Mad_Mat wrote on Jul 13^th, 2009 at 12:09pm:

who'd a thought that there would be a dozen ways to do something so simple.

   I guess it shows there's more than one way to skin a cat  ;)


Quote:

Nothing at all wrong with using a backpack - I've used a large internal   frame backpack on many trips.  Your typical nylon backpack is pretty quick drying - I would normally lay the pack down so that the shoulder straps and hip-belt are "up" - that way, weven if there is some water in the bottom of your boat, the straps stay dry unless its raining.

 I do just the opposite ;D  I lay the packs, strap/waist belt down figuring that they'll stay above the bilge water and that will lessen the chance for water to penetrate? The waist belt/shoulder straps are close-cell foam, so they don't really absorb any water. I can see how wet straps might bother some, so I guess once again a simple thing has different approaches.
AS always, the only thing that really matters is what works for you and what you feel comfortable with. I read ideas here all the time and try them out when practical. Some are an improvement, others not.
 It's great too have a resource, so you can learn from other's success' and mistakes!