My Latest MYOG Backpack - Design and Details

[@edc641]

Intro music alone is worth a thumbs up. Nice pack, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the design!

[@MsCjmaxi]

This backpack is genious. Should sell in the stores for $200. Market the thing!!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Cool video Joe. Thanks

[@richglasgow9443]

I hope that your dream of making gear becomes a reality! I also hope you do it soon because I'm going to need a pack for next year!

[@DJDavidShmosh]

I’ve been debating on asking him to make me a pack for my thru hike. No budget, just letting him experiment on me and my thru hike. Should help him get the ball rolling.

[@M4ST_]

Can't wait for the how to video. I really wanna make this pack. It looks awesome!

[@garethjones7182]

Some great, original ideas there.

[@ontrail4658]

Can't wait for the build video of your pack. I made myself a synthetic quilt following your diy video. Thanks for the myog content!

[@Jobrewerful1]

Take this to market...I want one!

[@JiTiKeRo]

Very impressive, Joe. I have always found sewing difficult. You must be very patient

[@johnphillips3526]

I can’t wait for the instructional video and pattern!

[@markie3394]

Need a pack now! Just like yours!

[@ihikefar]

Nice pack. Well thought out. What about sewing a mesh pocket right over the outside one? That way you’d have a double pocket with the outside mesh for wet stuff. Cheers!

[@BackcountryBanter]

That's not a bad idea!

[@nathansharp3193]

I like that idea. Best of both worlds! Durability for water bottles, snacks and crap; and mesh for wet jackets, socks and tarps. Maybe do the ice-axe loop trick with the mesh pocket so it can be deployed when you need to dry things and secured when you want to limit its exposure to damage?

[@miketaylor6700]

Could you make a video of the right way to store an ice axe on a pack... thanks!

[@MBergyman]

I'd love to see a pattern for this. I like your pocket design, and clean and tidy lines.

[@rangerroor]

I love how when we make custom packs out pockets don't have to look like other backpacks. I dabble too! Awesome pack

[@normarinker3245]

Love the tuckaway ice axe loops and the compression. So happy for you that you'll be making more gear after your flip flop. You definitely have the experience and ability. Great video!!

[@grtchldy6561]

Very nice design. I made my own G4 pack years ago but it was monstrously large. I want to tighten things up a bit. Great ideas.

[@billmeade3512]

Joe...great job on the design and pack.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Oh cool, I'll check your page out. Thanks!

[@bobbytopadventures]

Looks great. Look forward to the next video!!

[@hampuslindvall9181]

Will definately be making my first pack as soon as you release the how-to! Love the design!

[@Loner2012AT]

Cool backpack Apache! Also really looking forward to your upcoming flip flop hike!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks Loner!

[@ToddStull]

Hey Loner... so we have Craig Mains and Joe here back on the AT from 2012. Are we going to see another Loner thruhike?? 2020? Give the viewers what they want! 😎👌

[@Loner2012AT]

@@ToddStull AT Class of 2012 rules!

[@nlcirque]

Some real thoughtful design elements. Can you show the sternum strap closer when you do the next video? Thanks. Looking forward to all your future content.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I'll do that. It's basically two continuous loops of dynaglide. Those loops just feed through the webbing and loop around themselves.

[@PeteGeniella]

Great pack! The use of whoopie slings as a tensioner is super clever! I'd buy a pack like that!

[@thebigoaktree8401]

Great looking and functional ultralight pack JB!

[@fastbaxter3840]

Super dope pack! Lots of interesting ideas I'm considering stealing for my next pack...

[@bigchief7798]

Awesome pack! Wish I could sew.

[@johnbarber4853]

Joe, can't wait to see how the pack works out on the AT. I really like your design and the fact that it only weighs 1 pound.

[@DJDavidShmosh]

Dude that's an awesome pack!

[@VallartaOffroad]

Some great ideas, cannot wait for the build video! Your videos are always to the point and without any hint of smugness (something I note on various other UL channels). I wish you all the best on your new endeavours

[@GusLuong]

Nice design! Thanks for walking us through your thought process. It's so addicting making your own gear. Keep it up!

[@BackcountryBanter]

It really is! and thanks.

[@RedPawPacks]

Love this pack design, Joe. The compression system and outside pocket are really well thought out. Keep up the great work!

[@jerrywells9222]

You’re a frikin genius Joe. Get a patent. Woopi slings are an awesome idea. Reminds me of a ula but better

[@bryceryan9100]

I've been following you for a while, and was drawn into watching hiking videos by your trips. I always watch your videos first in my subscription list when there's a new one. The pack you demoed is really nice and I like the features. The pull down front pocket is really great. I can totally see myself using that every day. I think you asked for thoughts on topics and what not. One of the shots that I've really enjoyed is the camera on a trekking pole that changes point of view. The shots of the landscape then over the head then to the other side of the landscape then to the trail in front... Breath taking. That style of shot captures the experience of hiking so well, and the landscapes and experiences to choose were amazing, and true to life, as I found out when I walked through some of the same places. thanks for putting these out there and making it accessible.

[@SturmpapstXII]

Awesome design!

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Awesome pack! I may make it some day.

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

I really like the huge outer pocket, nice. For fun, you could make & sell ultra light grocery shopping bags to us Californians, as single use bags here are history. You could spot a thru hiker backpacker all the way across the grocery store with a dyneema bag, ha! Or, a NeoAir outer liner protector sleeve (puncture protection)?

[@yanlap2183]

Good job 👍

[@jenswirf6623]

Would love to see some more projects! 🙏

[@paulfrantz3403]

So rad!

[@tkpwns04]

I really like the design, especially the one piece back pocket. My favorite running vest has a huge pocket that is accessible while wearing and the angled pocket of my kumo is also easy to get into without taking the pack off. I could see it being really useful for quick access to gear, extra water bottles, etc. Nice work!

[@johnmichaels4330]

Very cool. Would love to see it full. Seems small for a through hike, but I've never done an AT through hike so idk what I'm talking about. Lol. Subed.

[@fedegoeswoods3142]

Very interesting design! I'd be curious to see the hip belts ;)

[@ToddStull]

Rad backpack! I'd name it the Whoopi Pie!

[@AshleyBoyd308]

Curious if you had a chance to do a more detailed video of the pack construction? Thinking of making one myself and I like the design of yours?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Unfortunately I haven't made that video yet. I have fabric ready to go on a new pack build, I just have to find the time to build it. When I do I'll be filming and making a how-to video.

[@dvickers2000]

Love the bag and how much thought you put into it. I'm looking forward to your step by step "how to make the bag" video release.

[@coolthingsbyjames]

11/10 would buy a pack from you. This really looks like a rad pack, excited to see what it looks like with the mesh front pocket.

[@romansokolov6893]

I would add some sort of separating mesh or something along those lines. I have a pack with the same consruction of the expandable pocket and it's kind of a pain to keep all the small items from sliding to the sides.

[@michiganprospector8209]

Looks like you should be thinking about model names for your backpacks because most of us can't sew and might want to purchase one.

[@mattbullock1673]

Maybe gridstop for the side pockets and mesh for the back? Love it

[@leogiloni8204]

would like to see the making video :))

[@garrettmain3712]

He's wearing a Melly, so you know he's legit.

[@potti8502]

Hey, I like your design and would like to build one for my own. What happens with the build video :)?

[@GODOFROCK22]

Welp. Put me on the waitlist for one of your packs. Thanks!

[@NoTrail]

I am anti-ultralight myself...but you my friend, are a genius...and quite skilled.

[@TomTeriffic]

Love the one-giant-pocket design and the Dynaglide pack compression system. Would definitely prefer a 3.5 oz/sqyd mesh pocket (like Zpacks uses for their center pockets) or maybe even better, a combination of mesh (in the center) and ripstop (on the sides). The S-curve shoulder straps look comfortable and I like the taper you incorporated into the pack body and your reasoning for the taper. Looks like a very short torso height - not sure if that's good or bad? Instead of making your own hip belt pockets, would it be possible to use Zpacks add-on Belt Pouches? That would allow you to attach/remove them as/when needed. You might also be able to use some of their other add-ons, like their shoulder strap Water Bottle Sleeve, Shoulder Pouch and/or Top Side Pocket? Just a thought

[@rigbyUnbound]

sweet design.. getting the straps right has to be the hardest thing. look forward to the 'making' video

[@nathansharp3193]

A backpack manufacturer thumbed the video down! 🤣

[@nathanfrancis8236]

Hey was wondering if the tutorial is still coming out for this

[@onkelsort5381]

Wow. Beautiful backpack! You could def sell them.

[@onkelsort5381]

Maybe make the padding on the hip belt a bit shorter for easy fitting for dieters and / or beer drinkers if you are gonna sell them (even though they do look supercomfy as is)... I would def prefer meshpockets btw. And again, great job making that!

[@WAndrewHarper]

hiding the ice axe loops in drain holes, and whoopie slings for compression - that's rad!

[@yoddythegreat]

Man, really cool videos youve made! Cant wait you to make your own footwear one day! 😂

[@nathansharp3193]

As soon as you get the hip pockets on I'm sold!!! That's awesome! What's the materials cost?? Doing tarp shopping I realized that making 'my' own wouldn't save me a lot. Of course I'd also need to learn to sew too. If the materials for this are relatively cheap - I guess less than $100 is what I call cheap - then I'm ready to learn to sew. I do own a sewing machine! It would be awesome if you'd buy some bulk materials and sell them a MYOG kit. If it's under $100 I wouldn't think very hard about it. I'd want you to make a fair profit off of putting the kits together too if you did something like that. I've got a big winter bag and I'm ready for a one pound summer bag. I finally got my camping stuff whittled down to where I can save several pounds off my base-weight with a nice bag. This bag looks like it would hold a gallon of water if it had to. Right now I'm in Texas and a gallon capacity is needed in some places here. I look forward to the video of you putting one together. I really like your design. The huge external pocket is awesome.

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's been a while since I've ordered the material so I don't have an exact cost. I'd guess its around $70-$90. I'm hoping to do a kit, but this will have to happen after I hike the AT. Thanks!

[@nathansharp3193]

Backcountry Banter : Have fun on your AT trip! I'm digging your channel! 👍

[@russellinthebush2897]

Interesting pack. I'm curious how securely the front pocket (wrap around pocket?) holds water bottles on the sides? It just seems like they'd be falling over, and be a pain to deal with, especially when having to down climb something.

[@BackcountryBanter]

When you tighten up the shock cord it's actually pretty secure. I've added some tie outs to the big pocket that can be attached to the compression lines just in case water bottles are flopping around too much. This should create an actual bottle pocket that eliminates wobble.

[@russellinthebush2897]

@@BackcountryBanter That makes sense. Hey just something silly, but I think I wore the same shirt last year on the PCT as you did on the CDT. Well, not the exact same shirt, but we would have been twins (maybe father/son would be a more likely comparison). I did a daily vlog if you want to check it out and have a laugh.

[@jeremywenrich]

This is great! I just started reading up on x-pac in the last week. Which version is this? VX07? What are your thoughts on the material versus Dyneema Composite Fiber? I like the touch with the drainage and ice axe loops. Are you worried about mesh getting ripped up over time? This has made me second guess a pack with a mesh pocket, but I see your point about letting stuff dry. Hmmm... That’s a lot of questions.

[@BackcountryBanter]

This is VX21. I think this fabric is tougher with abrasion than dyneema is. I personally don't think dyneema is a good pack material. There's just too much abrasion going on. The mesh I'll be using is super tough so I'm not worried... we'll see what happens though!

[@nishanhainds6262]

this bag looks amazing!!! you're in denver? would love to link up

[@jonasbn]

Looks like a well design and well sewn pack. What are the aprox. dimensions?

[@Paganmensch]

cool backpack, can you make a backpack sewing tutorial?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's coming...

[@osmokallio3303]

@@BackcountryBanter Are you still planning on making the tutorial?

[@heatherteeters4697]

I wish you were selling the pattern! I'd love to sew this myself.

[@vegancst]

Hey you've got some great ideas, as usual. Ingenious with the loops and the compression system. I was wondering if you would ever consider offering some tips for how to modify an existing pack. I have a pretty traditional gregory pack I got used and want to strip it down to make it lighter and more suited to my purposes. I was thinking of cutting everything off and adding mesh to the outside, as well as removing the brain and making the draw string into a roll top. Not really sure how I would sew on the mesh without cutting open the pack. I'm a beginner at best. Any tips? Thanks!

[@richardksimpson800]

Fantastic. It's great watching creative people looks at something like a pack with fresh eyes. Nice work. Ps. I agree with you on the mesh back panel VS the pack material. More stretchy and probably lighter. I look forward to seeing the next version.

[@alicja4620]

You want a comment? You get a comment - I am impressed! Great design!

[@bg26892]

sick ice axe loop idea! correct me if i'm wrong but are there really just two pieces of blue/green xpac in the whole build?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Almost... The panel that has the pack straps is actually two pieces joined together to create a seam for the straps to sew into.

[@AndrewTailorBosher]

Hey bro, really nice pack, thanks a lot for sharing, sweet video. I'm a gear designer-maker myself. As you asked for comments/ suggestions...A commonality I see min many ULwight packs is a "hip belt" which is really a "waist belt" . In my experience, they tend to ride up and become uncomfortable and also get in the way of pocket access too. What are your thoughts, observations? any ideas on how to lower the waist belt to ride on the hips instead of the waist? peace

[@karlb1695]

insane pack! i'm curious how much materials cost to make it, excluding all the labor

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's been so long since I bought the material that I don't actually know. My guess is around $70.

[@karlb1695]

you roll your thermarest to taco, and use it as a supportive material in your rucksack, what about special section in rucksack near the back ( similar to laptop sleeve ) where you keep thermarest folded to rectangle for support ?

[@ravenwood0657]

This is cool I'm 12 and I'm going to do adventures and explore with my friends

[@foggs]

How do you deal with hip pockets rubbing on the inside of your forearms? I usually wear a long sleeve t-shirt, but it's not always practical in the summer months

[@BackcountryBanter]

This has never really been an issue for me since my trekking poles keep my forearms above my hip pockets. I've worn some packs with thick pockets though and really didn't like how they impeded my arms.

[@Hirsute_Heathen]

Any update on a build video?

[@fbnc11]

Looks good! How many liters? 16 oz. Thats impressive.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! It's around 40 Liters.

[@tomrm96]

Did you ever make the how to?

[@ChrisfromFL]

I have a question that you might be able to answer, why do shoulder straps anchor points angle toward the back of your waist? Why not like suspenders so they attach towards your belly button?

[@noelherrera3490]

Can you please provide the pattern for the outside pocket? Thank you.

[@patrickhellwick8726]

Sharp pack

[@joehalcomb1745]

Joe I spoke to mom and told her to get you a pair shoes that I would pay for them.

[@jhonyermo]

HOW MUCH? 😃 I know you are busy building the van, but OMG. And a bottom pocket for trash etc?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I'm looking for a sewing machine to take on the road with us. I really want to be able to make gear as we travel.

[@robertcox5407]

What is your feedback on shoulder strap pockets, work don't work, would you add those?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I'm definitely a fan so long as they are in the right position (for me this is over the chest strap area.) I held off on adding them on this pack because I couldn't come up with a functional design. If I have time I'll add some on later.

[@paoemantega8793]

at 6'3" this pack is too small for me, but the design is very nice and I wait with anitici .. .. pation for the mesh and hip pockets ;)

[@BackcountryBanter]

I'm making the torso length adjustable on it so it should be able to fit you with some altered dimensions.

[@paoemantega8793]

@@BackcountryBanter you're a star :)

[@calvingibson1361]

Hey how much you charge to make a custom backpack sample?

[@4058941]

i was wondering why didnt you add a stretchy bottom bocket?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It could easily be done. I just like having a more durable bottom to the pack though.

[@sutner9559]

It Is completely waterproof? DCF?

[@snowpeakkim]

Hello Wonderful of your backpack I love the backpack I want to buy it, where do I buy it?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Unfortunately this was a build for my thruhike. I have plans to make more in the future though and I'll be posting them on my instagram to sell them (@backcountrybanter)

[@ryetorres2942]

How do u measure the outer pocket of the pack in liters?

[@alo7977]

I am new to the ultralight community, can someone give me an advice on some on-line shops where I can find fabrics with good price/quality ratio? Thanks in advance

[@tomhart3058]

What volume is the pack, please?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's around 40 Liters.

[@junkman226]

Did you seam seal the pack?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I didn't. It could be fairly easily done though.

[@Jobrewerful1]

Now that you are hiking the AT with this pack, I am excited to hear how it’s working for you. Is there anything you might change now that you’ve hiked with the pack?

[@mars_hikes967]

I love the disco theme of the video. The pack is way too smart for me, I feel naked without all the details an Osprey pack offers. It doesn't hurt to have 100 details you never gone use, they are all made of plastic, which is fantastic. As there is still enough space in the oceans for this crap.

[@ulperformance4087]

The hip carrier doesn't appear to be sitting at your hips and you've lost about 25 percent of your breathing ability with the strap located where it's placed. The hip belt strap needs to be located a few inches below your navel to obtain full diaphramatic breathing. If you carry about 20 pounds of gear or less than you don't neet to support a portion of the load at your hips. Should you prefere to carry 20 pounds or less, It would be best to locate a set of straps with buckle or other removable method just below you pectoral muscles instead of the sternum corded location. The hip belt is necessary to reduce the sidewase swaying of a pack. Located below your pectoral muscles prevents the loss of natural breathing or if carrying over 20 pounds, placing a hip strap a few inches below your navel is best