Sewing patches onto waterproof bags

[Kainas]

Would it ruin our good hiking backpacks (I think they are One Planet 60l huge things that we use for overseas travel) if we sewed badges on them (you know, the type of badges you collect when you go on those overseas trips). I mean specifically, would it reduce the water resistance?

We have a handful, and have always wanted to use a bag to 'collect' them. But have been so far hesitant because is seemed a bit stupid to poke holes in good bags.

Anyone know if it would be okay, or have any other ideas for a piece of gear that will remain in use for an extended period of time (no point sewing the patches onto something that we never use).

Maybe I should make myself a long travel skirt and sew them all over it... one way to scare of the weird men (a reference to that other thread) would be to look even weirder!!!

[Strider]

Packs generally aren't waterproof anyway, and you should use a pack liner if there is any chance of the pack getting wet. That said, not sure if I'd be so keen about taking a needle and thread to my pack..

[Gadgetgeek]

If you know what sort of fabric and coating your pack has, it would be a fairly simple matter of sealing the stitching from the inside of the pack, once you've put the patch on.
If the packs are only treated cordura, which is just sort of water resistant anyway, I don't think you'd see much difference in the performance of the bag. In that case you could just re-treat the entire pack once you got them stuck on. I would hesitate to use something like contact cement, since it may do nasty things to the pack's coating, but that is another option as well.
Another thought would be to make pack band, or flag, sort of like a scout blanket to cover with the patches, and then tie that around your pack.

[GPSGuided]

OMG, that'll add weight!

Another option to consider is one of those iron on fabric adhesive. Maybe add a few hand tacking stitches for extra security.

[walkerchris77]

OMG, that'll add weight!

Lol

[Kainas]

Packs generally aren't waterproof anyway, and you should use a pack liner if there is any chance of the pack getting wet. That said, not sure if I'd be so keen about taking a needle and thread to my pack..

Exactly my dilemna. We do use pack liners (and rain covers) but still after paying so much for a bag it is hard to simply plunge a needle through it.

Another thought would be to make pack band, or flag, sort of like a scout blanket to cover with the patches, and then tie that around your pack.

Don't tell the UL gang, but I think I like that idea best... or some version of it, mostly because as gear changes it becomes something that easily swapped around. I will have to have a little think about materials (something light) and making it multipurpose (it makes identifying bags at airports easy).

[ErichFromm]

What's the motivation in adding the patches? Proof you've been places?

[andrewa]

I agree. Why do you need to add patches? ( think about this for a while before answering)....but, if you do decide that they add to your whatever, then, yes they will reduce the waterproofing of your rucksack. But, given that most rucksacks aren't actually waterproof anyway, who cares? Sew away. Feel good. Use a waterproof liner if you need things to actually stay dry.

A

[Strider]

Are patches on a pack the equivalent of stickers on a B&S ute?

[Lizzy]

What's the motivation in adding the patches? Proof you've been places?

You lot are a bunch of grumps! I'm sure she knows where she's been - they may just be a nice momento or look pretty- who cares why, she is asking about "how to" not looking for judgement as to why...

[Kainas]

Ha. Yes to prove where I have been in case I get old and forget!!

Though seriously. Because it will be something to make us smile and talk. Because sitting beside a pack and noticing a patch on it prompts an enjoyable conversation about it.... or even better, it provides a conversational opener for other travelers (and we love meeting people from every when we travel) who might have been to the same place.

Whenever we travel we also always purchase a mounted print (either photo or painting) of the area that we are in. I bought one at Gunn's Camp!! I have two from Sydney, three from Melbourne, and even one from Goondiwindi. I have them from all over the place and at home we look through them an it is pleasing. It simply reminds us of all the enjoyable times that we have had.

I like seeing other people with patches all over there packs (usually some sort of suitcase or army issue bag) and I like looking at them. It sets my mind wondering about that person, the experiences that they have had. It might even encourage me to strike up a conversation.

Do these reasons past muster?? I suspect you really are wondering if I want to put them on my bag so I look like an arrogant idiot telling everyone how good I am, or to engage in some sort of pissing contest with the people who have badge-free back packs. I hope I am at least more humble than that, but I can't pretend that I am not at least a little bit proud when people see all my lovely prints that I have bought back from all around the place.

[GPSGuided]

Ok, here's the solution. For each location you visit, you need to purchase two patches. One patch for the specific pack that went with you to the location and the second patch can be for another board or apron to show all the places you've been. It's just not right to apply a patch on a pack that did not accompany you.

[Strider]

Just write on your pack with a texta

[Kainas]

Just write on your pack with a texta

[ErichFromm]

I was actually asking about motivation because I was curious - not a judgement. I've never understood the sticker on car thing either...

[GPSGuided]

I was actually asking about motivation because I was curious - not a judgement. I've never understood the sticker on car thing either...

Human nature, whether they are patches or external markings elsewhere.

[walk2wineries]

Too many, or too large to fit onto the shoulder straps? Mine are pretty wide. Ditto, the drink bottle pockets which actually could do with a patch anyway

[Kainas]

I was actually asking about motivation because I was curious - not a judgement. I've never understood the sticker on car thing either...

I don't like car stickers either... see that is just bragging because most other road users are not your target audience. It would be like me putting all these patches on my nappy bag (actually though that would be cool in a sad "not going to be doing that again for a while" kind of way), other mothers don't care that I tramped in this place, or cycled in that one.

The motivation is really just about exchange of memories (with strangers, with my husband, with myself).

[north-north-west]

Whenever we travel we also always purchase a mounted print (either photo or painting) of the area that we are in.

I've always found taking photos or doing my own sketches more than adequate.
(Not having a dig here.)
(Well, not much of one anyway.)
(And it's meant in good spirit.)
(Mostly.)

[Moondog55]

I have to say I was never into the patches or car stickers thing until I went into that heavenly store in the Adirondacks called "The Mountaineer" and now I have one of their stickers on the rear window of my ute. I get asked questions about it all the time, so yes they can be conversation starters.
I'd just use diluted silicon as a glue and not worry about the stitching tho

[tom_brennan]

Just glue them on. It's what I use for patching holes in my pack, so it'll work on a badge!

[Kainas]

And glue will not come off? Sounds perfect. I just assumed it would be at risk of being torn off (by jealous travellers wanting my mementos.. ) through rough treatment.

[GPSGuided]

You better find the right sort of glue. But those iron on adhesive sheets work very well on fabrics. You'll want something like this.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Heat-n-Bond-U ... s/17338069

[Kainas]

I happen to have a roll of heat'n'bond in my sewing room. I use it for thin fabrics, never for anything as thick as a patch, or on a waterproof canvas rucksack material. Nothing to be lost I shouldn't think.

[GPSGuided]

Try it first.

[Kainas]

Try it first.

This is the golden rule of the sewing room..."Try it on a small discrete section first"