Really, I had been pondering making our own gear for quite a while. I have seen other people's YouTube videos showing backpacking gear they had made. I read books about through-hikers describing their very specialized homemade gear. But I kept putting it off. Fears related to ill-fated sewing projects from my youth crept up as I considered purchasing, of all things, a SEWING MACHINE!!! And then, I did it! I took the plunge and bought a basic $80 sewing machine online.
My first project -- gaiters. The purpose of the gaiters is to keep pebbles and thorns out of the boys' shoes. They were to be made of spandex, lightweight and simple. As well, they were a good starter project given their small size and relatively inexpensive material. They basically are copies of my husband's gaiters.
The Finished Product |
Back at the house I measured the boys and made several prototypes (after watching several YouTube videos on how to thread my machine). And about a week after my sewing machine purchase,
We will see you on the trail!
-Mama Bear