DIY: Homemade Gear

There is a certain satisfaction that goes along with making your own gear. A confidence that only comes with the knowledge that you are capable of providing for your own needs, but what gear should you try to make your self and which should you buy? Let me start by saying that if you are new to backpacking, talk to a lot of seasoned hikers, visit the hiking / backpacking forums and get some experience first before deciding what you want to try making. For the rest of you seasoned and crusty hikers, we will look at some of the most common DIY (Do It Yourself) gear.

Probably the most common piece of homemade gear is the soda can alcohol stove. 2 aluminum cans, a utility knife blade, a drill (a pin, nail, awl or other pointed object), steel wool, and the red & black JB Weld and you’re on your way to having a quiet, fuel efficient, light cook stove to add to your pack. You can find detailed plans all over the internet but I would recommend www.zenstoves.net they have detailed plans to make several types of alcohol and wood burning stoves as well as other DIY projects.

Another great way to cut weight and save space in your pack is to repackage your freeze dried meals into zip lock freezer bags. Once done, you can make a bag cozy (an insulated pouch) to place the freezer bag in while the meal re-hydrates. Then you can sit back and enjoy your meal content in the knowledge that you have little to no clean up after you’re done eating. As long as you don’t mind eating from the zip lock bag, you do not have a pan to clean (all you did was boil water in it), you have no plate or bowl to wash (you only have an empty bag to add to your trash), that only leaves your Spork and cup to clean. Watch the video's below for directions on making and using a bag cozy.

For those of you that like to sew (or know someone that can sew) the possibilities for DIY gear are almost endless. You have the potential to make your own tarps, tents, hammocks, packs, sleeping bags, quilts, and clothing. You are limited only by your imagination and skill. Dozens of gear manufacturers (Kelty, Snow Peak, Appy Trails, Golite, to name a few) started out making gear for family and friends in their spare time and ended up making it a full time career.

Don’t be afraid to try making your own gear; just test your homemade gear fully before you hit the trail so you do not have any unexpected surprises when you are 20 miles into the back country. For those that would like some more information before trying to make gear, try the websites and Youtube channels listed below.

Youtube Channels:
~ Ggreenvideos
~ jasonklass
~ minibulldesign
~ shugemery
~ mblackford100

Websites:
www.geartalkwithjasonklass.com
www.hammockforums.net
www.thru-hiker.com

www.zenstoves.net