Essential podcast about backpacks

The podcast "Backpacks 101" (mp3) by Practical Backpacking is an essential listen for people who want to learn about different backpack designs, materials, features and maintenance. Be sure to check it out if you haven't already.

It's basically a conversation with the man behind Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA), Brian Frankle (he has since sold the business). I am impressed by how clearly Brian is able to explain everything.

His explanation of how to put the pack on and off is very useful. By doing it the right way you'll prolong the service life of it. He also goes into detail about how to adjust the pack, revealing his routine of loosening every strap when taking it off and tightening everything again when putting it on, as well as adjusting it on the go when something feels off. Too many people never adjust their pack.

Fleece beanie and G4 front pocket

I wanted to do something quick today so I made a fleece beanie following the instructions on the swedish site www.andersj.se (excellent site that can be readily translated with google translation).

The fleece I used was from a blanket that I found on sale. Picked it up after work and made the beanie in under an hour. Very easy. Cutting the fabric was actually the most time consuming part of the process. The pattern is for 60cm which fits my head perfectly, so no need to adjust the pattern with a photo copier or the like. I think will I go ahead and make a similar beanie/hat with whats left of Momentum and Climashield from the Minima vest project. Hopefully that will be very warm for the weight, something in the realm of the Black Rock Gear UL Down Hat.

The fleece beanie actually feels kind of strange. I don't think the fleece type used in blankets is ideal ;).

I also managed to finish the front pocket of the G4. Will go ahead and do the side pockets next, and then sew the main pieces together.

Making the G4

I'm totally into MYOG at the moment. Don't really know why. I guess it's the fun of learning something new and getting useful stuff out of it. So far I've made a Ray-Way pack and a thru-hiker.com Minima vest. At the moment I'm constructing the GVP G4 backpack, using the kit from questoutfitters.com. The G4 is an old school UL pack from the late 90s. It's got lots of volume and the trademark Gossamer Gear stuffable shoulder straps and waist belt, as well as pad holders to use ones sleeping pad as back support.

The construction is very straightforward and I've been enjoying the work a lot. If you ever want to sew your own backpack then this is a great project. The Ray-Way was definitely harder and more time consuming. I'm not really sure if I like it either. I think I prefer some kind of built in frame, like for instance in the Golite Jam / Pinnacle.

I'll post some more pictures when it's done.