how to carry the CCF pads

[Peter_pan]

Now for the easy answer...get rid of the pads...or at least any thing bigger than an 11x20 butt pad that serves as pack back...then start planning to hike in day pack sized packs...just another option.

Pan

[headchange4u]

There are pics of a homemade gearskin on WB and they look like a pretty easy project. Where can you buy shoulder straps? I hope I can find a tutorial on making one.

I bought a Gregory Runout pack for $20 because I needed a daypack and it was a sweet deal. It has a compression flap in the front that acts like a Gearskin as well as the traditional top loading section with side access zipper. I have found that if the compression section is utilized properly you can store much more gear than its advertised 2200 cu in capacity. I have found that I can store my hammock, tarp, BA pad, and cookware in the compression section and I still have the entire body left to fill. It's turned out to be a real gem of a find and could easliy be used for a 2-3 day trip if packed right. I have had about 25 lbs in it and it was very comfortable and carried the weight well. If it had a hydration bladder pocket it would be perfect.

[Johnny Swank]

I made our shoulder straps and hipbelts. That that hard, but you could probably just order some replacement pads from Campmor or somewhere and call it a day.

[Johnny Swank]

Peter Pan,

How much weight do you save by going to an underquilt instead of a 1/4" pad? I think even with a full lenght 1/4" pad and a half lenght 1/4" pad to augment for the shoulder seasons you're still looking at about 16 oz. Below 35 degrees I want the kitchen sink, but for late spring-early fall I want the lightest thing I can get for the comfort.

[Coffee]

Now for the easy answer...get rid of the pads...or at least any thing bigger than an 11x20 butt pad that serves as pack back...then start planning to hike in day pack sized packs...just another option.

Pan

You got to love the easy answers. I keep wanting to get a smaller pack. But for some reason even without the pad I have a lot of bulk. Plus if I carry a 4000ci pack, but only fill 3000+ ci of it, I feel like somehow I won.

[Johnny Swank]

Bulk schmulk. I like feeling like I'm carrying a big pillow!

[Ewker]

Now for the easy answer...get rid of the pads...or at least any thing bigger than an 11x20 butt pad that serves as pack back...then start planning to hike in day pack sized packs...just another option.

Pan

would we expect you to say anything different

[blackbishop351]

I'd like to make my own Gearskin. Is there a site that has a materials list and instructions for making them?

I have my own gearskin knockoff somewhere around the midpoint of completion. It's not as true of a replica as my Black Cat tarp is - I'm using the suspension and backpanel from a Gregory Z-Pack 'cause I like them - but it'll be pretty close. Hopefully I'll have it trail-ready by Christmas or thereabouts.

And no, I've never seen any instructions on making your own. People can be a little closed-mouthed when cottage industries are involved. Seems like things are fine when the manufacturer posts DIY instructions themselves, but otherwise, people seem nervous about taking away revenues...

[Arkwater]

You could sew a couple shoulder straps to the bottom fo your hammock. Put everything in the hammock, use the suspension lines to lash it into a pack shape. A dual purpose gearskin!! Use Jeff's pack cover/gear hammock to cover it!

Something I've been tossing around in my head......

[Just Jeff]

You don't cut weight by going to an underquilt, but you definitely cut bulk. I like smaller packs even if I add a few ounces...as long as those ounces equal for comfort at camp. I'm with Pan on the compressible insulation over pads.