Ultralight IKEA-Bag Backpack

Site slow for me, here is an imgur mirror http://imgur.com/a/J2957

It's probably more interesting that it is self made than it is interesting that it is made out of IKEA bags.

I find making it from the bags an odd choice, fabric with particular chosen qualities would probably be $10-$20 a yard.

Interesting as a DIY project, but I would strongly advise not using this for anything where functionality matters (camping, hiking, travel, etc). For just going to work/school it is a great fashion statement, but there are serious concerns

1. no chest strap to help distribute the load. I see a waist strap which is nice, but chest is generally the bare minimum

2. Those seals (stiches) aren't waterproof

3. It is only as durable as the stitching

4. The reason you pay for a "real" bag is for durability. That doesn't look like it would survive narrow trails that well. I am also sceptical as to how it would hold up on flights where you are forced to gate check all your luggage.

And before someone cites the ikea rope bag: Rope bags are generally what you use when you are climbing an hour or two away from the car/camp, at most, over fairly simple terrain. Farther or more strenuous than that and you are going to want a better more hands-free way of carrying that in addition to your gear.

Like I said, this backpack is cool and a nice fashion statement. But don't rely on it.

And if cost is the issue: Keep an eye out for sites like ebags. Can usually find great discounts and coupons throughout the year to get a solid Osprey (or whatever brand you prefer. I like Osprey) for on the order of 100 bucks. And while that is expensive (it actually isn't), understand that it should be lasting you at least 2-3 years, if not more.

He paid $6 for the bags, so it may have been cheaper this way and/or more convenient.

Oh, it was obviously cheaper. But he spent 25 hours stitching. If I were doing that, I'd spend $25 getting the properties I wanted.