Anyone try waterproofing gear with Flex Seal?

[JBinDC]

Hey All,

I picked up a new Condor Bison Backpack at the last Chantilly show - nice pack btw - and although I like its utility, I don't believe its waterproof.

I'm going on my 1st Grader kid on his first Cub Scout Campout this weekend, and was thinkin before I take this backpack out in the elements, maybe I'd try my hand at waterproofing and "ruggedizing" it.

My thought is to turn it outside in, blouse it out so its innards were completely exposed, tape off the zippers, and then spray the interior with a couple coats of that Flex Seal stuff.

After that dried, I'd turn it back outside out, and then hit the exterior with a can of something like Camp Dry, Nikwax, etc..

Part of the reason for the waterproofing, is cus I normally keep my laptop in my backpack for school, so I'd want to waterproof this thing anyway.

Anyone see any downsides to this idea of mine? What y'all think?

 

[possumman]

While you are at it I have this screen door mounted in the bottom of my jon boat and I was wondering....

 

[JB62]

Have had some luck with Nickwax tech wash. Not permanent but has gotten some gear through some rain.

 

[Devonian]

Just buy a dry bag and pack your gear in it inside the pack.

 

[ground chuck]

5.11 rush 12, 24, or 72 pack would have saved you all the time you're putting into that condor.

 

[Overboost44]

Have you considered mink oil on the outside? My concerns with the flex seal are that it may affect the material and break it down over time. The other is that it may harden or negatively affect the flexibility of the bag. I don't know much (anything) about flex seal's chemical make up, but I do know that it keeps air from coming in my screened in porch

 

[JBinDC]

Have had some luck with Nickwax tech wash. Not permanent but has gotten some gear through some rain.

I've tried that on some of my other camp gear and I gotta say, it only lasts maybe a storm or two before it fails. For the price, I wasn't really satisfied.

 

[JBinDC]

Just buy a dry bag and pack your gear in it inside the pack.

Yeah, that's my fallback if need be. I have a surplus dry sac I could use, but was hoping to avoid that if at all possible...

 

[JBinDC]

5.11 rush 12, 24, or 72 pack would have saved you all the time you're putting into that condor.

The Condor is bigger than all 3, and over $100 less than the somewhat comparable 72... I'll take the compromise and keep the extra coin in my pocket.

 

[JBinDC]

Have you considered mink oil on the outside? My concerns with the flex seal are that it may affect the material and break it down over time. The other is that it may harden or negatively affect the flexibility of the bag. I don't know much (anything) about flex seal's chemical make up, but I do know that it keeps air from coming in my screened in porch

Interesting idea, but will it be greasy in the end. I did for a sec consider some wax I have for some Filson Tin-Cloth pants I have, but that's more for cotton or canvas. You do have a good point though on I have no idea what it'll do to the nylon over time. Hmmm

 

[ground chuck]

The Condor is bigger than all 3, and over $100 less than the somewhat comparable 72... I'll take the compromise and keep the extra coin in my pocket.

Sorry, but cub scout camping trip doesn't require a bag bigger than a 72 hour bag. Just saying having done it myself. I picked up my rush 24 at oaks in april for $100 NWT. have fun, I miss those camping trips with those little fellas.