I like flat packs….a lot. Here are some photos of an empty one:
The pack bag above is about 24" wide by 30" tall and has a drawstring closure on top (like a typical stuff sack). The corners are left unboxed and it can be made from one piece of fabric. The four web loops(see tape arrows) are for hanging it from a pack frame.
This post is aimed at listing the benefits of flat packs, convincing others to adopt the concept, establishing it as the national standard and implementing enforcement procedures that will assure compliance..
BENEFITS
1 KISS
2 Really easy to make for make-your-own-gear people.
3 A flat piece of closed cell foam fits nicely inside.
4 One can sleep on the empty pack by laying it flat and leaving the closed cell foam inside.
5 The closed cell foam keeps the fabric taught from empty pack to full pack and all points in between. Cinch straps not needed.
6 The corners of the bag can be clipped together to narrow the pack's profile and make it look like a hydroplane.
7 Worn empty while urinating outside at night presents a large,discouraging profile to vicious pumas and other wanna-be eviscerators.
