A lot of bags follow a relatively simple “brick-like” construction. These bags might not have the best looks, but they are definitely the easiest to build without a lot of experience, and you’ll get a perfectly functional bag. I ended up using this one for a 10 days solo trip above the arctic circle and it got me there and back.
When in doubt, always cut straight! You can always add curves and greeblies later.
The two side panels are almost identical. The pockets have different slopes and sizes.
The front and back panel are also assembled out of multiple smaller panels to form clean rectangles.
At the end, the final assembly starts from the side panels aligned to the bottom panel, then “closing” with the front panel as the last big step. Final trims and tidying up the top will hide any misalignments or small dimensional issues.
The Ballast pack is designed for the lightweight multi-day hiker/trekker. Designed to shave off unnecessary weight, but still keeping a sturdy construction, reinforcing area prone to wear, and providing proper gear attachments and a removable top lid.
This pack’s main compartment offer approximately 35L for your main load, and the two side pockets offer in excess of 2 liters for quick access items like water, rain gear and so on. Additionally, the removable top lid offers in excess of 3L of sealed volume secures with a strong zipper on the side.
Amongst other attachments, the packs offers two vertical daisy chains on the front panel which can be laced with shock cord if need be, one trekking pole attachment with quick release on a side panel, a dual ice axe loop on the front, and an extra strong set of daisy chains and D-rings on the bottom for securing tents, sleeping pads, or anything you’d like.
For padding, the back panel has an embedded (non-removable) full-length 4mm closed cell foam pad, with an additional 4mm CCF band and 3D mesh on the hip. The shoulder straps take a minimalist approach to 4mm closed-cell foam and 3D mesh, but will work well for loads up to 8kg.
And since you’re probably interested in some specs, here you go!
Volume
35+5L
Dimensions
80x28x18cm (roll-top closed, without lid)
Weight
typ. 500g (no lid) max. 600g
Carries
comfy. 8kg max. 10kg
Fabrics
Dyneema/Nylon Ripstop (black on black), 1000D Cordura
Closure
Roll-top + Velcro Quick Release Top Lid (removable)
Strap padding
4mm CCF padding + 3D Mesh
Hip Belt
4mm CCF padding + 3D Mesh padding on the hips 25mm strap with 2-sided quick release buckle
Pockets
2+1 (one on each side, different heights, inverted inclination + top lid zipper pouch)
Attachements
– Vertical daisy chains (x2) on the front panel for gear or shock cord – Gear loops on the front panel (4x on each end of the daisy chains) – Compression strap with quick-release (x1) and with ladder lock (x1) – Strong Shock cords with LineLoc to secure side pockets content. – Daisy chains (x2) on bottom, with D-rings (x4) – Daisy chain on each shoulder strap – Loop inside for a water bladder – Top lead attachment can be converted to straps.
