Canvas Rucksack side pouches

I, like many other people in the bushcraft world like to use canvas equipment where ever possible as it has a more natural feel to it and doesn’t make any noise when in the outdoors. There are many canvas rucksacks available and a few instructors like to use the Fjällräven Singi Stubben rucksack which has a rigid internal frame that allows it to be used as a stool when out and about. Stubben actual means ‘Tree stump’ in Sweden so this is totally appropriate.

The only issue I have had with the Stubben is the volume for trips longer than a couple of days. The main compartment has a volume of 27 litres and if you purchase the additional side pockets you gain an extra 8 litres but sometimes this just isn’t sufficient.

Every now and then I like to make my own gear and as I had some waxed cotton canvas I thought it was about time I had a go at making some additional pouches to fit on the side of my Stubben, this is how I approached it.

My aim for this task was to replicate the existing pouches as closely as possible so I measured them carefully, studied the construction and made myself a cardboard model that I could use as a template.

Once I was happy with the model I took it apart and used the pieces to mark out on my waxed canvas the components with a generous border for sewing up.

Next, I sewed the pieces together along the lines and added a couple of ribbons and toggles on each side to replicate the attachment method of the original pouches.

To keep out the elements I couldn’t leave the pouch with an open top so I had to create a fold down lid or in my case a draw string top. The material I used for this was from an old disused tarp that had ripped on a particularly windy trip some time ago. First job was to create a tube for the draw string and fit a brass eyelet for the cord to pass through.

Then the whole tarp section had to be sewn to the top of the pouch making sure it was the right way round as this was done with the pouch turned inside out.

With all the visible pieces stitched together I then decided the back of the pouch that rests against the main rucksack needed stiffening so I created a small pocket using some more tarp material and inserted a sheet of expanded foam to give it some rigidity.

The final stage, whilst not necessary just keeps things neat and was to add some seam sealing tape along all the cut edges. This was very easily done while the pouch was turned inside out and the overall finish was much more pleasant even though it was not going to be seen.

So here are the finished pouches before and after fitting.

In terms of size here they are with a 1.2 litre kettle slotted in to give you some perspective.

Waxed canvas is a fantastic material to work with and will feature in further blogs but you do have to make sure when using a sewing machine that you use suitable needles. I found that by using denim needles I got a good result without breaking any.