Drainage holes in backpacks

[street soldier]

I have a question I'm hoping you can help me with. I have been looking at picking up a new pack for hiking/ outdoor pursuits. I have seen on several packs that they have a drainage hole at the bottom of the pack. I understand the purpose of the hole(draining water/ liquid) from the pack should it accumulate in there, but what I am curious about is, doesn't this interfere with the overall waterproof aspect of the bag? If you are out in a wet climate, isn't there concern about water seeping into the bag from the bottom through that hole when you put it down, thereby soaking the contents inside?

In response to the inevitable, "Well, don't set your bag down in a puddle, dummy!", I understand that and get that where you put your bag on wet ground plays a part in it's water resistance. But, is the drainage hole that big a deal?

I'm new to the outdoors and I am trying to educate myself as much as I can so that I can pass it along to my kids and make our outdoor time as enjoyable as possible. While this may be a trivial or basic thing to some, it is these basics that will help others like myself progress in their quest for competency in the outdoors.

Thanks for the help.

John

 

[Raw1]

If you going to a wet climate you should be using a drybag regardless the type of bag you are using.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

If you going to a wet climate you should be using a drybag regardless the type of bag you are using.

This, basically.

 

[RRR1977]

Nope, doesnt interfere at all with the "waterproof ability" of the bag. Most drainage holes are located on the bottom of the bag, which means water will hardely ever be forced up into the bag. Keep in mind, that very few backpacks are watertight, and those are very different terms. Even the military issue bags (17yrs active duty) have drainage holes. Even when performing any type of waterborne operations, I still have to secure all my gear in waterproof bags (issued items as well) before entering the water.