>>2683874thanks, that's kinda what i figured. starting from this point (i'd buy the cheapest, most beat-up nylon possible to use as a base as i rather like this backpack), here's what i'd like to accomplish. probably more simplified from the original, all things considered
>use 100% silnylon throughout to increase hydrophobicity>extend the top opening by a couple feet and convert to a roll-top closure>combine the two main pockets into one large pocket, ideally with a semi-rigid bottom>add some kind of bottom pocket or mesh area to store my sleeping bag in a waterproof compression sack>convert one of the sides to a water bottle pocket (48oz nalgene) with a bungee cord opening and the remaining space as a small bottom "wallet, etc." pocket>maybe convert the other side into two equally-sized pockets>add either clipped straps, criss-cross bungee cord, or molle webbing (or a combo of these) across the entire front>increase the overall depth by a few inchesthis is an intermediate/advanced project and i literally have no idea how to use a sewing machine, but it seems quite possible with experience and would be much more in line with how i actually use the backpack
