Let's face it, if you face heavy wind and rain on your outdoor adventure, your backpack probably won't keep your gear dry. While most backpack fabric is waterproof, seams aren't generally taped or sealed, and zippers aren't waterproof.

You can always resort to using a plastic garbage bag inside or outside your backpack to protect your gear from rain, but they are easily punctured and are often a pain to work with. Another option is to stow all of your gear into dry bags inside your backpack, which can work well. The only real downsides to this option is the expense of the dry bags, and their extra weight.

If you need waterproof protection, and you don't want to go the options of the garbage bags or dry bags, you have the option of using a backpack rain cover, which often can be a great solution.

Many people new to wearing a backpack don't often think about purchasing a backpack rain cover until they are out for the first time in a downpour. So don't let this happen to you, and get a rain cover if you don't already have one.

One of the best rain covers available are made by Gregory Mountain Products, the same makers of the popular Gregory backpacks. Gregory makes five different models of backpack rain covers that will fit virtually any backpack on the market. Here's what makes these backpack covers world class:

• Rain covers are available to fit backpacks of these sizes:
  
   
  • Extra Small Fits 1000-2000 CU. IN. / 20-35 liters packs
    
     
  • Small Fits 2000-4000 CU. IN. / 35-60 liters packs
    
     
  • Medium Fits 4000-5000 CU. IN. / 60-80 liters packs
    
     
  • Large Fits 5000-6000 CU. IN. / 80-100 liters packs
    
     
  • Extra Large Fits 6000-7000 CU. IN. / 100-120 liters packs
    
     
• The rain covers are made of a tough nylon fabric that is 100% waterproof. All seams are sealed.
  
   
• An elastic strap around the cover keeps the rain cover tightly attached to the backpack.
  
   
• On the back of the pack is a reflective logo to make you easier to be seen at night and in bad weather.
  
   
• The bag comes with an attached pouch, making it easy to carry.

No matter what brand of backpack you have, as long as its size is within the 5 available models, the Gregory Rain Cover should fit.

Using the Gregory Rain Cover in the Real World

If I expect good weather, such as on a day hike, I won't bother bringing along a rain cover for my backpack. But if bad weather is expected, or if you don't know what the weather will bring, bring along a rain cover can be worthwhile insurance.

Generally, I will carry the rain cover (inside its pouch) in one of my backpack's pockets, so that it is handy when I need it in a hurry.

The cover is easy to put on. To put it on, you will have to take the pack off, or have a partner put it on for you. Of course, if it is starting to rain, you will probably be stopping anyway in order to get your waterproof shell out.

The cover protects virtually all of the pack, except for that area around your back where your backpack and back make contact. If you are really paranoid about keeping your backpack dry, you may want to take a close look at the back of your back, where the cover won't protect it, and if there are any unprotected seams. If so, you can use seam sealer to cover them. This way, you can ensure that your gear stays dry.

Like all of your gear, when you get home, you will want to ensure that the rain cover is completely dry before stowing it. If you don't, it might mildew, and that could damage the cover.

Recommendation

If you want backpack rain protection, you can't beat a Gregory Rain Cover. Also, when you compare the prize of Gregory backpack rain covers to those of other companies, you will find them priced very competitively.

Product Notes

Gregory backpack rain covers are available in 5 sizes, as described above, and the MSRP ranges from $25.00 to $30.00. The only color available is royal blue (dark blue).