DIY Pack Top Lid

[Stid2677]

Kifaru makes great pack lids, I have one of each, however none really a exactly what I need for my style of hunting. I never remove the lid so I just don't need the ability to do that and would rather have the extra storage for that pack weight. So I decided to make a custom lid for my Timberline pack. It will be replacing a XTL lid.

Wanted to use the entire lid for storage and wanted it bigger so I made it a couple inches larger, both wider and longer. I made the zipper open in a quick rip style and added a few tie downs on top and a row to secure a pullout or other storage in the lid.

Used a special tool to round the corners..

Cut the top and bottom.

Installed the #8 water resistant zippers.

Trying to figure out how to install it.

 

[dreamingbig]

You sir have skills!

 

[Stid2677]

Got all the parts made, time to make it one piece.

Sewing on the draw cords.

Top and bottom done, now time to see if they work together.

Top with the tie downs.

Sewing it up.

So far so good.

 

[Stid2677]

All done,, side by side.

Finished lid.

The Kifaru XTL weight

Steve Lid...

So my home made lid come in about 4 OZs lighter and I gained about 500 CI, I figure this lid has about 1100 CI of storage with faster access. Will give it a good test drive soon during spring bear season.

Steve

 

[colonel00]

Very nice once again. What do you have planned for those attachment points? The four outside ones I assume just running cinch straps through or whatever that that center one has me perplexed.

 

[luke moffat]

Nicely done Steve!!! Looks kinda like a longhunter but with a much cooler looking zipper huh??? That is sweet!

 

[Stid2677]

Very nice once again. What do you have planned for those attachment points? The four outside ones I assume just running cinch straps through or whatever that that center one has me perplexed.

You have it right,, light weight cinch straps for the 4 outside point and the center is for the strap the runs over the top of the Timberline pack. With any luck it will help hole down a pair of ram horns or a bear hide soon.

Yea Luke,, a larger Longhunter with a MR style rip zip for quick access.

 

[OR Archer]

Nice work! Now where did you score the fabric at? I have a DIY project in mind and would love to get my hands on some fabric just like this.

 

[Stid2677]

Nice work! Now where did you score the fabric at? I have a DIY project in mind and would love to get my hands on some fabric just like this.

Kryptek sells it on their website,, Google Kryptek fabric and it should come up. Ebay has some too.

 

[OR Archer]

Thanks!

 

[rhunter424]

Just a suggestion - you have a waterproof zipper but then the "rip tabs" create a 2 or 3 inch hole facing upward. This looks like a grommet in the wrong direction! A zipper flap and reversing the direction of the pull tabs may help you. Looks good otherwise.

 

[Tekla]

Very nice Steve. You are starting to make the rest of us look bad. Talent at home and in the hills pretty impressive

 

[tm7554]

Steve,

Enough sewing and back to epic hunt threads already. I look forward to those like when I was a kid and a new issue of outdoorlife was delivered.

 

[Stid2677]

Steve,

Enough sewing and back to epic hunt threads already. I look forward to those like when I was a kid and a new issue of outdoorlife was delivered.

Research for new material, will begin soon. The draw results come out Friday,, spring bear and sheep already planned.

 

[tm7554]

Research for new material, will begin soon. The draw results come out Friday,, spring bear and sheep already planned.

Looking forward to it for you. You post the best stuff on the net bar none.

 

[MesaHorseCo.]

Crafty! looks good, and gets me thinking..

 

[amp713]

Still interested if you decide to build up from the prototype haha

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Steve, have you tried this in the field much yet? If so what's the report?