Resources for Making Your Own Gear

From CanyonWiki

Canyoneering is a new and dynamic sport. The tools of the trade are still being invented and improved on.

To date, only a few companies have produced equipment designed specifically for use in canyons. This leaves canyoneers the freedom to pioneer and repair their own gear. However, unless you have an industrial quality machine and know what you are doing, I'd stay away from throwing any load bearing stitches. Packs, bags, hats, jackets and pants are all fun to make. If a seam fails, well, you put it in, so you know how to fix it. Harnesses and slings are really beyond the limits of most home sewing machines.

Here are a few resources for canyoneers who might like to experiment with their own gear development.

1 Food
2 Sewing Your own Gear
3 Making Stoves
4 Web resources

[edit] Food

Snacks

[edit] Sewing Your own Gear

Sewing your own gear requires a fairly standard sewing machine. It must have a free arm, because much of what is sewn (bags, packs, jackets, etc) is tubular. It needs a reasonable motor and mostly metal gears to be strong enough to sew through webbing, nylon and vinyl fabrics. Fancy stitching is rarely needed. A simple zig-zag stitch will get you through most of what you need. Use all nylon thread (upholstery thread or heavy duty polyester thread). Use a large needle (16/100) for anything with webbing or thick fabric. Use a fine needle for light weight nylon and sleeping bags.