Backpack liner: The ultimate moisture protection for your gear
A backpack liner reliably protects the contents of your backpack from water and dirt. Those who spend time outdoors know how important dry clothing and gear are in critical situations. A backpack liner provides the perfect solution – ultralight, durable, and reliable. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the backpack liner, including specifications, benefits, and why it is the better choice compared to traditional rain covers and dry bags.
What is a Backpack Liner?
A backpack liner is a waterproof protective cover that is placed inside your backpack to protect the contents from moisture and dirt. Made from durable LDPE film (Low-Density Polyethylene), it offers an ultralight yet sturdy alternative to heavy dry bags and ineffective rain covers.
Specifications and Advantages of the Backpack Liner
- Weight and Material:
The Tidy Gear Backpack Liner weighs only 33 g (size S) or 42 g (size L). Made from PE-LD (50 µm), it is not only extremely lightweight but also exceptionally durable – perfect for long thru-hikes and demanding outdoor adventures. - Dimensions and Fit: The backpack liner is available in two sizes. Size Large offers approximately 50 liters of usable volume, while size Small provides around 30 liters. This means the liners fit all types of backpacks. Whether you’re using a daypack, a 30-liter ultralight backpack, or a larger trekking backpack with a 60-liter capacity, the liner ensures a perfect fit. The side fold gives the liner a box-like shape that conforms better to the shape of the backpack than a flat liner, thus increasing usable volume.
- Customizability: A significant advantage of the backpack liner is its flexibility. You can adjust the height by simply cutting it to the desired length. This saves additional weight and ensures an even better fit.
- Waterproofing: The material used is completely waterproof and provides reliable protection against incoming moisture. However, make sure that no water can enter through the opening at the top – this is the only area that is not completely sealed.
How to Properly Use a Backpack Liner
To use the backpack liner, simply place it in your backpack before packing your gear. Ensure that the liner is fully unfolded to guarantee the best fit. Fill the liner with your equipment. Once the liner is filled, you can fold or roll down the excess height of the collar multiple times to prevent water ingress.
You don’t necessarily have to pack water-sensitive gear in the backpack liner. You can also place equipment over the rolled and closed backpack liner. This additionally prevents accidental opening of the liner.
To avoid damaging the backpack liner, do not store sharp or pointed objects, such as tent pegs, inside the liner.
Advantages of PE-LD Backpack Liners Over Rain Covers, Dry Bags, and Other Backpack Liners
A backpack liner offers significant advantages over conventional rain covers, rain protection, and dry bags.
Compared to rain covers and rain protection: While rain covers only protect the outer backpack and can still allow moisture to seep through, a liner keeps the contents of your backpack dry. In heavy rain, water can enter through the parts of the backpack not covered by the rain cover – a problem you can avoid with a liner.
- Compared to waterproof packsacks and dry bags: Dry bags are usually expensive, while backpack liners made of PE-LD are very affordable in comparison. Furthermore, many, especially lightweight, dry bags do not live up to their promises and are not 100% waterproof over time. In contrast, the material of the backpack liners is 100% waterproof. Packed dry bags create unfavorable shapes that do not optimally utilize the already limited volume in the backpack. A good backpack liner adapts perfectly to the shape inside the backpack. The cumulative weight of multiple dry bags in a backpack quickly exceeds that of a backpack liner.
- Weight Advantage: Starting from 33 g, the liner is significantly lighter than most other waterproof protection solutions. This makes it particularly suitable for ultralight hikers and anyone who pays attention to every gram.
- Durability: Compared to other ultralight liners, such as those made of Nylofume, the backpack liner made of PE-LD is significantly more durable and resilient. It can withstand the demands of long thru-hikes and is also food-safe.
Conclusion
A backpack liner is the ideal solution for reliably protecting your gear from moisture in your backpack. It is not only ultralight and robust but also offers a flexible fit and maximum waterproofing. Weighing only 33 g and with the ability to customize it, the backpack liner is the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts who value quality and lightness.
