Expandable DIY Pack ideas

[thedutchtouch]

One reason the exo works well is the compression straps on the side of the bag are angled. Higher on the frame than the bag, thought being this helps lift the load(compared to a horizontal strap that sags under load). I don't know enough about packs to know if this is a gimmick or really changes the way weight carries, all I can say is it carries weight very well.

Also like how their water bottle carrier mounts to the frame/belt. Even with a 48 oz bottle full, don't really feel it and it doesn't swing around at all. Still easy to grab for a mid-hike swig, though a water bladder is nicer for that. Speaking of water bladder, I also like how they have a waterproof sleeve with a drain at the bottom for that component.

Would suggest copying those features for sure if you're DIYing. There's a bunch more that goes into their packs that make them comfortable, like different hardnesses of foam in different areas but I don't know enough about them to make recommendations.

 

[Hardly_Hangin]

You might look at the kifaru fulcrum for inspiration. I like how well it collapses to day mode or expands to epedition mode. Big fan of the batwing side pockets and meat shelf. If i was doing a diy bag id start here, shrink the main compartment and make it not so floppy in day pack mode, made out of xpac with a fleece or quiet material shell and waterproof zippers.

Id consider a diy admin style pouch to use for the chest rig. (couple with the marsupial gear clips, i bought a bag for all kinds of diy stuff). Id put molle loops on it to mount on a belt or molle on the bag or strapped to the pack as a grab-it thingy. Imo a traditional lid would be kinda bulky as a chest rig. If you did go this route, i would copy stone glaciers lid that has a bladder and converts to a day pack.

THEN i would look at alps turkey hunting chest rigs, and go ahead and make a pair of those to pair with my lid/admin daypack thingy for turkey season

 

[heretic]

Everyone seems to be missing the fact that this is the DIY forum. I have designed and made at least half a dozen backpacks for use in all kinds of environments and needs. If there are any features you "can't do without" in your commercial systems, I'd love to hear about them. I appreciate the suggestions but I'm not looking to buy anything. I have no interest in spending hundreds of dollars on a commercial backpack or frame system.

Completely understood! I could have sworn @LeanMachine had a build thread on here somewhere with a really nice DIY frame.

Here's a few features that I would probably try to build into a DIY frame pack if I was going your route:

• load lifters - I feel like these are a must for any frame pack that is designed to carry heavy loads
• angled compression straps - as mentioned before, the upwards angled compression straps on the exo packs are awesome! Super helpful for keeping all that weight centered over the small of your back
• shoulder strap mounting points - take a look at the kuiu bags/frames, they have a feature where you can mount your shoulder straps to either the frame or the bag directly. Makes it really nice for short hunts close to the truck where you might not need a whole frame pack. That's how I have my kuiu 1850 setup for off season scouting
• torsional flex in the frame - not entirely sure how you would do it but after switching to the exo I can't stand the one solid sheet of carbon fiber on the kuiu frames. Maybe some sort of upper and lower mounting points that span the width of the frame with vertical stays made out of aluminum tubing or carbon fiber rods?
• some sort of handle/webbing loop on the frame between the shoulder straps. I always hunt with my frame pack in the tree, so this is a must for me as far as having a secure spot to hang my pack from.
  
  
  

 

[LeanMachine]

Completely understood! I could have sworn @LeanMachine had a build thread on here somewhere with a really nice DIY frame.

Here's a few features that I would probably try to build into a DIY frame pack if I was going your route:

• load lifters - I feel like these are a must for any frame pack that is designed to carry heavy loads
• angled compression straps - as mentioned before, the upwards angled compression straps on the exo packs are awesome! Super helpful for keeping all that weight centered over the small of your back
• shoulder strap mounting points - take a look at the kuiu bags/frames, they have a feature where you can mount your shoulder straps to either the frame or the bag directly. Makes it really nice for short hunts close to the truck where you might not need a whole frame pack. That's how I have my kuiu 1850 setup for off season scouting
• torsional flex in the frame - not entirely sure how you would do it but after switching to the exo I can't stand the one solid sheet of carbon fiber on the kuiu frames. Maybe some sort of upper and lower mounting points that span the width of the frame with vertical stays made out of aluminum tubing or carbon fiber rods?
• some sort of handle/webbing loop on the frame between the shoulder straps. I always hunt with my frame pack in the tree, so this is a must for me as far as having a secure spot to hang my pack from.
  
  
  

I'm not sure if I posted my frame build here or not. I definitely did on rokslide.

My goal is always to make gear that looks like I bought it. I see some diy stuff that is ROUGH!

I did buy a k4 frame and bag this year and it is amazing. No regrets. But they are very expensive. I just got to a point where I had the money to blow and wanted what I felt was the best pack available.

I will add some pics of the frame and bag I made. I still use it.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[frankp]

Following up on this thread. I finally had a chance to look at some of the commercial packs recently. The frame for the Mystery Ranch Metcalf is almost exactly what I had in mind for my own. It wears well (without any weight) and has a bunch of pack sizes. I'm more or less planning that same suspension system but not as many variations on the pack size. I don't have any big hunting trips coming up so I'll make slow progress on this as I work around other projects.