Soaking wet backpack straps?

[mtnclimber]

On day 2 of my sheep hunt last year there was a huge rainstorm that hit and we were stuck walking in it for hours. Everything became soaked but eventually dried besides one thing... The straps to my mr 6500. the next 8 days consisted of 5 mile hikes everyday that the weather would allow us to leave the tent. i would put the pack on the in the morning and under a 70lb load the soaking wet straps would soak through my jacket in about 30 min and was uncomfortable to say the least.

Has anyone else experienced this? What have you done to Fix or help that?

Ive been looking into sealers but since its a thick pad I'm not sure if it will just hold water.

Ive also sold the 6500 and will be using my barneys this season so I'm hoping that the change in materials will help since the mr 6500 tends to hold more water in general compared to any other pack I've used.

 

[HJ Handy]

I've used DWR treatments to aid in keeping the shoulder straps and belt from becoming a sponge and soaking water but with extended weather they still end up soaking some water no matter what.

When the rain has stopped, I use the MSR towel I bring along to wrap around the straps and squeeze to draw out some of the water and that helps things dry out a little faster.

 

[mtnclimber]

I was planning on doing some dwr too it. Also played with the idea of using a silicone type product to put an actual layer over it but I'm pretty sure it it would just crumble and peel off.

 

[HJ Handy]

I have noticed different brands dry out faster, hold more or less water than others. My DT1 suspension and Stone Glacier suspensions seem to dry out pretty quick. Whatever foam they are using seems to do pretty well with not holding water forever.

I think anything you used to permanently seal the material would eventually crack and end up holding onto more water in the long run. Then you run into issues during storage like mildew.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

The culprit is open cell padding vs. closed cell. Change the shoulder straps or change brands.
I don't have this issue w/ my Nimrod or OPW packs.
Hunt'nFish

 

[fillthefreezer]

ive experienced it but have no answer. packbag as well. all the people that say they dont use a raincover, just dry sacks, i dont get it...
last time my kifaru was really soaked (western wa) it took 3 days to dry...

 

[larryschwartz]

You guys are going too high tech. Go old school instead...

A) wrap the shoulder straps in camo or earth tone duct tape to keep the water out.

B) when it rains put a poncho on over you and your pack to keep both of you dry. if that is too hot then cut the bottom of the poncho off and just wear it like a cowl over your shoulders and head and the top of your pack...think Batman's cape.

Larry

 

[chippewawarrior]

^^^That^^^ Yea, I use a poncho. No tape though. It works well...