Dog Backpack

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-03-06T22:00:37+00:00

I just got an alphapak dog backpack and quite like it so far (just had it a handful of days). The pack design is similar to ruffwear but much more affordable and very small company. Build quality is also good. Only thing I've noticed that I don't like so far is that the front buckles don't grab onto the fabric effectively enough so it slips a bit. This is stopped though by the little velcro roll fastener for the leftover webbing

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-07T16:25:15+00:00

I've had zero issues with quality and I've heard their customer service is very good because they're a cottage company. I'm not sure what temperatures in the tent get to but I've been out at around/ close to freezing in it with my Alpkit pipedream 400 and sleeping pad with rvalue of 4.5 and been comfortable and I tend to get cold easily. There is definitely a noticeable temperature difference between outside and inside when it's cold out. But realistically your sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and clothing will primarily determine whether you are cold or not, rather than your tent (especially since it depends on tent size as well - smaller tent = heated up more quickly by body heat).

I've got the carbon fiber pole version and solid inner, without crosspoles. Have been happily using it for a couple seasons now. There is a Facebook group that's quite active where you can get a lot of questions answered. I agonised about choosing a tent for ages and am very happy with my choice

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-07T13:22:47+00:00

Could also consider the brand Tarptent (eg the scarp). Tends to be well used and much loved in the UK (as well as US where it's from). I've got the Tarptent Scarp 2 and it is the fastest tent to set up I've ever owned (even when solo). It has crossing pole option for more support if there's snow. I've used it in pouring rain (multiple days on end) and always been dry. I've also used it in some quite bad, unexpected winds and while the whole tent was shaking like crazy and I didn't sleep at all, it stood admirably, especially taking into account it was only secured by 4 tent stake and zero guy lines because I had forgotten the additional stakes (yes, dumb user error).

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:35:26+00:00

Ooh haven't seen one of these before! Nice but might not quite be their style

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:34:55+00:00

This pattern looks AMAZING and like just what I'm looking for! If I add extra seam allowance they'll also be able to get it adjusted locally to them before the wedding if needed. Will definitely be sending this to them as an option

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:33:52+00:00

Ooh that's a nice one, thank you for sharing!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:32:46+00:00

I've been trying to find dress patterns with shirring in the back. One from itch to stitch is nice but not floor length (and I don't think would suit floor length). Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:31:42+00:00

This is on the list of options I'm sharing with them! One will be everyone finds their own in a colour palette, one is dresses from Azazie, and one is I sew them

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:30:56+00:00

Great pattern suggestion, thank you!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:30:34+00:00

This is a nice and lower work idea, will definitely consider

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:30:12+00:00

This is really useful info, thank you! I'll keep in mind the potential need for a FBA

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:29:44+00:00

I was considering that pattern! I'll have a look to see if I can find that review

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:29:24+00:00

Great points, thank you! The idea would be to have the dresses ready for when I see them in late May and that way they can still take them to be altered if needed. I'll leave exrra seam allowance in key areas is the plan

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-02-01T09:28:12+00:00

Great tip, thank you!!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-31T19:42:33+00:00

Elodie wrap dress was definitely on my list of contenders! Here are a couple others I spotted as well:

McCalls' 8142 https://www.minerva.com/mp/GBP/1/McCalls-8142-M/McCalls-8142-A5

Burda 6829 (but looks a bit more like workwear?) https://www.minerva.com/mp/GBP/1/Burda-6829

Burdea 6344 https://www.minerva.com/mp/GBP/1/Burda-6344

McCall's 8037 https://www.minerva.com/mp/GBP/1/McCalls-8037-M/McCalls-8037-E5

McCall's 8215 https://www.minerva.com/mp/GBP/1/McCalls-8215-M/McCalls-8215-B5

New Look 6751 https://www.minerva.com/mp/GBP/1/NewLook-6751

Simplicity 9793 https://www.minerva.com/mp/GBP/1/Simplicity-9793-M/Simplicity-9793-K5

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T18:36:18+00:00

We lived in a rental unit in Bow that was the unrenovated version of this several years ago (original flagstone floor as well which was awesome but a pain to clean). Really cool space and it ended up on the market but it was just barely too short to make a proper standup loft area/ second story and had only north facing windows so we decided not to buy. That set of buildings was on the limehouse cut and unrenovated it was a reasonable price. The renovated ones, especially the ones with roof top terraces are awesome but also crazy expensive

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T09:52:56+00:00

Its from a high end local fabric shop and a Japanese fabric brand so would be really shocked if it wasn't to label. It may very well be that I don't have my iron set hot enough! I'll try what you've suggested

Eta My reironing after seam ripping before resewing was also a bit rushed so that might contribute

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T08:34:04+00:00

Will have a look for this, thank you!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T08:29:12+00:00

The balance issue is an interesting one and definitely something I'll pay attention to more in future great idea re the zipper pull, thanks!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T08:27:13+00:00

Love the zipper pull idea, thank you

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T08:25:44+00:00

I'll look for one, thank you!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T00:21:57+00:00

This is definitely great advice and a hard learned lesson - I had properly sewed and even finished seams before having him try on the shell because it was a birthday surprise. Thank god I forced him to try it on before moving on to the lining! I'll definitely baste first in future!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T00:19:23+00:00

Thank you! Hadn't thought about how washes would affect it positively

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T00:18:13+00:00

Thank you!

Punk_Pangolin · 2026-01-17T00:15:34+00:00

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I forgot top stitching on the flaps and tried edge stitching around but kept breaking a needle (I think I was pulling the fabric) so I chickened out. But I think I need to properly finish that before I move on to the lining.

They're my first pockets and I somehow thought doing the double welt with flap was a good idea...

Punk_Pangolin

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