#cheaterbackpack

ONE MORE MOD. I always, ALWAYS travel with a sharpie and a pen (will probably swap this shockingly old Uniball for a Spacepen). Next to the water bottle pocket, I added a couple of quick access pen slots that are long enough for a pair of chopsticks (yes, I travel with chopsticks, sue me, I am Asian). Also, a quick shot of the perfect flat tech pouch found on Amazon, and iPad Mini that slide into the front pocket. I had considered making a bag or an organizer for this pocket but with the bag packed out, it’s a snug fit so no need for it. | Aside from adding a couple of D-Loops, I think this is the end of the #cheaterbackpack story but the start of its journey into the undersides of seat, unknown adventures and sprints across connecting flights. #travel #travelbag #carryononly #onebagtravel #bagmod #makersgonnamake #sewing #penslots https://www.instagram.com/p/BohAa6sB9Zv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1f67fz6re824g

The #cheaterbackpack mods continue. A zip-up, hideaway water bottle pocket for a slim, 22oz insulated bottle. This by far was one of my most invasive mods, similar to the straps in that I had to take apart the seam but having to do up the binding afterwards was something I was kind of avoiding before. Best used when the bag is packed out but as Jonny Ives says, when not needed, it should be quiet. #makersgonnamake #bagmod #onebag #cotopaxi #sewing #voidwarranty (at Winnipeg, Manitoba) https://www.instagram.com/p/Boe3ke7hdq2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11s15d0r19hk4

Turning my attention back to interior, this older model Nazca didn’t have any flat pockets on the flap lids, so I used some 400D orange ripstop to great some. I already fit my laundry bag in the bottom one and likely will fit a rain fly (when I made one) in the top one. More mods later, have to do some real work 🤣. . . . #cheaterbackpack #sewing #pockets #onebagtravel #carryononly https://www.instagram.com/p/Bob7ijxhUST/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3iadekzvdkar

While I was adding anchors, I put in a few load lifter straps into the top seam. While this doesn’t exactly do what it does on larger packs, it still brings the top the bag closer to straps making a more curved shape. I followed the load lifter strap down onto the main strap and finished it with some small d-rings for clipping whatever I needed in them. #cheaterbackpack #makersgonnamake #sewing #loadlifter #straps #carryon #onebagtravel https://www.instagram.com/p/Bob7ADYBrqA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=relzyxqp3b1o

The backpack strap anchors were just stuffed into the seam and tacked in place. While plenty strong, I didn’t like that resolution, so I upgraded the anchors to a more beefy triangle shaped 500D Cordura anchor. #cheaterbackpack #sewing #backpackstrap #upgrade #makersgonnamake https://www.instagram.com/p/Bob6coQhpOl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ak9o54v7hvsv

I like a good compression strap, lots of them. With the seams exposed on the inside, I was able to dig in with a seam ripper and slide in 6 anchors for 3/4” side release buckles. These will become the compression straps. I like them because I can attach a water bottle to the outside, a jacket or whatever. The bottom ones are a little longer for extra gear or a tubular item. This also allows (in combination with the one easy top access) the #cheaterbackpack to be used as a fairly low profile daily carry bag when I reach my destination. #bagmod #onebagtravel #travel #sewing #warrantyvoid #makersgonnamake https://www.instagram.com/p/Bob6GwFh0ch/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1stidz45b96y4

First things first...I almost never travel with a laptop. I am on vacation, not working. Removing the padded laptop divider affords me a little bit more depth in the main compartment. When I am fitting 3 days to a weeks worth of clothes, every bit of space counts. Not only did this free up some space, it also allowed for the previously, top access laptop zipper to become a top access zipper to the main compartment for quick access to a water bottle or liquids/toiletries. This is crucial since the bag opens up like a suitcase and is difficult to access internals unless you are your destination (good thing). Simple enough mod and also gave access to the seams for the outside corn t edges. #cheaterbackpack #sewing #bagmod #carryononly #travel #onebagtravel #quickaccess https://www.instagram.com/p/Bob4gV8hUH3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=itqw8jshgydv