Anyone into Sewing?

Most people start with simple stuff like a small day pack, roll top stuff sack or chalk bag, and for fabric the easiest, reliable sources are Ripstop by the Roll, Rockywoods Fabrics, and Seattle Fabrics they all carry proper pack fabrics and hardware so you can keep it simple and still build something solid.

Finally got around to sewing a fly for my G7. I modeled after the flys High Mountain Gear makes. Fabric is Hex 70 with PU4000 coating. Basically took a dogbone and stiched it to the stuff sack, then covered it in seam sealer. The bottom edge has stretch binding all the way around. Still need to add a couple buckle straps to under side to make sure it stays put. 

Mark Websterwrote:

Does anyone know why Seattle Fabrics is still not allowing walk-ins? During Covid it made sense, but 5 years later?

There's a google review from July 2025 saying that yeah, it's basically still due to covid and the store isn't sure it'll ever open for in-store customers again. The worker there stood 10 feet away through the gate while talking to him.

They've got to be losing a lot of business with their current model. If there was a physical shop I'd be going in all the time. Now there's not much point when their selection is slightly worse and their prices are slightly higher. Also wanted share here about suppliers I've come to prefer. Rbtr and rocky woods are obvious. For aluminum hardware in the U.S. Tribulus Limited has a strong supply. Theres also Mozet Supplies and Refasten(awesome technical materials) in Canada but seems duties are starting to increase and shipping is more expensive. Yet to try out ExtremeTextil since they're across the pond but their selection looks stupid good, makes me envy the euros.

Lucas Ngwrote:

They've got to be losing a lot of business with their current model. If there was a physical shop I'd be going in all the time. Now there's not much point when there selection is slightly worse and their prices are slightly higher. Also wanted share here about suppliers I've come to prefer. For aluminum hardware in the U.S. Tribulus Limited has a strong supply. Theres also Mozet Supplies and Refasten(awesome technical materials) in Canada but seems duties are starting to increase and shipping is more expensive. Yet to try out ExtremeTextil since they're across the pond but their selection looks stupid good, makes me envy the euros.

I ordered some stuff from extremetextil before the tariffs and was pretty happy, and have used adventureexpert a number of times before and since. They've got a lot of good plastic hardware, and their signature cord loop webbing (since cloned by mozet in Canada)

Had some fun this morning making a boulder bucket.

Mike Jwrote:

Hade some fun this morning making a boulder bucket.

Mike, how did you do the embroidery?  Do you have a machine?  

Jay Andersonwrote:

Mike, how did you do the embroidery?  Do you have a machine?  

Yeah, I have access to a basic embroidery machine at work. It's fun to play with.

Whats the blue fabric? 

Max Rwrote:

Whats the blue fabric? 

It's a 50 g/sqm ripstop nylon. Something I bought to make a quilt but that never happened.

Has anyone tried to make a hall bag cover to put over a day pack ? I know mammut makes one but it's kinda lame. I am imagining a bullet shape with an integrated swivel, I think that the bottom of the cover could stay open to tick to UL box.  

Andre Chiangwrote:

Has anyone tried to make a hall bag cover to put over a day pack ? I know mammut makes one but it's kinda lame. I am imagining a bullet shape with an integrated swivel, I think that the bottom of the cover could stay open to tick to UL box.  

I like the idea. I started to imagine an integrated cover, something that you could pull out of the day pack's interior and invert over the whole thing. But then...why not just a day pack made with sturdy materials and removable straps?!

Yeah I agree with Pete. If you have the skills to just make a pack, building one out of challenge ultra should last many years of hauling wear (I’m at 3+ and going strong). I suppose a sleeve would be much easier if you are worried about actually constructing a bag.

If you do decide to go the sleeve route, I think challenge ultra (I believe 500 is the burliest ) is great for ease of working with, availability, durability and weight.

Andre Chiangwrote:

Has anyone tried to make a hall bag cover to put over a day pack ? I know mammut makes one but it's kinda lame. I am imagining a bullet shape with an integrated swivel, I think that the bottom of the cover could stay open to tick to UL box.  

The Trango lightweight daypack (Ration pack?) also comes with a hauling cover designed much like you're describing, but the material is corder, not PU haul bag stuff.  Still, if you treat those haul bag covers as a form of consumable item, subject to replacement every year or two, it could be useful.  I'd bet that making one out of more abrasion resistant material would be prohibitively bulky and heavy.  You can also order a replacement Trango ration pack cover as a standalone.

Matt Carrollwrote:

Yeah I agree with Pete. If you have the skills to just make a pack, building one out of challenge ultra should last many years of hauling wear (I’m at 3+ and going strong). I suppose a sleeve would be much easier if you are worried about actually constructing a bag.

If you do decide to go the sleeve route, I think challenge ultra (I believe 500 is the burliest ) is great for ease of working with, availability, durability and weight.

Matt, have you noticed delamination issues or stitch elongation in the seams? Did you tape your seams? 

Nope, I havent. I havent taped the seams. 

it's a bit frayed, but i feel like it has always looked like that.