What is the primary reason you make your own gear- is it for weight purposes, for monetary reasons, to have fun or simply because you can do it better? No there is no "all of the above" option- I'm looking for the real reason, the main reason, the reason you would choose in this poll since you can only choose one?

Comments of course are appreciated.

TH

I like making stuff. It's fun, it's a relaxing hobby-type thing, and I get it exactly like I want it.

In order:
1. I love experimenting.
2. It's USUALLY lighter.
3. Manufacturers do just that: they manufacture. This means they focus on the masses, not individuals. I have certain needs that would never cross the minds of the "talent" at most large manufaturers. So, I have to fill these needs myself....OK...even to ME that came across wrong! If you get your mind out of the gutter, you'll know what I mean. The other thing is that most manufacturers are going HIGH tech whilst the ultralighters are finding that LOW tech is actually more practical. I guess I'm just a kid realizing that the cardboard box the toy came in is more fun to play with.

I have yet to meet or hear of a hiker who made his equipment travel any lighter or cheaper compare to someone who bought their equipment. Even the master sewer himself Ray Jardine spent nearly 40 hours making his equipment and did not travel all that light.

Wolf

Ummmm...Is this a troll? Have you actually read Beyond Backpacking? Have you read any forums lately? There are people out there carrying 5 lb. base weights! Show me a commercially-available setup that's lighter than that. I'm waiting.......

I think its more rewarding.It really feels good knowing you made it yourself.It also gives you more confidence for your journey up the green tunnel. Does anyone know if Ray-Way is out of business? I cant seem to get thru on his website:confused:

I like to make my own gear to save money, but I also like the idea of using items that I made myself.

My homemade items don't look as good as the comercially available gear, but it works for me.

I guess I should clarify- the reason for this poll is to see what the real reason people home-make- to be cheap, or what?

TH

For me it is both cheaper and fun. Hopefully it is lighter, but not sure that is always the case.

Ummmm...Is this a troll? Have you actually read Beyond Backpacking? Have you read any forums lately? There are people out there carrying 5 lb. base weights! Show me a commercially-available setup that's lighter than that. I'm waiting.......

Carrying 5 lb base weight, Ummmm … not hard to do. You haven’t backpack much have you? Check out the link:

http://www.lwgear.com/images/vid-lightweight-backpacking-back.jpg (http://www.lwgear.com/images/vid-lightweight-backpacking-back.jpg)

It was view in 1992, by Lynn Whelden but started in 1989 of myself with a 15 pound total weight including food and water. If you go on base weight, it brings the weight down to less then 5 pounds back in 1992.

In case you have not notice, equipment has improved a lot sense then. I’ve heard the same B.S. for years, it’s cheaper, it’s lighter none of it is really true … and at times the same hikers like to harass others who are more comfortable carrying something extra or do things different. I’ve seen it on the PCT A LOT all three time. It is often done by the same people that don’t backpack all that light themselves.

To answer your equipment, have I ever read “Beyond Backpacking”, no I’ve only read part of it after being asked to compare someone who makes their own equipment vs. someone who travel lightweight already. The result, you can travel just as light or lighter buying your equipment for the same amount of money buying your equipment.

What I didn’t like about the book it was to narrow minded for me. What is more important than the equipment that someone carries, is knowing how to use your equipment. Something the book does not focus on at all. There are hikers out there backpacking irresponsible relying on others or “if things gets bad I can bail out”. It doesn’t always work and sometimes hikers get hurt or worst.

Wolf

I haven't made any gear yet, but, I do like to modify as I go. Hey Titanium Hiker, do they call you that because you have Titanium body parts (Knee cap, perhaps)? I have a titanium screw in my knee. We could start the titanium hiking club.:p

I voted more fun because I enjoy doing some things for myself. Although I am just getting started making my own gear, I decided to start because I wanted some options not available on commercially availible gear. A small pocket here or an extra clip on point there - the options I get are the options I want - with nothing I don't want.

I make some of our gear because I want the features offered by several different pieces that are not available in a single piece of commercially available equipment. For example, I am designing a sleep system that is similar to Big Agnes' system (uses insulated mats as primary bottom layer with quilt zipped above) but with additional top and bottom insulation on one side (I'm a cold sleeper, male dino is a warm sleeper). I'm also designing this so an external layer can be added when extra warmth is needed, but left home to save weight when temps are milder. All of these features are available commercially, but not in a single piece of gear.

I'm impressed by people who can make their own gear but I prefer to buy. There is no way in hell I'm ever going to make a better hammock than Hennessey, a better quilt than the Jacks, a better sleeping bag than Western Mountaineering or a better tarp than Brian at Outdoor Equipment Supplier. I do not have hours and hours of time to invest in learning how to do what they have already learned how to do, nor do I wish to.

I could see myself possibly modifying something I bought but making my own, just not for me.

Check out the link:

[URL="http://www.lwgear.com/images/vid-lightweight-backpacking-back.jpg

great link :rolleyes:

how bout this one: http://www.lwgear.com/

Ummmm...Is this a troll? Have you actually read Beyond Backpacking? Have you read any forums lately? There are people out there carrying 5 lb. base weights! Show me a commercially-available setup that's lighter than that. I'm waiting.......

Er..Wolf has more miles than almost anyone else in the hiking community (almost :D). Definitelty not a troll.

He's not kidding when he says Jardine is not that light...by Wolf's standards. ;)

Most people are happy with a 12 lb basepackweight!

Several reasons apply. I Can make it lighter. I can omit unecessary bells and whistles. I can add functionality I want. It's gratifying. It's Fun. I'm sure there are others. :-?

The thing about going light is that eventually it is going to cost some money or time, too.

Those 5 lbs kits (for three season hiking..temps around 15f, no permanent snow) have some expensive goodies. Guess it comes down to how much you want to spend to lose weight. You can spend time making your own gear or you shell out the money to buy the really light stuff. The other alternative is to simply do without. Saw people not use a sleeping bag (or quilt!) and just sleep in a light, homemade bivy with all their clothing.

Since I am wimp who can't sew that well and does not have the money for a spinnaker tarp, (among other items) I'll be not-so-hardcore and stay at just under 10 lbs. I'm lazy afterall...

the shelter i wanted didn't exist. now it does.

I checked off "It's more fun", because that seemed the broadest option. I wish the poll included "more satisfying", because that, I think, is the primary reason for making one's own gear.

I got a lot of satisfaction ( creative and otherwise ) from knowing that I saved forty bucks by making my own silnylon tarp. I get satisfaction from knowing I can construct better than the gear companies. They don't make nice wide, genuine french-fell seams, with five rows of stitching. My four ounce home made cooking set that cost me under a dollar gives me satisfaction too.
Still another reason. Americans used to be known as independent people with a can-do attitude, who made do with what they had, produced the best goods in the world, and were proud of it. Making my own gear makes me feel that I am still that way. ( patriotic music plays softly in backround..... )

I have just completed a Ray Way quilt. I plan to use it as my main "bag" in the summer. It fits over my 3 season bag perfectly, which should turn it into a winter bag, total weight about 4 pounds. I don't anticipate doing a lot of camping in the winter, so it was nice to spend $60 instead of $200+

I have had a lot of fun doing it. Fortunately my wife is quite the seamstress and was able to help me along.

Carrying 5 lb base weight, Ummmm … not hard to do. You haven’t backpack much have you? Check out the link:

http://www.lwgear.com/images/vid-lightweight-backpacking-back.jpg (http://www.lwgear.com/images/vid-lightweight-backpacking-back.jpg)

It was view in 1992, by Lynn Whelden but started in 1989 of myself with a 15 pound total weight including food and water. If you go on base weight, it brings the weight down to less then 5 pounds back in 1992.

In case you have not notice, equipment has improved a lot sense then. I’ve heard the same B.S. for years, it’s cheaper, it’s lighter none of it is really true … and at times the same hikers like to harass others who are more comfortable carrying something extra or do things different. I’ve seen it on the PCT A LOT all three time. It is often done by the same people that don’t backpack all that light themselves.

To answer your equipment, have I ever read “Beyond Backpacking”, no I’ve only read part of it after being asked to compare someone who makes their own equipment vs. someone who travel lightweight already. The result, you can travel just as light or lighter buying your equipment for the same amount of money buying your equipment.

What I didn’t like about the book it was to narrow minded for me. What is more important than the equipment that someone carries, is knowing how to use your equipment. Something the book does not focus on at all. There are hikers out there backpacking irresponsible relying on others or “if things gets bad I can bail out”. It doesn’t always work and sometimes hikers get hurt or worst.

Wolf

Wolf-
I realize my post came across as an somewhat of an attack and I didn't mean it to be so I'm sorry if it was worded too directly or harshly. I know you have a lot more miles under your belt than I do. I agree with your remark about Jardine's book being too narrow minded and the lack of focus on how to use what you carry. But I respected his ideas about the philosophy of packing less--not so much what he carried. He was doing this in the materialistic 80s so I had to respect that.

As for your comment about buying being cheaper and lighter than making I'm in semi-agreement. I used to be a flyfishing guide and professional tying instructor. A lot of people used to come to me to learn how to tie flies expecting to save money. They'd walk out of the shop with $500 worth of tools and materials shocked and appalled. So at first, it didn't seem cheaper. If they went and bought the flies they needed, they'd probably spend $50. BUT, what you discover is that the initial investment can be high but it balances out after that. You end up producing more than you invested. If I wanted only one windscreen for the rest of my life, I would just spend $10 and buy a commercially available one instead of buying a $20 roll of aluminum flashing. But I want to make and test out all different windscreens that people have designed, so in my case it's much more cost effective to pay double to produce 15 times more. I think the same is true with stove making, sewing, etc. I can buy a stuff sack for 4 or 5 dollars. Yet, I spend $20 on a big piece of silnylon so I can make various ones in different sizes. Again, for me, it's cost effective.

On the other hand, there are certain things that I would never want more than one of (like a rain jacket). So, in that case it might not make sense to make an initial investment in tools or bulk materials--it would be cheaper just to buy it. Of course, I'm not factoring labor time into the expense because I don't see making stuff as "work". To me it's fun. Sometimes I'll make stuff I know I'll never use just to see if I can make it! I think it boils down to whether you want to fill a singular need, or make a commitment to a craft.

In retrospect, you're probably right. I know technology has improved a lot and if you have the $$$, you can probably have a base weight that's next to nothing; however, I think a lot of the products that fit in that category might be cost-prohibitive for most people. I don't have a lot of money. How much would I have to spend to get a commercially-made stove that weighs 0.5 oz? I don't even know of one that exists. But I can make one for free.

I guess in conclusion, maybe both scenarios are possible. Maybe the lightest of the light could be mass produced, and maybe it could be replicated by do-it-yourself-ers. All I know is that most of the stuff I've made was either something I needed that was not commerically available or was commercially available but I could make it lighter. So my comments were based on that experience (limited as it may be).

Anyway, I didn't mean any disrespect and thank you for your insights. You've given me something to think about. And, by the way, would would mind sharing what you carry? Do you make any of your stuff? I'm especially interested in what you carry for a stove (if you carry one at all).

more fun winning out over cheaper and the other options- cool.

And yeah, I have titanium body additions- my spine has two Ti rods on either side of it. scolosis. cool eh? I even set off some airport metal detectors.

TH

more fun winning out over cheaper and the other options- cool.

And yeah, I have titanium body additions- my spine has two Ti rods on either side of it. scolosis. cool eh? I even set off some airport metal detectors.

TH

Wow, you are bionic! How's the hiking in Bolivia?

i am sticking with my hennessey hammock:cool: neo

heheheh. Hiking in Bolivia is aesome- highly reccomended. But unfortunatly, university isn't at the same levels, which is why I'm back in my country of birth, Australia. I haven't been hiking yet. (YET) I also had to leave behind my (sniff) hammock, tarp and stove which I'd made. :(

Oh, and jacks- I have a new market for the nest- sleepovers! it is a fantastic sleeping bag for packing down small.

TH

I make my hiking clothes and other fabric items, and I like them because they are cheaper and exactly what I want. Like, there is a hat that I saw at REI that I liked, but the ties on it were wierd and uncomfortable, and I didn't want to spend 30$ on it when I could make it for free from scraps. But I still buy stoves and tents and sleeping bags because I know I couldn't make them better or cheaper.

I make my own hickory hiking polls, and modify lots of my gear. Fun and cheap.

Jasonklass,

No harm done. I can respect hikers’ desire to travel lighter or ultra-light as long as it done responsible but Ray Jardine is not the “god” of ultra-light backpacking. I’m not saying you would do this but I’ve seen a lot of Jardine fans that really harass hikers that do things different. It’s lighter, it’s cheaper, all of this I’ve heard it for years – none of which is really true.

When I did my comparison, I was base it on just the materials that was use to make the equipment and not including the initial investment vs. just buying the equipment in the first place. My pack that I used for the PCT cost about $12. That was several years ago and now I know could spend $100+ and get pack that a couple ounces lighter but is it really worth it? My stove, I think I may have been the one who help start the trend of the home made alcohol stove. It different than what most hikers use the stove weighing a few grams more but use less alcohol than the beer can alcohol stove.

My point anyway is you really don’t need to spend a lot of money to travel ultra-light. It may not be always be the traditional equipment but it still works. It is just a matter on knowing how to use your equipment in different environments.

Wolf

I voted "More fun" but a better choice for me would have been: "All of the above!!!!"

Doctari.

I make gear because it's fun, but also because some things just aren't out there yet. Like an insulated hammock, or a hammock bivy, or the gear hammock pack cover, or the tarp tensioners (until JRB offered them).

And when I find material in the dollar bin at Walmart, I can make customized stuff a lot cheaper than buying the mass produced stuff. Of course, I have to wait until what I need just happens to show up there, but that's ok.

The biggest reason is just that it's fun to challenge myself to think of a new idea and make something useful out of it.

I like it because it is generally cheaper (though not always) and is fun to do. My Shires Tarptent for 2 cost me about $65.00 to make, plus probably a dozen hours of my time (time is cheap when you're at home). I've also made an 8X10 silnylon tarp for about $50.00, and I'm getting ready to make a quilt - figure aout $100.0 for 800+ down, as opposed to $200.00 for a ready-made one. If I decide to go with 3D, then the kit form Jardine is only $54.00 - still reasonable.

On the other hand, I made a pepsi can stove - cheap, yes. But for the life of me, I can't figure out why you'd bother with that when you can get an entire Mini-Trangia kitchen for about 25 bucks on Ebay. Also cheap, and has pots and such.

Thru-Hiker has a Down Jacket kit but it's significantly more expensive than the Campmor counterpart.

Answer: None of the above... By making your own gear, you can customize!!! I made my first stuff sacks today from a sil nylon kit I bought. Very good directions were included so I was able to make them just the right size. I even added little flaps inside to cover over the contents before cinching them up.

I would have checked more than one choice.
1) It isn't that much cheaper for me to MYOG, in the long run. I waste a lot of money on experiments. But that's because I design as well as make stuff. When I'm not experimenting, it is cheaper. Lots cheaper.
2) Experiments are fun and challenging.
3) I can make things no one manufactures or customize items to fit me and my ways of doing things better. That's a big plus. In some cases, I CAN make things better than the big gear companies. But not better than the cottage manufacturers when they are making exactly what I want.

So making UL gear is a hobby that supplements my adventures. It COULD be cheaper if I used canned designs - my own or those of others - but it isn't because I don't. My gear is good and sometimes better FOR ME than I can find.

Hiking UL or SUL is not a contest. HYOH.