How to Use a Clear Waterproof Pack Liner Effectively

Quick answer

Use a clear waterproof pack liner by first turning it into a dry bag: fill it with your gear, squeeze out excess air, and twist the top closed before folding it over and securing it. This method keeps your gear dry even in heavy rain or a stream crossing.

How to pack with a clear waterproof liner

1. 1. Place the liner inside your pack: Open your backpack and drop the liner into the main compartment. Spread it out so the bottom sits flat and the sides reach up to the top of the pack. Common mistake: leaving the liner bunched at the bottom, which creates gaps where water can pool. Check that the liner's bottom is fully against the pack's bottom before adding gear.
2. 2. Load your gear in the liner: Place your items inside the liner, starting with your sleeping bag or quilt at the bottom, then clothes, and finally your shelter. Keep sharp items like tent stakes or a stove in a separate stuff sack to avoid puncturing the liner. Common mistake: putting sharp objects directly against the liner. Wrap or bag any pointy items before placing them in the liner.
3. 3. Remove air and seal the liner: Once your gear is inside, press down on the liner to push out as much air as possible. Then twist the top of the liner closed, fold the twisted neck over, and secure it with the included tie or a rubber band. Common mistake: not removing enough air, which leaves a bulky, hard-to-pack bundle. The goal is a compact, pillow-like shape that fits snugly in your pack.
4. 4. Place the sealed liner back in the pack: Put the sealed liner into your backpack, then pack your other items (like a puffy jacket or food bag) around it. The liner should be the core of your pack, with softer items filling the gaps. Common mistake: putting heavy items on top of the liner, which can compress it and cause leaks. Keep the liner centered and cushioned by other gear.
5. 5. Test the seal before a wet trip: Before heading out in heavy rain or on a trip with river crossings, test your liner at home. Fill it with gear, seal it, and submerge it in a sink or bathtub for a few minutes. Check for leaks at the twist closure or any punctures. Common mistake: assuming the liner is waterproof without testing it first. A quick test can save your gear from an unexpected soak.

Product details

• Clear Waterproof Pack Liners: The Gossamer Gear Clear Waterproof Pack Liners are ultralight, watertight liner bags designed to protect your essentials from moisture while adding minimal weight to your pack. Because they add almost no weight, you can use them without compromising your ultralight packing strategy, and the clear material lets you see your gear without unpacking everything.

  

• Clear Waterproof Pack Liners: Each pack includes two liners, giving you a reliable backup or the option to separate gear. Having two liners lets you keep your sleeping bag in one liner and your clothes in the other, so you don't have to rummage through everything to find what you need.