[@nagaviper1169]

I've used contractor bags before, and they always worked well for me. Plus it's cheap to replace them.

[@calcustom5026]

If you ever do another one of these, I suggest adding a Tyvek pack liner to the list. DIY Tyvek gear has been very popular recently.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍 Good posting .. thanks. I pack my Gear (sorted into groups) into smaller Ziploc Bags and then, when required, into a larger Pack Bag. Here in Switzerland, the smaller 1 and 2 litre Ziplocs and larger 17, 30 and 60 litre Bin and Refuse Bags work fine .. cheap and really robust. As I have to buy them anyway, my Wallet thanks me.

[@contentgoddess7218]

Thanks for a great vid! As for me, nylaflume would be the first choice, based on your experiment.

[@jonsanford2515]

I’ve been using compactor bags for over a year, and still have 3 of the 5 bags waiting to be used. Hefty sells box of 5 unscented. If the nylon bag is durable, it’s a bigger upfront cost, but might cost less in the long run, and keep a bunch of plastic bags out of a landfill.

[@josephhirsch1796]

I really appreciate the break down and analysis of the pack liners. I thought the Six Moon designs was too big for minimalist packs. And it's Calls not Cools, for the Brand name and I have great hiking pants by them.

[@ironpig701]

Great video. Im going Nylofume and also Sea to summit bag for critical gear like my bag. Yes over kill but its a few ounces extra.

[@jamesthornton3339]

I went from compactor bags to nylofume, and am on year two of use. Very durable for what it is.

[@btrswt35]

Im not a hardcore hiker by any means but I been using a xl ziplock storage bag from the dollar tree for a edc pack. I haven't had it out in the rain completely exposed (I also always have a small umbrella) but seems to have always kept everything dry. The are big, heavy, and semi awkward but for my needs seems to work well.

[@bertman4]

Interesting and informative. I use a nylofume liner. But I feel that in the next few years the new Ecopak's EPL line will overtake dyneema and any coated nylon/poly pack liners. I'll switch to that UL and ultra durable material at that time.

[@afatarra]

This review really helpful as i like to organize my items inside the bag using pack liner.. ♡♡♡ anyway, in emergency situation, using plastic bag or trash bag as pack liner is still okay.. And as long we clean it after use, definately we still can use it for more than once. I'm not a pro backpacker (but more likely a budget traveller) pack liner really a must item for me, either i go for island trip (snorkeling) or mountain (hiking).

[@aikirunner]

I Thru hiked the AT in 2021. My Nylofume popped from compression. I replaced it with Zpacks DCF, which developed a hole which I sealed with duct tape. I’ve used trash compactor bags for years and never developed holes. I might return to using that or try a Sea to Summit pack liner.

[@guthdia344]

Hey, Paul. Algorithm sent me here and I'm honestly glad it did. Great review. I have been using nylafume for some time but don't like the noise. With what I learned from your video I think I'm going to pick up the SMD bag as the primary for my items and just toss a folded nylafume in the bottom of my pack for an emergency bag cover if it has to be left outside as you mentioned (at one ounce I'm not that concerned about the additional weight). Thanks for the insight.

[@panhandlejake6200]

Durability is a major consideration - retaining full integrity over long-term use. I see from other comments that nylofume has worked well but I have heard of problems from others - which may have been user carelessness. Compactor bags work fine for me as I don't wrap everything within the liner - only the essential items. While a little odd shaped, I am still able to cover my pack with the compactor bag when it is outside under the vestibule of my Aeon Li. When I fly to a destination, I usually check my pack - in those cases I use a large contractor bag as the liner and then wrap my pack in the (used) contractor bag for the return trip.

[@d.christianrathjens7209]

good testing. thx

[@christopherhaak9824]

I'm thinking that with your engineering background it would be good to do some tear and puncture tests on these pack liners as these are the main modes of failure. I know that those are destructive tests, but that would really give a great indication of how they perform, especially the puncture from things inside the back.

[@btrswt35]

That's a great idea.

[@GearTestTV]

I've got something in the works 😉

[@veroniquediallo6055]

Your test reviews are so helpful. This vid was a good one (all of them are, really). I found the nylofume's noise quality to be as stealthy as I would like...am looking in the direction of the Six Moon Designs liner or compactor. I would prefer a low noise and transparent option. Do you know of one? Thank you for the time you put into producing these great videos. Happy New Year!

[@GearTestTV]

Thanks! I don't know specifically of any options like that, but you may be able to find clear compactor bags or some other clear trash bag. Just make sure they're 1-2mil thick.

[@btrswt35]

Try a xl storage ziplock bag from the dollar tree. Kind of heavy but it works well in my edc pack.

[@SomeDudeWalking]

Nice studio set up!

[@GearTestTV]

Thanks! We just moved, so this was the last video in that studio, but I'm in the process of setting up a new one.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Nice testing! I prefer one similar to your six moons designs. I have one near identical by sealline. I swear sealline stuff sacks, roll top, even their draw string versions are 100% waterproof. I was quite surprised to see their drawstring version hold air the way it does. Yeah their expensive but worth it. Its worth noting even the US military uses sealline stuff sacks with their packs and sleep systems. Nylofume is nice their just super noisy! I almost bought a hyperlite mountain gear dyneema pack liner but passed. Wonder how it would compare to zpacks version? Love your reviews man! Hike on!

[@mab0852]

Big fan of the S2S liner bag, but when I can get away with it the snozzle bag for my sleeping pad is a very light multipurpose option. That said, I always have a compactor bag as a backup if I know water is going to be a factor.

[@amandahensley3983]

I need recommendations on the compact bags people use to store items together in their packs!

[@Oldsparkey]

I started with a trash bag as a liner. I only pack the items I want to stay dry in it. Later I purchased a Zpacks cuben fiber liner to us in my Zpacks Arc Blast. Eventually I set the Zpacks one aside and went back to the trash bag. I only need the liner for the bottom 1/4 or 1/3 of my bag so the trash bags wins every time. Pack it in the bottom of the bag , push excess air out , twist the top and then tuck that twisted excess along the side of the bag. The rest of the items are in stuff sacks. Nice thing about the trash bags I can toss it when I get home and use a fresh one for the next trip. Being what folks call a belt and suspender person , I carry a spare.

[@jdshl8423]

I recommend the 5mil trash bags in the size that fits your backpack. I use a 40L size for my 30+5L backpack, which means you will need to get a slightly larger trash bag than your backpack itself so it will fill up properly. Mine weigh about 35-40g each and I carry 3 of them. 1 for my main backpack (30+5L), 1 for my daypack (22L, oversized) and 1 spare. With small rips and punctures, they can be patched with scotch tape or OPP tape if you have it, or in the worst case use gorilla tape (overkill) or tent repair tape (massive overkill). Generally very light and cheap to replace.

[@mmeljac]

I use nylofume & compactor bags with a lightweight plastic chip clip or fat hair elastic for the closure. The nylofume lasted a long time until my kids threw a tent stake into the liner and punched a smaller hole which later ripped. The compactor bags (kids & husbands liners) will be on the third season of hiking and going strong. I was debating pack liners myself and this just confirmed for me that the system I have now is just fine. I will save the ounce somewhere else.

[@Drew_Pearson]

Another one worth checking out would be the Osprey brand pack liners. They are seam taped, light, have a good sturdy roll top buckle, and come in a few different sizes and colors. I got the bright yellow version because it makes it easier to see inside the bag. The shape of the bag itself sort of mimics the shape of the inside of a pack as well (meaning, it's not round, it's sort of "flatter" on one side...hard to explain but imagine a "D" shape from the top instead of a "O" shape). I like mine quite a bit. Pretty affordable too!

[@GearTestTV]

Thanks for the recommendation! I've seen those before and I'm curious how it compares to the six moon designs pack liner.

[@Drew_Pearson]

@@GearTestTV They seem pretty similar based on your video. The notable differences being the "D" shape, size/color options, and the stiff roll top inner support thingy.

[@marknthetrails7627]

Isn't there a way to seal the seams of a backpack? and have you ever tested that process? thanks

[@Balue7]

Missing my personal favorite of polyethylene by Gossamer Gear. Just slightly heavier than Nylofume, but less than the compactor, still fairly cheap, but also way quieter than the Nylofume after it's been used a little.

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Excellent testing and video - well done. I wonder what type of simulation might be performed to simulate ruggedness in a real world situation. Here's the concept for the test: 1. Use a large washer at a commercial laundry using a low agitation cycle. 2. Put the test liner in an older (disposable) backpack. 3. Put sample clothing, etc in the liner mostly filled up but not squeezed too tight. 4. Let 'er rip for the test period, probably avoiding the spin cycle (except for final contestants) passing 1st round with flying colors. 5. After each test, take out the clothing and rate: 1. Very wet, 2. Wet in spots, 3. Damp in many areas, 4. Damp in few areas, 5. DRY! Then it occurred to me there's a superior way to test, not only for the experiment but also to actually use on the trail - a sort of a backpacker "early warning system!" Contact me via my YT "About me" email address if you're interested...

[@simplywanda1065]

Can you test the Osprey liners against smd?

[@VictorGarciaR]

Team trashbag here! Unless bad weather is coming, then the old pvc 30l drybag is getting some use again

[@boss302nard]

Contractor bags and ziplocks FTW.

[@garrycollins3415]

I rock a compactor bag. I wish it was just a little taller in the winter. But not everything needs to go in the liner. Because the liner is the final stop I won't use one that is seem sealed. I've had seam tape. On my Zpack backpack the seam tape came out on its second use, stuck to the pack liner. Give me the one piece bag.

[@MarcMallary]

I heard someone say that oven roasting bags are good and lightweight.

[@functionaldoc5054]

I have 6 Moons version and for 1/3 of the price of the Zpacks model I am fine with a little extra weight.

[@GearTestTV]

It's a great pack liner!

[@tico481]

Love the channel. I'm new to backpacking so this may be a stupid question, but why would you want a pack liner instead of a cover?

[@btrswt35]

Im not totally versed in the subject but I believe it is kid of along the lines of a pack being submerged or sitting in water vs getting splashed with rain or incidental water exposure. Also, a cover doesn't cover the area of the pack against the back so that could be a point of ingress for water too.

[@GearTestTV]

Great question! The primary issue with pack covers is that, being on the outside of the pack, they can be easily punctured by a passing branch or rock. As mentioned in the other comment, they also don't fully cover the pack. The few times I've used them, I also found it a hassle to stop and put the cover on every time it started raining. Pack liners don't have these issues.

[@panhandlejake6200]

One of my rules - assume that you WILL get wet on an outing. Liners are as close to water PROOF as you can get and are a very reliable way to protect critical items. Pack covers are basically water resistant and better than nothing. They work fine in short periods of rain but your pack will get wet in long duration rain storms.

[@mars_hikes967]

My pack boutique stopped offering DCF pack liners. They claim that they are bad value since DCF became more expensive during the pandemic. Now they sell nylofume bags. With DCF you can get extremely small holes you only ever find when you fill the bag with water.

[@markboheman5691]

Do you not rely/ use pack covers at all?

[@linkpatrick]

When are you going to include foam pads in the sleep pad comparison? It's been almost a year!

[@GearTestTV]

Soon! 2021 was a rough year for my family, but I'm back in the swing of things now. Got to finish a few more videos that were already in the queue, but that video is coming.

[@shawnr6117]

Use recycling bags, dirt cheap and transparent so you can find your stuff easier

[@lindaoverkamp4305]

I would caution against using a scented bag, it could taint your food. I use an unscented compactor bag.

[@Swimdeep]

If you have time, modify the nylofume. Add a Velcro strip across the top and a roll top. Tying the top in a knot is loud and cumbersome-the material makes it awkward.

[@GearTestTV]

Have you done this yourself? Really interested in a mod like that. Something similar crossed my mind, but I wasn't sure how well peel-and-stick velcro would hold over time.

[@Swimdeep]

@@GearTestTV The peel and stick works better with smaller pieces. I’m adding the roll top with a piece of CF attached with VHB tape. Will post a pic when I’m finished.

[@jessejames7074]

Why not use a cover that goes on outside of bag?

[@GearTestTV]

Someone else had the same question. Here is my reply to them... Great question! The primary issue with pack covers is that, being on the outside of the pack, they can be easily punctured by a passing branch or rock. As mentioned in the other comment, they also don't fully cover the pack. The few times I've used them, I also found it a hassle to stop and put the cover on every time it started raining. Pack liners don't have these issues.

[@calenmiller7078]

I learned the hard way when my dog peed on my backpack before a big trip

[@mariastevens6406]

Or grab an old ALICE one, patch up any pinholes, and you're good. Those things are tanks and cheap.

[@dustyoldhat]

you remind me of my friend

[@russellinthebush2897]

I had a Zpacks pack liner. Biggest waste of money ever. It's not durable. My sweat would seep through the bag and get whatever was on the other side wet. When I hiked the PCT, I got a compacter bag at Kennedy Meadows south and used it all the way to Canada and since. My only issue came when I was on an overnight that included wading/swimming down a creek but that was my fault as the compacter bag was over three years old and had some very small holes that were only an issue because the bag was submerged.

[@deloceanophoto]

Interesting that the most expensive one was the first to fail!

[@kbkarsten]

If anyone has good tips for where to buy nylofume bags, much appreciated.

[@GearTestTV]

I purchased mine from Garage Grown Gear. You can find a link in the video description. I think they're also available from Litesmith.

[@kbkarsten]

@@GearTestTV Well that's kind of a "duh" moment for me. How did I not see that link? lol, thanks.

[@neologian1783]

Dyneema......hmmmm......$99 USD and "sorta" leaks. I think I'll stick with the $2 USD nylofume bags that have served me well for years without a single leak....though they do wear a bit with repeated use....I think I'm on my 3rd maybe?? Light enough to carry a backup even.

[@nikolalutov8898]

Sooooo, in my book - a big win for SMD and a big letdown from Zpacks...

[@ericcastillo6674]

I just use a plastic garbage bag with a draw string. It hasn’t failed me yet. Furthermore, it’s way more cost efficient.

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

I made the exact same mistake with the scented walmart compactor bags....they are now 13.00 a roll and the scent reeks everything you own will stink of lavender to the high heavens and mine was also the so called fresh scent.....I gave the roll to my mom to use as trash bags......dont do it......!!!!

[@taylorange2697]

why not just water proof stuff stacks and compression bags for all your critical stuff much more versatile and less stuff

[@ikkemil7309]

Hi

[@ilader689]

My worst wet backpack experience was when my bag was placed jn a puddle by baggage handlers.

[@Vincgetorix]

I just use a black heavy duty trash bag lmao

[@TaoDeChing-ls5gz]

$65 for a bag, lol, that company is going out of business.

[@2laughandlaugh]

Garbage bag....im too cheap to buy a real liner. Plus....my pack is DCF so hopefully that helps.

[@rbo350]

I would rather use a waterproof backpack cover so my pack stays dry

[@TripleE76]

Nylofume for me. I secure mine closed by gathering the top, couple twists, fold over on itself, the use a hair tie wrapped a few times. Works great.