 |
| Modified Alpine Rucksack (Front) |
Alright, to break-up the excerpts from the book. Let's look at building your own backpack.
I have built a number of packs since the mid-90's. Not very many lately, by my choice.
What do you need?? Time, space, a sewing machine, scissors, thread, buckles, fabric and probably a pattern. I say this, because later you may be able to design and make your own pack from your design not from the pattern of others.
I have used two main patterns to build the packs shown, except the Hybrid's - those I designed and built myself. The patterns I used are:
The Rain Shed #150 Alpine Rucksack &
Storm Mountain Design #301 Mountain Pack
Google these to find a retailer near you. As the pictures show modifying these packs works well. Whether you are adding zip-off pockets
 |
| Modified Alpine Rucksack (Rear) |
or buckle off pockets, both increase the carrying capacity of the pack. Extra pockets can be used for tents, fuel bottles, crampons, first aid kits, water bladders and the list can go on & on. You build them to fit the gear you have, that you want to take hiking or backpacking.
The most modified pack I have made is the LRRP, Long Range Recreation Pack. This pack can be converted (variable geometry) to many roles. With everything attached, it is a pack mule to get your gear to base-camp. Then the components can be removed and re-configured to fit your day tripping from base.
Finally, the Hybrid Pack. Part gear vest and part daypack. This pack is fast and easy to build, because you build the harness first & then add the pockets that fit your gear.
I hope this gives you a starting point and some gear making ideas.
Link to the Long Range Recreation Pack (LRRP) System: https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2021/02/lrrp-pack-system-long-range-recreation.html
 |
| SAR Hybrid Pack UPDATE (11 March 2023): New post focusing on the SAR Hybrid Pack - https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-hybrid-pack-system-revisiting-sar.html |
 |
| Long Range Recreation Pack (Variable Geometry) Link: https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2021/02/lrrp-pack-system-long-range-recreation.html |
 |
| Modified & Basic Mountain Pack |
 |
| Hybrid Pack |
 |
| Modified Mountain Pack |
 |
| Modified Alpine Rucksack |
I have added a new post - R3 Ruck Project. Check it out for more pack building ideas.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Mountainman.
Any more photos of the first Alpine Pack? I'm curious about the attachments on the side. They look like quivers.
ReplyDeleteGood Eye Exploriment!!
ReplyDeleteThey are in fact shotgun scabbards. I will see if I have any more pic's.
The scabbards use a combination of zippers and velcro straps in addition to the side compression straps to hold them in place. I first used the zipper removable side pockets to attach tent pockets, back in the day. But it seems to work for scabbards too.
Cheers,
Mountainman.
Crazy idea maybe, but I'm looking at those scabbards and thinking - what if they also served as ground padding? Two of them, take them off, open them up, connect them, and there you have some padding to sleep on.
ReplyDeleteAlways trying to find multiple uses for an item. I've had the idea to make a sling something like the Kifaru Panel Hauler
http://store.kifaru.net/tactical-cargo-panel-hauler-p43.aspx
Use a Therma Rest or something like it, attach it to the frame and have a sling you can use to carry stuff In. instead of just a rolled up tube which only serves as a pad to sleep on at the end of the day. But TRs are probably a little too wide for that.
Exploriment,
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea you have. If you used a separating zipper to close the scabbards, your idea would be possible. But as the scabbards only have a 7" x 20"+ x2 piece of foam, you would end up with a pad that is 28" x 20"+. Good enough in a survival situation, but a little too minimalist for most backpackers. If you had 4 scabbards......56" x 20"+...maybe.
That Kifaru gear is very interesting. Many posssibilities. As for your sling idea. That bears merit. If you used a trapper nelson type frame or an aluminum "H" frame and had a Cordura or canvas "sling" that had grommets or side-release buckles to lace and compress your load. Could work.
Mountainman.
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. dino backpack
ReplyDeleteAnna Schafer,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment. Glad I helped in a small way. Best success with your Dino Backpacks.
Cheers,
Mountainman.
I know this is an old post, but where were you able to get that red SAR Hybrid Pack? I'm looking for something exactly like that, and I can't seem to find that anywhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHello Anonymous, Ever since Google took over Blogger, I have not been able to login and comment. To answer your question, the orange (red) hybrid SAR Pack is one I made. It is a one of piece of kit, made specifically to carry my SAR gear when I was volunteering with my local SAR unit. When I was no longer able to make the proper time commitment, I resigned and left that Hybrid SAR pack and a gear vest behind with the SAR unit. I am not sure if I have the build sheet for that project. If I find any information, I will create a new blog post. Please, check back in a day or two. Thanks for the question. Mountainman.
ReplyDelete