Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Oisín on January 04, 2012
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Reflective Rucksacks
Over the Christmas period I found myself with some extra free time. I decided to put it to good use and make my equipment a bit safer.
I decided to add a few reflective strips to my rucksack and schoolbag so that I could be seen by motorists on the dark mornings/evenings, and so that it would they would be easier to locate in the dark with torches etc.
I first tried to find some pre-cut reflective strips or reflectors but none in the local hardware shop. So I settled upon buying a high-vis jacket and doing it all myself.
The high-vis jacket cost £3.50 and it was a size XL, this ensured I would have plenty of reflective strips to cut out.
I started cutting the jacket up and after cutting the first strip I had ended up with 143cm of the stuff. This was plenty as I was planning on cutting it thinner anyway.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6634670517_99807a93d8.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6634687451_18b26db79a.jpg)
Plenty of leftovers
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6634678509_10a8f8ceba.jpg)
I cut myself some thin strips and measured them to suit the area I planned to place them. I tried using a pen on the reflective material, but it didnt seem to work at all. I had a match handy and I made a bit of charcoal by simply burning the match. I then used this as a pencil and it worked a treat.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6634695391_bce3af7d21.jpg)
After cutting these strips I brought out the needle and thread and got to work. I found it was tough enough going pushing the needle through the rucksack material, a thimble would have worked a treat.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6634711615_d59ce5c05f.jpg)
Now, I'm no expert and the stitching is rough as it comes but it should keep and it will do the job.
I also tried using fabric glue, this was a much quicker approach and a lot less hassle, but it was messier.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6634751655_0409712a7f.jpg)
This is a piece of writing on the rucksack which I think is meant to be reflective, but I'm not sure. They don't really compare.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6634804133_f55ddb5cc9.jpg)
The flash has been used on the camera to simulate what it would be like with headlights or torches etc.
The finished products.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6634702211_973df31cdf.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6634720427_f121587e10.jpg)
All in all it took me a few hours, including letting glues dry. I enjoyed doing this and I'm glad it adds a bit of safety, even if only a little. :)
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Great Job Oisin :)
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Good idea Oisin,looking at the photo's of the Karrimor pack,what about adding some stripping to the straps front & back,would this be easier?Anyway good job,does really help visibility on the roads & the hills
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great work oisin, i did the same myself with my old schoolbag when i was about your age, i still have it too, i've been meaning to do it with my overnight rucksack too ever since i left it down in the dark on the way to doan, then couldn't find it in the dark >:( i bought some flouescent guy rope cord so i could just tie it on to save me some sewing
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Good work Oisin. I like the match-pencil trick!
Reminded me I have a few clothes that need darned.