Posted: 5/1/2012 1:06:22 PM EDT
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I have a Tru-spec 3 day pack that I use as my GHB. I'd like to have a little bit more support and shape to prevent lumpiness. I know some packs have frame sheets in them, usually made of HDPE.
Has anyone made their own frame sheet or have any ideas on how to make one? Through google I found someone who was using corrugated plastic like the stuff they make campaign signs out of. I think if I used two sheets of this and rotated the corrugations then it wouldn't bend as much. I also want a thin foam liner for a bit more padding on the back. |
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I just did just what you're talking about. I wound up buying a 4' x 2' sheet of 1/16" thick black HDPE delivered from Grainger's for about $30. Had enough for a few small packs with some left over for the future.
Take some measurements of the pack, and use a single piece of cardboard to make a rough template, which you will cut-and-try inside the pack until it fits just right. Carefully trace the outline onto the plastic, and cut the plastic using double-action metal snips (Harbor Freight). Sand all edges of the plastic SMOOTH, and NO sharp edges or corners. Round everything, else the fabric might be damaged over time. I did 3 packs in a morning, so it is not too hard. For foam padding, cut down an old USGI closed-cell foam sleeping pad. If your pack is the right size/shape, Tactical Tailor sells a frame sheet, and I believe either entrygear.com or supplycaptain.com sells a slightly different unit. If either of these frame sheets will fit, or even if you have to cut them down a little, I would go this route to save time, money and hassle. The thing is, the frame sheet has to be a pretty tight fit, and there really has to be a compartment to keep it in place. If your pack has a compartment for a frame sheet, or even a compartment for a padding sheet, you are probably GTG. If your pack lacks either of these compartments, It might not be worth doing, since the frame sheet will not be held securely in place, and thus a good deal of the benefit of having same will be lost. |
disregard
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Quoted:
I've used political signs found on the corner by my house, cut to fit of course. Not sure of what type of plastic or whatever it is, but it was darn near 1/4" thick and works very well. Political signs...who would have though they would be useful... 
found some high density foam...packing that came in a box full of computer parts..cut to fit... 
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...great idea..!
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While working for a sign company I had access to a lot of plastics. I was disappointed in hdpe and wanted something more rigid for my assault packs. In my quest I found that .125 ABS plastic seemed to worked out best. It is rigid enough that a full bladder doesn't round out the back panel at all. Stays perfectly flat and supports really well. I think the ABS plastic might actually be kydex, if not it is very similar. My sheets were cut on a CNC router, but I am sure this stuff can be cut just about any other way. Hope this helps!
BTW...My frames were made for the ILBE assaultQW pack! |