ALICE, the most versitile ruck there is?

[Ghost]

To add and even better thought. While I can sew somewhat and I am getting a sewing machine for free.

Rather than create a bag completely from scratch. Modify an existing one.

I'm sure some folks have done this. It has the benefit of benefit of quicker to completing the project and I'll be starting from a state where a lot of it is done. Just need to reinforce certain spots, I can add the down I want and modify as needed.

[Ghost]

Sewing machine secured for free!

As noted in the "what did you do today to prepare" thread I've got two sleeping bags I'm going to modify for my daughter. They are outdoor bags but not for low temps. 

As a test I popped open a seam to look at the innards. Going to modify them as follows


Plan is as follows:
- get a bulk order of natural down.
- open each section leaving the synthetic material in place as it should help keep the down in place.
- sew back up.

When done I'll have to fairly light but low temp bags for my daughter and wife's bags.

Sleep system will be as follow:
- Klymet inflatable ground mats (all four purchased)
- tarp with paracord ridge lines and titanium stakes (done)
- ultra light bags for my daughter and wife.
- YTBD bags for my son and I.
- aquatech bivies (need four)
- fairly tough compression sacks (already have four)

Only thing I'm not happy with is the M1967 sleeping bag carriers. They attach well for most part. The issue is they are a bit "floppy" when attached to the bottom of the bags. IMO this is an issue of a lack of good attachment points to the bottom of the ALICE. I might just modify the packs with fasted clips now that I have a sewing machine. As far as the M1967s no real loss, each only cost me $40.

Lastly in the future I'm going to be selling all four ALICE frames.

[Ghost]

Swapped the last metal ALICE frame. Soon I'll be putting all four up for sale. The way I look at it the cost will pay for 1.5 Aquaquest bivies for the sleep systems.