Newbie - Hatbox Modifications

[lucas]

Hello,

I'm new to the list, but I've been looking around for quite sometime. I wanted to share some photos of modifications that I made to a hatbox. My wife and I travel a lot and I have found carrying hats a little cumbersome. So as an avid backpacker and someone who likes to ride his bike to work, I thought a hatbox backpack would be the ideal solution.

I purchased a hatbox from Acalas Western Wear in Chicago, IL. You can buy these hatboxes on line, but Acalas had a sale.

I had purchased an old external frame backpack at a garage sale years ago. I never used it, having graduated to internal frame packs. So, I decided to scavenge it for parts. I took basically the shoulder straps and attached them to the hatbox by drilling small holes in the bottom of the hatbox. I then affixed the straps with small plastic screws and plastic wing nuts.

This is the inside:

Straps attached:

On my back:

I thought others might find this of use. This is a great group and I hope to be able to contribute.

Thanks.

 

[RBH]

Hello Lucas and welcome to the Lounge!
Great job on the hatbox.
I can tell already you will be right at home here!

 

[thunderw21]

Ditto what RBH said, our group is an innovative bunch and it looks like you will fit right in.

Welcome and nice job on the hat box.

 

[Lieutenant]

Welcome to the FL. I know you'll like all the folks here.

 

[fatwoul]

I love stuff like this.

Welcome lucas.

 

[John in Covina]

It is a great idea!

But when I looked at the pix of the box on your back, I could not help thinking of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

 

[feltfan]

Brilliant!

Could be the solution to bicycling with a hat that
I have been looking for!

Thanks!

 

[lucas]

Thanks for the good words.

Yes, I do a lot of bicycling, at least I did when I was in Chicago. I always thought a hatbox and some type of single outfit garment bag backpack for the daily bike commuter would be great products. I got around to the hatbox at least.

 

[Colby Jack]

Too cool!:eusa_clap

 

[fatwoul]

Could be the solution to bicycling with a hat that
I have been looking for!

Thanks!

You know what I love almost as much as this hatbox? feltfan's avatar. Most amusing. lol

 

[Wolfmanjack]

Welcome to the FL, Lucas. Your "hat pack" looks like a very practical solution for bicycle commuting.

One question: Does it slip from side to side when riding your bike? If so, you might try a waist strap to keep it centered on your back.

 

[lucas]

Wolfmanjack wrote: "One question: Does it slip from side to side when riding your bike? If so, you might try a waist strap to keep it centered on your back."

That is a great idea! I'll post pics once I've had a chance to make the modifications.

 

[lucas]

Here is the waist/chest strap modification.

Thanks for the input everybody.

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

Welcome. Nice job.