Packing my MLD Newt for a SUL trip

[Angelo R.]

I have an older style MLD Newt with no external pockets. I am hoping to use this for a semi-SUL trip (1 night) this coming spring (on Good Friday) and I am trying to figure out a couple things. I would love to hear some comments on the following:

1. For day hikes I usually use a platypus hoser in my pack. But for this trip I am going to carry my water on my shoulder straps to free up room in my pack. I was thinking of doing 2 1L bottles (maybe smaller). Never done this before since I usually do overnight trips with my MLD Exodus and use my side external pockets.

2. I would love to have an outside mesh pocket (I might sew on one but will probably leave the pack as-is) but right now I only have an external bungee on the front of the pack. I was going to strap down my waterproofs here. What else can I get away with lashing on the front of the pack? Tarp (Should I be worried about punctures or abrasion)? Bivy?

3. I am toying with the idea of some removable pocket for extra space – Example 1 and example 2.

Thanks for your help.

[jim draucker]

Hello

I use two water bottles attached with MLD bungee cord on straps. Gossamer Gear nightlight pad fits under rear bungee. This frees up interior space.My cuben poncho/tarp can go inside or out. I really like the newt.

Jim

[Chris M]

I've done water bottles on my shoulders before. I found that I was comfortable carrying a 20oz bottle of water on each shoulder, but the 1Qt bottles where just a bit too big. I normally use the powerade bottles if that matters. Depending on where you hike, going SUL is a great way to simply carry less water, so this may work for you.

I've put a tarp out the outside of my pack using lashing plenty of times, and I haven't really had a problem with it

As for a removable pockets, I would think about doing something like Example 1 as the easiest. If I were doing it, I would just make a channel at the bottom and string some drawcord through it. Tie the drawcord to the two bottom lashing loops. Then, making a channel at the top and put some shockcord through that. Tie the shockcord to the top two loops. This way the top opens up, but not the bottom.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I'd go with the Z-Packs chest pack and rig it to attatch to your pack's Lower shoulder straps (the webbing parts) with a quick release buckle on one side and 2 vertical-to-horizontal slider buckles (at REI).

The slider buckles go on the shoulder strap webbing. Only one QR buckle is needed on whichever side you like. (Look at a Dana Designs Rib or Wet Rib front pocket to get the ides.)

Attatch the "male" end of the QR buckle to the slider with a short piece of webbing from the Z-Pack. You'll have to sew the webbing once the half of the buckle is on.

Carrying some weight here balances your pack better AND fast access to things is SO much easier. I have a Dana Wet Rib (it has a water bottle sleeve on the left end of the pocket.) This is great for electrolyte drinks. A Camelbak hydration system rides inside my pack.

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