GoLite Jam Compression Re-design

This article forms part of the GoLite Jam Extreme Make-over

I wasn't the least bit happy with the way that the two side-straps tried to compress the pack - they never seemed very good at doing it. I thought I'd change it to use the more common shock-cord style of compression. This would allow me to choose where the pack is compressed and also it would allow me to strap things to the pack if I wanted to.

In this picture you can see that the side straps are gone and instead there remain two little loops. I've also added a loop to the seam between the two existing loops. You can also see that compression is being applied to the middle of the pack by using a length of nylon cord and a cord-lock.

The nylon cord works well at compressing the load and does not tend to move around. Once it's locked , it's locked.

Materials

• 1x GoLite Jam Pack
• 2m of 4mm Cord
• 1 cord-lock

Construction

1. CAREFULLY cut off the plastic side-buckles using a pair of snips or good quality scissors. You need to leave the webbing loops intact.

2. Cut-off and seal the webbing straps. Leave around 6cm still on the pack. You need at least 1cm for sewing and a reasonable chunk for the loop. If you use the existing loops as a guide you won't go too far wrong.

3. Form a loop with the webbing and sew through the seam. Use a #16 needle and do two bar-tacks (very closely spaced zigzags). The seam is the strongest part of the pack and the bar-tack is pretty strong.