making/modifying gear

“I have a Gregory Aplinisto climbing pack that I absolutely love, but I need to make it a bit bigger. It's in the 3K cu. in. range but I have a trip coming up that will require me to carry a LOT of water along with a week's worth of gear. I'm thinking of making some mesh bags w straps on them so they can be fastened to the outside of my pack and accomodate a couple 2-3 ltr water bladders. Any one tried this? Suggestions? They have to be SUPER light because I'll be way over the pack's rated weight (rated 35lbs vs. actual 50lbs.) Now I won't be carrying the full 50lbs for the whole week, but the first day and a half or so I will. Does anyone know about what the weight limits actually mean? Is it a comfort rating or are they saying that you will tear out the straps if you carry more than the rated weight? I have already done a day or two with 45-50 lbs and it wasn't that bad, but what about repeated use? Torn pack straps would be an absolute disaster on this trip. It may even bag it, and there is too much on the line for that to happen. Any advice/info is appreciated.”

“not familiar with grgory but i have carried at least 60lb in my 60L? lowe alpine. no problem.

disaster? it'd be hard but you'd have to get creative.

as to extra H20: you can still purchase water bottle holders that velcro around your belt or some other straps. they are hard to find anymore but i am hearing they may be making a comeback. there are some OR at HH in Gatlimburg if you're in the area.

here is what i picked up:

”

“This is an option, butonly as a last alternative. I really need something that will hold my platypus' or any type of hydration bladders. Since I've never sen something like this I think I'm stuck with making my own. Basicly I'm thinking of a mesh bag that has some sort of daisy chain down one side so I can take advantage of the many external straps on my pack. This would also make getting more water, and just being able to see my water supply easier.”

“MG, sewing the mesh might prove to be a pain. I've never done it but it seems that it may be difficult. I imagine you can get some very light and durable nylon fabric to make simple sleeves. You could even put a couple of grommets in the bottom.”

“http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_CamelBak-UnBottle-70-oz._10032002_10208_10000001_-1_

probably too heavy for what your trying to do, but..

'32oz”

“I made removable side pockets for my pack similar to what you are describing. They don't have zippers, but use a drawcord and cord locks on top of the mesh pocket. They secure to the pack on the compression straps with a couple of strips of grosgrain ribbon. The outer portion is mesh and nylon taffeta on the inner that rests against the pack for strength. I used a mesh that has roughly 1/4 holes and it's strong while still being light weight. They were easy to make and sewing the mesh isn't a problem. They work well holding wet gear since it'll just dry out while you hike. I don't know what they weigh, but can't be much more than one ounce per pocket.
last edited: 3/11/09 5:06:06 AM”

“Meangreen we bought a sleeve with straps, designed to attach to the outside of your pack, made by camelback or something. It was insulated nylon. Seems like it wasn't too pricey either. It held a 3L bag.”

“Sewing mesh is no more difficult than sewing anything else. You might want to put some seam binding on them to finish off the seam unless you know how to do a french seam. Incidentally I have a set of vids over on hammockforums.net called "We don't sew... We make Gear!" which is for the beginning DIY gear maker.

The french seam is covered in that series and is not diffcult to do.”

“When are you going? I might have a pack you can use or can help you with the motifications. Give me a call.”

“I also have a large pack you could borrow.

http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/?option=com_gregorypacks&act;=product&task;=overview&cid;=23

This is the new version. I have the 2005 version”

“oh, i didn't catch the bladder thing. sorry.

if this is the pack:


then i say get a mesh bag to put your extra bladder in and strap it to the outside right there in the middle of the back. you may need to use a couple of carabiners to make sure it doesn't fall through. or you could just sew in the mesh bag in that area. having those compression straps would make it ideal unless you usually carry something else in there.”

“That's the pack, and that center patch is puncture/abraision resistant, and for crampon storage which possibly will be required for this trip. i was actually thinking of hanging one off each side of the pack from the two compression straps there. This would give me 6L outside the pack, and If I can fit another 6 inside along w. a weeks gear/food All my problems will evaporate. :))”

“ok mg.. you mentioned crampons.. what the hell do you need all that water for? ice, ice baby.. no?? :D 1gal H2O = 8#(usa) besides, if it's cold enough for ice, you may have issues with this water freezing on you.. you'll need to think of insulation or heat packets or something.

i don't see why it wouldn't work on the sides.. my backpack has these two external pockets in that same area.. i just stumbled up on them one day at sierra trading post. i've never seen another pair like them either... they are great. i wonder why they don't make them like that.
last edited: 3/11/09 5:44:38 PM”

“Hard to explain Offy. The trip will transition a couple climates in the high desert. The first day or two there will be a possibility of snow/ice/mud/rock/sand etc, then as we loose elevation it will be warmer and BONE dry for about 3 days. Camel-up! Freezing is not a concern because the water will be used in the warmer dry location. The problem is getting it there efficiently. I'm pretty sure this will work well, and be cheap/easy to make. It does seem odd thatI've never seen something like this sold commercially. It seems a very good way to add lots of versatility to ones pack. After I get mine made would anyone be interested in buying some? I'll have to see what the materials cost before I could post a price, but I can't see them being very expensive.”

“ok, thanks for explaining about your trip. that makes sense.

are you somewhere around indy?”

“I am. I'm about 30 miles straight west, or 17mi straight South of Crawfordsville. You?”

“There are a lot of TT'ers in the IL, IN, KY, OH area, and we get out frequently.”

“Green Castle? I used to live somewhat near Reelsville.

yep, I'm in Indy.

i noticed a strong IN contingent here.. I figured few had to be from the windy city.. have not noticed the others. thanks”

“I'm in the country between GC, and C'ville. North Putnam Co.
Dude, you should come hang out with us sometime. Anyone is welcome on the public trips. Check the page.”

“lol.. no #&%!$?.. i could basically see Owen Co. from my place.. :D :D

one of these days it'll happen... i'm a maybe on a few trips.. not sure if i'll make the deam bushwhack just yet.. i got too many things going on there right in a row.. we'll see.

i'll try to take a pic of my external pockets for you in the next few days. bump this up if i forget.
last edited: 3/11/09 8:23:25 PM”

“Hey thanks man! Real nice.

Wow! Your first TT trip is a Crash Bang Thang?! And bushwhacking too!? You are in for a real treat. Classic trip. Don't miss it if there is any way you can go. You'll be a TT"er for life if you make it home.”

“lol.. i ain't skeert. on the other hand, maybe he should be.. hehehe.. :D”

“LOL! It's all good. Crash is good people. I'm sure anyone else on the trip is too. we got a nice buncha folks here.”

“meangreen-
why not rig a daypack onto the front?”

“LOL! Ya, that'd work great while scooting along dangerously narrow ledges, and scrambling over boulders.

Maybe I could make some "bladder holsters" so I could carry 3 liters on the sides of each of my thighs! This would get the extra weight off my shoulders...”

“Anyone ever made a silnylon poncho? Tried to? Seen one?”

“They are so light, they are next to useless if any wind comes with the rain.”

“so that would be a "no" from stovie”

“Take it to give out to gear thieves.”

“Speak for yourself, Yogi.”

““Speak for yourself, Yogi.”

you did plenty, for sure...”