backpack pockets

Those pockets look great, looks like they can carry quite a bit of volume. To add to your post of "other ideas" I have noticed Dave C has added these style of pockets on a number of his packs. http://bedrockandparadox.com/2013/12/10/how-to-make-a-light-pack-610-pack-version-2/ (his directions are in the comments).

I have to admit I was first skeptic due to the size and thought they looked big, however after incorporating them, I really like the extra volume. I instead only went 2 times the size vs. the 2.5 times the size, but other than that about the same. I really like this 1000d Cordura for pockets. They are heavy for what they are, but my main concern with pockets have always been getting caught on rock and tight brush. I don't have a single worry any more at this point. The other pointer I'd like to point out when sewing these is first sewing the cord channel and then punch the grommet, then I flip it over I sew the verticle edges down so that the top and bottom of pocket are loose. I then tried different options of folding the fabric and pinning it to see how I liked it. Once I found what I liked, I replicated the other side identically.

The only thing I'd recommend for your pockets are some type of water drainage allowance. It can be a pain having to dump it every so often since the material isn't perforated.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the insight Jon. I have not tried any grommets yet. My first two packs are all mesh pockets. Much faster and less complicated than the fabric pockets. I guess I did make the pockets 2x larger. I wanted a 4" bottom. Doubled that with an 8" side panel. I'm trying David C single stay design so I'll check out that link. God Bless

No problem Darren. I just posted a replica of that pack. I did the single stay, but I may tear it apart again and add two more stay channels to back panel so I can change easily between 1 or 2. Total weight penalty will be less than 2 oz, and for a feature like that to me I can justify it. This past weekend I had over 30 lbs. I would suspect when we add harness and 50m rope it could potentially get close to collapse.

I like the idea of the single stay. But I would like the load lifters to be at the top of each stay. So maybe a frame sheet would work with this single stay design. I went ahead and added some corner pieces and some loops for compression on the inside back panel. It should work. If not no harm done. Easy to do it before you sew everything together.
I've been working on more pockets.
One more pocket on the back panel. Hip belt and two removable hip belt pockets to go.

Very nice design and execution.

Thanks George
Still working at it. Finished the front pockets. New design for the shoulder strap bottom attachment.<img src="/backpackinglight/user_uploads/1395416193_101375.jpg" alt="Pack"