MYOG Backpack V6: 2.92 oz Dyneema Composite Fabric Hybrid CT5K.18/wov.32c

MikeJones

MYOG 2.92 Dyneema Overview

I can't believe I am already on backpack number 6, but I keep making small tweaks to my design and it keeps getting better and better. If you haven't seen my original versions here is a quick overview:

MYOG Backpack V1 (I did not finished but I learned a lot)
MYOG Backpack V2 (Finished but needed some tweaks)
MYOG Backpack V3 (My favorite backpack that I took on a handful of hikes. Side pockets were too small for larger bottles and I wanted it to be a little more robust)
MYOG Backpack V4 (First backpack with larger side pockets)
MYOG Backpack V5 (Venom UHMWPE TPU Coated Fabric)

I really liked the form and function of V5. The Venom UHMWPE fabric was really tough, but it was a lot softer than dyneema and had a bit less structure. I decided to go back with a Dyneema fabric on V6 for that structure and stiffness. The stiffness in my opinion is convenient when filling a roll top bag, it doesn't flop over which makes it easier to fill.

As always my MYOG rolltop backpack design has a unique zipper access on the back panel which makes it great as a ultralightweight photography hiking backpack!

ℹ️ Recommended Sewing Gear

Here is a list of sewing gear that I recommend for making your first MYOG Backpack:

Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine (Amazon Affiliate) - Great starter sewing machine that is not crazy expensive and can really get the job done.
Basting Tape (Amazon Affiliate) - Double sided sticky tape used instead of pins for holding fabric together.
Gingher 8-Inch Scissors (Amazon Affiliate) - Sharp scissors for cutting all your fabric
Premium Ergonomic Seam Ripper Tool (Amazon Affiliate) - Thread rippers are used when you make a mistake and need to remove a thread that you sewed.

In the picture above you can see all the items I have in there. This was packed with items I took on my recent Honeymoon to Hawaii. I did add my puffy jacket to use some more space for taking pictures of it though.

Here are the items I fit in here in the above picture:

In the bottom I have two Peak Design Tech Pouches (Amazon Affiliate). One tech pouch has extra batteries, charging cables etc. The second Tech Pouch has all my camera cleaning gear.
In between the Tech Pouches I have a Lonely Planet book for Kauai Hawaii.
Above the Tech pouches I have two Matador Lens Base Layers (Amazon Affiliate) each with a different camera lens in them.
Next I have stacked two Medium Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing Cubes (Amazon Affiliate) one of which has my Sony A9 Camera in it with padding
Lastly my puffy jacket is on the very top

I have mentioned this in previous posts about why I love roll top style bags, but it's because I love the flexibility to change the size of the bag based on what I am carrying.

The entire pack is Dyneema, but I did use a 5.0 Dyneema for the shoulder straps and the bottom of the backpack just for a little more abrasion resistance in the high wear areas.

MYOG Backpack V6 Design Changes

Other than changing the fabric to mostly 2.92 oz Dyneema Composite Fabric Hybrid CT5K.18/wov.32c there are a handful of small design changes with this pack compared to my previous MYOG backpack. Other than the stiffness of the Dyneema I also chose it for its waterproofness.

I really loved the design of my MYOG Backpack V5 because I had some cool color contrast with the 6.5 oz Woven Melange with Dyneema on the side pockets and bottom. The Melange is a cool super tough material but it kind of soaks up water and sweat... This pack I made specifically to take to Hawaii for my Honeymoon and with the humidity and rain when compared to San Diego, I wanted a material that wouldn't soak up my sweat and look gross while I hiked. So I also used Dyneema for the bottom and the side pockets on this pack.

The first major change is the pack dimensions. I thought my previous bags looks a little wide on my back. So for this one I took an entire inch off the width and then added that inch back to the side panels so I wouldn't lose any total volume.

I also felt like my older designs rode a little low so I also shortened the shoulder straps a bit. Shortening the shoulder straps was fantastic! I was a bit nervous about this major change but this guy feels amazing where it rides on my back.

The next design change was the back stretch pocket. In all of my previous models I closed them up with a water resistant zipper. The issue here was that the pocket was stretch but the zipper was not. When I would reach my hand into the stretch pocket with the zipper, the zipper would not stretch and would scrape against my hand and was kind of annoying. Using just Dyneema stretch mesh and making the pocket deep, I had no issues on multiple hikes in Hawaii of gear falling out. I am very happy with this design change.

The last design change with this pack was the side straps. In past models I went with some 550 cord and a simple line lock to cinch things down. With this pack I switch to a side strap with a buckle. I switched in the buckle because it makes it easier to strap in larger items in my side pockets. Without the buckle I had to slide my Peak Design Travel Tripod (Amazon Affiliate) from the top. With the buckle I can un-buckle and strap it in much quicker and easier.

I will end this quick write up with a few pictures of the construction of this MYOG Dyneema backpack. I won't go into detail of each step in the build process. I have documented most of these steps in previous articles. I recommend checking out the links at the beginning to my earlier models if you are interested in how to sew your own MYOG pack.

MYOG Shoulder Straps

Attaching the Back Zipper

Side Pockets

Putting it all Together and Seam Sealing

Mr-Jade

Hello Mike, been surfing down the myog trails, learning lots and found your blog... wow totally impressed with your pack versions also the helpful information you provided about gear experiences and trails—thanks for sharing & those hikes on your honeymoon look epic! What fun you’ve been having🙂

Please I was wondering if could assist me better with your packs pattern dimensions?

We’re about the same body build as I’m just over 5’7” and gained a bit thou around 155lbs.
Read thru each of your versions and don’t believe found much on size portions of pattern pieces.
Gathered that you traced out your own fav shoulder straps and tweaked them.

Also I really like the back zipper access and that like to try that out so any more details on that construction be appreciated. (If I missed you mentioning more already sorry please can let me know on what V to follow for that- thanks!)
I really wanted a zipper as looks so make things easier with stuff packed inside, like how the arc haul zip is thou your way seems easier than the curves involved.

I’ve sewed some clothing like collared shirts, shirts, currently starting a velour tracksuit so figure like to try making a pack. And since I’m getting back into hiking have some gear like to upgrade so overall like to save some cash as adds up and figure should be wise with that until get more miles under my soles lol

Figure take some ideas from others like:
Atom’s shoulder strap pockets.
Youtubers Two fools walking wrap around front pocket, perhaps their construction idea on two pattern pieces the main front/sides then back to bottom.
Add bottom pocket that seen on few bags
Perhaps a small front pocket likely with zipper also to keep a few things separate
And maybe even red paws detachable y strap idea for bear canister or other options

Got large roll of paper to make the pattern piece on to actually scale of my idea so can then hopefully be able to tell more of how will look when constructed. As rather pack not be overly crowded or too difficult with the ideas like vs how will they function/look
Can also with dimensions figure out how much dcf, fabric to order.

Anywhoo lol I’m excited with this process!
Creating, learning and doing activities with finished projects is so joyful!

Thanks in advance for reading and hopefully lending me even more advice 🙌🏼🍁🎃

MikeJones

Mr-Jade Hello Mike, been surfing down the myog trails, learning lots and found your blog... wow totally impressed with your pack versions also the helpful information you provided about gear experiences and trails—thanks for sharing & those hikes on your honeymoon look epic!

Thanks and welcome to Ten DIgit Grid, happy to have you here! Hope all the article shave been helpful!

Mr-Jade Please I was wondering if could assist me better with your packs pattern dimensions?

The dimensions have been a constant tweak for me iteration over iteration of this pack. This version here is my favorite size, I went slightly thinner but I also made it a little deeper.

For this pack and front panels are about 11 inches and the sides are 7.5 inches. The side pockets that attach to the 7.5 inch sides are 13 inches wide and 16 inches deep.

I haven't made templates but here are some rough sketches to give you a better idea:

Mr-Jade Also I really like the back zipper access and that like to try that out so any more details on that construction be appreciated.

If you haven't checked it out already probably my MYOG Backpack V2 Article has the best pictures of how I constructed the back panel with that zipper down the middle.

Mr-Jade Figure take some ideas from others

This is basically what I did, I looked at way to many MYOG packs and chose things I liked from each and then started sewing and testing out making minor tweaks here and there 😀

Mr-Jade

Thanks for the assistance! I had to take a break as was beginning to feel unhealthy about the amount of time was putting into research and then looping over undecided on cost/fabrics… give the brain a rest, waiting to see on November Black Friday sales, saving more and eventually calculate material list as probably take the plunge. Rather think I will for a down sleeping bag as believe can save on cost for that especially with having higher fill amount that like. I feel like taking time allows me to feel less compulsive & more prepared yet balance with time use as the actual making will require concentrated time also so don’t wanna burnout eh less enjoyable. Anywhoo thanks again and happy Halloween 🎃