Thread: Adding a zipper/back panel access to a pack?

Hey TGR!

So recently I purchased a mammut spindrift guide 40L pack. Used it a couple of times already, love it, but its missing one of my favorite features from my previous pack, a dakine chute- back panel zipper access to the main compartment. I loved this because I could set my pack down in the snow and access EVERYTHING inside the pack, regardless of how it had been layered from the top. No more pulling out 5 things to get at the 1 thing I wanted.

So, here is my question- do you think I could take the bag to a good tailor and get them to add a full, zipped, back panel access?

back panel of my bag-


Also, if anyone has ever done this, tips/info would be appreciated!

I'm ALWAYS modding my equipment, outerwear and gear to fit my purpose. I had a Mountainsmith 65 pack that was comfortable but was just so complex with unneeded pulls , gazzilions of adjustment straps and tiny pockets in weird places that it was a pain in the ass. I think far better is a simpler, rugged but very comfortable pack that you can make your own personal modifications to, thus customizing the pack to YOUR specs, not simply making do with THEIR specs.

I'd put in a 22" waterproof zipper down the side. Contact Seattle Fabrics in Seattle for the correct waterproof zipper...they have a huge stock. You don't need a fancy tailor. shop....a good simple alterations seamstress will be able to do the job with ease. They'll simply turn the bag inside out and sew in the zipper.

Good luck

Completely forgot to mention a semi important detail- there is already a zipper on one side of the back panel, but it doesn't run the whole length.

Should I get the seamstress to put in a second zipper on the opposite side, like so, and cut/attach a velcro closure to the top? See ridiculous diagram below.

_____(velcro)
|------|
|------|
|------|(zippers on both sides)
|------|

Or should I somehow get a seamstress to take out the zipper thats there right now, and just put in a full back zip that goes all the way around?

Does anyone know of a solid website to buy waterproof zippers off? I contacted seattle fabrics but never heard back....

Originally Posted by |K_M|

Does anyone know of a solid website to buy waterproof zippers off? I contacted seattle fabrics but never heard back....

http://stores.rctfabrics.com/-strse-...Categories.bok

Originally Posted by PhiberAwptik

http://stores.rctfabrics.com/-strse-...Categories.bok

sweet, thanks.