G4 pack - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Thought someone might be interested in some G4 pack modifications I made and like. I’ve tried lots of things to fine tune that pack. (Don’t get me wrong, I like it the way it comes but I always like to mess with things.) Frameless/stayless packs save several pounds, but a key is whether they are comfortable when fully loaded. I think comfort can be improved a bit with a few simple fixes.

I did the Mantario Trail in two easy days with a very loaded G4 to see what it felt like and to try out some gimmicks. I had about 25 pounds which is more than I have carried in that pack before.

I did not use any padding in the shoulder straps or waist belt and did not miss it.

I had two extra pockets on the outside below the mesh side pockets. If you have your sleeping back in the bottom, then these pockets are on the part that bulges out on the sides. I put them there so I could get to my little digital camera, maps and glasses. They worked great – are easily accessible without taking the pack off and don’t interfere with arm swing or anything.

One of my concerns has been pack sag. So, I tried a chest strap - really just added clips to the loops that GVP put at chest level on the shoulder straps. It worked out pretty well, and helped with shoulder fatigue. It also pulled the pack a bit closer to my body.

Finally, to hold the pack tighter to my back, I put a strap that went over the top - anchored with a plastic buckle on the seam between the shoulder straps at one end, and then over the top and down the center of the pack and sewn inside the back mesh pocket. This was a great improvement. The pack stayed really close to my back.

I recommend these modifications to everyone. They don’t weigh much if you use lightweight material/nylon tape.

The hike, by the way, was very good but very muddy! And, there is still snow and ice there.

Old Man

#2

I liked some of what you have done.
I have also made some additions/changes. For the chest strap, I went to the dollar store and bought a 1 dollar dog collar. Works great…if you do this, cut off the heavy metal leash holder.
I also purchased a 2.7 ounce meat bag from www.kifaru.net, a hunting outfit. This serves as my liner and is way more durable than a trash compactor bag and just as lite.
I use a camelback unbottle and took velcro and attached it to the dog collar and the tube to keep it in place.
The biggest change I made was to leave my sleeping bag (Marmot Arroyo) fluffed at the base. Not only does it fill space (almost the entire bottom of the G4), but it enables the pack to “stand” up when I take it off.
I also put velcro on the lift handle and the pack to keep the annoying handle from hitting my neck.
Finally, my wife sewed on a Grateful Dead Steal Your Face/Dancing Bear patch on the outside.
My pack weight for my planned week on the NJ AT trip with 5.1 pounds of water and 10 pounds of food is 29lbs total.
I store a pair of socks in the hip belt and the zipper legs portion of my rain pants in the shoulder pads. I can always sub tshirts in these as well.
If you dont use the hip belt, why not cut it off or better yet, attach velcro to them and use them to store stuff in.
Good Luck,

Jim, FN New Hiker guy.

HikerFng

#3

Why didn’t I think of putting the Dead/Bear patch on?

Old Man

#4

Alright, you’ve tickled my fancy. For $30 it’s worth getting the materials and putting one of these things together. However, the instructions, “assume you know basics of sewing.” Other than making a pillow in elementary school, i’d say I’m clueless when it comes to sewing barlocks and topstiches. Can you guys offer any tips? resources? Perhaps you can also answer some basic questions.

1.) Do I need special, sturdier thread?

2.) Can I use a sewing machine? I assume, if yes, it has to be a sturdier model.

Grimace

Grimace

#5

Grimace - you can sew your own gear, including packs. Anyone can do it - but have an “expert” nearby just in case. Also, check out Jardine’s book for a good list of places to get supplies. But, it is easier to order a G4 pack from the man at http://gvpgear.com/ .

Old Man

#6

I have not built the G4 pack but assume that you can use a sewing machine. I have put together a couple packs using your run of the mill kenmore bought at a garage sale. I prefer nylon thread, but some prefer polyester when using a sewing machine as it does not stretch, but I never had too much difficulty with nylon and it is far stronger. Most of the time there is more than one way to put something together. I have been impressed by my mom’s knowledge of the sewing machine and with my early projects learned that one of the most valuable resources is someone willing to help who has a great wisdom of working on a machine. Here’s a helpful link too: http://backpacking.net/makegear.html

Sweeper