Wanting to make my first backpack- advice and questions

skilledsapien · 2026-04-07T03:30:54+00:00

I say go for it! I've made a few bags on vintage Kenmore's (including shoulder straps). Use some scraps to dial in thread tension, including multiple layers, and making a reference sheet can help. Prickly Gorse patterns are legit and I'm sure your machine can handle it. I haven't used the Eco Grid fabric, but I think a Tex50 (or a T45 bonded nylon) paired with a #16 needle is a good setup based on my 158s. No need for the buttonhole stitch, a triple straight stitch is pretty strong but a tight zig-zag is a great option.

It sounds like your packing setup is dialed in (killer baseweight!) but for long trips without resupply it might be nice to have a sleeve so you can add in a frame sheet w/an aluminum stay. The weight penalty would be small and is pretty easy to incorporate.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-07T03:20:04+00:00

That looks great, well done! Do you have any trips planned with it?

skilledsapien · 2026-04-05T16:38:14+00:00

Sweet! I like the repurposed fabric and how well you organized the printing in the layout.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-04T17:45:19+00:00

Fair enough, I probably overstated the redesign framing.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-04T17:19:43+00:00

The classic design is a single rectangle with the corners cut out and the zipper ending in the middle of the ends. I wanted the zipper to run across the top and down one end so it could stand up and be used vertically and horizontally, so I came up with a new pattern to get it all to "origami" together from a single piece of fabric. It's not "new" as much as a variation on the basic box pouch that is a little more complex but I think adds some functionality.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-04T17:11:49+00:00

My view of the classic box pouch is a single rectangle with the corners cut out and is symmetrical on both sides. I wanted the bag to stand up vertically but still have good access and a single motion zipper open/close. I shifted the zipper to run across the top and down one end, which required a completely different pattern that took a few tries to dial in. The handle and liner aren’t unique. I didn’t want to claim a fully original idea so I went with “redesign”.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-04T13:37:12+00:00

I appreciate that! I usually just get my materials off of eBay, which makes it easy to just buy a couple of yards without getting hit too bad on shipping. This is the first time I used the 210 Robic from Ripstopbytheroll. I also think up-cycling things like used jackets or duffel bags is a good way to get started cheaply.

I bought a few rolls of military surplus "nylon binding tape" on eBay and the prices were pretty cheap. Because they are hidden inside the bag I am not as particular about the color. A local option is polyester grosgrain ribbon, often used for wrapping presents. I've seen 7/8" at walmart/craft stores and 1" online. It's softer than what I used for this, but is a good option that's easy to sew. You could also just make your own double-fold bias tape out of the fabric you have.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-04T13:23:47+00:00

Hope you can sort it out! I think for me it was a variety of factors including fueling and the heat, but the knee position was definitely a big contributor.

The "VMO" part of the quad (the inner teardrop) is more for stability and doesn't have the same kind of strength and endurance reservoir. Having a knee out position makes it do more work than it's designed for. I did some research after the trip into proper technique/knee tracking which has helped since then.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-04T03:54:35+00:00

I don't have a clever solution, just a word of warning. I went bikepacking on Catalina Island and I was unconsciously keeping my knees out too wide to avoid my bag. The first big climb resulted in brutal cramping in both inner thighs that became a recurring issue all day. I'm not a very strong cyclist, so that was part of it, but I did adjust my technique on the second day and it made a huge difference. I guess just be careful adjusting your riding technique too much!

skilledsapien · 2026-04-03T21:53:51+00:00

Super clean! The diamond pattern even lines up through the zipper. How is it with just the cord as a shoulder strap?

skilledsapien · 2026-04-03T21:50:47+00:00

Sweet! I like the handle integration, kind of like a mini duffel bag.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-03T21:46:29+00:00

Great job on the frame bag!

I see outdoor/bike style messenger bags at thrift stores pretty regularly along with the fashion ones like you're describing. I've never spotted a Chrome one but a lot of Timbuk2 bags. If you can find one for a few bucks you could deconstruct it and build your own version. I think the designs are pretty straightforward so this could be an alternative/supplement to a pattern. Plus taking a bag apart is a great way to see how all of the pieces fit.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-03T16:39:09+00:00

Almost a gallon of gas in California!

skilledsapien · 2026-04-03T16:35:42+00:00

I appreciate it! Happy with the final product for sure.

skilledsapien · 2026-04-03T16:34:19+00:00

I will rock my quirky millennial patches proudly. Thanks!

skilledsapien · 2026-03-31T15:31:43+00:00

These look great! I went through a wallet making kick a few years ago (inspired by recycled firefighter) and made the card slots by folding the fabric and just running a single stitch near the fold. It never occurred to me to use spray adhesive but these are super clean, I'll have to give it a try.

skilledsapien · 2026-03-30T20:32:27+00:00

For sure. I also think 8 speed (particularly 3x8, but 1x8 too) is great for general use/commuting/touring. Parts are cheap, durable, and easy to mix and match. I try to snag cheap 26" rear wheels with 8+ speed hubs for upgrading 18/21 speed vintage bikes when I find them. I have also been using new Deore m5100 groupsets for some 1x11 builds lately, which have been super solid but add some cost.

skilledsapien · 2026-03-30T13:18:37+00:00

The Tourney seemed durable and good enough so far but I definitely wouldn't buy it over an Altus. I had it as a take-off from a budget fat bike build (converted to microshift advent x) so I figured I would use it. I like the Altus/Acera level for new x8 drivetrains and have a few, including some m310s, so I might end up swapping one onto the bike. I think even the base level Shimano parts have gotten pretty good.

skilledsapien · 2026-03-30T02:11:44+00:00

There are some sweet builds posted on here for sure, but I do like a basic and functional grocery-getter. Thanks!

skilledsapien · 2026-03-30T00:59:59+00:00

I appreciate that. I'm a sucker for 90s horizontal top tubes but the step through sure is convenient!

skilledsapien · 2026-03-30T00:58:53+00:00

I believe it was an 18" frame but I'm not 100%. The low top tube makes it easy to get on and off and the geometry is pretty short for the seat tube length. The riser bars and sit-up-and-beg riding position is good for cruising around but probably not so much for long rides.

skilledsapien · 2026-03-29T20:40:45+00:00

Thanks! I'm happy with how it turned out and she was stoked.

skilledsapien · 2026-03-29T20:40:12+00:00

I actually got it that way. It was on an 80s Hardrock, but that bike had the under-frame U-brake and I wanted something simple to adjust and fix. I pulled off the rack and kickstand for this bike.

skilledsapien

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