ATTN Karl Keating? Vapor Trail extension collar.

As it happens, just yesterday I sent my Vapor Trail to Rainy Pass Repair (rainypass.com) to modify the extension collar. So far as I can tell, the seamstress I used earlier is not back in business yet.

I was told the charge would be between $35 and $40. I don't know whether that includes return shipping. But no matter. I'm willing to pay to remove the nuisance of a long swath of material that just gets in my way.

(Yes, this is expensive, if you consider the cost in relation to the cost of the entire pack, $160 now from Backcountry Gear.)

Dave,

I agree, long extension collars are a bother. I use a Virga but I haven't bothered to shorten it … yet. I suspect that GG thinks it'll be easier to sell to folks transitioning from larger heavier packs if they include a lot of expansion room.

Two way shipping will likely cost more than the alteration itself. If there's a good sporting goods shop near you, ask them where they refer folks who come to them for repairs. Or ask small highend clothing stores or bridal shops where they send their alterations. That'll often get you to a talented sewer working in their own home.

If that fails, PM me … I know where I can get it done at a reasonable price … but try to avoid shipping $$ first.

The large extension collar could be used as a partial bivy sack if needed. That is the only reason I see that it might be designed that way.