2nd project so far:
Mostly working on creating some sort of UL prototypes for camping out of Tyvek Material and this is my idea of roll top sacks, they have an accordion bottom so they expand for extra storage! meant for storage management but not really intended to be dry sacks since I do not have any sealing tape but that would be fun to figure out next!

Large: 0.97oz (No Velcro)
Medium: 0.4oz (No Velcro)
Small 0.38oz (Velcro)

Buckle Hardware: 0.06oz
Webbing Strap 14”: 0.1oz

Based off of the Litesmith chairs and similar. Made out of some scrap cordura I had laying around. I made a pocket for the bottom where I can slide in my sit pad. I actually find this more comfortable than the typical Helionox chairs as this has a higher back and I can lean back more and get more back support.

Fun and easy project! I have enough fabric to make one more and think ill try and tweak the length just a tad shorter.

When I was doing metalwork and making tools, often I would get an idea that wasn't within my order book and was outside my normal style. I would almost always make that project, and it would always push my skills and creativity forward. This is one of those projects. I decided that I wanted to take the pattern that I built for a 40L pack and convert it into a classic looking pack with panel loading access.

Usually when I update a pattern I am very thoughtful. I think through all the potential issues, and when I go to sew the bag, no real problems arise. Well, I rushed this one, and I don't know if I have ever had to seam rip this much before. I had panels that were just slightly too long. I forgot to add webbing. I added seam allowance where I didn't need to. Etc.

Overall I am very happy with how it came out. The panel loading is functional. The panel has a #10 zipper on either side with storm flaps and a big velcro cover over top. The straps have load lifters to take some of the stress off of the velcro and the zippers. They need to be unhooked using the g-hooks to access the panel.

I really like the water bottle pocket design. Since this is a classic looking pack, I didn't want to have pockets that were really "balloony." Instead of the standard pleated pocket I usually use, I made a pocket with a single pleat that I topstitched at the pleat, so that it would lay flat when it wasn't filled.

There are a few things that could have gone better. I fully intended to add compression straps to the sides of the pack. Unfortunately I forgot until I was too far down the build to go back to add them in. I really like the design of the lid, but unless the pack is fully filled the flap is quite large. I think I could downsize it in the future (maybe).

The pack is made out of 1000D Cordura and ballistic nylon from Rockywoods Fabric, and Venom Gridstop from Ripstop by the Roll.

Weight: 0.2oz

Off the dome, i just picked up a sewing machine yesterday so I am super new at this! Thought of making this since I own a DCF version made by someone professionally but my problem is that it really doesn’t diffuse much or any at all… The tiny DCF is now a earbuds/cables holder.

I own a few packs from the amazing Alpine Luddites and Cold Cold World. I love them a lot, but I wish they had real frames. I've been having some back issues so a frame really does a great job moving the weight from my back to my hips.

I took some aluminum bar and cut it to size, I 3d printed the supports, and then I sandwiched my creation between the 1/4 inch foam both pack makers use. I think it works great!

Here is the flat bar I used https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GDDNJXFM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

and here is my model https://makerworld.com/en/models/3162415-ultralight-backpack-frame-support

I’ve finally gotten around to finish sewing a backpack, for which I had the fabric panels already cut and lying around for quite some time but didn’t get to it. Now that it’s done, I’m really happy about it, despite some minor flaws.

The pack it’s about 35ish litres in volume at a weight of 705g in this configuration, so without a hip belt. I couldn’t find the time to make one, so I used one of a previous pack in combination with the provisional lumbar pad. The weight doesn’t include the thumb loops, because they’re detachable and only used when I don’t have a shoulder strap pocket and a bottle holder attached to the straps.

The fabrics i used are x-pac x21 rc, a lightweight 4-way-stretch mesh, a thin 3d air mesh for the trampoline and some regular 3d mesh for straps and the lumbar pad.

The frame is made from two 12*2mm flat strips made from pultruded carbon and they’re inserted into sleeves that are made from folded nylon webbing. They’re held in place with a Velcro tie wrap, because I also haven’t gotten to make an x-shaped sleeve to replace it.

The shoulder straps are connected to the body with a single silk clip and are adjustable. Unfortunately, i made some measurement mistakes on that construction, which lead to the size range of 47-65cm back length. Lucky for me, I need a length of 48cm…
Before you ask: no the body doesn’t shift left or right because the load lifters stabilise it.

And there’s another mistake I made, the load lifters aren’t connected to the frame. This way they only work as desired, if the pack is filled high enough so the contents help push the body into the frame. Nonetheless, the frame diverts the weight onto the hip belt just as it’s intended to do, making the pack as comfortable to carry as I hoped it would.
I already tested it on an overnighter last weekended and it performed very well with ~9-10kg load.

All in all, I find it to be a successful experiment, especially because this is my first framed pack and there are not many existing packs with an x-frame construction that could serve as examples for how to construct the frame.

Built this for the PCT and figured I’d share how it turned out now that the trail is done. This was not hard and my specs are below:

80” × 54” × 44”
7D inner / 10D outer (3 yards each)
16 oz of 900 FP down
13 horizontal chambers
~2.5” baffles (buy 3.5”)
Sewn footbox @ 17"
626g / 22.1 oz finished @ less than 200.00$

It worked great through April/May Sierra snow and eventually became too warm in parts of Oregon (June) and central Washington (late June / July). 80% of the time I cowboy camped.

It also compressed surprisingly well and dried quickly.

The only real issue was some feather/quill poke-through, and interestingly it only happened through the outer 10D. I never had feathers puncture through the 7D inner. I patched the few spots that needed it and kept moving.

Overall, pretty stoked with it. 22 oz finished, survived the PCT, kept me warm, and packed well in a 37L palante.

Never sewed beforehand and bought a sewing machine at a thrift store. I used ChatGPT for my how to instructions.

Now it desperately needs a wash 😂

scroll to the end to see our little sewing helpers

This was my first ever attempt at making a garment. I’ve not touched a sewing machine before this.

My sister and I set out with the idea to make jackets for camping, specifically for nighttime chores. We looked through their pattern box and found this, which we decided would work.

My girlfriend has a degree in fashion design, and so their help was wonderful and patient. They are the best teacher.

Overall, it was very easy to navigate the directions, even as a complete beginner. The zipper was honestly the easiest part of the project, I look forward to working with them again! A zipper foot on the machine did a great help.

I did accidentally sew a pocket onto the jacket in the wrong orientation, but i call the wide pocket the “snack pouch.” That pouch can hold a whole ipad, completely hidden btw. It’s huge!

I sewed button holes into the inside of the bottom hem so I can put shock chord through eventually and a toggle to synch the bottom up during the colder months.

I decided on a half (ish) zipper because when I get hot, a 1/4 zip does nothing for venting. and this allows me to slip my arms out of the top and have it around my waist still, useful when you come inside from snowshoeing.

I loved my first project, and will definitely be back for more once the summer months die down! I have an old sleep pad that I could tear into for a fun trial and error project, haven’t picked out what yet but the material WILL come in handy.

Thank you all for being such an inspiration to get started making my own stuff!! You all rock! And a special thank you to my girlfriend, without them this project would’ve been MUCH more difficult.

Here's a very niche question! I'm working on a bike frame bag for my daughter. It's sole purpose will be to carry her 7 plastic horse figures. I'm going to install a zipper around the entire perimeter of the bag so that, when the flap is undone, the horses are stored in holders on the flap. Think bandolier style. I originally though I would use loops with velcro for each individual horse because sliding them in without a loop that opens is tricky because of their shape. But I'm wondering if anyone has alternative ideas. I feel experienced enough to make the bag but I'm still new to all the fasteners/hooks/ etc available to me.

I originally designed the pattern and handmade the first sample about 2 years ago in Clo3D and with each new version I’ve added more functional features - this latest version has an invisible ventilation zipper on the inside of the leg.

Some of the other features include:

• Leg Pulleys
• Integrated waistband belt
• Velcro back pockets
• Made from a water resistant nylon material 

My favourite feature is definitely the side pocket. Spent SO much time integrating the shape into the design. Really wanted to challenge myself and make a piece of outdoor gear that was vibrant and pretty while also being super functional for warmer weather climbing and hiking. 

I think one thing I may change in my next version is hiding the elastic leg pulleys inside the pants instead of outside so the pants are a little more streamlined but other than that I’m super happy with the progression. 

I know this wider leg fit isn’t for everyone but I love the airiness and freedom of movement I get when bouldering, sport climbing and hiking.

I made a video on my page recently with more info about the pants too: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbtUGx7oyDL/

Would love to hear your feedback!

From worn gym bag to up-cycled fanny pack.

Hello all! Super excited to share that the first Bay Area maker meetup is happening next Saturday from 2-4:30pm at Maker Nexus Sunnyvale! We will be doing a raffle for fabric + Ripstop by the Roll gift cards (thanks to Ripstopbytheroll)! This will be a chill way to get to know other makers, and is open to anyone who is interested, regardless of experience level.

Bring your latest projects to share, some food/snacks if you're willing, and we'll have a good time! DM me if you have any questions.

1. Pockets for our decathlon 4 Person Tent.

I noticed that only our "small" 4 person Tent doesn't have pockets or organizers on the outside of the sleeping tent. The 6 person and 8 person versions have them.

The fabric is just cotton bedsheets. I added contrasting binding to each opening. Because the tent has it on every pocket and zipper to find them even in dim lighting. I finished most of it at home and then just took the D rings and some thread to finish it while camping.

1. Free Zipper Pouch. The zipper is from an old backpack and the fabric is a decathlon shopping bag. I just need an od size pouch for my wrist braces and other medical supplies

2. Extra Strap for my hiking and climbing backpack.this is the prototype from things I had around. Every strap opens something. So if I clip my shoes or helmet somewhere and then try to open the back it falls off. The straps are pulled through the loops for hiking poles. I plan on buying gray straps and ordering a replacement Buckel from Deuter for the final product. The prototype worked well.

3. Merino wool Bralett/ sports Bra.

I made the pattern myself to sew some everyday comfy cotton Braletts. I noticed that they are also good for light sports but incredibly sweaty and smelly so I looked for a merino wool blend only and made it in wool. I still have fabric left and am going to sew a second one where I will add elastic at the bottom because the stretch doesn't recover that well compared to the cotton ones.

All projects solved the issue I made them for ! So success!

Not worried about load, just how to sew a chain of loops (webbing on webbing) so that each loop is the same. My brain is telling me a jig, which I’ve tried making, but I can’t get a tight fit next to the presser foot. I’m on a domestic machine. Any tips?