The waterproof upgrade your expensive sleeping bag/quilt deserves
Most backpackers use a trash compactor bag or nylofume bags to keep their gear dry. It works… until it doesn't. Trash bags or other thin plastic bags rip and tear over time, leak after a few weeks, fall apart in your pack, and turn into trash you have to pack out.
Our Ultralight Pack Liner solves that, for the same trip count you'd cycle through 10+ trash bags, you get one liner that keeps going for years.
Made in our shop in Waynesburg, PA from Challenge D50T fabric.
the same waterproof material we use for our food bags and dry bags. Hand-built, taped seams, built to outlast your backpack.
Trash bag vs. Hilltop Pack Liner
Trash compactor bag
Hilltop Pack Liner
Cost
$1 per trip
lasts for years
Weight
2.5–3 oz
2.8–3.85 oz
Weatherproofness
Decent, until torn
Fully taped seams
Durability
Rips after a few uses
1,000+ miles tested
Outer abrasion layer
None
Yes
Sustainability
Throwaway plastic
One liner, years of use
Packs out cleanly
Leaves micro-plastic
Reusable, no waste
Why ultralight hikers upgrade
Waterproof Challenge D50T fabric with fully taped seams, no leaks, no patching with duct tape on trail
Outer abrasion layer, protects against tent poles, stakes, and rough gear rubbing through
Lighter than a Dyneema 2.92 oz liner, at a fraction of the cost
Trusted by thru-hikers, on the AT, PCT, CDT, and beyond
Backed by our 5-year warranty, if it fails on trail, we fix it.
Pick the right size for your pack
Lay your backpack flat. Measure the width. You want your liner just slightly wider than your pack. Don't worry about height, your tent and other non-critical items live below the liner anyway.
Small - 16.25" × 31.5" flat · 2.8 oz · For 20–33 L packs Medium - 18.25" × 33.25" flat · 3.25 oz · For 35–50 L packs Large - 21" × 35.25" flat · 3.85 oz · For 50–70 L packs
Not sure which size? Contact us, we'll figure it out together.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a pack liner if my pack is "waterproof"? Most backpacks are water-resistant, not waterproof. Sustained rain, river crossings, and condensation will soak through eventually. A pack liner is the difference between dry sleep and a miserable night.
Trash compactor bag vs Pack liner - what's the real difference? Trash bags work in a pinch. They rip on rough gear, leak after a few weeks, and you'll cycle through them constantly. A Hilltop Pack Liner pays for itself within a season of regular backpacking - and lasts years.
Will this fit inside my backpack? Use the volume guide above. The liner is meant to be slightly larger than your pack interior so you can roll the top closed. If you're between sizes, go larger.
How do I close it? Roll the top 3–5 times and clip or just tuck. The taped seams keep water out from the bottom and sides; rolling the top creates a waterproof seal.
What if it fails? 5-year warranty. If a seam fails or fabric tears under normal use, we fix it free.
Where is it made?
In our shop in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Every liner is hand-built by our team - same crew that makes our backpacks and food bags.
What is our Pro+ Line? Products with high-value technical fabrics like Ecopak, Xpac, and D50T. Pro performance at a friendlier price. More info on our 3 tierd approach to Ultralight Performance here.
Intentional design
We make things that work better and last longer. Our products solve real problems with clean design.
Quality first
We obsess over the details and strive to deliver the best products at the best prices, every time.
Customer care
We're always on your side: keeping our loyal customers happy is our top priority and number one goal.
Feature 1
Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.
Feature 2
Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.
At the heart of every product lies a unique story, driven by our passion for quality and innovation. Each item enhances your everyday life and sparks joy.