Wow! Look at this ultralight backpack made from Ikea bags!

[trecile]

This guy is so ingenious. He spent about $30 on this backpack that weighs about 17 ounces.
http://sandiegomitch.com/backpacking.html

 

[Waka]

Looks really good I just don't like the colour, perhaps a yellow one would be more appropriate

 

[domigee]

Very clever!

 

[Letsgocamino]

This guy is so ingenious. He spent about $30 on this backpack that weighs about 17 ounces.
http://sandiegomitch.com/backpacking.html

View attachment 32594

How many liters do you think this is?

 

[good_old_shoes]

There's an "how to" for that kind of backpack somewhere on the internet.

I made one from the ground sheet of a cheap old tent, similar material, and use a therm-a-rest (the foldable foam one) as back-frame replacement. With all gear (including tent, sleeping bag, mat, camping stove/pots, water and snacks) I'm down to about 8kgs now, using that pack. And that's for a winter setup! The pack cost me 5 Euros alltogether (and a few hours of work).

Not long-term-tested yet, though. I'll tell you about the results as soon as I know!


edit: with regard to the liters - not sure. My huge winter sleeping bag, all clothes, cooking gear ect. fit in easily.

 

[Mark Lee]

That's a great idea and would work for walking the Camino.
I know there seems to be a lot of discussion on high-tech expensive gear, but truth be told, walking the Camino doesn't require it. It's just not that hard on your pack, sleeping bag, etc. After a cleaning up the stuff looks the same in SDC that it did in SJPdP.
First time Camino walkers reading this, take note.

 

[trecile]

There's an "how to" for that kind of backpack somewhere on the internet.

I made one from the ground sheet of a cheap old tent, similar material, and use a therm-a-rest (the foldable foam one) as back-frame replacement. With all gear (including tent, sleeping bag, mat, camping stove/pots, water and snacks) I'm down to about 8kgs now, using that pack. And that's for a winter setup! The pack cost me 5 Euros alltogether (and a few hours of work).

Not long-term-tested yet, though. I'll tell you about the results as soon as I know!


edit: with regard to the liters - not sure. My huge winter sleeping bag, all clothes, cooking gear ect. fit in easily.

I'd love to see yours. Do you have a picture?
I really like the idea of making my own gear. I'm working on a couple of silk liners for myself and my friend. I have one from last year, but this year I'm trying to perfect it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

This guy is so ingenious. He spent about $30 on this backpack that weighs about 17 ounces.
http://sandiegomitch.com/backpacking.html

View attachment 32594

That is so cool! And the link includes instructions. Thanks, Trecile, for sharing with us. Too late for me as I just purchased my new backpack, but it looks amazing for the small investment that was made.

 

[intrepidtraveler]

The same website that has the pattern/instructions for making the parcho (rain gear) also has directions for making a backpack for those looking for a creative adventure

 

[trecile]

The same website that has the pattern/instructions for making the parcho (rain gear) also has directions for making a backpack for those looking for a creative adventure

That site would be Quest Outfitters.

 

[peregrina2000]

Just to let the geezer demographic weigh in here -- I am all in favor of lightweight everything, but if you have any lower back issues, this pack could be terrible for you.

I can walk 1200 km with a good internal frame pack weighing in around 18-20 pounds and not feel a tinge of anything in my back. But if I have a day pack with no frame and a couple of books and a water bottle, my lower back will be killing me within an hour or so.

Make sure you check it out carefully before setting out!

 

[Glenn Rowe]

But if I have a day pack with no frame and a couple of books and a water bottle, my lower back will be killing me within an hour or so.

Yup, me too.

 

[Kanga]

Yes, I also agree.

 

[FamPed]

This guy is so ingenious. He spent about $30 on this backpack that weighs about 17 ounces.
http://sandiegomitch.com/backpacking.html

Love it!

Looks really good I just don't like the colour, perhaps a yellow one would be more appropriate

Don´t like the colour!! You are entitled to your opinion, you really are.. Thoug, I am from the land of IKEA and they "promote" the colours of Sweden (the colour of the bags are the same as the colours of our flag), I have to say you are wrong!

 

[FamPed]

But if I have a day pack with no frame and a couple of books and a water bottle, my lower back will be killing me within an hour or so.
Make sure you check it out carefully before setting out!

Good adwise, and the same goes for my back..

 

[trecile]

Love it!

Don´t like the colour!! You are entitled to your opinion, you really are.. Thoug, I am from the land of IKEA and they "promote" the colours of Sweden (the colour of the bags are the same as the colours of our flag), I have to say you are wrong!

Not only that, they are Camino colors.

 

[FamPed]

Not only that, they are Camino colors.

Yes it is!

 

[brian560]

Just to let the geezer demographic weigh in here -- I am all in favor of lightweight everything, but if you have any lower back issues, this pack could be terrible for you.

I can walk 1200 km with a good internal frame pack weighing in around 18-20 pounds and not feel a tinge of anything in my back. But if I have a day pack with no frame and a couple of books and a water bottle, my lower back will be killing me within an hour or so.

Make sure you check it out carefully before setting out!

Good point. The weight has to sit on your hips and for that you need to have a good harness.

 

[sillydoll]

This is similar to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa that my husband uses. It weighs about 450g and can comfortably carry up to 12kg. Have a look at it here and read the reviews.
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/gossamer-gear/mariposa/
Difference? Cost is $135

 

[Cam1952]

Amazing. I applaud this fellow's ingenuity.
It looks similar to the Zpacks backpack I used in 2013, but the pack I had was designed and built specifically for me by ZPacks. The Arc Blast model I ordered fit like a glove, had load shifters, pockets, and fully padded belt, and shoulder straps. They also sealed all seams for waterproofing and an inner bag for complete protection. (really appreciated this in Galicia) The one other thing I ordered was a small accessory bag designed to be attached outside the pack. I used this for my toiletries, and as able to take it into the shower without worrying about it getting wet. I really couldn't have wished for more. This 55 litre bag weighed a scant 595 grams and at the time cost around $295....worth every penny.
Full disclosure: I have nothing to gain, nor was I compensated in any way by Zpaks....I just feel it is just a really great pack.
I hope this helps someone to consider this option.
As Always......Cam'.

 

[Ungawawa]

How many liters do you think this is?

He says it is 27 l.

 

[pudgypilgrim]

But if I have a day pack with no frame and a couple of books and a water bottle, my lower back will be killing me within an hour or so.

Same here. I was all gungho to get something frameless and ultralight, but I found that the framed and supposedly too-heavy Osprey kyte was so comfortable I could forget within seconds that I was carrying anything, which never happened with any of the ultralights, alas.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Can´t be any good unless it costs at least 300 euros.

 

[Ungawawa]

Can´t be any good unless it costs at least 300 euros.

rofl

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Looks really good I just don't like the colour, perhaps a yellow one would be more appropriate

How about a can of road paint? Did you know the first "Yellow Arrows" were painted using donated road paint? Makes sense.