Constructing a quick and inexpensive pack

Experiencing the outdoors doesn't necessarily have to cost you a small fortune. Perfectly serviceable gear can be made with readily accessable and inexpensive things. The pack I'm going to show you how to make, requires 3 materials. A bag of some sort, a length of rope, 5 to 6 feet in length, and two round stones, about the size of a USA quarter dollar to a golf ball size. If you have some golf balls, those would work just fine as well.

Step One

To begin, lay the bag flat out on the floor, and place a stone in each corner. I've used a simple slip knot, to secure the corner of the bag around the pebble. In the following photo, you can see that one side is finished, while one is not.

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Step Two

The next step is to load the pack up with your gear. Because there is no frame or any sort of support to this bag, you must take care in how you pack your belongings. Place clothing or other softer materials near where the pack will rest against your back. Heavy items should go behind the softer objects.

Click to enlarge

Step Three

The final step is to use a clove hitch to tie off to the top of the bag. Once you've done this, you are ready to shoulder your pack. I normally have a bit of excess rope wich I pull into two loops, and tie together in the center of my chest. This is handy because it allows you to adjust the fit of the bag to compensate for weight.

Click to enlarge

Materials List

  • Army Surplus dry bag: $10
  • 6 Ft nylon rope: $2 (hardware store)
  • Pebbles: Free, most anywhere

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