Customer Project: Roll top hip pack for bikepacking

by Hideyuki Saito

• OVERVIEW
• HOW DO I MAKE IT
• MATERIALS

• A roll top hip pack for bikepacking. The main fabrics are X-Pac UVX40 and MTN Reflector Mesh. 
  
  My motivation for starting this project was to make myself safer by making myself more visible to motorists on the road at night during bikepacking trips. The requirements for the application are as follows

  • Having a roll-top closure
  • Space to add foods and beers purchased along the way
  • Using reflective materials
  • High durability
  • Easy to operate even with gloves on
  • Design that fits in well in an urban environment

  Sizing is based on the esteemed Porcelain Rocket and Rockgeist's Big Dumpling, with ample storage space in the main compartment. In addition, an external elastic pocket swallows "extras".
  
  The side compression system, which incorporates the language of UL backpacks, allows for quick manipulation to adjust the fit. When you pack more, you can pull back the drawcord to reduce the strain on your waist.
  
  The FIDLOCK buckles help add urban style to an otherwise functionalist outdoor bag, and I love them. They are easy to operate with one hand or even a gloved hand, and I look forward to testing them in the next cold season.
• I first made a simple 3D model in Blender to experiment with the shape. Then I used Affinity Designer to turn each part into a 2D pattern. I highly recommend trying this process as it will break you out of the monotonous world of rectangles.
  
  Once the pattern is complete, prototypes are made from inexpensive fabrics to verify that the size and design will work as intended. After several prototypes, I tackled the production.

• Required Materials:

  
  Fabrics

  • X-Pac UVX40
  • 7.1 oz​ MTN Reflector Stretch Mesh Nylon 6.6
  • Hypalon fabric

  Components

  • Lineloc 3 for side compression system
  • 1/2" Beastee Dee ring for side compression system
  • Fidlock V-Buckle
  • Fidlock SNAP Buckle Flat
  • 1" webbings for front buckle and sides
  • 1.5" webbings for hip straps
  • Velcro for elastic pocket
  • Reflective elastic cords for bottom
  • String Z Buckle for bottom
  • Reflective tactical cords for side compression system

  Related Products:

  • Beastee Dee ring
  • LineLoc 3
  • Fidlock SNAP Buckle Flat
  • 7.1 oz MTN Reflector Stretch Mesh Nylon 6.6
  • Fidlock V-Buckle Split Bar - 25mm
  • X-Pac® UVX40
  • String Z Buckle
  • Reflective Shock Cord