Another Bindle Concept: Custom lightweight backpacks and rucksacks.
You might be wandering what the “buffers” are for. I added them to the pattern so that even with even seam allowance, you should end-up with more fabrics on the tricky parts, which you can then trim later during the pack build.
As always, go slow, and use clips!
If you don’t have a printer to print patterns, that’s fine. I don’t have one. Instead, I take some thin Tyvek, and I draw the patterns by hand. Why Tyvek? It very durable, so I have a pattern I can abuse, clip, tape, and reuse for ever.
The ABC Slumber is a 20+ liter pack designed for short overnight hikes, while carrying limited supplies, and maybe a bivy and sleeping bag combo. It’ll fit a deflated sleeping pad (which can be strapped on-top or below the pack), a good 2 liters of water, some warm layer(s) and rain protection. And of course, a small first aid kit, because you should never hike without one!
On this version, the main body is built out of X-Pac LiteSkin LS07. It’s not the most abrasion resistant fabric, but it offers good protection against the elements for a lightweight laminated fabric. For better wear resistance, the pack is reinforced at the most exposed parts with low denier non-coated Cordura. Here are some more specifications:
| Volume | 20+2 Liters |
| Dimensions | 60x28x12 cm (closed roll-top) |
| Weight | max. 390g (without padding) |
| Carries | comfy. 5kg max. 7kg |
| Fabrics | X-Pac LiteSkin LS07, Cordura (LS07 only comes in one color/pattern) |
| Closure | Roll-top + Velcro |
| Strap padding | 10mm CCF padding + 3D Mesh |
| Hip Belt | No padding. 25mm strap with 2-sided quick release buckle |
| Pockets | 2 (one on each side, different heights, inverted inclinaison) |
| Attachments | – Daisy chain on the front panel for gear – Daisy chains on roll-top for securing pack – Gear loops on the front panel (middle + bottom right) – Compression cords with hook and quick-release (x2) – Compression cords on the bottom panel – Daisy chain on each shoulder strap – Loop inside for a water bladder |
The design relies on using a sleeping bag inside the pack as padding and therefore does not necessarily need a foam pad to protect your back. If you need to protect your back better, I’d recommend using a 10mm high quality closed cell foam (for example Evazote EV50) cut to dimensions.
