|
Post by doglovingjim on Jul 19, 2018 11:26:29 GMT 10
I got myself a very old hiking backpack with an external metal frame that I'm planning to convert into my BOB, and I noticed that apart from everything else the straps (they were leather) are now either worn out or broken so I was wondering if it's possible to get strong bag straps separately so I can restore her to her former glory. If so then are there any you recommend?
|
|
|
Post by Joey on Jul 19, 2018 14:40:08 GMT 10
You after leather straps again?
|
|
|
Post by doglovingjim on Jul 19, 2018 15:06:28 GMT 10
You after leather straps again? I don't really mind what type of straps as long as they are durable and would last long (since it'd be for a BOB I need something reliable), however if you know where to get leather straps then I'm also listening. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by Peter on Jul 19, 2018 18:55:07 GMT 10
I do leather work as a hobby, so I could probably work something out. The problem with leather straps for a BOB is that to make them wide enough to distribute the weight of the loaded bag - and to provide padding - it gets expensive. If you do get leather ones, avoid "Genuine Leather" like the plague as it's the lowest quality form of all leather types and won't last well.
"Full grain" is best, followed by "Top Grain".
That said, I've had 2 adult backpacks and 2 kids backpacks from Joey; the quality and comfort is excellent in all of them. I'd be asking him about straps for any repair jobs I need to make.
|
|
|
Post by Joey on Jul 19, 2018 19:37:09 GMT 10
As Pete said, if you want decent padded straps, post up a photo of the frame on the pack you mentioned and I'll have a look at it
|
|
|
Post by doglovingjim on Jul 19, 2018 20:50:39 GMT 10
Yeah thank you guys, I'll certainly take a picture when I can (at the moment it's under a compartment in my work bench which I can only open when I get everything else off top of it) to provide some more infomation and so I can get estimates on costs.
|
|
|
Post by doglovingjim on Jul 29, 2018 16:08:10 GMT 10
imgur.com/a/2Awht58I finally got her out today but the damage didnt seem too bad (apart from some parts which might need to be replaced in a couple of years but at the moment if it aint broke don't fix it). Appears the only problems is with the bag itself, for example all I need to do is to rivet some material on the bottom so the bag can properly tie on the frame once more. I don't even need to replace the original straps, so looks like one more piece of evidence on how they made things properly back in those times. My bug-out-bag will be back in action before I know it. Any ideas on where to get rivets? Does Bunnings sell non-pop-rivet rivets? EDIT: If I ever have to put her out of action completely how universal are these bag frames anyway? For sentimental reasons I'd rather get a new bag but keep the frame then have to replace the frame too.
|
|
|
Post by Joey on Jul 29, 2018 16:43:31 GMT 10
Try a leading camping shop for the rivets you should get the die in the pack with them, otherwise try a craft shop that does leather supplies as well
|
|
|
Post by Peter on Jul 29, 2018 17:14:57 GMT 10
Those leather straps are really easy to make or repair, but I wouldn't want to carry any decent weight with them.
Look at tandyleather.com.au for rivets/press studs. You'll also need the setter & anvil.
There's also buckleguy.com - they do some better quality studs & buckles (stainless steel, etc).
There is another cheat, which may sound odd... go to a pawn shop and see if they have an old accordion going cheap. Some have excellent padded straps, as the player is effectively wearing the instrument for some hours. And they tend to be cheap due to low demand.
|
|
|
Post by doglovingjim on Jul 29, 2018 21:34:20 GMT 10
Could I just use a hammer and a solid surface instead of getting a proper setter/anvil for the rivets?
As for Joey I have been reading about your business and it got me interested. Should this BOB fall beyond repair or stop being useful for the growing demands I would place on it (as I'm going to be now constantly testing it/using it so we will see how it fares) would it be possible to negotiate a custom bag that can be attached to the current external frame (plus reinforced bag-straps) instead?
Australian made sounds pretty darn good compared to something made from some sweatshop in China, and if everyones vouching for you then certainly you would be the first person I go to.
|
|
|
Post by Peter on Jul 29, 2018 22:08:47 GMT 10
A solid surface is certainly an option, as long as you don't mind some flattening of the convex surfaces. A hammer (or mallet) will be fine to hit the setter, but you'll need a setter or a suitable alternative to convey the force into the rivet; the hammer won't fit in there. Look at Tandy Leather for setters to suit your particular rivet/snap: www.tandyleather.com.au/en/search/?sSearch=rivet%20setter
|
|
|
Post by Joey on Jul 29, 2018 22:31:08 GMT 10
If it comes to it, I'm sure that I can model something to attach to your frame
|
|
|
Post by doglovingjim on Dec 1, 2018 6:00:46 GMT 10
I restored her and tested her out by going on a trip overseas, the airline crew at either London or Dubai affectionately tore apart the straps for me.
Needless to say I'm not exactly a happy person at the display of affection, and I'll be doing some research on the next BOB step for when I get back. Joey I might be calling for your services soon (for a daily bug-out-bag).
|
|