Continuing with the trend of "Snowed-In Progress", I got around to putting back together the green Ion that I ripped apart a while ago.


Unlike the usual mods, I decided to go a different route, since the Ion is great for me in different ways than it is for others.

I added a main body pocket, but decided against the side pockets, since they tend to just encourage me to off-balance my pack, and instead of removing the lid and replacing it with a roll-top, I replaced the Dyneema-X with 1.5oz Cuben, along with the top center back-panel. I like the zippered top since it's just the right height that I can tie up my hair without it interfering and causing neck pain.


I removed the hip belt, it's heavy and useless, and trimmed the shoulder strap webbing.


Original weight was 9.some-odd ounces, new weight without the sternum strap is 7.15oz New cool factor is infinite.

Edited by jdempsey on 01/10/2011 15:09:19 MST.

Nice job Javan! Can't wait to see what you do with mine!

Swanky. I like.

hiking world is turning white. Nice.

White and the blue Cuben are my favorite colors personally. Can't mistake that stuff on the trail that's for sure. ;)

Very nice and very original!

I had thought about doing the back panel in cuben if I ever mod mine.

Larry, at that point you'd almost be better off just making a full cuben one.


Other than the panels I replaced, the entire rest of the body is one, large, funky shaped piece.

Nice work it looks great!

I was only thinking that to cut some weight and still have the durability of dyneema on the sides and back for random brush and thorny things. I never got to the point of figuring out if it's feasible because I can't bring myself to hack it up.

nice work! :)


I found I needed to add side pockets to mine, I'm tight on space as it is for a 2-3 day trip- does look nice & clean w/o them though

I've always thought of making a pack with dyneema on the sides and cuben in the middle like that. Looks great and I really do love the white cuben for some reason. I used the think it was uglier than sin, but its really grown on me and looks even better as an accent like that.

Thanks guys, I wanted to drop some weight but basically keep the form the same.


I am going to add some LL3's just below the pocket on each side with some cord running under the bottom to strap a pad or extra bag to.


I thought about adding some webbing harnesses to the sides for removable side compartments, but I dunno, I don't think I need the space for most trips, and if I do, I'll likely take my Ohm (stay tuned for a cuben-remix of my ragged out old Ohm next time I get snowed in), or GoatPack.


I've found I'm pretty good for 3-5days with an un-modded Ion for the summer if I'm willing to compress my quilt a little.