Changing out belts on Kifaru and Mystery Ranch, is it possible?

[inupiat1]

Every time I try searching for it online, I can't seem to get a solid answer, and I haven't found the answer on either manufacturers' websites. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough. I don't have any friends with either brand of pack to try on or look at in person. I am 6 ft tall and have size 34 waist and when I go hunting I usually lose an inch or two in waist size, so I am leery about buying a used pack with a medium belt if I'm not sure if I can change it out. I read on this forum that you can buy a new belt for MR Crew Cab, but like I said, I couldn't find any confirmation on MR website nor a point and click way to order a belt only.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[7mag.]

Yes, you can change belts.

 

[inupiat1]

Thanks, 7mag, that is true for Kifaru Bikini and Duplex as well?

 

[colonel00]

Yes, the bikini and Duplex can change belts but you cannot inter-change belts between the frames. i.e. you cannot put a Duplex belt on a Bikini frame and vice versa.

Also, you might post a different thread about it, but there are Roksliders all over and probably some fairly close to you that may be able to let you check stuff out before you make a purchase. If I looked up your location correctly, you are in Seattle and I have to imagine there are several people within a reasonable drive that could hook you up.

 

[bowinhand]

Yes but I don't think the bikini and duplex belts are interchangeable.

 

[inupiat1]

Thanks again for the answers. Sounds like a simple solution. I have always been a budget hunter/hiker and have military surplus packs like ALICE, ILBE and FILBE. Granted, the last two are a step up in fit and comfort, but I assume a lot less comfortable than MR and Kifaru. I still have to keep a budget, so I was either going to buy a new frame to use with FILBE bag until I could get new bag or buy a used set up. Is there ripping of or sewing of seams involved with the belt swap out with either brand?

 

[MattB]

There is ripping of or sewing of seams involved with the belt swap out?

Kifaru to Kifaru, no. Again, it has to be within the same frame family.

 

[DaveS]

I have had both a Mystery Ranch (crew cab) and Kifaru (duplex, bikini) and have swapped belts on both. You can call either company and they will gladly help you out. Swapping belts on both is fairly easy (no ripping or sewing). I have a 34" waist (much of the time) and I prefer the small belt on both. You can buy a Kifaru belt online. With Mystery Ranch I called the company and they sent a smaller belt out the next day. They even offered to exchange my old belt for the new one.

Also both companies will help you even if you are not the original owner of the pack. They both have great customer service.

 

[SHTF]

and if you want more options try out the Hill People Gear Prairie Belt. I use that one on my packs. Works wonderfully and is customizable with removable foam inserts. Great for a stand alone belt also to add pockets too.

 

[dotman]

Thanks again for the answers. Sounds like a simple solution. I have always been a budget hunter/hiker and have military surplus packs like ALICE, ILBE and FILBE. Granted, the last two are a step up in fit and comfort, but I assume a lot less comfortable than MR and Kifaru. I still have to keep a budget, so I was either going to buy a new frame to use with FILBE bag until I could get new bag or buy a used set up. Is there ripping of or sewing of seams involved with the belt swap out with either brand?

If you go to Kifaru's website under pack accessories you'll see that you can buy replacement belts. No ripping or sewing.

 

[chopchop]

Kifaru to Kifaru, no. Again, it has to be within the same frame family.

Yes but I don't think the bikini and duplex belts are interchangeable.

Yes, the bikini and Duplex can change belts but you cannot inter-change belts between the frames. i.e. you cannot put a Duplex belt on a Bikini frame and vice versa.

In case this might be helpful for folks... the only issue with the bikiini/duplex belt interchange that I have seen personally is that the webbing from the belt to the shoulder strap is 3/4" on the bikini and 1" on the duplex.

Otherwise, they are the same shape, same padding, same stay pockets, same frame connections. At least that is true for my bikini frame and the duplex belt I picked up off the exchange. The only other difference is hunting vs tac style belt - the hunting belts (like the one that came with my bikini frame) used to come with 1 row of pals over a 1-1/2" bit of webbing with hook velcro on the back, but I think K is now making all of their belts with 2 rows of pals webbing.


All you would have to do is switch out the buckle on the bikini shoulder from a 3/4" to a 1", and then you could run either belt. Works for me, anyway.

 

[Willy-D]

Bumping this thread up from NECRO-NOMICON.

What about MYSTERY RANCH NICE frame options for NEW BELTS?

I have an older gen NICE frame that has some GNARED up belt pads. I ordered new pads from MR and they are now "CONTOUR" pads!? So they don't fit right...

I am trying to resolve with MR whats best next, a new CONTOUR lumbar pad and new MEDIUM pads to retrofit to the NICE frame or just get some other makers belt and interface it on the frame?

HPG Prairie Belt work on a NICE frame?

~Will

 

[tipsntails7]

In case this might be helpful for folks... the only issue with the bikiini/duplex belt interchange that I have seen personally is that the webbing from the belt to the shoulder strap is 3/4" on the bikini and 1" on the duplex.

Otherwise, they are the same shape, same padding, same stay pockets, same frame connections. At least that is true for my bikini frame and the duplex belt I picked up off the exchange. The only other difference is hunting vs tac style belt - the hunting belts (like the one that came with my bikini frame) used to come with 1 row of pals over a 1-1/2" bit of webbing with hook velcro on the back, but I think K is now making all of their belts with 2 rows of pals webbing.


All you would have to do is switch out the buckle on the bikini shoulder from a 3/4" to a 1", and then you could run either belt. Works for me, anyway.

Chop, the stay pockets are not the same. The duplex belts have a pocket that the frame sits in, the bikini has two little black pockets that the stays sit in. Now I have seen duplex belts that had the pocket and the little black stay pockets. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I believe these belts were a duplex belt but also used for a MIL pack they produced that used the same belt but did not have a framesheet but did have stays.

 

[LBFowler]

HPG Prairie Belt work on a NICE frame?

~Will

very much nope.