I have had quite a few requests, these past couple of years for a larger version of my ever popular pattern, the Wayfarer Sling Backpack. I had been working on it on and off for the past few months and now the Wayfarer 2.0 is finally here. The Wayfarer 2.0 has an exclusive trendy design and includes two different style options. The Wayfarer 2.0 provides a functional yet fashionable look and enables you to carry your essentials in style.
Differences:
Like the smaller Wayfarer, this large sling backpack comes in two styles as well:
Style 1: A simple backpack with a single zippered compartment; and
Style 2: An advanced backpack with a double zippered compartment.
Separate PDFs have been created for each style. So you can now purchase just the style you want to make or purchase the bundle offer with both the patterns.
Size:
The Wayfarer 2.0 is a modified version of the Wayfarer Sling Backpack with a larger capacity. The most obvious and major difference between the original Wayfarer Sling Backpack and Wayfarer 2.0 is the size.
Wayfarer 2.0 measures:
Style 1: 10” W x 20” H x 4.50” D
Style 2: 10” W x 20” H x 5.25” D
The original Wayfarer backpack measures:
Style 1: 8” W x 17” H x 2.50” D
Style 2: 8” W x 17” H x 3.25” D
Straps:
Two strap options have been provided for both the styles: a) a normal adjustable sling strap for single shoulder carry and b) a zippered convertible strap for backpack carry. The convertible strap has been constructed with a new technique which adds a small flap portion underneath the zipper. This is to keep the zipper from rubbing against the skin on the shoulder and neck when worn as a backpack.
Multifunctional storage compartments help keep your valuables organized. The Wayfarer 2.0 backpack is designed with several pockets of different sizes to separately store various personal items.
Style 1:
The Front Flap has been designed with an exterior zippered pocket for easy access items. This is another major difference between the small Wayfarer and Wayfarer 2.0. You can also add a slip pocket inside the front pocket if you like. Instructions include steps to add the slip pocket.
A Pen Slip Pocket can be added to the space between the Front Panel and the Large Main Panel. Inside the large main compartment, you’ll find a Gadget Pocket and a Zippered Pocket. The gadget pocket can hold large tablets. The large main compartment is big enough to hold up to a 13″ laptop. My 13″ HP Pavilion laptop fits inside this compartment but not inside the gadget pocket.
A Bottle Holder is also included and can be added on either or both sides of the Wide Gusset. If you are adding only one bottle holder, then check which side you’ll normally carry the sling bag and add it to the opposite side for better balance. For example, if you tend to carry the sling on your left shoulder add the bottle holder on the right side of the bag. The Back has a large Zippered anti-theft pocket for your valuables.
Style 2:
Style 2 features a smaller front flap and two zippered compartments. On the original Wayfarer pattern, the two compartments were of the same height and had the used the same Main Panel pattern piece. Whereas in the new Wayfarer 2.0 pattern, the two compartments are offset. So there is a smaller zippered compartment and a larger zippered compartment. The narrow gusset is wider and the smaller compartment is quite spacious as well.
A Mesh Pocket has been added in the space between the front flap and the small compartment. The smaller main compartment has a zippered pocket and a Pen Slip Pocket.
Similar to style 1, the large main compartment has a Gadget Pocket and a Zippered Pocket. A Bottle Holder pocket can be added on either or both sides of the Wide Gusset. The Back has a large Zippered anti-theft pocket for your valuables. The large main compartment is big enough to hold up to a 13″ laptop. My 13″ HP Pavilion laptop fits inside this compartment but not inside the gadget pocket.
Finishing the Bag:
Which is your preferred way to assemble a bag? Do you prefer turning through a pocket or binding the seams? I had always preferred the birthing method and the smaller Wayfarer was written with instructions for birthing. However, I tried out the binding method for the Wayfarer 2.0 and found how easy it was compared to trying to turn through the small pocket. It was definitely easy on my hands especially with the carpel tunnel issue that I was diagnosed with recently. I tried a few binding methods and found one that provided a neater finish. If you are using Vinyl and waterproof canvas to make the bag, then I would definitely recommend the binding method. Some of my testers who made Style 2 actually combined both the methods. So you could try that as well!!
More details about the materials required can be found in our introduction post: https://aquaintstitch.com/wayfarer-2-0-pdf-sewing-pattern/
My testers have done an incredible job, testing this pattern for me. Check out their awesome Wayfarer 2.0 Sling Backpacks:
Whether it’s in daily life or on an expedition, this Wayfarer backpack is your essential travel companion. Go grab the pattern from our shop!!
