Which pack?

[SoftServe]

So Santa brought me this...

And now I need to get to work on a pack, a couple hammocks for my family, and a tarp...

I was looking for DIY pack instructions, and have found two contenders for what I want... I might order a Ray-Way kit, and I might order a G4 kit. The G4 is cheaper, but it's too big and I'll have to figure out how to get the inside down to around 2,400 cubes. The Ray-Way pack doesn't have the pad-frame thing that the G4 does, so I'd have to get some lycra and add the pad pocket. The Ray-Way looks easier to do, though.

Which would you guys do?

[Mustardman]

I haven't used either, but I have seen many G4's on the trail. I can't recall seeing a single Ray-Way. It makes me wonder if there is a reason for that discrepancy.

[rjcress]

I was looking for DIY pack instructions, and have found two contenders... a Ray-Way kit, and ... a G4 kit.
Which would you guys do?

Neither.
The RayWay is too small, the G4 too large, based on your 2400ci target.

I made a G4 Scout and found it to be much bigger than expected.
You didn't mention your intended use, which makes a HUGE difference in gear selection. However, looks like you are looking for something very light, and smallish.
I like these:
http://www.freewebs.com/litepacks/index.htm

I'm really diggin' the "balance pack" concept... ie. smaller backpack plus small front pouches to equalize the load a bit front to back.
http://www.aarnusa.com/ourpacks.htm

This is a very light option akin to Ray's designs:
http://www.imrisk.com/jjpack/ultrajjpack.htm

There is one other that I really like, but I can't find the link right now. Its one of Rodney's designs (first link above)... picutured in blue and orange. I think its right around 2400 ci...

[rjcress]

Found it!
Rodney Liwanag's LAB Pack
http://thru-hiker.com/projects/lab_pack.php

Volume = 1800 ci
with extended collar = 2300 ci
I'll likely make one of these a touch larger with a target of 2000 ci before extending the collar. That will give about 2500 with the collar.
Then I can add balance bags to the front for trips requiring more volume.

Not sure if this is the right solution for you, but they are thorough directions with great cut and assembly diagrams. Figure 2 shows how to scale it larger or smaller.

Regardless, let us know what you choose and don't forget to post pictures.

[titanium_hiker]

I like the look of a moonbow gearskin and might have a go at making one (spotlight trip for the grosgrain and buckles needed, as well as the staps and belts)

http://www.moonbowgear.com/1trailgea.../gearskin.html
http://hikinghq.net/gear/moonbow_gearskin.html

of course, there is the bridgeskin, which is a pack that turns into a hammock
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=2479

TH

[SoftServe]

This was nearly a year ago... I finished my pack:



... and after a couple uses, decided I did a good job but I still didn't like it.

I'd like to trade it for another frameless pack. I suppose there's another place for that...