Packlite Vest

From trail runs to summit days—carry what counts.

The Packlite Vest blends the secure fit of a running vest with just enough storage for your essential layers, hydration, and fuel. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or cruising a scenic day hike, this pattern gives you the comfort, performance, and DIY satisfaction to carry what matters most.

Features

• Six dialed-in vest sizes based on the field-tested LearnMYOG apparel system
• Soft flask ready with stable and bounce-free comfort across rugged terrain
• Internal hanger loop supports hydration reservoirs for longer outings
• Body-mapped paneling enhances breathability and unrestricted movement
• Dual adjustable sternum straps ensure a secure fit, with built-in attachment points for poles and key accessories
• Streamlined rear storage with compressive stretch panel and pass-through pocket perfect for stowing an UL Windshell or Skyline Sun Hoodie
• Layered front storage system built for quick access on the move:
  • Zippered stretch pockets keep phone, keys, or valuables secure
  • Quick-stash side pockets for gloves, bars, or sunglasses
  • Upper slip pockets sized for gels or electrolytes

This vest is engineered for comfort and performance, yet practical for anyone seeking hydration access, bounce-free fit, and efficient pocket organization.

• Fully illustrated Instructions: with detailed, step-by-step construction guidance for a smooth sewing experience.
• Comprehensive Video Tutorial: Visualize every stitch with fabric selections, construction, and tips & tricks for every step.
• Precision-Drafted Patterns: Includes six sizes for tailored fit, meticulously designed and community tested for accuracy and clarity.
• Multiple Print Options:
  • Print at home on 8.5"x11" (Letter) or A4 paper.
  • Large-format print shop files: 36"x48" or A0.
  • Projector-friendly PDF, tested for PatternProjector.com compatibility.
• Colored & Layered Sizing: Unique line styles for each size, with layers for printing only the sizes you need.
• Seam Allowances Included: Ready to sew patterns and clearly described, illustrated instructions.

With precision drafting and comprehensive instructions, this pattern ensures an enjoyable sewing experience for intermediate makers.

$30

All LearnMYOG patterns are for personal, non-commercial use only.

As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!

Vest Measurements & Sizing

Packlite Vest features an apparel-inspired vest with close-to-body fit to minimize bounce. Six vest sizes are included for optimal fit, hydration convenience, and to maintain balance for high movement activity.

Chest circumference measurement (upper-bust measurement for women) is the key measurement for choosing your size.

Sewing Skill Level - Intermediate

The Packlite Vest is best suited for intermediate makers ready to take on a rewarding challenge. You’ll work with a variety of technical fabrics, including stretch mesh, pack fabrics, and elastic materials. The pattern is designed to be sewn on a domestic machine using a zigzag stitch. For best results, a walking foot attachment is highly recommended to help feed multiple layers evenly.

Key skills include sewing with stretch fabrics using a zigzag stitch, managing elastic binding, and sewing precise bartacks for reinforcements and attachments. The contoured vest design benefits from accurate sewing to achieve a clean, professional finish.

With careful preparation and attention to detail, experienced beginners ready to level up will also find this a satisfying make.

Bottle Compatibility You Can Trust

With support from HydraPak, this vest was tested using a range of off-the-shelf, vest-compatible soft flasks to ensure secure fit and easy access. The front flask pockets accommodate bottles up to 9.5" (24 cm) tall, and are optimized for the following HydraPak models:

• SoftFlask Speed 500 mL
• UltraFlask+ 500 mL
• UltraFlask Speed 500 mL

For those who prefer a slim-profile hydration reservoir, the pack body includes a hanger compatible with the HydraPak Velocity 1.5L, offering a durable design that’s easy to clean and perfectly suited for day hikes or long-distance trail runs.

Fabrics & Notions

The Packlite Vest is built with lightweight technical fabrics and specialty notions. This section provides a quick overview of what's required. Full details, yardage charts, and vendor links are included in the pattern download.

• Gear Stash Pockets (3/4 yd): Lycra Stretch Mesh, Power Mesh, or durable 4-way stretch woven
• Body-Mapped Stretch Panels (1/4 yd): Limited stretch fabric for bottle pockets and comfort stretch wing panels such as AIRWAVE Hybrid Stretch Ripstop, Surfer Durable Stretch Woven, or Venom Stretch Mesh
• Breathable, Wicking Shell (1 yd): Supplex Nylon, AIRWAVE Hybrid Stretch Ripstop, 3D Spacer Mesh, or other breathable, moisture wicking performance fabric
• Notions:
  • Two #3 non-seperating zippers 7" long or 14" continuous tape
  • 3 yds of 3/4" Fold Over Elastic (FOE) for vest binding
  • 1.5 yds of 3/8" webbing for sternum straps and attachment loops
  • Plastic hardware for two sternum straps
  • Small cord and cord locks for bottle and pole lanyards
  • Plastic KAM snap for optional hydration bladder hanger

Suggested needle and thread pairing for this project is:

• 🪡 Universal or Microtex 90/14 needles
• 🧵 Gutermann MARA 70 Tex 40 polyester thread