Hi, recently purchased a Golite Ion for a friend of mine. We're planning a 5 day hike in the Grand Canyon.

It'd be the perfect size with some mesh side and front pockets, ala MLD Burn etc. I had seen a thread previously with pics of modded ions but can't seem to find it with BPL's search engine.

If anyone has the link or would be kind enough to post pics of theirs, it'd be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=21755&disable_pagination=1

Thank you sir.

I made a removable mesh pocket for someone that has an Ion and asked me to sew one. I made a few more since I had my sewing machine out. They weigh .05 ounces, without the shock cord, and are made with No See Um mesh. Here are a couple of pictures, with the mesh pocket around a big fluffy pillow. I can send you instructions if you'd like.

Katharina,
Nicely done. I'd like the instructions if you don't mind.
m(dot)cooperman(at)csuohio(dot)edu.
Or, if you're up for making a few more, I'd order several for myself and friends as presents.
Thanks,
Marty Cooperman
Cleveland, Ohio

Here is the one I did:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=30254&skip_to_post=260358#260358

Martin, I sent you a link to the instructions. I do have several made that I can sell, also.

stretch pockets sides/front w/ shock cord



little mesh pocket under the lid- was more roomy than I thought it was going to be- fit all this including the map folded and TP

Mike love the look of your ion, I can feel a modification coming on.

I added side pockets, front pocket and a generously sized extension collar plus a small hip belt pocket made using material from the removed lid.

Original pack capacity (size large) 1600ci (26 liters)

Conservative estimate of added capacity:
belt pocket 30ci (.5 liter)
front pocket 250ci (4 liters)
two side pockets 220ci (3.6 liters)
extension collar 500ci (8.2 liters)

Edited by jcolten on 03/07/2011 16:40:21 MST.

Jim- very nice work! I like the matching hip belt pocket :)

Nice. Thanks for tall the helps. Katharina, I'll ask my friend and PM you if she decides to go that route.

May seem like a stupid question, but with the Ion, were the sizes offered referring to the torso length or the capacity of the pack?

And I see 2 seams at the front of the pack, but none in the back (shoulder strap side). when sewing on your side pockets, did you just sew onto the pack fabric directly?

Thanks again.

Edited by elf773 on 03/07/2011 18:28:53 MST.

Scott - there are only the 2 front seams and none on the side. So the front pocket is sewn into those seams, but the side pockets will have one edge in those seams and the other sewn directly to the back/side fabric.

they referred to torso length, but as you want in torso length the volume increased as well- fairly common w/ most packs

sizing for the Ion

small 15.5-17.5 8 oz 23 liters
medium 17.5-19.5 9 oz 25 liters
large 19.5-21.5 10 oz 26 liters