Camelbak modification question...

krept · August 28, 2002, 12:57 PM

I have a Camelbak HAWG. Great pack, but one major problem... it's black. Black isn't such a good color for field use in the desert in the middle of the day as it absorbs much heat and gets the internal gear cooking faster than I would desire.

I asked Special Operations Equipment about modifying the pack to incorporate some kind of system that will allow for a detachable tarp (sunshade)... kind of like a cover made of white or tan canvas that, through the use of hooks, velcro, whatever... to be used when desired.

SOE said that the guys they deal with usually spraypaint their packs. I didn't want to mess around with paint and am still interested in making (or having one made) such a system.

Any ideas for where I should start looking? Any better ideas to help shadow the pack without use of paint?

THANKS

C.R.Sam · August 28, 2002, 02:59 PM

Time to break out the sewing machine.
Or threedle and ned.
Make a cover out of the material of your choice.

Sam

krept · August 28, 2002, 05:15 PM

I was afraid of that!

So many projects, so little time... I swear I'm going to disconnect the DIY channel this weekend!

Thanks...

When I get this one done, I'll be sure to post the results... never been into the world of gear modification before. Hope it isn't addictive.

Andrew Wyatt · August 28, 2002, 06:25 PM

the nice thing anout the cover is you can spraypaint THAT to match your terrain.

and with it in black, you don't have to worry about getting funny looks from yuppies when your jogging.

HKguy9 · August 29, 2002, 12:14 AM

I have a HAWG and it's in the semi-tactical version. It doesn't have those awful bright colors, but it doesn't have the ALICE thingies either.

Why don't ya grab something like a pillowcase, put a grommet in it, and attach it to the various loops and things with the carabiners? No permanent damage to your baggie.

C.R.Sam · August 29, 2002, 06:18 AM

Pillowcase with pastel floral pattern.
Keep em guessin.
Or, urban camo.

Sam

krept · August 29, 2002, 10:09 AM

I'm not sure if I have the 'tactical' version.

I was thinking about just using some white or beige canvas, cutting it to shape and attaching it to the loops of the pack using some elastic with a hook or loop style fastener. Guess a fabric store or art store would be a good place to start looking for options.

dZ · August 29, 2002, 03:27 PM

http://www.camelbak.com/rec/cb_prod....product_id=170

blades67 · August 29, 2002, 08:19 PM

If you find a Dry-Cleaner in your area with a seamstress, or tailor, in the store, you could take the H.A.W.G. in and have a small pack cover made to fit. A small amount of cloth and a bit of elastic won't cost you much and it could be made for you in about five minutes. No need for paint, velcro or carabiners, and you can keep it water repellent by spraying it with Tectron Wet Guard - Aerosol or Tectron Wet Guard - Pump or by using a wash-in type if you use a nylon or Gore-Tex fabric.

krept · August 29, 2002, 10:44 PM

Good stuff, thanks.

mercop · August 30, 2002, 04:26 PM

I make my own 3 point slings and have them sewn at the Shoe Repair in town. They can sew up to an inch of leather. Can the lady at the cleaners do that? They can order webbing and stuff for you too.

Frohickey · August 30, 2002, 04:56 PM

You could always get the fabric of your choice and attach it to the pack using safety pins.

Or, I'm sure you have seen shower caps with the elastic on it. You could make a larger one with elastic on it.

August 28, 2002, 12:57 PM	#1
krept Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2000 Location: AZ Posts: 1,363	Camelbak modification question... I have a Camelbak HAWG. Great pack, but one major problem... it's black. Black isn't such a good color for field use in the desert in the middle of the day as it absorbs much heat and gets the internal gear cooking faster than I would desire. I asked Special Operations Equipment about modifying the pack to incorporate some kind of system that will allow for a detachable tarp (sunshade)... kind of like a cover made of white or tan canvas that, through the use of hooks, velcro, whatever... to be used when desired. SOE said that the guys they deal with usually spraypaint their packs. I didn't want to mess around with paint and am still interested in making (or having one made) such a system. Any ideas for where I should start looking? Any better ideas to help shadow the pack without use of paint? THANKS __________________ the tallest blade of grass is the first to greet the lawnmower blade

August 28, 2002, 05:15 PM	#3
krept Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2000 Location: AZ Posts: 1,363	I was afraid of that! So many projects, so little time... I swear I'm going to disconnect the DIY channel this weekend! Thanks... When I get this one done, I'll be sure to post the results... never been into the world of gear modification before. Hope it isn't addictive. __________________ the tallest blade of grass is the first to greet the lawnmower blade

August 29, 2002, 12:14 AM	#5
HKguy9 Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2001 Posts: 2,132	I have a HAWG and it's in the semi-tactical version. It doesn't have those awful bright colors, but it doesn't have the ALICE thingies either. Why don't ya grab something like a pillowcase, put a grommet in it, and attach it to the various loops and things with the carabiners? No permanent damage to your baggie. __________________ P7M8, VP9

August 29, 2002, 10:09 AM	#7
krept Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2000 Location: AZ Posts: 1,363	I'm not sure if I have the 'tactical' version. I was thinking about just using some white or beige canvas, cutting it to shape and attaching it to the loops of the pack using some elastic with a hook or loop style fastener. Guess a fabric store or art store would be a good place to start looking for options. __________________ the tallest blade of grass is the first to greet the lawnmower blade

August 29, 2002, 03:27 PM	#8
dZ Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: Exiled, Fetid Swamp, DC Posts: 7,548	http://www.camelbak.com/rec/cb_prod....product_id=170 __________________ "O tell the Lacedomecians to damn the torpedoes." BOTR, Chapter V: Some Monsters

August 28, 2002, 02:59 PM	#2
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Time to break out the sewing machine. Or threedle and ned. Make a cover out of the material of your choice. Sam

August 28, 2002, 06:25 PM	#4
Andrew Wyatt Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2002 Location: Bakersfield, Kommiefornia Posts: 549	the nice thing anout the cover is you can spraypaint THAT to match your terrain. and with it in black, you don't have to worry about getting funny looks from yuppies when your jogging.

August 29, 2002, 06:18 AM	#6
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Pillowcase with pastel floral pattern. Keep em guessin. Or, urban camo. Sam

August 29, 2002, 08:19 PM	#9
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	If you find a Dry-Cleaner in your area with a seamstress, or tailor, in the store, you could take the H.A.W.G. in and have a small pack cover made to fit. A small amount of cloth and a bit of elastic won't cost you much and it could be made for you in about five minutes. No need for paint, velcro or carabiners, and you can keep it water repellent by spraying it with Tectron Wet Guard - Aerosol or Tectron Wet Guard - Pump or by using a wash-in type if you use a nylon or Gore-Tex fabric. __________________ Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat! I hunt, therefore I am.

August 29, 2002, 10:44 PM	#10
krept Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2000 Location: AZ Posts: 1,363	Good stuff, thanks. __________________ the tallest blade of grass is the first to greet the lawnmower blade

August 30, 2002, 04:26 PM	#11
mercop Member Join Date: August 2, 2002 Location: NE MD Posts: 51	I make my own 3 point slings and have them sewn at the Shoe Repair in town. They can sew up to an inch of leather. Can the lady at the cleaners do that? They can order webbing and stuff for you too. __________________ Anticipate the attack.

August 30, 2002, 04:56 PM	#12
Frohickey Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2002 Location: People's Republic of Kalifornia Posts: 579	You could always get the fabric of your choice and attach it to the pack using safety pins. Or, I'm sure you have seen shower caps with the elastic on it. You could make a larger one with elastic on it. __________________ Frohickey -- TFL Alumni SigSauer, if you are listening, MAKE A DOUBLE-STACK 10mm PISTOL!