Collapsible load lifters on a pack frame

[StickSlingers]

Anyone else ever wanted or know of a pack that has collapsing load lifters? Other than the mystery ranch pop ups i can’t find any other pack that does that (those pop ups SUCK).
I know for most high country hunters this isn’t a problem, i wear my Kifaru all day in the open country.
My problem is when i hunt somewhere like the Pacific Northwest i want to have my pack frame with me, you can hike behind a gate for a dozen miles some places, the problem is when you dive off into the timber those load lifters/ top of the frame snags on everything and i come out with half a pine tree on my back. I want something with the same load hauling capability and quality but compact, low profile and within the confines of my back as to not snag anything. Does anyone else share this interest? Thinking about bending/ welding up an aluminum frame that will work with my Kifaru belt and straps, that or chopping up my Kifaru frame anyone with any ideas?


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[Blackcow]

Look at Seek outside packs. Frame height is adjustable. I had one and it was simple to add the extensions to the top of the frame.

 

[StickSlingers]

Look at Seek outside packs. Frame height is adjustable. I had one and it was simple to add the extensions to the top of the frame.

I have been looking at them, does the frame sit below your shoulders without the extension? Thanks for the reply


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[Blackcow]

Talk you them. I think it depends on the bag size, too short and the bag would be "floppy" and I suppose too long may be a problem. But I had a 24" frame level-ish with my shoulders ( I'm 6'5") and 2 sets of extensions that would do 26" and 28". Plus, if you're talking P.N.W., their bags are waterproof with xpac. Not necessarily silent tho

 

[StickSlingers]

Talk you them. I think it depends on the bag size, too short and the bag would be "floppy" and I suppose too long may be a problem. But I had a 24" frame level-ish with my shoulders ( I'm 6'5") and 2 sets of extensions that would do 26" and 28". Plus, if you're talking P.N.W., their bags are waterproof with xpac. Not necessarily silent tho

Well it’s a good start! I can make a bag quiet. How do you like it for hauling? Have you used any other packs


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[brsnow]

I have been looking at them, does the frame sit below your shoulders without the extension? Thanks for the reply


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They are really adjustable, so you could shift the harness to sit below and then raise and add extensions for heavy loads. Absolutely love the pack, i tend to go through gear, but I don’t see myself changing packs. I have previously owned MR, SG, and kuiu.

 

[Blackcow]

I hauled a ton with it! I had them make one out of 500d foliage for me, and I packed a bunch of elk with it. Very comfortable. I sold that one on here, and I still have an original 4800 I think it is, in grey xpac with side zip. I mostly use it for backpacking trips anymore. I mostly use my S.G. 5900 for hunting now. I've used just about everything at some point.

 

[StickSlingers]

Thanks guys! Might have to add one to the collection


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[DaveS]

I'm 6'2" and given the way I have to set the belt a 24" Seek Outside frame goes above my shoulders. To fix this I used a pipe cutter to trim off 2" to make the frame 22". Now it sits right at my shoulder level. The 4" extensions makes the frame 26" which works great for hauling heavy loads. I don't have any issues with attaching a bag (Fortress 4800 plus Talon) to the 22" inch frame.

Another advantage of the 22" frame is that it meets most airline carry on dimensions. I took it on a trip to Spain and flew on two different European regional airlines that check to see if carry on bags meet their criteria and had no problems.

 

[tdot]

A pack frame that was 18"-20" in daypack mode and extended to 24"-26" would basically be the perfect pack.

As long as the lifters actually work. Also the bag would need to integrate with the two different lengths. A shirt bag with a snow collar should work.

 

[RockChucker30]

Adjustable frame height is something we (Seek Outside) pioneered in hunting packs. That was part of the original system back in 2012.

It works well for archery elk for instance, you can pack into camp with a tall frame, then hunt with a shorter frame to be quieter.

We also pioneered detachable compression / day packs as part of the compression system in hunting packs.

If you really want to be sleek in tight brush, drop the big pack and just go with the Merlin.


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[Wrench]

I'm with you! I parked my 24" Kifaru because it is too tall and the 22mag, being the perfect day pack when not hunting and returned to my 10 year old MR nice. The disadvantages of load lifters are only on the few trips back to the truck....the advantages are never ending.

I used a bag that pods 8 made IIRC which is similar to the typical MR vertical pocket bags, but made a couple of mods that allow it to become very narrow under compression. I will add a fleece or similar pack cover to do away with the last bit of noise from contact with brush as I slip through.

Here's a average pic of where I'd be hunting / hiking.