MYOG - Reflective Rucksack

[Oisín]

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.





Plenty of leftovers


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.


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.


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.


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.


The flash has been used on the camera to simulate what it would be like with headlights or torches etc.

The finished products.






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.

[Daithi2004]

Great Job Oisin 

[Mourneman]

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

[LandyLiam]

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

[twentyclicks]

Good work Oisin. I like the match-pencil trick!

Reminded me I have a few clothes that need darned.