This project utilizes a Mountain Equipment Co-op Nano XP drybag, straps & buckles, and a couple pieces of upcycled fabric to create a highly functional and durable bag. The flat construction of the drybag provides areas around the perimeter to sew on fabrics and straps without compromising the bag’s waterproof properties. After over a year of regular use the waterproof body shows no substantial signs of wear. The 5 litre size fits into the Loop of a Jones bar. The finished weight is about 190 grams. The 3 litre size can also be augmented in the same manner. Total cost is about C$25. This project was completed using a regular sewing machine and a Speedy Stitcher to attach the roll top closure buckles and straps.







Materials:
- 5 litre Nano XP drybag
- Overboard sells a similar higher priced product that may also be adaptable. This product has not been tested.
- Waist belt 2 metres 1″ webbing
- Closures 1 metre 3/4″ webbing
- 1 pair of 1″ buckles
- 2 pairs of 3/4″ buckles
- 2 fabric panels roughly 14″ x 14″ (X Pac VX-21 pictured)
- 1 metre 1″ grosgrain or bias tape to sew around perimeter of bag (The installed edge tape can also be carefully removed and reused)
Note: 3/4″ webbing and buckles can be substituted for the waist belt. The suggested 3/4″ buckles only adjust on one side which reduces the functionality of a waist belt.
Assembly:
- remove supplied roll-top closure buckles.
- lay bag flat over the fabric panels and mark perimeter of the drybag onto fabric.
- cut fabric panels to shape
- sew a folded seam into the top edges of the front and back panels.
- sew the fabric panels to the perimeter of the drybag
- sew grosgrain edging around the perimeter of the bag
- attach replacement buckles to each end of the roll-top closure, and also the matching buckles and straps into the lower front corners of the bag, taking care to only sew in the perimeter bonded areas of the drybag.
- cut waist belt to a finished length of at least 45″. (this length allows for multiple attachment options to the Jones bar)
- bar tack the waist belt in place on both side edges of the bag
- cut and bar tack 3/4″ stabilizer straps between the edges of the bag and either side of the waist belt