There are many things hikers/backpackers will have to learn before heading on their first serious backpacking adventure. Among them, you’ll certainly stumble upon the whole how-to-attach-a-daisy-chain-to-a-back-pack bit. Needless to say, that’s exactly what our discussion today will revolve around.
Okay, so some of you might wonder: wait, what’s a daisy chain? What’s the purpose of such an item, and what’s it used for? Luckily, we’ll tackle those questions too. In the text that you’re about to read, we’ll cover some typical backpacker’s facts concerning the most important piece of hiking equipment a whole new activity’s named after. Stay tuned for some quality info!
You’ll have to use some plastic tube, parachute cord, and zip ties (optional). Get that parachute cord through the tube and secure it tightly to your backpack’s strap. If you can, utilize the zip ties for additional stability of your DIY daisy chains.
Wondering if there’s more to this article than just this tiny preview? If that’s so, feel free to dive deeper into the knowledge pool that’s our today’s text!
Table of Contents
What’s a daisy chain?
Before we reach the main section of the discussion (our little talk on how do you attach a daisy chain to a back pack), it’s best if we first consider the basic terminology you’ll find in this text. That being said, it’s only natural that we’d pose the following question first: what’s a daisy chain?
By standard definition, daisy chains represent the easily-recognizable webbing loops sewn to the back or the sides of your backpack (and here are some tips on how to clean one). Daisy chains allow you to attach some extra gear to them using carabiners or straps. Now let’s what do we many by extra gear!
What to put on a backpack daisy chain?
Here we’ll introduce you to a list of items you’re able to put on a backpack daisy chain. As long as they’re not too heavy, your backpack’s daisy chains will be able to handle them. Okay, so let’s take a look at those items:
- Wet clothing. You don’t want to store your wet clothing items inside your backpack. Also, if you attach them to a daisy chain – they’ll dry off sooner.
- Water bottle(s). Many backpacks already come with mesh side pockets for water bottle storage. However, if they’re full and you want to carry more water, daisy chains will appear quite handy.
- Phone/camera. Needless to say, there are many hikers/backpackers who love to take pictures of their outdoor adventures. That’s why most of them will want to have their phones and camera accessible. Keep in mind, of course, that you should keep your phone inside a case and make sure that your camera lenses are covered.
- Sleeping mat/tent poles. That’s right, you might be able to secure a folded sleeping mat & tent poles into your backpack’s daisy chains. Let’s say you’re sporting the two, side-by-side strips of backpack daisy chains. In that case, your tent poles will be tightly secured along your back, vertically.
- Lightweight equipment. If there are any pieces of your equipment light enough to be carried on the outside of your backpack – that’s alright and you should store them using daisy chains. We’re talking about attaching a pair of lightweight shoes, flip-flops, or a flashlight, for instance.
- Additional pockets. You can enhance the capacity of your trusty backpack by adding some tiny pockets to the daisy chain. That way, you’ll provide yourself with some extra storage.
Of course, we can’t really count all the things you’re able to put on your backpack’s daisy chain. Our average article’s word count just wouldn’t let us do such a thing. Anyway, let’s see if there’s something else we’d like to mention.
How to use a daisy chain on a backpack?
In this section, the last one we’ll cover before our main topic, we’ll show you how to use a daisy chain on a backpack in the most efficient way imaginable. Here’s what we’re talking about!
#1 Weight balance
It goes without saying that any item you store in your daisy chain needs to be placed in such a way that it doesn’t ruin your balance. That’s why you’ll want to avoid placing all your heavy machinery in one place, that’s, as things couldn’t get any worse, on the outside of your backpack. All in all: try to distribute the weight of your cargo evenly both on the outside and inside of your backpack, and keep bulky gear at the bottom of your trusty backpack.
#2 Try to keep things still
Imagine you’ve got some of your cargo hanging from the daisy chain. Needless to say, they’ll most probably swing and bounce while you hike. This, of course, could be pretty darn annoying for someone who’s walking long distances. Also, try not to attach heavy items that could hurt you in the process of swinging. We’re talking about camping axes or hatchets or something similar.
#3 Avoid placing items that barely fit in the loops
The thing is: you shouldn’t rely solely on your daisy chain to carry all your gear. Avoid placing items that barely fit in the loops of your daisy chain to prevent them from ending up damaged.
Okay, that’s that when it comes to the intro section that turned out the be a bit more than that. Anyway, roll up your sleeves since we’re about to find out how can you attach a daisy chain to a back pack!
How do you attach a daisy chain to a back pack?
Most of the time, daisy chains are already attached to the backpack you’re planning to buy. However, if that’s not the case, and you’ve set your eyes on a backpack that doesn’t have daisy chains attached – don’t worry. You’ll be able to utilize a couple of little tricks and attach a DIY daisy chain (gear loops) to a back pack. Prick up your ears for a guide on how to do it!
Attach a daisy chain to a back pack the DIY way
First things first, you’ll need to gather the necessary ingredients for this DIY method of attaching daisy chains to your backpack. Obtain the following items:
- About 32 inches (81 centimeters) of parachute cord.
- 12 inches (30 cm) of 3/8 plastic tubing with an ID (int. diameter) of 1/4 inch (0.6 cm)
- A knife and some scissors.
- A lighter.
- Two zip ties (not necessary).
If you’re wondering just where you’ll find the plastic tubing, you’ll be happy to know that you can find it at any well-equipped hardware store. Okay, so you’ve gathered all those items in one place? If so, let’s begin this DIY adventure!
Step #1
Once you’ve gathered all the stuff, you’ll want to cut the tubing and cord in half. In other words: you’ll need two 6-inch (15 cm) pieces of tubing and two 16-inch (around 40 cm) pieces of parachute cord. Next up, gently push the cord through the tubing. Make sure not to burn the ends of the parachute cord before you do the aforementioned step.
Step #2
The next thing you’ll want to do is to bring the ends of the tubing together. Once you’ve done that, tie an overhand knot in the parachute cord around your backpack’s strap, as close to the plastic tube ends as it’s humanly possible. This will, if you’ve done everything in the right manner, get the plastic tube into a nice oval shape. Also, you’ll have an inch or two of the parachute cord tail out of the plastic tube.
Step #3
Okay, so the third step involves you burning the ends of your parachute cord in order to seal them. Make sure you don’t do this indoors. In other words: the place where you’ll conduct this will have to be well ventilated. You can use a camping candle (and here’s how to make one) or a lighter of this. Dunk the ends of the cord in a small bowl filled with water once you’ve let them burn a bit.
Step #4 (optional)
Since this one’s optional, you don’t really have to bug your brain about it. It, of course, involves utilizing the zip ties we’ve mentioned above in the “ingredients” section. Okay, so here’s how you’ll go about this:
- Simply take the two zip ties and use them to secure the paracord gear loops to your backpack strap. Next up, you’ll want to trim off the zip ties once you’ve secured them tightly.
This will help keep your DIY daisy chains/gear loops/however-you-want-to-call-them vertically aligned so they won’t flop around like mad. If that ain’t cool and pretty practical, we don’t know what is.
Final thoughts on daisy chains
Alright, dear lovers of nature and outings, that’s about all there’s to be said when it comes to the how-do-you-attach-a-daisy-chain-to-a-back-pack topic! Also, now you’re well aware of the process of making DIY gear loops (daisy chains). There’s nothing stopping you from conducting a little DIY experiment!
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