DIY Waterproof backpack

[BigDuckHunter]

Has anyone here tried making a waterproof backpack? The old canvas one I’ve used for years is getting to the end of its life and I’d like something a little bigger that holds out the water a little better. I’ve looked at offerings from Sitka, divebomb, yeti, etc and they all have two things in common: expensive and no organization. I’m pretty sure I can get the bag itself put together without issue but I’m wondering about how I’m going to do the straps. Most backpacks I own have some sort of foam in the straps but I’m not sure the kind. I’m also not sure on the dimensions of the straps. Does anyone have any experience or guidance?

 

[hereinaz]

Check out ripstop by the roll

 

[BigDuckHunter]

Oh yes I’ve used them plenty for other projects. Do they have info on building things?

 

[hereinaz]

Project Category: Backpacks

As DIYers, we were tired of settling for generic fabrics while big companies had access to all the good stuff. So we launched Ripstop by the Roll - an online community for makers to find the world's best materials - plus the knowledge on how to use them - to successfully make their own gear or...

ripstopbytheroll.com

They sell a foam for straps.

 

[Luke S]

My suggestion would be to find an old pack and steal the straps off it. It saves a ton of time. I've done it on several packs. I use a seam ripper to cut the seams and get the straps out. Then I go down the strap maybe 1/4 inch for the new stich line so I'm not using fabric that has already been weakened. As long as you pay attention to how the straps attach to the original pack and do something similar on the new one it works.