Have you ever thought what is the trending movement “Making Your Own Gear” about?

Have you ever gone on a hiking or outdoor experience and thought, “I wish I had gear that was better suited for me“?

Or perhaps you have thought, “I can’t afford this!” after checking the some of the price tags on expensive outdoor equipment.

If any of these scenarios apply to you, Making Your Own Gear, often known as MYOG, might be an option for you!

 

What Is Making Your Own Gear (#MYOG)?

 

Wondering what MYOG stands for?

The acronym MYOG refers for “Making Your Own Gear.”

It describes the process of making your own outdoor clothing and supplies, such as sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks.

While people have been making their own outdoor gear for a long time, the term MYOG specifically refers to a community who wanted gear that was not easy to come by, or wanted something different than what was offered by the cottage industry at the time.

MYOG is a way to create gear that is tailored to your unique outdoor activities and can often be a cost-effective alternative to buying expensive gear from retailers.

There are also various resources and media outlets that support the MYOG community, catering to so many different types of sewers, all with the same goal.

 

Why Making Your Own Gear?

 

Customised to Your Needs and Preferences

 

By making your own gear, you may design gear that is ideal for your particular outdoor interests.

The components, functionalities, and design characteristics that work best for you may be chosen.

For example, if you are a hiker and are looking want to save weight, you may pick a lightweight material and get rid of extra functions.

 

 

Cost-Effective

 

High-quality outdoor gear can be expensive, especially when it comes to specialized equipment for activities like backpacking, mountaineering, or skiing.

So, making your own equipment can help you save money while still receiving the high-quality outdoor gear you need.

Sourcing materials from specialized companies like ours, or even repurposing items you already have, you can often create gear that is just as functional as store-bought gear at a fraction of the cost.

For example, you could use a thrift store sleeping bag to make a down jacket or use our lightweight nylon ripstop tent fabric to make a lightweight and waterproof backpack.

 

 

 

Rewarding and Fun

 

Making your own equipment may be a satisfying and enjoyable procedure that enables you to gain new abilities and comprehend outdoor gear and equipment better.

By creating unique, customised clothing for yourself, it may also be a method to showcase your ingenuity and distinct personality.

Also, it allows you to exercise your creativity and problem-solving skills, as well as gain a sense of accomplishment from creating something useful with your own hands.

Most important, making your own gear can be a social activity. In the end, #MYOG grew due to a necessity of belonging and interaction between everyone in the community.

Many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy getting together with friends or joining online communities to share tips and techniques, swap patterns and ideas, and collaborate on projects.

It might be a terrific way to meet others who share your interests and create a strong community of makers and outdoor enthusiasts.

For example, a group of friends who enjoy hiking, deciding to get together and join forces to make their own high performance breathable waterproof jackets.

 

 

 

Sustainability

 

#MYOG can be a way to reduce waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle by creating gear that is designed to last and can be repaired or repurposed as needed.

This might lessen the negative environmental effects of outdoor clothing and apparatus, which are frequently made to be thrown away and end up in landfills.

Making your own equipment allows you to be sure that it will last a long time and can be mended rather than replaced when it breaks.

Although your tent could possibly last a lifetime if you take care of it properly, but it will get to the point, some repairments or even waterproofing will be needed.

This is where good materials come in hand like our waterproof 150gsm ripstop.

 

 

 

 

What Do You Need For Making Your Own Gear? (#MYOG)

 

Sewing machine

A basic sewing machine is a must-have for most MYOG projects. Look for a machine with adjustable stitch lengths and a variety of stitches to handle different types of fabrics and projects.

 

Scissors

You will need a good pair of scissors to cut fabric and other materials.

It is a good idea to have a dedicated pair of fabric scissors to ensure clean cuts and the razor stays sharp.

 

Seam ripper

A seam ripper can be a lifesaver when you need to undo stitches and start over.

 

Pins and needles

These basic tools are essential for holding fabric in place while you sew.

 

Measuring tape

You will need to measure your fabric and other materials accurately, so a measuring tape is a must-have tool.

 

Fabric

There are many types of fabric that are suitable for outdoor gear, including nylon and polyester

Decide on what you want to sew first and check what features you need on fabrics that help you achieve that goal.

Look for features like durable, waterproof or/and breathable.

 

Thread

Choose a high-quality, strong thread that is appropriate for the type of fabric you are using.

 

Zippers and hardware

Depending on your project, you may need zippers, snaps, buckles, or other hardware to complete your gear.

 

Insulation

You may want to include insulation such as down or synthetic fill if you are making gear for colder temperatures.

 

Adhesives

You may need adhesives such as seam tape or glue for certain projects.

 

 

Is #MYOG only for experienced outdoor enthusiasts?

 

No, #MYOG is not only for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Beginners with little to no prior expertise might begin with straightforward tasks before progressing to more difficult ones.

Many options to start with, including youtube, online courses, books, and classes. A great website is LearnMYOG.

In the end, with the correct materials and effort, anyone who is interested in constructing their own gear may do it.

 

 

How much money can I save by making my own gear?

 

Depends! Making your own gear can save you money, but how much depends on the particular item and the resources employed.

In some cases, making your own gear can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you’re able to source materials for free or at a lower cost.

It is important to keep in mind that if you are investing in expensive tools or materials, it may take longer to recoup those costs through savings.

 

Should I try Making Your Own Gear (#MYOG)?

 

Depending on your specific interests and objectives, you should decide whether or not to attempt MYOG.

 

Here are some things to think about:

– Are you interested in outdoor activities and gear?

– Are you willing to invest time and money into materials and tools?

– Do you enjoy overcoming challenges?

– Are you open to making mistakes and learning from them?

 

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then we encourage you to give it a try! MYOG could be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

 

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