After a couple hikes with my MYOG internal framed X-pac backpack , I decided to make a few improvements/mods to the backpack. Made a new set of ventilated shoulder straps and hipbelt with 3/8″ holes punched out with a grommet punch and using 3D mesh and Leno mesh. Went with a forward pull design for the hipbelt.
I was surprised and pleased to find out that the new hipbelt weighs only 0.6oz more than the original. I haven’t even trimmed the excess webbing yet! Plus, these straps/hipbelt turned out much more aesthetically pleasing.
Finished making the same modifications to my wife’s pack. Also mounted the shoulder straps higher (into the seam) as I miss measured her torso length. It now fits her perfectly (w/25 test lbs) without the need for load lifter straps.
Shoulder straps: new and old.
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Production pictures:
Used 3/8″ CCF with a couple short 1/4 foam pieces glued on that flanks the back pad that slips over the hipbelt. This makes the hipbelt sit flush against my back with no gaps, and I precurved it while gluing the foams together.
Sticking with 1/4″ for the shoulder straps. I’m making the same modifications to my wife’s pack as well. Need to get these finished before Friday; we start the Wonderland Trail on the 23rd!
Leno mesh upper. All the webbing and stuff will be sewn to the Leno mesh, not going to sew through the foam this time. It’s really stiff mesh. A bit heavy, but will last a lifetime.
