In this tutorial article we will show you how to create your own vertical DIY compression stuff sack

This is a smaller, vertical compression. This compresses along the length of the stuff sack. Compression pressure on the longest side (most room for potential compression). In our opinion the better, most efficient style of compression stuff sack.

Project Overview

Skill Level	Estimated Time
Intermediate	2-3 hours

Materials and Tools

Materials Needed:	Tools Needed:
1 Yard 300D	Sewing Machine
15″ Dutch Cord	Scissors
1 – Mini Cord Lock	Ruler/Tape Measure
4 – Linelock 3’s	Marker or Chalk
4 – 1/2″ Beastee Dee’s
64″ reflective cord
40″ x 1/2″ Grosgrain
Thread of your choice

Pattern Components

Main Stuff Sack Body
End Cap Circles
Compression Panels

Instructions for a clean-looking compression stuff sack.

Step 1:
Cut all pattern pieces from 300D.
Pattern Piece Measurements:
● Main stuff sack body- 16 1/2″ x 10″
( lay 10″ side on fold, add 2″ x 3/4″ tab on opposite edge to cut. (See photo below)
● End cap circles are 6 1/8″ in diameter . Cut 2.
● Compression panels are 20″ long, 2 3/4″ wide at the widest point, i.e., the “posts”, and 2 1/4″ wide in the “valleys”.

Step 2:
Cut reflective cord to four 16″ lengths.
Step 3:
Cut grosgrain to eight 5″ lengths.
Step 4:
Thread each 5” length of grosgrain through the beastee dees and linelock 3s. Sew ends together to create tabs. Fuse ends with a flame.

Step 5:
Arrange 2 compression side panels (right sides together), “sandwiching” tabs between the 2 layers of fabric, tabs centered on each “post”, hardware facing in. Make sure all the hardware on tabs are facing the same direction between two layers of fabric. Sew at ¼”. Backtack over grosgrain tabs for reinforcement.

Step 6:
Open the panels and fold crosswise, sew ends together. (right sides together). After this seam is sewn, panel must be 9 3/8” when folded in half crosswise, to ensure it will fit the circle end cap in a later step.

Step 7:
Snip the curves, as illustrated.

Step 8:
Turn right side out, top stitch with a narrow seam allowance.

Step 9:
Reinforce tabs with topstitched x-boxes or half x-boxes on each post just under the previous topstitch seam . Make sure to be center your x-box reinforcements over the grosgrain tabs on the inside. You can find them by feel and mark with chalk if you need a seam guide.

Step 10:
Repeat steps 5-9 for second set of compression panels.

Step 11:
Sew end cap circle to the compression panel (linelock3 panel). The edge of machine presser foot is a good seam allowance for this step.

Step 12:
On main stuff sack body, fold both 2” tabs inwards on the wrong side and hem, making sure to keep the seam the same length as the tab. This finishes the opening of drawstring channel.

Step 13:
Fold top edge of stuff sack inwards 1” and hem to create drawstring channel.

Step 14:
Fold main stuff sack body in half, right sides together. Sew side seam, leaving an opening at the beginning of seam for drawstring channel. After side seam is sewn, main body must be 9 3/8” wide, to ensure main body will fit end cap circle properly.

Step 15:
Use a bodkin to thread the drawstring channel with Dutch Cord. (If you don’t have a bodkin, an extra large safety pin threaded with the cord works well for this) Thread both ends through the mini cord lock. Knot twice. Fuse ends with a flame.

Step 16:
Attach main body to bottom compression panel (panel with beastee dees tabs) . Use a narrow seam allowance.

Step 17:
Attach bottom end cap circle to the main body, right sides together. Make sure to sew seam deeper then previous seam to ensure the first seam is not visible on outside of finished product. Turn right side out.

Step 18:
Compress everything in sight (except small dogs and children).

Related Stuff Sack DIY Projects

“What should I bring when camping with my dog” is a common question that many pet owners who camp ask. Every camper’s list may include slightly different things based on your dog’s needs, but certain items should be on every pet owner’s list.

Equipment To Bring When Camping With Your Dog

These things will help you and your dog have a fun trip while staying safe.

Doggy Backpack

Strap on your favorite pair of reliable hiking boots and start loading the car with your camping supplies, including your dog’s very own backpack. On this camping trip, your trusted K-9 companion can help carry the load. If you often hike with your pet, a pack is an excellent investment.

These backpacks are quite handy because they have storage space for smaller items such as treats and poop bags. They’re designed to be comfortable with a sturdy ring to attach a leash. Dog backpacks usually have reflective material, as well, so that your K-9 pal is easy to see for added safety while hiking and around your camp.

Some dogs don’t like wearing a backpack, so it’s entirely up to your pet’s preference. Let them wear the bag around the house so that they can get used to carrying it with a few supplies, and then they should be fine on longer trips.

ID and Temporary Tags

Safety for your pet is a priority, and you want to make sure that your dog doesn’t get lost. However, they may slip out of the tent in the middle of the night or wander away from camp. So, make sure that your dog has a collar and tag with current contact information. Many people move and don’t update this info, and that’s a problem if someone finds your dog but can’t find you. Make sure that the tag has your current phone number and address.

Even better, get a temporary tag that has your camping location. Include the name of the campground or area, the phone number of the closest forest ranger station, and your campsite number.

Having your pet microchipped is a great idea and adds another layer of protection against losing your dog. If your pet slips their collar, then the microchip increases the chances of their safe return.

First Aid Kit

The good news is that most of the items in your first aid kit work on your pet as well, and you’re carrying a kit for yourself, right? However, canines have some different needs than humans. You’ll need equipment to take care of any injuries until you can get your dog to the vet. There are pre-made first aid kits for dogs, or you can create your own. Essential supplies include:

Vet Wrap
Cotton Swabs
Gauze
Medical Tape
Non-stick Pads
Heat and Cold Packs
Tweezers
Gloves
Oral Syringe or Eye Dropper
Benadryl
Antibiotic Ointment
Styptic Powder
Hydrogen Peroxide

Portable Water and Food Bowls

Of course, food and hydration are essential, and collapsible water bowls are easy to carry because they save space. Bring enough for your pet to eat and drink out of, as well as extras to leave in different areas of your camp for water. These bowls are much more convenient than using whatever you may have lying around camp.

You may not have a reliable source of clean water, depending on where you’re camping. It’s wise to purchase a filter or bring another water purification method to ensure you have clean water that’s safe for you and your pet to drink.

Food

This item should be obvious, but feeding your pet at a campsite is slightly different from feeding them at home. They are likely more active while on a camping trip and require more food because of the energy they burn. To ensure you have enough food, bring double the amount that they usually consume.

You likely have your pet’s dinner plans down pat. However, some people want to know what to feed their pet when camping, and it’s generally the same as what you feed them at home. Kibble that’s high protein and grain-free, supplemented with a raw diet, provides a quality meal for your dog.

Dehydrated raw food is an excellent food source for a camping trip, and many K-9s enjoy it. It’s also lighter and more comfortable to carry on the trail. You can also re-hydrate it for extra hydration for dogs that don’t drink large quantities of water. To keep the bugs out of your pet’s food and keep it fresh, think about buying a kibble carrier. To keep the bears away, store it in a bear-proof container.

Long and Short Leashes

It’s critical to pack leashes of varying lengths to keep your pet safe while camping. Include a short leash that doesn’t retract, to keep your dog safe on short walks in the woods. Non-retractable leashes help keep your dog from getting wrapped around trees. Use a long line if you’re camping in an open clearing. It still controls your pet while allowing them the freedom of movement.

Sleeping Bag or Dog Bed

Your K-9 friend needs something warm to sleep in at night. Sure, they can snuggle with you in your sleeping bag, or you can bring a sleeping bag made just for dogs. Another option is to set up an inflatable sleeping mat and blankets. Just make sure that your pet stays warm.

You can even set up a tent just for dogs. It provides a great napping place during the day when it’s hot or a warm place to cozy up in near the fire. A tent also blocks wind and keeps your pet warmer.

Additional Items

Here are some other items you can bring on your camping trip:

Water Cooler
Long-Lasting Treats
Booties
Comb
Poop Bags
Extra Towels
Safety Light
All-Weather Tarp
Pet Camper
Balls and Toys
Hammocks

These items are some of the primary outdoor doggy gear to bring with you on a camping trip with your K-9. You can set up a sturdy duffle bag to carry all of your pet’s necessities that they aren’t carrying in their backpack and simply unload it at the campsite. These things shouldn’t take up too much room, and they ensure that your camping adventure is the safest and most fun trip yet.

4 Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

1. Prepare Your Dog for Outdoor Adventures

To prepare for a long hike, we take short backpacking trips. Likewise, your dog may need time to get used to many hours of trekking on unfamiliar terrain. Plan small hikes with your dog ahead of time in a similar environment as your longer trip.

Start with short walks and see how your dog responds — watch for excessive panting, drooling or visible exhaustion. Then add difficulty and distance to build your dog’s strength and stamina.

2. Carry Enough Food, Water and Dog Supplies

In a well-fitted harness pack, your pet can carry much of its own supplies. Pack extra kibble, plenty of water, a collapsible water bowl, a first aid kit and poop bags. Make sure to exercise Leave No Trace by collecting and carrying out your dog’s waste.

Depending on the length and difficulty of your trip, you can also bring heatstroke prevention supplies, dog booties and a lightweight pup tent. Whatever dog gear you decide to bring, your dog’s pack should not weigh more than one-third of its body weight.

3. Know Trail Etiquette

The most important tip for hiking with your dog is to exercise proper etiquette on the trail. Remember to keep your pet under control at all times. Step off the trail to allow other hikers to pass. When in doubt, hike with your dog on a short leash to help ensure the safety of your pet, the native wildlife and other hikers.

4. Research Your Location

It’s crucial to get to know the rules of a specific trail, campsite or national park. For most trails, plan to have your dog on a leash at all times. Keep in mind that many national parks do not permit dogs at all.

Familiarize yourself with the wildlife and common threats you could encounter while hiking. If you’re heading into the backcountry, add a bear bell to your dog’s harness pack or carry bear spray. In any natural environment, prevent your dog from drinking stream water, which could contain pathogens.

Hit the Trails With Essential Backpacking Gear From DutchWare

At DutchWare, we have everything you need for hammock camping and do-it-yourself (DIY) gear making at competitive prices. Our high-quality products are ultra-light so you can enjoy a minimalist approach to backpacking, hiking and camping with your dog.

Take a look at our extensive inventory of gear for your next trip. You can rest assured that you’re choosing top-notch backpacking equipment for a safe and adventurous experience, no matter your skill level.

Project Overview

Skill Level	Estimated Time
Beginner	45 – 60 minutes

Materials and Tools

Materials Needed:	Tools Needed:
1/2 Yard Mesh	Sewing Machine
4 1/2 yards shock cord	Scissors
2 – Mini Cord Locks	Ruler/Tape Measure
4 Attachable Cord Locks	Marker or Chalk
4 Hook Cord Ends
4 Easy Grip Cord Ends
2 Yards 1 1/2″ Grosgrain
8″ 1/2″ Grosgrain
Thread of your choice

Pattern Components

Front Panel 22″ x 16 1/2″
Back Panel 14″ x 16″

Instructions for a light weight mesh pocket, able to be used on its own or as an outside pocket on a pack.

Note: Avoid backtacking on single layer mesh.

Step 1:
Cut 1/2″ grosgrain into four 2″ pieces.

Step 2:
Cut shock cord into one 16″ length and four 36″ lengths.

Step 3:
Iron 1 1/2″ grosgrain in half to create a bias tape .

Step 4:
Cut mesh panels, notch bottom of front panel in center and two notches 4″ on either side of center notch. See photos.

Step 5:
Double fold hem (½” for each fold) on top edge of front panel. (top edge is opposite from side with pattern notches) Leave a gap in the topstitching inset from both sides. This creates an opening for the shock cord drawstring.

Step 6:
Use a bodkin to thread shock cord through casing, (a safety pin works if you don’t have a bodkin) attach mini cord locks to both ends, knot and fuse both ends.

Step 7:
Baste a tuck on the bottom side of the front panel, matching 2 outside notches. When folding panel in half to baste tuck, shock cord casing should be on the outside.

Step 8:
Lay front panel flat, facing upwards. Flatten the tuck. Use pins to center the tuck, matching all three pattern notches. Sew with a basting stitch and a narrow seam allowance. This seam will later be covered with the grosgrain binding.

Step 9:
Bind top of back panel with the 1 1/2″ grosgrain binding tape, trim grosgrain ends to be even with mesh.

Step 10:
Baste front panel to back panel, making sure shock cord casing and basted tuck is facing outwards.

Step 11:
Bind sides with 1 1/2″ grosgrain, then bottom. Trim ends.

Step 12:
Pull out basting stitch from bottom center tuck.

Step 13:
Sew a reinforcement seam on two bottom corners, ½” inset from corner.

Step 14:
Thread flat edge opening of attachable cord lock with 2” x ½” grosgrain. Bar tack tab near the cord lock to create a tab. Repeat for remaining three tabs. Trim and fuse (with flame) all grosgrain raw ends.

Step 15:
Attach cord lock tab to each corner. Make 4-5 passes on grosgrain tab for bar tack. Sew 2 bar tacks for each tab. Top cord locks point outwards, bottom cord locks point upwards.

Step 16:
Thread a 36” length of shock cord with an easy grip cord end.

Step 17:
Take both ends and thread through an attachable cord lock on a corner of the pack back.

Step 18:
Finish off the ends by capping them with a hook cord end.

Step 19:
Repeat steps 14-18 for remaining 3 corners.

Project Overview

Skill Level	Estimated Time
Beginner	30- 40 minutes

Materials and Tools

Materials Needed:	Tools Needed:
1/2 yard of one of the following: Xenon H elion Dyneema composite	Sewing Machine
1 yard Dutch Cord	Scissors
1 yard shock cord	Ruler/Tape Measure
2– Mini Cord Locks	Marker or Chalk
Thread of your choice

Pattern Components

2 cut mitten pieces

Simple instructions for basic functional rain mitts. Features an easy to use drawstring requiring the use of only one hand.

Note: this can also be done as a no-sew project, using seam tape in place of regular seams

Step 1:
To create your own pattern, draw a mitten shape slightly larger then your hand, allowing for range of motion, as well as seam allowance. Add a 3/4″ x 2″ tab on inside wrist corner. See photo below for reference.

Step 2:
Fold in both 2” tabs on outside corners and hem. This will finish/reinforce drawstring channel opening.

Step 3:
Fold straight edge in and sew a ¾” hem, creating the drawstring channel.

Step 4:
Fold in half, right sides together. Start seam at wrist, perpendicular to drawstring channel. Sew around edge of mitt until you reach the fold where the two sides come together. When sewing the inside curve of the thumb, avoid making a “v” shape with your seam. A rounded curve is more durable then a sharp corner . Backtack at start and finish of seam.

Step 5:
Use a bodkin to thread Dutch Cord through drawstring channel. (If you don’t have a bodkin a large safety pin works well for this) Thread only one strand through mini cord lock. Knot, fuse ends with flame.

Step 6:
To tighten drawstring, pull (with one hand) the shock cord. The dutch cord holds the mini cord lock in place.

Project Overview

Skill Level	Estimated Time
Advanced	3-4 hours

Materials and Tools

Materials Needed:	Tools Needed:
1/2 yard liteskin	Sewing Machine
10″ x 10 ” mesh	Scissors
3 zipper pulls	Ruler/Tape Measure
21″ waterproof zipper	Marker or Chalk
10″ zipper
2 Beam pullers
1 mitten hook
6 3/4″ x 1/2″ grosgrain
Thread of your choice

Pattern Components

Top and Bottom
Side wall
Back wall

Instructions for a “catch all” to organize all your odds and ends that never have a specific place in your pack. Features include: a mesh pocket for smaller items, a small hanging loop, a small key ring hook, and a large hip belt loop.

Step 1:
Cut all pattern pieces from mesh and liteskin, following directions from each pattern piece.

Pattern Piece Measurements:

Top and Bottom 7″ x 5″
Back Wall 2″ x 4″
Side Wall 17″ x 1 1/2″
Hip Belt 5″ x 4 5/8″

Step 2:
Cut 1/2″ grosgrain into 2 pieces measuring 2 1/2″ and 4 1/4″ .

Step 3:
Thread easy mitten hook with the 2 ½” grosgrain, fuse ends together with flame.

Step 4:
Twist 4 ¼” grosgrain tab once to make loop stand open, fuse ends with flame.

Step 5:
Hem hip belt sides (long edge) with a narrow seam.

Step 6:
Baste hip belt to bottom panel, using narrow seam allowance.

Step 7:
Bar tack 4 ¼” loop to bottom panel, on the right side .

Step 8:
Bar tack easy mitten hook tab to center wrong side end of bottom panel.

Step 9:
Mark and split mesh, sew half of zipper to half of mesh, right sides together. Turn right side up, topstitch with a narrow hem.

Step 10:
Repeat for second half of mesh.

Step 11:
Zip both halves of the mesh together

Step 11:
Center mesh zippered piece to top panel (lid), baste with a topstitch and narrow seam allowance.

Step 12:
Trim edges.

Step 13:
Put 2 zipper pulls to waterproof zipper.

Step 14:
Sew zipper to sidewall, right sides together, turn right side out and top stitch.

Step 15:
Sew back wall and side wall ends together with ¼” seam, (be precise for this step) repeat for opposite ends. Topstitch.

Step 16:
Sew sidewall to bottom panel.

Step 17:
Repeat to attach lid to main body.

Step 18:
*Optional*. Topstitching the top lid will make opening the junk trunk easier and add cosmetic value.

Similar DIY Pack Projects

Backpacking is a uniquely invigorating way to reconnect with nature — and with yourself. Those who wander the trail for a time often find themselves able to think more clearly when freed from the noise of their normal, busy home lives. Whether you’re backpacking solo or with others, something about the fresh air and physical push beyond your comfort zone enables you to clear any cobwebs from your mind.

Make the most of this beautiful backpacking benefit. Keeping track of your adventure in written form will help you to remember the little details and reflect on what you’re thinking and feeling. Savor your backpacking experience to the utmost with these five travel journal prompts.

1. Close Your Eyes and Describe Your Surroundings

This journal prompt is one way to engage your other senses. When it comes to backpacking, our eyes are obviously on full alert and soaking in every sight around. But there’s a world that often goes unnoticed when it comes to the scents, sounds, and feel of the trail. Close your eyes and let your other senses take the driver’s seat — record whatever you notice about your surroundings.

2. Describe a View That Took Your Breath Away

Is there a particular sight from your backpacking experience so far that’s been particularly stunning? It might have been the picturesque overlook you were hiking toward, or you might have found an unexpected view when you turned a corner and found a glacier lying beneath you. Whatever the moment, write about it in as much detail as possible — or even try to sketch it — so you can bring the scene to life when you reread it later.

3. Write About a Moment You Won’t Forget

Life is made up of a long, winding series of moments we deem unforgettable — yet when they’re all stacked on top of each other, little moments can slip to the sidelines over time. Turn these moments into memories with this journal prompt. Whether it was the moose you stumbled a little too close to, the sound of the owls as you lay in your sleeping bag, or the feeling when you summited the peak, bring it to life through your journal.

4. Write About an Unexpected Item You’re Glad You Brought — and One You Wish You’d Remembered

Write about an item that became the unexpected hero of the trip and something you wish you’d had with you. How did this item save the day? How would the missing item have come in handy — and how did you creatively troubleshoot its absence? Don’t forget to reread this journal entry when you pack for the next backpacking expedition.

5. Describe Something That Surprised You About This Hike

Here, you’ll have the chance to reflect on your expectations and experience for your backpacking trip. The question is broad enough to let you fill in the blanks. It could be a positive surprise or a negative one — something practical or something philosophical. Unpack your time in nature by focusing on a key takeaway that you weren’t expecting.

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Backpacking Adventure With Dutchware

At Dutchware, our lightweight and easy to use hammocks and equipment for DIY gear-making give you the highest quality at the utmost convenience for your adventure. Don’t forget to pack a journal to make the most of your experience with these writing prompts! Browse our gear selection today.

Written & Reviewed By Dave Gantz