u/PNWbikepacking

Got a Juki 1541s about a month ago. This is my third project. I also got a press for Kam Snaps so was excited to play with that on this project.

• Project 1: Bikepacking Backpack Version 1 (https://www.reddit.com/r/myog/comments/1uj0las/my\_first\_real\_myog\_backpack/)
• Project 2: Fly Fishing Zip Pouch for friend
• Project 3: Bikepacking Backpack Version 2
• Project 4: Frame bag

I made some meaningful refinements from the version 1 backpack for my use case as well as some small tweaks.

1. Made the pack slightly smaller (less depth, less width on the back panel)
2. Added Load Lifters
3. Revised shoulder strap shape
4. Revised shoulder strap pocket layout + 1 new pocked on left shoulder strap with button
5. Updated bottom of pack construction so mesh doesn't run lal the way to the very bottom.
6. Added organization pockets inside the rear pocket
7. Updated the back panel to use removable foam sheet

I'd say the pack sits around 20-25 Liters and I think is going to be perfect for my use case of riding with a backpack + Camera equipment. Instead of 2 giant marathon sewing sessions, I broke up the work into smaller chunks throughout the week (still with some pretty long sessions). I am still pretty rough at sewing around curves and tight corners so there is some puckering. Looking back now i'd probably rate my first pack a 6/10 and this aa 7/10.

It was fun to play around with the Kam snaps. TBD if they provide meaningful value.

Excited to take it on a big trip in a few weeks and really put it through it's paces. I'll probably wait before I make a version 3 until I have used this for a while.

For my next projects:

1. Case for my Fly Fishing Reel
2. Porter Duffel (35L)
3. Sling bag for my partner (tech pouch with straps?)
4. Over built tote bag with excessive lashing points and pockets
5. I want to make a cool more unique ultralight wallet
6. Frame bag for friend

Was stoked to score one of the recent Mystery Boxes! First project from the fabric is this frame bag for my Transition Spur.

Features:

• Added some taper to the gusset (wide up front and skinnier at the back). This just gives me a bit more extra room
• Map pocket with some organization. Great for stashing my multi tool and dynaplug.
• Big main pocket
• YKK #5 Vislon Zippers... I swear by these zippers!
• Plastic stiffener on all three sides

I am pretty knew to MYOG so this project still kicked my ass.

• Accounting for new dimensions after doing the zipper
• For some reason the zipper garage kicked my ass
• Tight corners and bends are hard for me to sew straight and with a consistent seam allowance.

I actually built this thinking it would be a "test run" and i'd sew it in a fabric I like better, but it actually turned out pretty decent so I think i'll just run with it! Works out well for an upcoming trip I have with this bike. The camo matches the color scheme of the bike.

I started the project around 6:30 PM and finished at 2:00 AM. (had to redo a panel and test fit). Anyone else stay up to a ridiculous hour finishing these things?

Was stoked to score one of the recent Mystery Boxes! First project from the fabric is this frame bag for my Transition Spur.

Features:

• Added some taper to the gusset (wide up front and skinnier at the back). This just gives me a bit more extra room
• Map pocket with some organization. Great for stashing my multi tool and dynaplug.
• Big main pocket
• YKK #5 Vislon Zippers... I swear by these zippers!
• Plastic stiffener on all three sides

I am pretty knew to MYOG so this project still kicked my ass.

• Accounting for new dimensions after doing the zipper
• For some reason the zipper garage kicked my ass
• Tight corners and bends are hard for me to sew straight and with a consistent seam allowance.

I actually built this thinking it would be a "test run" and i'd sew it in a fabric I like better, but it actually turned out pretty decent so I think i'll just run with it! Works out well for an upcoming trip I have with this bike. The camo matches the color scheme of the bike.

I started the project around 6:30 PM and finished at 2:00 AM. (had to redo a panel and test fit). Anyone else stay up to a ridiculous hour finishing these things?

I was on the quest for the perfect backpack for my specific bikepacking use case. I couldn't find it, so I decided to try and make it. I had a little experience with my mom's old domestic quilting machine... but decided to jump into the deep end and got a JUKI 1541s.

My Specific Use Case:

I go bikepacking and carry a Lumix S1ii on my shoulder strap. Sometimes, I carry an additional camera body in the main compartment of the pack. I ride a lot of singletrack so it is important the bag is comfortable and stable.

Desired Specs:

• 20-25 Liters
• Vest style straps with phone pocket and garmin Inreach pocket
• Re-enforced and comfortable spot for mounting camera on shoulder strap
• Pocket with key clip + area to store some electronics like extra batteries
• Mesh pockets for easily stashing/accessing extra food
• Removable hip belt
• Streamlined look

Design:

I took inspiration from packs that I already own . Traced the shoulder straps from existing. Took measurements I liked, then shrunk things down until I thought I was in the right ballpark. Figuring the construction of the shoulder strap (getting the foam in there) but still having it looked finish was probably the most daunting part.

I like the modular nature of the side compression straps... I think it helps keep the pack looking clean (vs. just a traditional rolltop that clips to itself)

Results:

Overall I'd give this a 7 / 10 for my first real effort. Volume came out to be a bit more than I wanted (Maybe I want a 15L pack?) I made several mistakes along the way, had to redo my first attempt at the shoulder strap... front handle webbing is rotated, shoulder straps are slightly different widths, I am not happy with the back panel (Not stiff enough) maybe I should have put on load lifters?

Pretty happy with the vest straps aside from the width being noticeably different haha. For the camera attachment point I used Hypalon. It extends further down because on another pack I have, the camera lens bouncing on the shoulder strap wore a hole in the fabric.

Overall this build was done in a weekend... but I spent probably literally 30 hours working on it. I got locked in. The breakout of that was probably something like:

• 60% Design + Drawing Pattern + Cutting Fabric
• 15% Staring at fabric on the ground trying to think about how to assemble / build a component
• 15% fixing mistakes
• 10% actual sewing

Goals for next project:

1. I want to try to build a pocket that has some dimension to it.
2. I want to try doing stretchy pockets with shock cord and a grommet.
3. Want to make a pack with side access via zipper
4. Want to refine shoulder straps so I have a repeatable and reliable pattern.
5. Waste less fabric!

Trip Report: May 09, 2026 - May 10, 2026

Route: https://bikepacking.com/routes/anaxshat-passage/

TLDR: Route is in good shape. 120 miles, 10K elevation, lots of chill tarmac, beautiful camp spots, go do this route.

Overview:

Overall i'd say the route is in pretty good shape. Parked at the Estacada Park and Ride. Started pedaling around 8:00. Pedaled at a moderate pace, stopped and took pictures, filmed, fished. Made it to north end of Timothy Lake around 6:45 PM. Started day two around 8:30 was back at the car around 3:00. Probably less goofing off on day two, but spent about 45 minutes taking pictures of Osprey.

Trail Notes:

Clackamas River Trail is riding pretty good. A few little branches in the way, but no blowdowns that I had to lift my bike over. The trail is a little overgrown in sections, (seen in the image below) but it's never really a problem. All the new bridges are still standing, though some have taken a little damage from this winters storms. There is an obvious spot to pull off and chill by the river, I did some fishing there and caught a little trout.

Timothy Lake has a handful of blowdowns but nothing that should stop you from going! There were probably around 12 blowdowns once I hit the Miller trail. I'd say 3-4 on the Miller Trail and 8ish along the Timothy Lake Trail. Campgrounds were closed, but still saw a surprising number of people. I camped at the Northern Arm of the Lake where there is dispersed camping.

Abbott Road kinda bumpy... just like I remembered it... starts out pretty smooth but gets a little chunkier. I was on a Hard Tail with 2.4 inch tires and 130mm front suspension. Totally overkill for this route... but hey, it's the bike I like to ride. No washouts our blowdowns along Abbott road!

I've done this route three times now... first time I thought it was alright, but it was during Covid so there were so many people out and trash everywhere it kind of ruined it. My second trip the Clackamas River Trail was in shambles so day 1 was slower going, we didn't make it to Timothy Lake to camp. This time, the whole route is in pretty good shape, I didn't see many people, and I love camping at Timothy when it isn't crowded. I had a great time and it changed my view on this route. Would recommend

Went on a bikepacking trip this weekend and schlepped around my OM1 paired with the 300mm F4. Kind of a pain to get the camera out of my backpack but was worth it for me. I was really surprised with how much I like using this lens for macro.