Winter pack

[Joe Federici]

This pack is basically the full size G-4 without the wings at the bottom and pockets lowered. I needed something for the winter that would allow for extra gear including snow shoes. The snow shoes provided some problems as I still wanted a place for a water bottle on the side. I looked at putting them, on top, both on one side, and even inside. In the end I've decided to going with attaching them to the front with straps. I haven't had the time to pack it with real gear yet but it should work out well. In hind sight I think the top most compression strap on the side is a bit to high. I may just cut them off if I don't end up using them.

I used a few different fabrics that I already had. The body is from black 8.0 oz ripstop Spectra and gray 1.9 oz poly coated ripstop. The pockets are from gray 0.8 oz SpinnTex Pro. I also used it for the first 1/2 of the collar to cut weight. The belt and shoulder straps use 3-D mesh, and I added 1/8 in closed cell foam to the top 12" of the shoulder straps. I did not put pockets in either.

[Einstein X]

Wow… nicely done. If you would've said you bought it somewhere i also would have believed it. How much does it weigh? What's the volume?

Eins

[Joe Federici]

Thanks for the kind words and posting. I will need to weigh it tonight after the seam seal dries. I just happen to start on it this AM.

The volume I'm getting using an on-line calculator is 2200 for the pack and another 968 for the collar if it were unrolled. Although the collar isn't really a rectangle so I'm sure it's a bit less.

The body of of the pack is 11X8X25 with an 11" collar. It looks hudge to me but in the winter right now I'm carrying a pair of down pants and pullover to extend the ratting of my bag. The weight of all three is still less then a heavy weight winther bag but takes a bit more space in the pack.

JFF

[todd]

As was already said: I can't tell you didn't buy it. I only wish I knew how!!!

-Todd

[Thomas Knighton]

Wow! That looks great Joe! I'm looking forward to seeing the weight on that puppy as well! You did a great job on it regardless!

Tom

[Joe Federici]

OK Weighted it when I got home tonight. It's 13.8oz. I thnk consider the the fabric and size seems OK.

I could have used lighter weight stuff but I was worried my ice axe and snow shoes would wear it out.

JFF

[Einstein X]

Joe,

13,8 oz is a great weight for a winer pack. My original G4 that i bought at Gossamer Gear weighs a bit over 16 oz. I think a 50+ liter winterbackack weighing in at 13,8 oz is perfect.

Now take it out.

Eins

[Joe Federici]

I'm heading out tonight for 2 nights in the catskills NY. The temps are looking good at around 30 in the day time.

JFF

[Jason Shaffer]

Awesome job, Joe! Yeah, 13 oz is excellent for a winter pack. Those snowshoes look like the MSR Lightning Ascents – I have those and love 'em. Strapping them on the outside, I do think they would wear out a less durable pack. Good choice. Let us know how it works!

[Joe Federici]

Yes they are the MSR and I agree they are great.

I've tried attaching them a few way. In the picture they are on the side but often I've been attaching them to the front because I don't use that pocket a lot in the winter because the ice axe is already blocking it.

I added two 3/4 loop locks on each side that I string a piece of 3/4 gross grain with 2 light weight D rings to tighten them up. It’s the same idea as compression straps but removable. I’ve also experimented with putting them on top and inside but both don’t work well

JFF

[Joe Kuster]

Just a thought, but with the side pockets being made of sil-nylon won't any water or snow accumulate there and slowly just pool to leach into the pack? What about adding a drain hole?

[Joe Federici]

I have not found that to be the case in the winter. I find with mesh pockets when you brush up on trees and sit the pack down the fabric clings more to the snow. The same is true of falling snow. I find it clings to the mesh more.

I have put a 2 button holes under the side pockets just incase of a lot of water. I also carry a pack cover it it looks like really heavy snow but I find water is more of an issue in the summer.

On my summer pack however I have used mesh pockets and really like them. I also always use shock coard at the top and that helps keep out water and snow.

[Joe Geib]

I think it might be time to try and modify my current pack, or make my own. Where did you get the plans for this? It looks great.

Are there 2 lashing/compression straps on the side for use with snowshoes?

[Joe Federici]

Joe-

Which of the two packs are you asking about. The Gray pack which this thred was started for does have lashing straps on the side although I carry my snow shoes on the front most of the time.

The second pack in Red is my first pack I made and did not use compression straps on the sides because I didn't think I'd be using it in the winter.

I'm currently working on a winter day pack that is based off the breeze pack by golite. It will be 6X11X21.

At this point I just make my own patterns but in the past have used a few different sources for ideas. The best of wich are the free ones for the G-4 pack on the gossamer gear site. You can just take his pattern and directions and make it a bit smaller.

http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/myog.html

If you've got Rays book he also has some directions but they are very basic.

Good luck

JFF

[Joe Geib]

Thanks for the info. I have Ray's book, but I have not gotten that far yet (it may take a while…bathroom reading!).

I think the most daunting part is buying the supplies. Thru-Hiker doesn't have any pictures of the supplies, so I know not what to get. Where do you get your supplies?

I currently have a daypack which I may modify to make it work. I like my current daypack, but it is missing a few things. However, I may look into the Gossamer plans.

Yeah, I REALLY like the winter pack you made. I may make some adjustments for my needs, but still great overall.

About how much did you think it cost you to make?

[Joe Federici]

It's around the last chapter in Rays book so you can just flip to the end. The last few chapters are filler anway. :-)

If you download The Gossmer gear directions he gives you a detailed list of fabrics. To make it even easier quest outfitters will also sell you a kit for just a few dollars over the cost of fabric and it comes with full size patterens and Glen has a yahoo group to answer and questions.

If this is your first time trying sewing I would try making it first out of an old cotton bed sheet. Yes this takes a lot of time but you will thank me in the end.

Other then quest I buy 90% of my stuff at outdoor wilderness fabrics.
http://www.owfinc.com/Fabrics/fabricmain.htm

You'll find they all carry about the same basic fabrics but one may have a color your looking for or a particular piece of hardware you like. I try to buy everything at one place to save on shipping.

Thur-hiker is a great place to buy some stuff but I mostly buy odd things like mini binders or a particular fabric.

[chiu chi ying]

Hi Joe Federici

This is a really nice pack!I am dreaming for a pack like this. Could you mind make more one for me?
And could you leave your contact information or contact me at [email protected] directly
I am looking for your reply.

Yours sincerely
Enoch

[Brett .]

Joe, are you selling these on ebay or something? There seems to be a demand. Im sure you already thought of this, just wondering what the answer is.
Thanks.

[Joe Federici]

Thanks both for the kind words and truth be told I enjoy sewing often more then my day job but don't have plans to make them for sale at this point.

When you stop and figure out time and fabric I just can see doing it for what someone like Gossamer or mountain laurel designs sell them for.

JFF

[Jason Klass]

Joe,
Excellent Pack! Your sewing looks amazing and I really like the design. One question: The way you attached your MSR Ascents looks like the teeth would cut right into the side panel. Am I missing something?

[Joe Federici]

When that picture was taken I was just playing around with placement. I do agree if left like that they may cut into the side but I think it depends on how tight you have them. you could also flip them around and put one of each side.

In the end I put them on the front of the pack as I like to use the side pockets. I added 3/4 loop locks, two per side as tie down points. It works out well.

I'm currently working on a new design to use for day hikes and I'm going to add a small pocket for them it sit it. kind of like Bill did on his pack.

Joe F

[Joe Geib]

i'm looking forward to seeing the new daypack.

i have decreed that i will modify my current daypack by adding a much-needed pocket, and possibly some spots for lashing straps.

i will start by making a few stuff sacks.

speaking of stuff sacks, i plan on modifying an inadequate Camelbak pack by integrating a stuff sack onto it, similar to the REI Flash UL

[Joe Federici]

Stuff sacks are always a good place to start. Thru hiker has some good directions and kits. You can get a free patern for straps from Gossmer gear, just download the G-4 pattern to use to for make something like the REI Flash

Just last night I found out about a site in the UK that sell and offers shareware patters and fabric.

http://www.shelby.fi/catalog/designs.php

[Joe Geib]

I will try to post B&A pix.

(Sorry, I don't mean to hijack your thread).

[Author]

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