As I have already expressed in earlier posts I am in love with my Lowe Alpine Sting in OD and have been looking at ways to modify it to make it even more beautiful. Last night I looked at all the straps and realised I could save myself a few grammes by cutting away the excess material. Not only did I save a few grammes (neither here nor there really) but I streamlined the bag's outline and created fewer chances for anything to get caught as I stumble around blindly in the undergrowth. The velcro strap tidiers for the vertical lid straps that secure the lid are actually pointless when you cut the straps down because they then slot straight down through the MOLLE system.
I then sewed a velcro Union Flag (subdued) badge onto the left hand side sleeve (the bit your GB SFA and bivvy poles so neatly sits in). I decided to put it there because it just looks cool down there out the way, almost nonchalant, like an indifferent grunt, and if the badge was on the lid or top front it would look like a Karrimor to the casual observer. And that wouldn't do.
I then ordered a piece of OD velcro online which will become a name tape with a marker pen and a stencil. Total Full Metal Jacket.
Today I spent most of my day looking at MOLLE pouches in which I can put my tarp and groundsheet and attach to the front of the bag. This would ensure if they're dirty or damp they are kept separate from the other kit like sleeping bags and dry clothes. (I know, I know, I could use dry bags but I don't really want to because I bought a poncho which should keep me dry in the unlikely event of an all day rain storm and the cordura is pretty water resistant.)
Also, I'm thinking of adding some velcro or press studs in on the top, middle and bottom of the flap that runs vertically alongside the zips which attach the side pouches. This adds no real benefit apart from looking sexy and at a push I could convince myself it would streamline the pack further.
The last thing I want to do is perhaps add some sort of water bottle pouch to the hip belt although there isn't a MOLLE attachment for this. A bit of lateral thinking is needed here...
Okay, I'm rambling, it's late and my freezer still hasn't fully defrosted, but my question is, do you modify your kit and if so, what have been your successes and failures? Feel free to include personal innovations and inventions.
I then sewed a velcro Union Flag (subdued) badge onto the left hand side sleeve (the bit your GB SFA and bivvy poles so neatly sits in). I decided to put it there because it just looks cool down there out the way, almost nonchalant, like an indifferent grunt, and if the badge was on the lid or top front it would look like a Karrimor to the casual observer. And that wouldn't do.
I then ordered a piece of OD velcro online which will become a name tape with a marker pen and a stencil. Total Full Metal Jacket.
Today I spent most of my day looking at MOLLE pouches in which I can put my tarp and groundsheet and attach to the front of the bag. This would ensure if they're dirty or damp they are kept separate from the other kit like sleeping bags and dry clothes. (I know, I know, I could use dry bags but I don't really want to because I bought a poncho which should keep me dry in the unlikely event of an all day rain storm and the cordura is pretty water resistant.)
Also, I'm thinking of adding some velcro or press studs in on the top, middle and bottom of the flap that runs vertically alongside the zips which attach the side pouches. This adds no real benefit apart from looking sexy and at a push I could convince myself it would streamline the pack further.
The last thing I want to do is perhaps add some sort of water bottle pouch to the hip belt although there isn't a MOLLE attachment for this. A bit of lateral thinking is needed here...
Okay, I'm rambling, it's late and my freezer still hasn't fully defrosted, but my question is, do you modify your kit and if so, what have been your successes and failures? Feel free to include personal innovations and inventions.
