Take a good look at the NRS Paragon Pack
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.a...33&deptid=1630
which is designed to do exactly what you want.

Having made several packs, i can saw that you can carry the weight
with 1" webbing. Sewing, even with multiple passes of carpet thread
will eventually work loose, so sew first, then rivet in the center,
and lock the thread with some glue. A tump is a good idea, but I
have had some trouble getting the length of the straps right, and
also, even with a pad, I have trouble keeping it in the right
location. Next time I'm going to sew in something like a beanie cap
into the tump that cannot easily slip off the forehead while packing.
Tom McCloud

On 12 Dec 2004 17:58:40 -0800, (Tedr)
wrote:

I have a large sports bag that I would like to use as a canoe pack,
but it doesn't have shoulder straps so it would be hard to carry on a
long portage. I have considered using a packframe, but externals are
awkward in canoes.

I would like to make a harness with shoulder straps and a waist belt,
maybe even a tumpline to make it easier to carry. I'm thinking of
using webbing and ladder locks, and rivetting the straps wherever the
pieces join (I'm not very expert at sewing).

Has anyone made something like this before? Even if you haven't, I
would love to get some advice from do-it-yourself types about the
following:

type of webbing - nylon? canvas?

width of webbing - 1"? 1.5"

type of rivets - aluminum? brass? blind/pop type?

would it be better to sew?

Any advice is most welcome, and thanks.

Tedr