32 Litre Frameless* Ultralight Backpack Sewing Guide
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Description
Hike Light, Hike Fast (or hike light and take it easy 🙂 )
Sew your own commercial quality backpack with beginner friendly instructions.
“I can’t believe that is homemade”
A 32L backpack, following the design of modern ultralight packs: a large roll-top main compartment with multiple external, easy access, generously sized pockets. This example pack weights ~600g, which could easily be reduced with lighter materials.
*Although a frameless backpack guide, the instructions include an optional sleeve that allows you to insert a shaped bit of plastic/foam as a frame for a slight improvement in carrying comfort. There are no load lifters, padded hip belt or frame instructions, as these are covered in the range of Prickly Gorse Framed Backpack sewing guides.
32L+ capacity. The main compartment is approximately 27L, with 5L of side pocket volume, and variable additional storage depending on pocket options.
Built for you. The pattern scales to your torso length, and is not restricted to a maximum height like patterns found elsewhere. Build a pack custom to your body.
Ultralight backpack design. Varies with your fabric choices, but the example XPAC VX21 pack weights ~600g.
Multiple pockets which are optional if you prefer a streamlined bag.
Removable webbing hip belt.
Customise to your specifications. The instructions include multiple options to give you the opportunity to build your perfect pack, including options for different hardware if you can’t get hold of fancy buckles in your country.
This is the most detailed and comprehensive ultralight backpack sewing guide currently available.
Pattern Details
Comprehensive Instructions
Every step is clearly illustrated and described, and packed with helpful tips
Printable PDF Pattern
Available in US Letter, A4, and large-format paper sizes, ready for immediate printing.
Bonus Learning Tools
A free 25-page beginner’s ebook and a unique scaled practice pattern to hone your skills.
Shopping List
Full shopping and cutting list, with suggested fabrics
Suggested Materials & Hardware
This is a rough estimate for budgeting. The complete shopping list that is included in the sewing guide is to be used instead of this summary. This list may include optional extras you choose to not include.
Fabrics:
- Body Fabric: 2 metres/yards (e.g., 210D-500D nylon, X-Pac™ VX21)
- Liner Fabric (optional internal pockets): 1 metre/yard (e.g., 70D-100D nylon)
- Spacer Mesh: <1 metre/yard (for straps/hipbelt)
- Foam: <1 metre/yard (50-75kg/m3 EVA foam, 4-10mm thick)
- Mesh: <1 metre/yard (for stretchy pockets)
Hardware (Notions):
- Nylon Webbing: 3/4in (20mm) & 1in (25mm) x 9 metre/yard (for various straps & hipbelt)
- Grosgrain Ribbon: 1 inch (25mm) x 9 metre/yard & 1/2 inch (12.5mm) x 1 metre/yard
- Flat Elastic: 1 inch (25mm) x 2 metre/yard
- Elastic Cord: 3mm x 7 metre/yard
- Zipper: 1 x 9 inch (22.9cm) #3 or #5 coil zipper (for optional hanging pocket)
- Velcro/Hook & Loop Tape: 1 inch (25mm) x 12 inch (30.5cm)
- Side Release Buckles: 3 x 3/4in (20mm) (including 1 dual-adjust)
- Ladderlock Buckles: 3 x 3/4in (20mm)
- Cordlocs: 3
- Linelocs: 2
- Eyelets/Grommets: 2
- Pack Hook or Mini Carabiner: 1
- Triglides/Webbing Keepers: 4 (various widths)
- Siamese Slik Clips: 2 (or 2 x D-rings + 2 x Triglides for hipbelt)
- Roll Top Stiffener: 1 x 16 inch (40.6cm) x 3/4 inch (20mm) plastic strip
See What Others Have Made!
smallfootprint_bigadventure – Used the 32L body and the 40L pattern back panel for frame and hipbelt
Jake
/u/jhiggins09
/u/iamsrslyfubar
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