a standard machine can sew webbing.  just slow down and use a fat needle. 

for the rest of your question, i do not know.  if i am i understanding you correctly, my approach would be to fold the three sides, turn it right side out, then fold the fourth edge twice to hide the raw edge, and sew it.  that edge would be the edge you can't see when the sling is in use.

Thanks.  I now understand what you mean by sewing the final edge in that manner.  I suppose it all comes down to personal preference as to whether you stitch is that way or use a grosgrain to hide the raw edges.

flanagaj - The only pattern I have is for the seat bag harness that I already posted. There are some other threads and videos with instructions for making your frame bag. My pattern for that likely wouldn't fit your frame anyway. The handlebar harness is pretty straight forward. Just use a piece of cardboard to make a pattern to fit your handlebars.

Jerry

Sorry Jerry, I didn't see the pattern for the seat bag harness

Looking at getting a sewing machine so that I can make a front / rear bag and was wondering whether s standard machine will be able to sew webbing?

I would also like to ask those of you in the know what bits and pieces would make the job easier?

For example, for the front sling I was planning on having a 5mm foam core so as to hold shape and then to edge with double fold bias tape before.  The reason for this is that I can see how you can sew inside out when you have 3 sides, but when you have 4 it would require houdini to turn it outside in again?

Hi Jerry, your bags look awesome and I would like to try and make some of my own.  I appreciate this topic is slightly old, but did you have any of the pattern drawings that you could post as they would really help a sewing beginner to get started.

Thanks

Flanagaj if you're in the UK then I'd second D45yth's suggestion of PHD. If your pockets aren't that deep, then in all honesty you won't go wrong with an AlpKit PD 400 or PD 600 depending on how cold/warm you sleep.

IMO TN stuff does tend to demand a slightly inflated price due to it saying TN on the label.

I took a look at the PHD bags after a recommendation from D45yth and was quite suprised.  The MINIM 400 rated down to -5c weighs 670 grams! If I also took a silk liner and a light weight fleece then I suspect that would cover the nights when it gets a bit cooler than normal.  Plus the fleece can be worn in the evenings as well.

Looks like I might have found the bag for me.

That to me looks like the right weight bag for you. others may disagree. It does seem expensive though. You could get an equivalent bag in the US online for $250. Let me know if you need help finding gear. Harry

Hi Harry, thanks for your kind offer.  I am in the UK, prices in the US are much cheaper, but by the time you add shipping and import tax (20%) + UK postal handling fee the majority of the savings get wiped out.

looks like a decent bag. light probably compresses pretty small. do you sleep hot or cold? do you have other bags? i don't think it's too warm especially if it has a full length zipper. a liner will keep your bag cleaner as well, though they can be a pain to use.

I tend to sleep cold.  My Wife always gets annoyed when I want the 13 tog duvet putting on the bed

flanagaj - I think I'd rather have a bag that isn't as warm as the one you've linked too.  Having a cooler bag would be better for the warmer temps, you could then supplement it with a liner an/or extra clothing when it's cold.
The other thing that could affect your choice is whether you'll be using a tent or bivvying.
I can recommend PHD's bags.  They are very helpful when you ask them for advice and can make a bag to suit you.

I will be using a tent.  I see your point about using a liner and additional clothing for when it is cold.

So would something like this be ok or too warm.  Has a comfort rate of 0c and extreme -15c.   Plus it only weighs 850 grams

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Sleeping_Bags/Down_Bags/Voyager_800_Sleeping_Bag.html?view=specification

I am researching the equipment required for doing the Tour Divide in June and was wondering what temperatures you are likely to encounter in the mountains.  Given that there is still snow on the mountains at that time would a 3 season down sleeping bag suffice?

I tend to feel the cold more than most, but as I have no idea of what nightime temperatures I am likely to encounter during the trip.

Hi Everyone,

Before I start I must say that I am totally new to bikepacking and only found out about it when I stumbled across the Great Divide website.  That was a couple of days ago and now I am hooked.  The Great Divide looks awesome and is on my todo list, but I want to do a 7 day solo effort here in the UK first before looking at that for next year.

I currently I ride a Lapierre Zesty 26 full suspension bike and see that most people use either a 29er or single speed bikes.  I assume that bike choice depends very much on the terrain, or would a 29er be a better option?

Kit advice would also be really helpful and I would appreciate any pointers regarding getting started.  I must stress that I would prefer a 1 man tent rather than a tarp as I like to zip myself away when 

Many thanks


Justin