I am making a couple new backpacks, and would love to get some feedback on what other people have done. I have made a few bags before, including two Ray Jardine style bags, and one of my own designs. I got the patterns for a Pa’lante simple pack, and then I was planning to make a bigger pack with a hipbelt. I bought the Mountain Flyer 40 pattern from bag buff, but plan to make a lot of changes, if I use it at all.
So, here are my questions:
Previously, I have just used cordura on the underside of the shoulder straps. I am going to try using spacer mesh with the simple pack, and will use it with the next pack if I like it. What kind of foam would people suggest using in the straps, in terms of thickness and stiffness? I have used a blue foam sleeping pad before, but I think I’ll need something thicker for the bigger bag. The foam that comes with a Ray Jardine pack is very stiff, and I really liked those straps, but don’t know where I would find foam like that.
When using spacer mesh, I have seen people bind the edges of straps. Can you just sew it inside out and have the seams inside, or does that cause problems with spacer mesh?
I saw somewhere (YouTube I think) that the stretchy mesh shoulder pockets and bottom pocket on the newer Pa’lante packs are folded over a couple times at the edge to prevent items from falling out. However, it looks like all of their shoulder strap pockets now have an elastic drawcord. I’d like to try the rolled over thing on the bottom pocket at least, but am not sure how to finish the edge. Obviously I roll it over, but should I sew some flat elastic to the mesh first, or is the stretch mesh enough?
How would people suggest finishing the top of the side pockets? I have always just done a drawcord casing with an elastic either sewn in or tied off, but a lot of packs seem to have a cordlock to adjust the elastic. Is there a big advantage to this that I’m not seeing? Seems like added weight for something I’d always just keep tightened anyway.
Finally, not so much a question and more that I can’t make up my mind: Should I do the side pockets in Ultra 200 or Venom mesh from Ripstop by the Roll? I imagine the Ultra is a little more durable, and it’s a little lighter, but stretch is nice.
Thanks so much in advance. If anyone has any other suggestions or features I should be including, I’m all ears.
