Hellbender to Ark frame “fix”

[deadwolf]

Received a new Hellbender to go along with a new ARK frame and I do not like that even with the pack compressed as far as it will go there’s still a ton of sloppiness and a gap where the built in load shelf is. Decided to remove the “tabs” that come with the frame and go directly to the frame with the bag straps. Looks like it will work fine to me, and does help with a little of that slop. Anyone see any issue?

I love auto lock buckles, but I kinda want to swap those out too. Between tabs loops, k clips, and auto locks you’re looking at like 6” of webbing that can’t be adjusted tighter.

Normal…

Tab eliminated…

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[Iltasyuko]

The bag to frame fit with the Hellbender was a huge disappointment - honestly couldn’t believe a high end product would be designed this way. Sold bag and frame and very happy with K4 now.

Hope your solution works out for you - looks like it’s a bit more snug on the frame.

 

[Marble]

I have a hellbender pack and I like it a lot. But I had the and frustrations with a sloppy fit. I have since found ways to make it ride how I like it.

It is my favorite day pack that I've ever had.




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[doc holiday13]

I like this. I started to carry my climbing sticks and platform with my HB/Ark config but if I'm hunting a fixed stand or elk dayhunt, this would solve the saggy butt problem. Thanks for posting

 

[HoosierHunter07]

I like this. I started to carry my climbing sticks and platform with my HB/Ark config but if I'm hunting a fixed stand or elk dayhunt, this would solve the saggy butt problem. Thanks for posting

Got any pics of your sticks and platform in your pack? Are you carrying them in the load sling or bane pouch? Horizontal or vertical?

 

[doc holiday13]

Got any pics of your sticks and platform in your pack? Are you carrying them in the load sling or bane pouch? Horizontal or vertical?

Horizontal in the meat shelf. The platform is held in place with the top buckles on the bag running through the holes in the platform.

 

[doc holiday13]

Got any pics of your sticks and platform in your pack? Are you carrying them in the load sling or bane pouch? Horizontal or vertical?

 

[HoosierHunter07]

View attachment 786953

That's a nice looking setup.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I think that will work great. And, yes it’s a disappointment to buy an American made product that fits and rides like a floppy trash bag on the frame.

Every bag Kifaru has ever made with a sling on it fits like this. I can’t figure out how they ever thought that was a good idea. The hellbender on the tactical and DL frame was so sloppy, it wouldn’t compress enough to hold my one stick and saddle in the sling without it getting out of kilter. If the bag isn’t stuffed full with gear, a whole boned out deer still had room to shift as well. I tried to like the bag. I really did. But, there is no reasoning to it that I can figure out.