New Pack Build

[aion2come]

I love to tinker, and it seems I am never satisfied with what I have. So in preparation for my upcoming Colorado hunt, I decided to sew up a new pack. It isn't done, but I'm pretty pleased with it so far. I took inspiration from Exo (Stretch pocket, side zip bag entry, vecro for in-bag mesh pockets, X-pac interior and next to frame) and also Kifaru's AMR (size and PALS webbing for side pockets) and Fulcrum packs (it will have attachable batwings when it is done, fold-over top). I then added a few features of my own. I'll post more pictures when it is done, but here are some so far.

 

[5shot]

That turned out really well.

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[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Good job. Which stretch material are you using?

 

[aion2come]

I believe it is spandura. It has been a while since I purchased it. Nice stretch, very durable, and has a waterproof stretch coating on back.

 

[aion2come]

Pods8. If you'll look you'll see one of your water bottle holders on my belt. Nice work! Thank you!

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Haha nice. I need to pick up a sample of spandura to check out, it looks like it might be a bit thicker than the durastretch I have which might be handy in some cases.

 

[aion2come]

I haven't used durastretch, but this is pretty solid stuff. Very happy with it.

 

[aion2come]

The main pack + lid is complete. Now for some hip belt pockets and accessories.

A few features of note in the pack:
1. It had to fit both Kifaru and Exo frames.
2. I wanted it to be waterproof (accomplished with X-pac interior)
3. I wanted an X-pac back so that it wouldn't soak up blood too easily.
4. I wanted a nice stretch pocket with exterior access.
5. I wanted side zip access to the main compartment.
6. It needed to work with both a lid and/or a fold over top.
7. It needed to be between 6000 and 7000 cubic inches.
8. Ability to attach exterior pockets and/or batwings to it.

All-in-all I am feeling pretty good about the pack. Lots of great features that I've wanted and not quite yet found in one bag. Love the camo more than I first thought I would. Oh, and it has the ability to accept Exo's little velcro stash pockets! Nice bonus!

 

[aion2come]

Here are some more pics.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

You did well.

 

[aion2come]

And some more ...

 

[aion2come]

Thanks WV Mountaineer.

 

[gchs4464]

Awesome job! I have the mystery ranch metcalf and am looking at putting a stretch pocket on the front just like that


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[nickstevens2588]

Great work!

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[Rockchuck]

Great work!

 

[Beendare]

Aion,
Fantastic workmanship....well done!

I like just about everything about it....but...the gathered top to the main bag. I prefer the roll top and I've had a pack like that in the past and somehow water always finds its way in there.

Have you checked out the different weights of that Xpac fabric? What is your take on these different weights?

 

[aion2come]

Aion,
Fantastic workmanship....well done!

I like just about everything about it....but...the gathered top to the main bag. I prefer the roll top and I've had a pack like that in the past and somehow water always finds its way in there.

Have you checked out the different weights of that Xpac fabric? What is your take on these different weights?

I've worked with just two weights. The 420D and the 200 (maybe 210D ... I can't remember). I felt okay with the 420D but wouldn't want to use anything lighter for an outer bag. Of course, some of it depends on the face fabric too. X-Pac can be made from all kinds of fabric. I haven't tried the cordura faced XPac. That might make it a bit more durable.

As for a roll top. I'll be making another pack this year (I always have to improve) and may give that a try. I've never done it before. Do you know how to do it? If so, I'd love the info.

 

[Beendare]

..... I haven't tried the cordura faced XPac. That might make it a bit more durable.

As for a roll top. I'll be making another pack this year (I always have to improve) and may give that a try. I've never done it before. Do you know how to do it? If so, I'd love the info.

I have a roll top on my current McHale...it works well, just roll extra fabric then a strap goes over the top in the middle. It keeps water out. The best roll designs I have seen are similar to a dry bag...but that might be overkill. A skilled guy like yourself can maybe draw some inspiration from that? Any more input by me would be a WAG- [wild azz guess]

I mention the XPac as it seems many of the top end pack makers are going to that material....otherwise I have no experience with that either.

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[Pezboat]

This is awesome! Do you have any photos with the bat wings attached?

 

[aion2come]

This is awesome! Do you have any photos with the bat wings attached?

I ended up not making them. I'm making another new pack this year, and will probably make wings as it will be a smaller bag. I haven't fully decided though.