Just wanted to give a quick thanks to all that post here. I came across 14 yards of Sil-Nylon at Walmart a few weeks back and because of the posts here I have cut ALOT of weight out of my pack by making my own stuff. Nice thing is I have my wife on Sil-Nylon watch as she works at the Walmart I found it at. $1 a yard minus her discount.:sun

Just so you know, I'm 36, Married with 3 kids. Wife thought I was going to make her do all the sewing. She's now telling me I have to get my own sewing machine because I'm always using hers.:D

So far to date I have made a food bag(3oz) big enough to put 3 peoples food in so we can hang our food. This can also double as an in pack waterproofing bag, yes, it's that big. Made a 2nd one for a friend. A ground Cloth(2.5oz) for under my bivy. Cloths bag(<2oz) and stuff sack(<2oz) for my sleeping bag.

I made a tarp but due to some slipping while sewing, one side is not as tight as I would like it to be. Of course after I did this one I found a few more tricks on how to keep the peices together when sewing so they don't slip.

Things I still plan to make: Trail snack bag that attaches to my pack at the hip belt. Camera bag that attaches to my shoulder straps. Poncho. Bag for my bivy.

I never would of attempted any of this if I didn't read this forum. :banana

Congradulations!!!
My wife taught me how to sew this summer. I have made a tarp-tent, 2 quilts, 2 ponchos, a backpack, and several stuff sacks, and I have many other projects lined up.
It gives me an added since of accomplishment to "beat the elements" on the trail in homemade gear.
It is also good to know that we are not the only couple in America who fight over the sewing machine.
Keep it up.

Sounds like some cool projects.

I did not on my first couple projects, but now I pin everything. I was worried about putting holes in the sil. As long as you are putting them where the seam is going to be, you will be fine.

The pinning you can start your seam, then hold the material tight as you sew the rest of it.

I forgot to say. I too owe a lot to this site.

I owe a lot to this site as well. Iafte, thanks for reminding me to say thanks. Hope you will share some of your projects with us.

I never say it often enough.....Thanks guys. Never would have known anything about backpacking if it weren't for you guys. Oh yeah, still have about 30 yrds of sil to turn into something. Now if only I could get my hands on a sewing machine.....and learn how to sew....

::group turkey feast [still football season so its okay]::

I owe a lot to this site as well. Iafte, thanks for reminding me to say thanks. Hope you will share some of your projects with us.


I have not made anything other than basic stuff. Maybe I'll post some pictures when I get home.

Few of my projects. :D Yes, My 6 year old son is standing in my oversized food bag. I think I am going to just use it as a hang bag and make a smaller food bag out of just normal ripstop since I found 14 yards at Walmart today. The filled bag is my new sleeping bag stuff sack. Just need to put ties on it and it is done.