G4 Backpack

A great project for a cold and snowy day. Here are a few photos of the construction process of my G4 backpack. The kit was ordered from Quest outfitters.

Measuring out the body of the pack. The green material is 2.2 ounce ripstop, you can also see a few of the pattern pieces laying close by.

 

 

Measuring the micromesh fabric for the back panel sleeping pad holder.

 

 

Cutting out the mesh for the front and side panels. A white chalk pencil is useful here.

 

 

The shoulder straps and back panel made of oxford nylon. The haul loop and drinking tube loops are also visible.

 

 

This photo shows the waist belt and micro mesh pad holder just after being sewed into place. Also visible are a few extra webbing attachments I added on to the shoulder straps.

 

 

Preparing to sew the front panel mesh to the front panel.

 

 

Putting together the two side panels.

 

 

The back of the finished pack.

 

 

The velcro opening on the hollow shoulder strap. The idea is to place socks or small clothing articles inside for padding.

 

 

The back panel micro mesh pad holder in action. It is designed for use with a Z-rest pad (which folds accordion style) but, I managed to fold my Ridgerest pad and it fits. I should note that my Ridgerest is half lenght at about 35″.

 

 

All done! The front view of the finished pack. Volume is about 4400 cubic inches and the pack weighs 16 ounces.

 

 

 Homemade GearRay Way Backpack

2 thoughts on “G4 Backpack

  1. Ray Smith

    Good job on the pack. I am sewing a G4 pack right now and have a question about the back pad pockets. did you put in a seam at the edges where the pad starts to slide in? the pack would seem unfinished to me with out a hem and a stretch seam like a zigzag.

    Reply
    1. jcammerota Post author

      Hi Ray,

      Thanks for checking out my post. The seam for the top section of the lycra micro mesh pad holder is worked into the main side seam where the back joins the side panels. (Look closely at the photo above with the Ridgerest in the holders, 2nd image from bottom)

      The bottom pad holder only does this on the very top of the seam where it joins the mesh side pocket. The seam then angles out while the pad holder continues in a straight line and this is where the seam is exposed.(Image below.) It should be possible to fold the micro mesh 3/8 inch or so underneath to form a clean looking hem. You would need to add the appropriate length to the piece of material. This might cause a problem if you have already pre cut your pieces, in that case it might be best to continue as is. On my G4 pack they have yet to fray so the only consequence has been the “unfinished” appearance of the bottom pad holder edges. Good luck on your project! Please feel free to post a photo when you have it completed. Hope this helps!

      Reply

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