Modified Alpine Rucksack (Front) Alright, to break-up the excerpts from the book. Let's look at building your own backpack. I have built a number of packs since the mid-90's. Not very many lately, by my choice. What do you need?? Time, space, a sewing machine, scissors, thread, buckles, fabric and probably a pattern. I say this, because later you may be able to design and make your own pack from your design not from the pattern of others. I have used two main patterns to build the packs shown, except the Hybrid's - those I designed and built myself. The patterns I used are: The Rain Shed #150 Alpine Rucksack & Storm Mountain Design #301 Mountain Pack Google these to find a retailer near you. As the pictures show modifying these packs works well. Whether you are adding zip-off pockets Modified Alpine Rucksack (Rear) or buckle off pockets, both increase the carrying capacity of the pack. Extra pockets can be used for tents, fuel bottles, crampons, first aid kits, water bladders and the list can go on & on. You build them to fit the gear you have, that you want to take hiking or backpacking. The most modified pack I have made is the LRRP, Long Range Recreation Pack. This pack can be converted (variable geometry) to many roles. With everything attached, it is a pack mule to get your gear to base-camp. Then the components can be removed and re-configured to fit your day tripping from base. Finally, the Hybrid Pack. Part gear vest and part daypack. This pack is fast and easy to build, because you build the harness first & then add the pockets that fit your gear. I hope this gives you a starting point and some gear making ideas. Mountainman. Link to the Long Range Recreation Pack (LRRP) System: https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2021/02/lrrp-pack-system-long-range-recreation.html SAR Hybrid Pack UPDATE (11 March 2023): New post focusing on the SAR Hybrid Pack - https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-hybrid-pack-system-revisiting-sar.html Long Range Recreation Pack (Variable Geometry) Link: https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2021/02/lrrp-pack-system-long-range-recreation.html Modified & Basic Mountain Pack Hybrid Pack Modified Mountain Pack Modified Alpine Rucksack