Data as of Oct 8, 2026Based on 318 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky ·
Yes, you can use a high-quality trash compactor bag like Brute Super Tuff or Hefty White as a durable and affordable pack liner. If you prefer specialized equipment, Nylofume liners are a favorite among thru-hikers for their low weight and puncture resistance, while brands like Exped and Sea to Summit offer advanced features like inflation assistance or specialized construction, though these are typically more expensive and heavier than basic trash bags.
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ChatGPT SearchOct 7, 2026
Yes. A heavy-duty trash compactor bag makes an excellent pack liner, and for normal backpacking it’s arguably the best value. Current comparisons consistently favor compactor bags or Nylofume liners for keeping the contents of a backpack dry.
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Yes. A heavy-duty trash compactor bag makes an excellent backpack liner—and for ordinary backpacking, I’d actually choose it over an expensive purpose-built liner.
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🥇 Best overall: Nylofume Pack Liner
At only 0.9 oz / 25 g, the Nylofume is fully waterproof, 21 × 37 inches, and designed specifically for backpacking. ULA says it's slightly thicker and more durable than an ordinary trash bag.
💰 Best value: 18-gallon heavy-duty compactor bag
I'd happily use one. Look for a thick, unscented compactor bag, rather than a normal kitchen garbage bag. It's inexpensive, very light, and large enough for most 40–70L packs.
♻️ Best reusable: Six Moon Designs Pack Liner
If you don't want to periodically replace a plastic liner, this is a nice middle ground: waterproof material, taped seams, and a roll-top closure.
🏕️ Best premium/reusable: Osprey Ultralight Pack Liner
It's shaped to fit a backpack and has a proper waterproof construction, but you're paying considerably more for convenience and reusability.
One important point: a pack liner is for rain, not immersion. If you're doing packrafting, river crossings where the pack could go underwater, or similar activities, I'd put the sleeping bag and other irreplaceable dry gear in actual roll-top dry bags as well.
My personal choice: for ordinary hiking, I'd buy a Nylofume if minimizing weight matters; otherwise, an 18-gallon compactor bag is almost impossible to beat for the money.
If you tell me your pack capacity (e.g. 40L, 55L, 65L), I can tell you which size/type I'd buy and how I'd arrange the liner inside it.
Yes — a heavy-duty trash compactor bag makes an excellent pack liner, and for many backpackers it’s actually the best value.
Ultrasac 18 Gal. Compactor Bags - $20.03 (The Home Depot)
Gossamer Gear Clear Waterproof Pack Liners - $7.50 (Quest Outdoors)
Osprey Ultralight Pack Liner - $47.50 (REI Co-op)
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Ultralight Dry Bags - $24.95 (Kaviso, LLC)
Zpacks Pack Liner - $69.96 (Zpacks)
Best cheap/simple option: 18-gallon compactor bag. Choose a thick, unscented plastic bag. An 18-gallon bag gives plenty of room in most 40–70L packs. Pack your sleeping bag/quilt, clothes and insulation inside it, then twist and roll the top several times.
Best ultralight dedicated liner: Gossamer Gear Clear Waterproof Pack Liner. About 1.2 oz and 48L, so it's considerably more purpose-built while remaining very light.
Best reusable/premium liner: Osprey Ultralight Pack Liner. The medium is designed for 50–70L packs, has a waterproof roll-top, coated seams and a rectangular shape.
Best if you want maximum waterproofing for individual items: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry bags. They're useful for keeping especially critical gear isolated rather than trying to waterproof the entire backpack.
A pack liner protects the inside of your backpack from rain. A rain cover protects the outside. For keeping your gear genuinely dry, I'd prioritize the liner. Even Osprey notes its liner isn't intended for prolonged submersion.
For ordinary backpacking, I'd personally spend the few dollars on a good compactor bag rather than $40–50 on a reusable liner. Replace it when it gets holes.
If you tell me your pack capacity (e.g. 40L, 55L, 65L), I can recommend the specific liner size and the best way to pack it.
Yes, absolutely. In fact, using a heavy-duty trash compactor bag (like Glad brand) is a legendary, time-tested hack among thru-hikers and backpackers.
If you want something more durable, reliable, and tear-resistant than a plastic trash bag, dedicated waterproof roll-top pack liners are the gold standard.
If you want to narrow down your choice, tell me:
I can recommend the exact size and brand that will fit your setup best!
Yes, absolutely. In fact, using a trash compactor bag is a classic, highly recommended budget hack in the backpacking community.
While a compactor bag is great for budget and weight, dedicated pack liners and specialized films offer superior durability or a more refined design. The top options break down by category:
To help narrow down the ideal choice for you, tell me:
Yes. A heavy-duty trash compactor bag is an excellent pack liner—and for ordinary backpacking, it’s arguably the best value. REI specifically recommends compactor liners because they’re thicker and lighter than standard garbage bags, and backpacking sources have found them effective in prolonged wet conditions.
Best value: An unscented, heavy-duty 18-gallon trash compactor bag. Put it inside your pack, load your sleeping bag/quilt, clothes, puffy, etc. directly into it, then twist and roll the opening several times. Avoid ordinary thin kitchen trash bags.
Best ultralight dedicated liner: Nylofume Pack Liner. It’s purpose-made for backpacking and very light.
Best reusable liner: A taped-seam fabric liner such as the Hilltop Packs D50T. It’s designed for repeated use and has fully taped seams.
Best if you want an actual dry-bag closure: A lightweight roll-top dry bag. For example, the Osprey 35L is rectangular and made from 40D recycled nylon.
Osprey Ultralight Drysack 35L - $35.95 (Backcountry)
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag - $29.95 (Backcountry)
EMS 40L Dry Pack Liner - $16.09 (EMS)
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag 35L - $37.95 (DICK’S Sporting Goods)
Don't depend on a rain cover instead of a liner. Water can enter from the back panel, seams, or around the pack opening. The liner protects the gear directly.
For maximum reliability, I'd do compactor bag + small individual dry bag for electronics. If there's a realistic chance your pack will be submerged—river crossings, packrafting, canoeing, etc.—use true roll-top dry bags for your critical gear rather than relying on a liner.
If you tell me your backpack's capacity (40L/50L/60L, etc.), I can recommend the right liner size and the specific one I'd buy.
— about 0.9 oz / 25 g, fully waterproof, and specifically made for backpacking. ULA says it fits most packs and is somewhat thicker/more durable than a normal trash bag.
— a shaped, roll-top liner that's more convenient and reusable, but considerably more expensive.
— better when you want separate waterproof bags rather than one giant liner.
Don't tie the compactor bag in a knot. Twist the top, fold/roll it down 3–5 times, and tuck it into the pack. This gives you more usable volume and avoids putting unnecessary stress on the plastic.
Also, use a compactor bag rather than an ordinary kitchen trash bag. The thicker material is much less likely to puncture. Keep sharp tent stakes, cookware, etc. from rubbing directly against it.
If there's a realistic chance your pack will be submerged—river crossings, packrafting, canyoning, etc.—I'd use roll-top dry bags for your sleeping bag and other critical gear rather than relying solely on a pack liner.
For normal backpacking, my choice: spend a few dollars on Nylofume if you want ultralight, or use an 18-gallon heavy-duty compactor bag if you want maximum value.
Yes, absolutely. In fact, using a heavy-duty trash compactor bag (like Glad brand) is a legendary, time-tested backpacking hack.
If you want to upgrade from a trash compactor bag to a purpose-built, highly reliable waterproof liner, here are the top options categorized by preference:
To help narrow down the best choice for you, tell me:
Yes. A heavy-duty trash compactor bag is an excellent backpack liner—cheap, waterproof, light, and easy to replace. In fact, for ordinary backpacking, I'd choose one before spending $40–$50 on a dedicated liner.
Nylofume Pack Liner - $6.50 (Garage Grown Gear)
Ultrasac 18 Gal. Compactor Bags - $20.03 (The Home Depot)
Osprey Ultralight Backpack Liner - $52.45 (Backcountry)
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag - $39.95 (Kenco Outfitters)
Best value: heavy-duty compactor bag. Look for an 18–20 gallon, unscented compactor bag. It's thicker and tougher than a normal kitchen trash bag. The Hefty/Ultrasac style is around the sweet spot.
Best ultralight: Nylofume Pack Liner. About 0.9 oz / 25 g, 21 × 37", fully waterproof, and designed specifically for backpacking. It's my pick if you're trying to keep pack weight down.
Best reusable option: Osprey Ultralight Pack Liner. More expensive, but purpose-built and reusable.
Best for genuinely wet/extreme conditions: a roll-top dry bag. If your pack might be submerged during a river crossing or packrafting, I'd use a real dry bag for your sleeping bag and other critical insulation rather than relying solely on an open-top liner.
Put the bag inside the backpack, load your sleeping bag/quilt, clothing, insulation and electronics into it, then twist the top several times and fold it over before closing the backpack. Don't rely on the pack's rain cover alone—the back panel and openings can still let water in.
One important distinction: compactor bag, not contractor bag. Contractor bags can be much heavier and aren't necessarily the best shape/weight for backpacking. Also choose unscented bags, particularly if you're carrying food in bear country.
Bottom line: If you're starting out, buy a pack of good unscented compactor bags and call it done. If you're optimizing an ultralight kit, spend the few dollars on a Nylofume instead. It's roughly half the weight of a typical compactor bag while remaining fully waterproof.
Yes, absolutely! In fact, using a heavy-duty trash compactor bag (like a 2.5-mil thick plastic bag) is a classic, highly recommended budget hack in the backpacking community.
If you want to upgrade from a DIY trash compactor bag to a dedicated piece of gear, here are the top options categorized by preference:
Best Budget / Ultralight DIY Alternative: Nylofume Pack Liner Bags
Best Ultralight Commercial Option: Gossamer Gear Clear Waterproof Pack Liners
Best Durable / Premium Option: Osprey Ultralight Pack Liner
Best Minimalist High-Tech Option: Ultralight Sacks Ultralight Pack Liner
Are you looking for a liner for a weekend trip or a thru-hike , and what is the approximate capacity (in liters) of your backpack?
Yes, absolutely! Using a heavy-duty trash compactor bag is a classic, budget-friendly backpacking hack. In fact, many long-distance thru-hikers prefer them over expensive custom liners.[1][2]
If you want to upgrade from a disposable plastic bag to a dedicated, long-lasting piece of gear, here are the top options on the market:
If you'd like, let me know:
I can recommend the exact size or product model that matches your setup.
