Finally finished my Ray-Way backpack yesterday. Pleased with the result and the weight which is only 270g or 9.5 ounces.



This was my first real sewing project so it took a lot more than the 6-8 hours that some people have reported using. I did some mistakes during the process and everything didn't come out 100% cosmetically, but this backpack is a solid piece of kit. Lots of reinforcements with triple and quadruple stiching.



I highly recommend getting the dvd if you plan on making one. Without it I would have spent a lot more time wondering how to do some of the procedures. I also got some nice tips on sewing in general.

A completely frameless pack like this is a new experience to me. Well, I already have the Pinnacle which is frameless, but it's got a thin piece of padding in the back which gives it structure. That makes a big difference.

I will have to learn how to pack the ray-way with a rolled pad etc.

I installed a chest strap after the pics were taken. Feels like it needs one.

Anyone here using the Ray-Way?

Congrats on your 1st project, Thomas! Looks well-made.

Good job Thomas,

I have plans to make one, perhaps shortly.

Has the pack been on the trail yet? If so how did it go?

Cheers

Thanks guys :)

Mark: no, not yet, but I plan to take it on some overnighters this fall / early winter. I'll let you know how it works out. Have fun making yours.

Thomas, The pack looks exceptional...nice work. I've considered buying a kit many times, but everytime I look at the color combinations I get turned off. Yours looks great. I think the black extension collar really adds to the look, but Ray doesn't offer a black collar. What material did you use for that part of the project?

Jamie

Hi Jamie, thanks :). The black collar is one of the color choices he offers. It's listed as "stealth black" in the "extension collar" dropdown in his order form.

Thomas, Thanks for pointing this out. Ray doesn't show black on the page that shows BP colors. One more question on color. Did you go with Tan or Khaki sides/back?

Thanks, Jamie

Khaki. I recommend ordering some of the sewing thread he's offering too, or to get some Gutermann "extra strong" thread.

Thomas, I just wanted to let you know that your pack inspired me. I ordered one with the black collar, but in Ray's newest color...gray. I took your advice on the thread and I see what you mean. It is good stuff. I'd stick with this thread for packs. Here are some picks with it loaded up with all my cold weather gear. The pack weighed in at 9.15 oz and is built like a rock.

Jamie

Edited by jshortt on 11/15/2009 19:12:00 MST.

I've been using my Ray-Way pack for two seasons, love it, loads well, up to 25lbs with no problem. Making one with my 8 year old daughter now she is about 3/4 of the way done. Something really special about taking gear you've made out on the trail.

Congrats and enjoy!

Bill

Jamie, congrats! I'm glad to have inspired you to make one. Your finished pack looks great

Say,

I really like the look of all your Ray-Way packs. I just finished a G4 pack, but would like to make a Ray-Way pack too.

Does, anyone still have the DVD they would like to loan me, so I can make a pack.

Are there instructions, and a materials list on the DVD?

Z.

DVD is supplemental to the kit. It doesn't have full instructions or materials lists.

-Tim

Z, Ray's kit sells for $55. It includes all the materials except the thread needed to make the pack. It also includes extremely detailed instructions and the pattern pieces. I did mine without the DVD but would like to see it, I hear it is pretty good.

If you want generic instructions, you can find those in Ray's book "Trail Life". I did learn a lot about pack construction from the kit it was well worth the money. My plan is to take what I learned and design my own pack.

Jamie

Both of those packs look very nice.

Now I'm getty itchy again to try sewing something but I keep thinking about the "simple" projects I butchered in middle school home economics class and it scares me away. Well that, and the several times I've done some browsing about sewing machine models and I just end up totally confused....

if you want to make a pack similar to ray's without paying for the instructions make the lab pack. directions on thru-hiker.com

-Tim

Lab pack looks nice.
I've bought another type of pack from the designer Rodney. It's well done. I like his designs and workmanship.

Does Rodney have a site?

-Tim

Does Rodney have a site?

Perhaps here?

edit: Seems like the above site does not display the entire instructions. this one does

Edited by jcolten on 11/18/2009 12:51:37 MST.