Gallery with more photos: https://imgur.com/a/ZAxcaeo
This pack has been used on a single 2-week backpack trip and a couple short test hikes. The shoulder straps and hip belt were used on a different pack and have seen about 3 weeks of use total. With the exception of a small superficial cut on the hip belt spacer mesh (see photo) the pack doesn’t have any significant wear. It performed flawlessly on the 2 week trip. I’ve found it to be extremely comfortable and hauls weight like a champ. It’s ideally set up for packrafting with a large left side pocket that swallows a 4-piece packraft paddle with ease. If you like to have your pack on your bow, the frame, hip belt, shoulder straps, and compression straps can be stripped leaving a simple bag to strap on.
I’ve built 9 packs for the Seek Outside frame. About halfway through this process, I narrowed the frame by cutting 2” off the bottom width. I much prefer this as it allows the hip belt attachment spacing to be a bit narrower, allowing better wrap of the belt. It also makes the pack a bit narrower overall. The suspension is much simpler than an SO pack allowing for a lighter construction. There is no padding in the back panel, which saves weight but requires a bit of careful packing.
Shoulder straps are attached 19.5” from the bottom of the hip belt. I have a ~19” torso and this is perfect for me. I think it would fit an 18-20” torso. The belt is 30” long and the photo shows it cinched around my 36” waist. I think it would fit down to a 33” waist and up to a 38-40” waist. I prefer the double buckle as it really provides even tension through the hip belt, but will include a 2” quad pull buckle if you like.
I am an amateur MYOG enthusiast that occasionally sells packs to fund the next project. I use an industrial sewing machine with heavy-duty, bonded poly V69 tex 70 thread. I am not a pro but I’ve used my packs enough to feel good about the construction. If something fails due to my workmanship, I’ll make it right up to and including a refund. The cost of the pack just covers materials and the SO frame. MYOG is an expensive hobby!
Features:
- 2lbs 12oz with all components.
- Approximately 90L. Photos show pack full with three rolls of the top.
- Top circumference: 47”, bottom: 41”, unrolled height: 42”.
- Built on a 24” Seek Outside frame cut 2” narrower. Frame is new.
- Pack body is Ultra 400, with Robic 420d frame interface and Venom (with UHMWPE) UL stretch
- mesh front pocket. All pack seams bound with 1” grosgrain. High stress points in the back panel are reinforced with insignia tape backer on the inside.
- Roll top has plastic stiffener.
- Side pockets are Ultra 400, both have replaceable bungee cords. Right side is user-accessible and holds a 32oz and 48oz nalgene with room to spare. Left side is taller for carrying a packraft paddle or a tent.
- Shoulder straps are Robic 420d, 1/8” spacer mesh, 3/8” genuine Evazote foam, Venom UL stretch mesh pockets, removable with aluminum hardware attachment to pack.
- Conical hip belt is Robic 420d, 1/8” spacer mesh, 1/2”+ Evazote foam, stainless steel frame attachment grommets. Dual 1” hip belt buckles or single 2” quad pull buckle.
- Four side compression straps and single over the top strap, all removable with ghost hook buckles.
- Four front compression attachment points. I use these to strap a PFD to the front when packrafting.
Asking $300 shipped to the U.S. Payment via PayPal, I’ll cover G&S fees.
Very cool ! Love how narrow you made it. Love narrow packs
Thanks! I suspect if you want the ability to haul as much weight as possible, the original width and configuration of the SO frame is probably best. If you’re dealing with more humane loads (under 60# or so) I like this better.