Chest / vest pack

[sean salach]

I made this for backpacking, specifically on skis, but it could easily be adapted to bikepacking if you have limited space on the bike.

I had read about guys in the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic using thin backpacks worn backward to carry food, fuel, gloves and other items that would be nice to access without removing the pack. I wanted to try a slightly more elegant-ish option. I built a pack that attaches to the load lifters and shoulder straps of a backpack, and takes up all the space between the sternum strap and the waist belt.

I have a Hill People Gear Runner's Kit bag, but I wanted more volume and a different configuration, and wanted to be able to remove both packs intuitively at the same time. Likewise I have thin backpacks and waist packs, but they make it awkward to access the waist belt of the backpack or rezip up with cold fingers.

This is version 1.0. I started with an old Pedro'sFest vest that was too small for me, salvages a couple of pocket zippers out of an old fleece, used a fabric I've had sitting around for a few years, and only had to purchase some elastic for the strap at the bottom/back of the pack and a couple of buckles.

[ImAFred]

awesome

[bmike-vt]

Nice. I've thought of similar after reading Lucs accounts. Would work better for hike / ski - maybe on my Pugsley where I'm more upright.

[sean salach]

Yeah, like I said, I only really see it being practical on a bike if you're short or packing a lot of gear and have limited options for easily accessible food on your bike.

[Area54]

Nice thinking. Aarn packs use a front pocket counterbalance system also.