If you have Rick's luggage, take plastic garbage bags with you

Not only Rick's bags but almost all nylon and polyster roll ons etc. are susceptible. We (along with 100 or so others) had our luggage sit on the runway at Venice airport uncovered during a rain storm and everything inside that was not "bagged" got wet.

I usually put my stuff in plastic resealable pouches inside the bag, for this reason. Even the plastic zip bags that bedding comes in will work. It also helps keep it organized so there is less chance of smaller stuff falling out. But the bag on the outside trick works, too!

Frank....maybe she's not an experienced traveller...many do visit this board for tips just like she's offered. Your comments do nothing to advance the issue. Speaking of that, you can spray fabric suitcases with a scotchguard-type water repellant to increase your chances. It won't stand up to a deluge, but it'll certainly help protect the contents during the rain and drizzle that travellers run into. Or you can purchase a water-resistant backpack cover....with an elastic hem, they'll snap over most suitcases, even the rolling ones. Another tip....for leather walking shoes, apply a generous coat of Dubbin before you leave...that will increase their water resistance.

Having traveled to the UK every other year for the past 20, I consider myself a fairly experienced traveler. I never thought to cover myself for this situation probably because it never happend that my luggage had to sit on the runway at Heathrow or Gatwick. From now on I will be prepared. Raves to Beth...Rants to Frank.

I think a waterproof pack cover is the way to go. I just left Prague where it was raining pretty hard. I was wishing I had my pack cover from my regular backpack to use on my RS pack. It may not be waterproof, but I love the RS convertible suitcase/backpack. It is a well thought out piece of luggage.

I do love our Rick Steves' luggage. This is our first year traveling with it primarily because of the number of trains we were taking. Previously, we used much heavier, rolling bags but we mostly stayed in one place or rented a car. This was just something we experienced. I didn't think the luggage claimed it was waterproof, but I just never experienced so much rain before while carrying our luggage. Just thought I would share because keeping your bags dry isn't something I would have thought of before.

Garbage bags are an old back-packer (back-packing in the mountains) trick--effective and cheap.

if you think you will have more than 1 wet day - invest in an affordable 20-30$ pack cover that fits your bag (REI.com etc). Its a lot more sturdy than a garbage back... or else just make sure it not easily ripped!

This is a good reminder for those using not only ETBD Packs, but other brands as well. My EC Pack has a built in "shower cap", and that's one of reason why I bought that particular model.

I think that even with a waterproof fabric that if a bag has to sit in the rain for any lenght of time that it will get wet inside, as pointed out, zippers are a good water entry point.
I think the best advice if one thinks they may encounter rainy weather is to line inside of suitcase with a garbage bag. I tend do at least bag a few of my items anyways, and I always pack my small stuff in those giant ziplock bags.