Waterproofing solutions (non-breathable)

[Bearlegged]

I have a rucksack that needs some serious reproofing, anyone got any recommendations for a waterproofing substance? Doesn't need to be breathable, does need to be durable and effective.

[ton]

i have a lomo waterproof rucksac like this

https://www.lomo.co.uk/products/20l-dry ... sack-blue/


any good to you for price of postage ?

[voodoo_simon]

Fabsil by grangers is good

I assume it’s already waterproof and you just want to coat it?

[Bearlegged]

Thanks for the offer Ton, but that's a bit big for my needs.

It's a smallish Deuter rucksack, fairly durable ripstop style fabric. I'm not 100% sure it's ever been that waterproof to start with, it came with one of those waterproof covers you can stretch over the whole thing, but I find that a faff to use.
I'm after something that I can apply easily (e.g. with a brush or sponge, or just dunk the whole thing). I'm loathe to go down the DWR treatment route, as I've never found these solutions to last very long.
I had been wondering about thinning down some clear silicon with white spirit, anyone tried that?

[Shewie]

Can you put anything you want to keep dry inside a dry bag instead?

[Bearlegged]

Yes, but I still end up with a soggy load of fabric on my back.

[PaulB2]

I like my deuter bags but rain always seems to get in unless I use the cover. I've always assumed it gets in through the exposed zips since on my smaller bags they don't have any form of shroud

[Shewie]

Very few packs are waterproof or designed to be AFAIK, with the exception of Lightwave or some of the dcf offerings, or there's the roll top types.
Seams won't be taped and the zips won't be waterproof either, ai think a DIY diluted silicone approach might make the pack as heavy as when it's wet so not much benefit


Edited to add, silicone spray used to be a thing, not sure if that's still about, folk used to use it for similar applications

[Mart]

How about a rucksack cover. I got some Karrimor ones from Sports direct that did the job and were not too spendy

[Bearlegged]

..., it came with one of those waterproof covers you can stretch over the whole thing, but I find that a faff to use.

[woodsmith]

I've found fabsil gold to be pretty good. Rubble sacks from screwfix make very durable pack liners rather than faffing with individual dry bags.