Making a pack - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

i’m looking into making a lightweight pack, i was just curious about what kind of fabric i should use, where i would get the straps from, and that kind of stuff, thanks for any suggestions

clong

#2

I’ve never made a pack but my AT buddy, Shadow, makes one that I used last year. It’s being used by Tennessee Jack on the Trail right now. It’s made out of silnylon. The straps are extra wide closed cell foam covered in silnylon and they were really comfortable. If you would like I can make you a copy of printed material on the pack that Shadow sent me. I think he sells the pack for about $100.00. Its very similar to the Golite Breeze.

Chief

#3

Hey Bellbrook, check out this link.

http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=8

This may be up your alley. Prob with this homemade stuff is you really need a good sewing machine to pull quality stitches. I have an old Singer that makes stuff sax and tarps okay but the kind of strength you need for a pack may be hard. Call the guys at Moonbow, who I believe are the folks at Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH. The make stuff, packs, tents etc there. They may have some suggestions on toolage.
http://www.moonbowgear.com/0allaboutmoonbow/allaboutmoonbow.html

ps; planning a hike in the fall over a weekend. Shoot me an e-mail and i’ll let you know.

Bushwhacky

#4

Check out rayjardine.com, he probably sells, or tells you where to get hold of lightweight pack fabric. The silicone impregnated nylon is popular in lots of lightweight gear these days.

If all else fails, the most popular pack on the trail this year was the Granite Gear Vapor Trail, very light with support in all the right places. Or better still (if you’re incredibly weight consious), the Golite Breeze, very cool pack.

Cheers

Cheers

#5

I’ve been at the Gossamergear.com site. Glen has the best Backpacking site of the year period, in my eyes. Silnylon is the way Clong to the future. But it make a crinkly noise. And I’m not sure but I think 98% DEET will trash it out, melt it if your sloppy with deet, I donno.

You can download on Adobe reader, charts, step by step instructions, everything a seamstress would need to make his 12 ounce G-4 backpack basicly for free. What a guy, huh?

His gear lists are really, REAL!!! as long as your not 13 or something.

Greg

#6

I just finished making a pack very similar to the Golite Breeze. I tailored it to my height, and followed the details in Beyond Backpacking by Ray Jardine. I used 330 cordura for the straps, back, and bottom. For everything else I used 1.9 oz silicone impregnated nylon. I used mesh netting to make a large back pocket and side pockets. hope this helps

Jym Beam