[pct-l] Making Your Own Gear

[Steel-Eye]

Good morning, Lisa,

 

Welcome to The List.  I'll second Switchback's recommendation of the Thru-Hiker site, not so much for the sewing instructions, but for Pack Light, Eat Right, in the "Articles" section.

 

I don't really enjoy sewing, but I did make a pair of rain chaps .. with my own ten thumbs .. that have become a real favorite in this Northwest weather.  My requirement was for something to prevent rain from running down my legs and into my ankle gaiters, thereby keeping my legs warmer, and reducing the amount of water that gets in my shoes.  I didn't want full pants because my rain top extends to mid-thigh anyway, and full pants do not breath nearly as well as chaps.  The resulting chaps are made of SilNylon, they are crotch-height on the inside and angle up nearly to belt-height on the outside.  On the outside of each chap is a piece of Velcro to secure them to my belt or waistband.  The pair weighs 1.9 oz.  They don't have bottom zippers up the sides.  Zippers are not my best friends in their installation, sealing, durability, or weight.

Steel-Eye



 

^^^^^^^^^^  Serious hikers gather at:  http://www.aldhawest.org/  ^^^^^^^^^^





  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: lisa briggs 
  To: PCT 
  Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 8:17 AM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] Making Your Own Gear


  First off, hi everyone, this is my first post.  I'll be hiking the Oregon section of the PCT this summer.

  http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/myog.html - has free plans for two packs and a floor for a tarp.
  My s/o and I built the G4 backpack a few weeks ago out of scrap fabric from his work (he's a master parachute rigger). Total cost under $5 for hardware (fastex buckle and strap adjusters).  Loaded with about 20 pounds it carries comfortably on a 6 foot guy, but it's cavernous - 4000 cu.in., which is surprising considering it weighs only 17 ounces.  We'll be modifying the plans and building another smaller one for me.

  I'd be very interested in any other sites that have free or low cost plans/patterns as opposed to kits; I can source my own fabric.  I'd really rather not have to spend $150+ on decent rain/wind pants and jacket... 

  blue skies,
  lisa



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