Anyone into Sewing?

Realistically for thickness/power needs consider 2-3 layers of 1000d when considering folding and stitching edges to prevent fraying, and attaching at least single layer of backpack strap style webbing to 3 layers of 1000d... that should probably also be able to do 2 layers of backpack strap style webbing, though you may need to carefully hand crank through that depending on machine.

Inspired by this thread...

done some practice, ready to attempt my first pack*.

*with some pre assembled parts

I was amazed when this thread opened up and completely intrigued. I think everyone’s creativity and attention to detail is extremely impressive and have really enjoyed seeing everyone’s creations. 

Tyler Strange wrote:

Here's a long shot, and maybe not the place for this (was originally going to post in the FS/WTB thread, but didn't want it to get buried too fast...) 

I've got a HMG Porter that I've been dreaming about a winter/avy tool/ice axe pocket for - loosely based on the stuff pocket that HMG sells, but more akin to what Jake S. did a few posts back. I've got mediocre sewing skills, but no sewing equipment and/or time. Anyone on this thread up for a commissioned project? I realize I can probably go to some of the cottage pack makers and work with them, but figured maybe someone here might be game.

PM me if you're interested and lets chat.

If anyone takes Tyler up on this offer, I would be interested in getting one from you as well 

Tyler Strange wrote:

Here's a long shot, and maybe not the place for this (was originally going to post in the FS/WTB thread, but didn't want it to get buried too fast...) 

I've got a HMG Porter that I've been dreaming about a winter/avy tool/ice axe pocket for - loosely based on the stuff pocket that HMG sells, but more akin to what Jake S. did a few posts back. I've got mediocre sewing skills, but no sewing equipment and/or time. Anyone on this thread up for a commissioned project? I realize I can probably go to some of the cottage pack makers and work with them, but figured maybe someone here might be game.

PM me if you're interested and lets chat.

Question - is this something that needs to be sewn onto the pack? Or is it a removable, separate piece that attaches with straps or such? I'm not at all familiar with the pack, but I'm reminded of the sorts of helmet and crampon carriers that I've seen on other packs e.g. Pata Ascensionist  The latter makes for an easy project; needing to work the pack through the machine makes it a lot more difficultm as well as involving mailing the pack around if you don't find someone local to do the job.

Gunkiemike wrote:

Question - is this something that needs to be sewn onto the pack? Or is it a removable, separate piece that attaches with straps or such? I'm not at all familiar with the pack, but I'm reminded of the sorts of helmet and crampon carriers that I've seen on other packs e.g. Pata Ascensionist  The latter makes for an easy project; needing to work the pack through the machine makes it a lot more difficultm as well as involving mailing the pack around if you don't find someone local to do the job.

Gunkiemike - I'm envisioning a removable piece. The HMG porter is basically a roll top tube with daisy chains and a few compression straps. It's pretty minimalist on it's own, but easy to attach stuff to. I use this pack for other non-climbing adventures as well (gasp!) - so like the idea of being able to fine tune the pack to the task at hand. There's clearly interest in an add-on like this for the pack, and I'm kind of surprised that HMG doesn't offer something similar, except that it may cannibalize sales of their other ice climbing/mountaineering packs. 

Stock image for reference:

Stitchback sells a pattern for pretty much exactly what you’re trying to make.

https://www.stitchbackgear.com/patterns/stitchback-mm-daypack-pocket

Ziggy Chalkdust wrote:

Failing that, does anybody have any recommendations for where to acquire an affordable used bartacker that can stitch thru webbing? I’m not planning for using it for commercial purposes, just for DIY projects. 

I make some pretty good bartacks on my Bernina sewing machine.  Are you sure you need the bartacker?  It will sew through 2-3 layers of webbing.  Also, did you see the recent article about testing the very old homemade bartacks on slings and gear?  

Max R wrote:

Stitchback sells a pattern for pretty much exactly what you’re trying to make.

https://www.stitchbackgear.com/patterns/stitchback-mm-daypack-pocket

I am actually working on something like this at the moment for my avy gear.  I use the HMG Ice Pack for climbing and backcountry skiing.  My design is very similar to the pattern shown but will have a zipper that is more like a traditional avy pocket that is U shaped starting half way up the sides so that the front flips down for quick access to the shovel and probes 

Knocking off Blue Ridge Overland's tool pouches, but cheaper/faster, less structure, and all clear reinforced vinyl instead of just a front window... My current tool bag has completely fallen apart and it is really annoying to find the tool I want, which is inevitably at the bottom of the bag. So I'm hoping these help and I can put them all in a slightly larger bag than my current dead one.

BRO's:

Mine:

More to come and in different sizes. These are 12" x 4" x 2" and 12" x 6" x 2" which are good for some of my tools but 6" or 8" long will be better for others.

Other recent thing for a friend. No, I won't sew one for you. Cordura over PVC. Bunch of straps. I think it will probably break fast-ish, but who knows.

Made a few things this week:

 V2 haulbag made from mostly recycled materials (thanks Dan!) 

Side zipper installed on a friend's HMG Porter. #10 water *resistant* YKK zip, double stitched on all sides. Not seam taped yet, but she's probably gonna get some tape and do it later this winter.

Tyler Strange wrote:

Here's a long shot, and maybe not the place for this (was originally going to post in the FS/WTB thread, but didn't want it to get buried too fast...) 

I've got a HMG Porter that I've been dreaming about a winter/avy tool/ice axe pocket for - loosely based on the stuff pocket that HMG sells, but more akin to what Jake S. did a few posts back. I've got mediocre sewing skills, but no sewing equipment and/or time. Anyone on this thread up for a commissioned project? I realize I can probably go to some of the cottage pack makers and work with them, but figured maybe someone here might be game.

PM me if you're interested and lets chat.

Tyler and I put our heads together and bounced ideas around via email. Here's the result:

Add-on winter pocket for the HMG Porter (should work on any HMG pack...I think?). The quick hits:

• Mostly VX21 X-Pac with 1000D Cordura reinforcement around the ice tool pocket
• 3 internal slots to organize avalanche gear
• Fits a full size shovel handle and blade, shown with my big Voile Hoback, and 320cm probe, with additional space for a snow saw
• No buckles or clips on the ice tools, rather a secure pocket to hold the heads (similar to the HMG Prism) and webbing for the handles
• Held on with four buckles and 3/4" webbing threaded through the daisy chains on the HMG pack. Top buckles/webbing double to hold the handles of ice tools
• Girth-hitched top strap attaches to the top strap of the HMG with a g-hook to relieve stress on the zipper when fully loaded
• All seams, including zipper seams, bound with grosgrain tape
• Small grommet on the bottom to allow snow melt to drain
• Dual front daisy chains, bar tacked through to webbing backing inside for extra strength
• Four small loops on the front to allow for a helmet carrier to attach
• Total weight ~300g, dimensions ~10"W x 18"L x 2.5"H, roughly 7.5L volume

Carries my Nomics just fine. We went back and forth on whether to put ice tools between the pack and pocket, or on the front of the pocket, and decided to go between to reduce the overall profile of the kit. Not sure how well an axe/piolet with an adze would fit in the pocket, but it's easy enough to put bungees on the front daisy chains or put a loop on the daisy chains of the HMG to carry it.

I'll build more if there's interest. PM me if you want one. Price would be $120 plus shipping

Cool to see another take on the porter pocket! 

Matt Z wrote:

Tyler and I put our heads together and bounced ideas around via email. Here's the result:

Add-on winter pocket for the HMG Porter (should work on any HMG pack...I think?). The quick hits:

• Mostly VX21 X-Pac with 1000D Cordura reinforcement around the ice tool pocket
• 3 internal slots to organize avalanche gear
• Fits a full size shovel handle and blade, shown with my big Voile Hoback, and 320cm probe, with additional space for a snow saw
• No buckles or clips on the ice tools, rather a secure pocket to hold the heads (similar to the HMG Prism) and webbing for the handles
• Held on with four buckles and 3/4" webbing threaded through the daisy chains on the HMG pack. Top buckles/webbing double to hold the handles of ice tools
• Girth-hitched top strap attaches to the top strap of the HMG with a g-hook to relieve stress on the zipper when fully loaded
• All seams, including zipper seams, bound with grosgrain tape
• Small grommet on the bottom to allow snow melt to drain
• Dual front daisy chains, bar tacked through to webbing backing inside for extra strength
• Four small loops on the front to allow for a helmet carrier to attach
• Total weight ~300g, dimensions ~10"W x 18"L x 2.5"H, roughly 7.5L volume

Carries my Nomics just fine. We went back and forth on whether to put ice tools between the pack and pocket, or on the front of the pocket, and decided to go between to reduce the overall profile of the kit. Not sure how well an axe/piolet with an adze would fit in the pocket, but it's easy enough to put bungees on the front daisy chains or put a loop on the daisy chains of the HMG to carry it.

I'll build more if there's interest. PM me if you want one. Price would be $120 plus shipping

This is awesome! 

I'm curious, what have your collective experiences been using the Challenge Ultra fabric line? As bomber as they say? Have you been seeing delamination with heavy use?

I rubbed some small samples of the 400 and 800 against a brick wall and definitely saw distortion in the weave afterwards, but I'm interested in real world climbing applications. Thanks!

Sarah Walker wrote:

I'm curious, what have your collective experiences been using the Challenge Ultra fabric line? As bomber as they say? Have you been seeing delamination with heavy use?

I rubbed some small samples of the 400 and 800 against a brick wall and definitely saw distortion in the weave afterwards, but I'm interested in real world climbing applications. Thanks!

I think someone who posted in this thread made a haul bag out of 800. Its a few pages back. I have only used 200 for a roll top portion of a pack so far. I don't see the laminate backing holding up for very long. Its so thin!

This is conjecture but it feels like the laminate lets the supplier get away with a less dense weave. I assume this allows them to use less yarn, or get around any of the complexities of weaving UHMWPE yarn, though I thought that was why they used the polyester/UHMWPE blend instead of all UHMWPE.

Anywho, Kelty was able to make the white cloud series of packs 20+ years ago with 100% woven UHMWPE so I don't understand why we cant get our hands on more fabric like that cause that shit was bomber. We already pay like $60 a yard for the 800 anyways.

Crag / Haul Bag.  ~35L, roll top, stash pocket that is accessible from outside the bag, removable foam pad and stowable straps. pretty easily carries my cragging kit, and crazy light. 

Cant wait to make more of this design!

Very nice! What material did you use for the body and bottom reinforcement?

Big Red wrote:

Very nice! What material did you use for the body and bottom reinforcement?

The main bag and bottom is 5oz dyneema and the bottom reinforcement and roll top are 1680 ballistic nylon (I’m pretty sure…) 

chalk bag w/ pleated pocket that actually holds quite a lot without pushing into the main bag: