Modifying a daypack for hydration bladder

I have an old bookbag that I've been using as a daypack. I'm considering making some modifications so that it will be better for hiking.

What I'm considering: Adding an exit flap for my hydration bladder drink tube, and adding a hydration bladder pocket.

Does anyone have any experience making these types of changes? What kind of material would be best for a hydration pocket? Most importantly - how much would the material cost?

If the cost is more than say $15 then I would probably want to either build a whole new daypack with hydration pocket or just purchase a 900 - 1300 Cu.In. daypack.

Unless you're carrying enough in the pack to keep the bladder in position you'll have to sewn in a panel to keep it from just sloshing around in the main compartment. I don't know what sort of padding the book bag has, but if it's just canvas of some sort you'll be putting the bladder nearly directly against your back, that gets pretty hot and sweaty. Lots of advantages to just buying a good pack with built-in features. I've never done much to modify packs except stitch them together when they get busted up, maybe other people who DIY will feel differently about this.

JimmyTH

It is cheap and easy. Have I done it? No, I don't like hydration bladders that much (I have 4).

4 options for the pocket.
1. Go to walmart. Look in the $1.50 fabric section. Buy half a yard of whatever fabric you want. I would recommend something that is not cotton, but it pretty much can be anything. Cut a piece the size you want and stitch three sides with the top not stitched. You can also buy fabric somewhere else for more money. But you won't need more than 1/2 a yard. You won't even need that much. So, if it costs $10 a yard, you only spend $5.
2. Get some straps and sew a few straps inside to hold the bladder against the back.
3. You can also get a closed cell foam pad and cut out enough to cover both sides of the bladder in an envelope. Then sew this to the back of the pack. Now you have an insulated bladder.
4. Don't worry about a pouch. Just cut a small hole in the top of the pack for the hose, and put the bladder inside. It is not like it is going anywhere. You can also make that CCF envelope for insulation and just put it in the pack without sewing it to the pack.

My backpack doesn't even have a form fitting pocket for my Camelbak bladder but I looped a nylon shoelace around the bladder opening and through a loop at the back/top of my pack. I've done this in my full backpack, day packs,...

I've just been putting my camelbak bladder in a small kitchen trash bag and then packing soft materials around it. I've been concerned about it shifting around in my pack and being punctured, hence the idea of making a pocket for it. My back does get a little warm with my current daypack and I will eventually replace it - I'm just not ready to buy/make a dedicated daypack.


I like the idea of the insulated pouch using closed cell foam. I wonder how cool it would keep the water...



I like the idea of using a shoelace to keep it near the top of the pack.

I appreciate the comments that I've received so far. I think I'm going to end up making some cheap and easy modifications to my pack with the intention of getting a dedicated daypack at some point in the future.