Gearskin?

[Dutch]

That's a good Idea.

I'm looking at a much loved 35litre daypack and wondering how to magically transform it into a Gearskin. lol
Does anyone have a rough Idea of the height and width of a standard size Gearskin...

I think Dutch may be starting a new trend.

The dimensions I used were from Cameronjreed's catskin which came from Sgt Rocks website. It is 13" x 60" hemmed.

[Take-a-knee]

That's a good Idea.

I'm looking at a much loved 35litre daypack and wondering how to magically transform it into a Gearskin. lol
Does anyone have a rough Idea of the height and width of a standard size Gearskin...

I think Dutch may be starting a new trend.

I think I remember Blackbishop made a gearskin by cannibalizing the suspension system from a manufactured pack. If you have a suitable pack lying around that might be an option.

[slowhike]

No laughing at the old pictures, but here is a site I put toghether back a few years ago. It should explain the concept and help you get a feel for the build quality and other general things:

http://geocities.com/gearskinpics/

-Brian
OES

is that the tarp maker in the pics?

[cameronjreed]

As far as dimension for building your own gearskin... When I built my gear skin I made it 12" wide, 6" deep and 60" long. To see photos check out my gallery.
Sgt Rock has a GREAT review of the Moonbow GearSkin.
I am very, VERY pleased with my gearskin. It has held up well, supports heavy-ish loads (30 lbs) and it feels very comfortable when packed up and cinched down.
As for rain... I put everything into sil-nylon stuff sacks and then I also carry a pack cover (that I use for lots of things like gear hammock, quick storage while camping, etc)
I love my gear skin. I can see places where I can improve my design, but for the most part I love, love, love it.

[jlb2012]

HOI, how do you like the packa? It is a little pricey but I realize it is a jacket and pack cover rolled into one.

Well its great as a pack cover and a rain jacket but hiking in the jacket can be a bit wet due to sweat since it is silnylon. There are large pit/side openings for venting but ones arms still get rather wet with sweat. On the other hand your back does not get as wet as if using a separate jacket under your pack.

In my case Cedar Tree made it special because of the bear canister I carry on the back of the pack.

I also use the Packa as part of my insulation in the hammock - it helps keep my right shoulder warm.

[Ewker]

HOI, that is cool that he made the packa special for you because of the bear canister. I do like how you rigged it up to be carried. Saves a lot of space in the pack

[Brian]

is that the tarp maker in the pics?

Hey Slowhike, that would be me, in September of 2003. If you look on the bottom of the page on my old gear list, you'll see "Hennessy Hammock Hex Fly". That was my first tarp, complete with its 26oz weight. Oh, the good old days when we were young

Brian
OutdoorEquipmentSupplier(.com)

[Walking Bear]

by Brian
Oh, the good old days when we were young

Checked your bio ... to be 20 again.
Some of us are about 3X of that

But I started backpacking late at 48.
However, what I carry now is about half of what it was then Internet education on hiking is a great learning experience. Better than what's on TV.