View Full Version : G4 Pack - Pad as Frame
asimpson1983
08-20-2007, 15:37
Quick question - I have all the materials for the G4 pack, though I have yet to start on it.
Is it absolutely necessary to use a z-rest pad for the frame, or I can I just use my regular blue foam pad, folded in some way?
It seems crazy that I would have to buy a fancy pad costing more than the backpack itself...
Thanks,
Andrew
Any closed cell foam will do. You can also leave it out of the pack and add it when you pack the pack. I wrap my foam pad all the way around the inside of the pack, though you can get a more comfortable shape if you cut and tape it back together where the front corners of the pack are. The height of the pack can be the width of the foam pad you prefer. I like 20" in summer and 28" in winter. I use a full length pad even in summer, so it does wrap around a few times and take up a lot of volume, but the pack can be built lighter reinforced and protected in this way. On a taller pack like 28" a perfectly straight cylinder might not fit well, especially if you have a short back, so mock something up before you build. You can add a separate compartment on the bottom behind the hip belt but I think it adds unneccessary complexity and weight and it makes the pack flop around to much when your filling it. Something else to try is to keep the weight of gear closer to the body by forming the foam pad into two squarish cylinders instead of one. I tried this but didn't like it. It is more comfortable, but harder to pack.
Good luck with the G4. It is more complex than I would build, but probably more comfortable. Are you going to customize it at all, or just follow the recipe?
asimpson1983
08-20-2007, 22:21
I think I'll just be trying to follow the instructions as best I can. Right now I only have one sewing project under my belt (a tarp). Thanks for the response.
-Andrew
I made a simple nylon poncho once, but only with scissors. Even that I found very difficult, because of thread runs. All I've done so far with needle and thread is repairs. Anyhow, my daughter and I are going to learn to sew. Perhaps another poncho project, but with hoods and seams. Then perhaps some packs. Cheers.
bigcranky
08-20-2007, 23:04
You can use the blue foam pad in the pad sleeve. But, it works better if it's folded flat. Most folks cut their pad into sections, then duct tape it back together, alternating sides for the tape, so it folds in a Z-shape. The pieces can be the full size of the pad sleeve (Z-Rest pads are half the width of the pad sleeve, and are unfolded to fit.) This will work just fine.
I saw a homemade G-4 in a local shop, and it was great -- bright colors for the main body and webbing. Very cool.
asimpson1983
08-20-2007, 23:27
Cool - I guess I'll just have to experiment. Good to know that I have options, though. Thanks for the reponses.
JAK - good luck with your sewing...you gotta just jump right in and expect frustration...and pride when you're done.
-Andrew
bigcranky
08-21-2007, 08:46
Oh, let me add that I don't think the G-4 pad pocket will accomodate a full-length pad. But you can experiment with it and see how it works.
Quick question - I have all the materials for the G4 pack, though I have yet to start on it.
Is it absolutely necessary to use a z-rest pad for the frame, or I can I just use my regular blue foam pad, folded in some way?
It seems crazy that I would have to buy a fancy pad costing more than the backpack itself...
Thanks,
Andrew
Andrew,
I've used a G-4 (not homemade) for several years now. During the summer months I carry a 1/4" blue pad and when it starts to cool off I carry a ridge rest. For the hammockers out there, I've found that the Speer Segmented Pad Extender fits this pack perfectly with the side padding left in place. I've even heard of people using inflatable pads that are partially inflated also. I think most any pad will work as long as it is not full length. Good luck with your project. I make a lot of my own gear and I can tell you that there is a great satisfaction in using a piece of equipment you have crafted.
Brian
T-BACK
Walk in faith...
TravelPro
06-29-2010, 17:43
Gossamer Gear website has a lot of good info on what pads work with the G4.
You can also buy from them, for $5, the same 'Nightlight' pad that they include with all the manufactured, storebought G4's that they sell. Click Packs, then Accessories. It might be helpful for you to have the exact pad on hand while you're marking and measuring.
I have a 'storebought' (love that word today) G4 from Gossamer Gear, and really like it. Nice people. I would make, or order from them, their zippered add-on pockets, hipbelt or shoulder or both. They also sell shock cord, cordlocks, & other useful stuff.
I just read a thread with someone who cut an old campaign sign to fit as additional stiffener for their G4. Sounds interesting, I my try it.
Enjoy your project. Always rewarding to make your own.
skinewmexico
06-29-2010, 21:04
I'd buy the GG pad, and roll up my sleeping pad inside like a burrito.
lustreking
06-30-2010, 10:10
I have a 20x20ish piece of blue foam pad that I fold in half. I use it as a sit pad, and under my feet. Inside the pack I have my short prolite that I partially inflate after packing to take up some space in the pack. The G4 is much too big for me, but this arrangement works well, as it also provides more support to the pack. Eventually I'll make a smaller pack based on the G4 pattern, but I have a lot more gear to sew before then.
At some point, I'll probably also buy one of the sitlight pads from GG because the flat surface of the blue pad gets pretty warm against the back.
superman
06-30-2010, 10:16
I have a G4 pack...not home made. I only use it in late fall because it's too hot on my back. It's large enough to carry the extra warm weather gear for that time.
I have a store-bought G4 size small. A full-size z-rest does not fit. Neither does a full-width z-rest. I had to cut the width to 15 inches and the length to 6 panels of z-rest. I ended up sticking velcro on my z-rest and velcroing it each night to a blue foam pad that I would store inside the pack.
You can put the pad inside the pack instead of in the pad pocket. It works fine. If I were making my own G4, I might leave the pad pocket out entirely. I didn't find it useful enough. I never would take the pad out to sit on and rest or anything like that.
pattydivins
07-07-2010, 23:18
I am thinking about getting a GG Gorilla. I own a z-lite pad and I am considering removing sections so that it will nicely fit into the pad pack. Is sleeping on only 6 sections comfortable? My torso length is about 19 inches, 6 sections is about 30 inches long. I don't want to ruin my pad.