[pct-l] homemade packs

["Jennifer R. Doebler" <TUBABABE@psu.edu>]

>I'm currently planning to be
>one of the class of 2000 and am in the early planning
>stages (going through every page of the guidebooks,
>highlighting, making notes) and am considering actually
>making my own backpack. Has anyone done this? 
*snip*
>Does anyone out there care to share their experiences
>with regard to *homemade* equipment/clothing or the
>adoption of Ray's other methods?


Well Jim (and company!),

I designed and constructed packs for Mike and I to take this summer; we
used them on shakedowns so I'm fairly confident in their capacity to hold
the volume and weights we'll most likely be carrying.  My pack
weighs in at 11oz!!!!  I bet I could make it lighter if I had more
time, but college life prevents me from experimenting further. 
*sigh*  However, a simple rucksack design is what I sort of took
from Jardine's book and modified to our preferences.  I took the
volume specs from some random EMS backpack and created a pattern that
would allow for a 2400-2600 cubic in. pack.  They are terribly
comfortable...since I've never used a backpack with a hip belt, I can't
say for sure if I would rather have a frame pack with this feature or
not.  Mike used to hike with a Gregory internal frame pack and he
says it's not too awkward to make the switch. :)  Good luck with
whatever you decide to try! :)

love,
jen d.
1/2 of Team "On Fire"