I would really like to buy an SMD Flight 40, but it seems a little big and heavy for what I do most of the time.
I just love everything about it except the size and weight.
So what to do?
Make my own.
I'm starting with a Golite ION
Making 2 cuts on the bottom to open it up (like an "X") and adding the length of the width of my hipbelt to the bottom. The hipbelt will be padded and have a thin plastic backing for support and be able to have large pockets. Also using two pulls/ draws at the waist to keep the hip-belt cinched better.
The chest straps will have a Hydration Vest shape added to the top of the pads,(with pockets) and have a pull system to the bottom and side of the pack (similar to the Flight 40). It will also have two chest straps across the chest to accommodate the changed style.
The back will have a 4-5 inch width of padding with a support running the length of the pack on each side of the padding.
I have the padding of the frame and hip-belt made and will post pictures soon.
The back will have a dual pock added for extra gear stash and the sides will have a rigid quick draw water bottle holder.
So far I'm a little heavy at 9 ounces, but this pack has a frame and enough support to put all the weight on the hips and maintain it's rigidity at the up to 20 pounds of weight I will put in it.
Plan on using it for the SHR this summer.
If it doesn't work, I'll have to buy the Flight 40.
