Panniers - seam sealing and water repellency treatment

[knolltop]

Based on my search, this topic has not been discussed since 2005.

I'm using Lone Peak bags, not the Ortlieb-type waterproof bags.

Do others have experience/advise re effectiveness of seam sealer and water repellency treatment?

Yes, I'll be using plastic bags to keep the stuff dry.  But I'd also like to know your experiences with seam sealer and water repellancy treatment of panniers.

Thanks!

[cyclocamping]

Seam Sealing product are designed to "refresh" the waterproofness of a material not really to make it waterproof. It might help and certainly won't hurt but it won't make a non waterproof gear become waterproof. Seam Grip and Seam Sealer were really designed for polyurethane coated material like tents' fly. I won't even bother with water repellent treatment as I doubt it will help at all. If it does help it probably won't work for more than a few days. You may want to consider buying panniers cover, I know Arkel makes some for their panniers as they are not waterproof but they are pretty expensive (around $40 I think). Otherwise, even the cheapest of the Ortlieb panniers are very reliable and waterproof, and a pair is about $110. Not cheap but a good investment in my opinion. Good luck, if you end up trying the seam seal, please let us know how it worked out.

[Tourista829]

Does Lone Peak offer rain covers? I would be curious on the longevity of their bags.

[knolltop]

Yes, LP has rain covers for their bags.  $26.  I'm using Arkel's rain covers on my LP's 'cause I got a great $$$ deal somewhere couple years ago.

Longevity?  Can't say ... yet, but will have better idea after this year's xcountry.

[Westinghouse]

Actually, all those water repellents are just a way of separating you from your cash where waterproofing things in your panniers and handlebar bag is the matter. Line your panniers with an industrial grade trash can liner. I have done this many many times and all my gear stayed absolutely dry even after standing out for hours in pouring rain. Use smaller bags for the handlebar bag and keep things like cameras and other sensitive gear inside zip lock plastic bags. The bags will last for two months and longer easily on a long tour. Same with your sleeping bag. Just wrap it in a liner. It might not look CGOABish and new and expensive, but your few dollar bags will keep your stuff just as dry as the hundreds of dollars stuff. It's all in what you are looking for, a status symbol ride with the most expensive gear which is no more functional than cheap stuff, or just a cross country tour and keeping your stuff dry.

[Elessar]

I like the plastic bag idea.  I would extend your recommendation to a zip lock bag for cell phone/camera/electronics and add that I have saved a few of those small silica gel packs that come inside the box of new gear.  You know, the stuff you are warned not to eat.  I have a few of these inside my gun safe for moisture control and I would recommend sticking one inside any plastic bag that is going to hold electronics.  Sometimes the temperature changes from morning to afternoon sun can cause moisture or condensation to occur.  If you gear has remained inside a bag during this temperature change then the bag will do it's job and the condensation will appear on the outside of the bag instead of on your gear...