Friday 10 June 2011

New Backpack

Hello all

This is just a quick post to show you the first complete pack of a new design that I've been working on for a few months now.  A previous post explains the basic design.

This pack is fully functioning with straps, which I find quite useful and a zip, something that is not often found on lightweight packs.  This is a light pack weighing in at 218g.  I reckon it's in the 35l range plus slightly larger mesh pockets than the first mock up.


The tin of beans is for scale.


Side pockets that nicely fit a 500ml water bottle and angled for easy access.


Home made ultralight straps from closed cell foam,, mesh and grosgrain type ribbon.

I'll do a video when I've got more time.  There's no hip belt, or sternum strap as it's designed for light loads.  I think I will need a sternum strap and I wait to see if I can cope without a hip belt.

So far 88g under target weight for this bit of kit  for the SUL trip along the Pennine way next year.


9 comments:

Joe Newton said...

Nice looking pack John! I wish I had the confidence to build my own packs, nothing out there is exactly what I want.

I know zips aren't supposed to be on UL packs but there is no denying their ease and speed of use.

The sternum strap is the first thing I remove. I just feel they constrict my chest.

It'll be interesting to see how you get on with it.

Nielsen Brown said...

This looks a great pack and different to what I have viewed in the past. I encourage you to keep thinking "outside the pack" as I suspect there are more original designs out there. And finally where do I order?

Shed Dweller said...

Joe. I've never used a backpack without a sternum strap and hip belt before. Plenty of people do so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm interested to see how it works out too. On paper it should work but you never know until its used in anger.

Neilsen, the packs given me ideas for an original design of my own. That's going to be some time in the making though. Designing and making complex packs takes a long time. As this is a larger version if the sea to summit pack I can't really ever sell them. Also potential customers wouldn't wait the time it takes me to make anything!

Shed Dweller said...

Sorry Nielsen, I got your name wrong in the above post.

Shed Dweller said...

Just a small correction. It's 82g under the target weight of 300g not 88g.

Unknown said...

Nielsen = Roger ;)

A nice job, John. A zipper can be very handy, and a lot quicker than all the velcro & snap buckle closings. Allows for easier access while walking, that is for sure.

The look is also quite something different from the norm, with the opening being angled and not straight.

I think I need to start on my own pack sewing as well, to make the One Pack To Rule Them All =)

Shed Dweller said...

Hi Hendrik. Be careful sewing it's very addictive!

The angled zipper was one of the things that attracted me to the design. With the addition of a storm flap over the top I'm hoping that it will be pretty water resistant. Seam sealing along the same lines as a tarp and the use if waterproof material I'm hoping will keep the contents quite dry.

Philip Werner said...

One problem I have with frameless backs is that the top extension collar slumps over when I overfill it with loose clothing or extra food. Does the diagonal zip provide more structure in the extension collar and prevent that kind of slump-over? I am envious of your sewing abilities.....:-)

Shed Dweller said...

Hi Philip

If you look at the photo of the pack showing the straps you can see the straps are connected right at the very top of the pack and therefore there is nothing above the straps to flop over. If the pack is underfilled the top section naturally pulls towards your back and doesn't flop about at all.

Most frameless packs straps are located three quarters of the way up the back leaving a tube of material which can be prone to moving about.

The sewing's not hard, just practice and patience. Glad you like the pack!