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The challenge came when Backpacking Light Publisher, Ryan Jordan, sent me 5 yards of spinnaker fabric with instructions to 'see what I could do with it.' Since we have already converted a down sleeping bag into a SuperUltraLight top bag, constructing a SUL pack and tarp will complete the "Big Three." In this article, the first in a series of four, I go over the technique used to efficiently allocate the 5 yards of spinnaker with very little waste so that a pack and tarp can be made, and there is even enough material left over for a stuff sack. Other than the single piece of spinnaker (sized as sold in the Backpacking Light store), the only other supplies required are a few notions - which is what small sewing supplies like buttons, needles and thread are called in the sewing world - and a small piece of heavier fabric to reinforce the pack's backpanel. Part 1 of this series includes the materials list for each of the components; the construction of the SUL tarp, pack, and stuff sack will each be covered in the subsequent articles. The finished weights of the masterpieces you'll be creating are: pack - 3.1 ounces, tarp - 6.3 ounces, and stuff sack - 0.2 ounces.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Overview
- Design Elements
- Make Your Own Pattern
- Recommended Materials
- Transferring the Pattern
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Discussion
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Companion forum thread to:
Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight Part 1, Introduction
Bravo!
Excellent and insightful article for us do it yourselfer’s
When will the other articles come out? I can’t wait. By the way I like the compression system on the pack. Nice design.
Great article and I admire your organization!
Can you add to it some internet suppliers of the spinnaker fabric that you use?
Thanks amigo! -Migs
any idea when part 2 will be released?
This is where I am headed, making my own gear or using commercially available gear to suit my particular needs. I already asked my partner to teach me how to use her sewing machine … my idea is to use a GG Whisper and a UL 45 REI pack harness to create a true UL pack out of both. With the Whisper as a removable bag portion and something like the pack in this article, using the GG pack as the base for the bag part. I learn so much here it is awesome. And gets rid of the addiction I have to buying whatever looks right or good, because of lack of time to develop the kinds of intstructions, templates, and concepts already done by people here.
What kind (references) of Gutterman thread is necessary for sewing the tarp ?
Nice! loved it, i am inspired. Been making alot of silnylon gear, and may have to step up to this next winter.
Dana
1. I wish you had the actual "lines" in a pattern in a file for us to download and use.
2. The use of material is highly interesting. What CAD program is that? It allows you to drag-and-drop the shapes?
These are the two reasons I am reluctant to spend for expensive materials: not having a great pattern and waste of the expensive materials.
I feel I can work on skills, if necessary.
The article here: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/myog-laminating-silicone-impregnated-fabrics?m=004776-_3HjXS36Y6MnOohH-JZg is very helpful in that regard.
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