Kifaru Bikini questions

[MuleyFever]

I was wondering what the weight difference is on the composite stays and the aluminum stays? I am also wondering if there is a load shelf available like the SG packs. I see the Grab-It but I am not sure if it just attaches to the bag. I also see the cargo panel but that is much bigger than what I would want.

Also, does it come with straps that could be used to secure misc bags or items straight to the frame or would I have to find/make them myself?

 

[wapitibob]

Grab-it with G hooks will attach about anywhere on the bikini frame itself. I have never attached mine to a bag.
You can buy lash kits (adj straps) direct from Kifaru or make your own. Kifaru also has a bunch of pods/bags/pockets that are made to go on the frame or bag.

Lots of KIfaru videos on this site, video thread, or you can see them on Vimeo and search "kifaru".

 

[amp713]

Tons of options for hooking stuff up along the frame and pack depending on which route you go... However as far as the weight of the stays I dont think that is a spot where i would skimp. Talk to aron and he will help you decide which is best but dont worry about the weight, that all comes into the comfort of the pack in my mind. Aron can help you more than anyone else and is the most helpful person you could meet anywhere!

 

[mt100gr.]

They do have an "extended meat shelf" in the "kits" category. It comes with the piece of fabric with hardware to attach to the frame and the bag and 2 48" compression straps with g-hooks.

 

[MuleyFever]

Thanks MT.

Can you put a load between the bag and frame? Anywhere I can see a pic or video of this?

 

[mt100gr.]

I would think with the shelf accessory and a traditional style pack bag, you could. The shelf material would connect the bottom of the bag to the frame, leaving the shelf space to pack. I am not sure how the top of the pack would attach unless only the bottom pulls away from the frame and it makes a "triangle" for load space. Then the two straps go all the way around the whole shit-eree and connect to tab loops on the frame.

I have a nomad (batwings) pack now so the "traditional" style does not apply.

 

[MuleyFever]

I actually just got done watching the videos on the nomad. I was leaning to the SG but the Nomad may have swayed me to the Bikini.

 

[mt100gr.]

It's a very versatile system. And the nomad with the grab-it will work better than any sandwich-style load shelf, IMHO.

 

[MuleyFever]

Looks like I will be ordering a Bikini tomorrow. I think I will be getting a DT2 bag for now.

 

[Shrek]

Muleyfever , what made you go with the DT2 over a Nomad, DT1, or EMR II ?

 

[MuleyFever]

Well I was thinking of getting the Nomad but I think the DT2 will be a little more of a no brainer pack as is. I am planning on doing 2 extended hunts this fall and I think the DT2 will be better for a long trip without having to add more space. I may still get a Nomad, I will talk to Aron more about it tomorrow. I also wanted a couple pockets and the DT2 is the right size for me compared to the bigger bags.

 

[Tim M]

If there is any chance that you will be doing longer hunts than just a few days, I would reccomend going with the T1 bag instead. It will compress down to almost nothing as a day pack but gives you the space to load without having anything hanging off the outside of the pack. The Bikini Duplex frame is a solid performer by itself as is the Duplex.

 

[MuleyFever]

I want to stick with the DT2. I could easily do 5-6 days out of a 3000ci Icon. I think 5200ci will be perfect without all that extra fabric. If I knew I needed more space it wouldnt be a big deal to just add a lid. Since most of my hunts are 2-3 days on the weekends DT1 is just too big I think.

 

[NoWiser]

You should be fine with the DT2. My dad and I did 8 days fairly easily with a pair of BT2s last year in Wyoming and we didn't even have much for ultralight gear or have any extra pockets. With the few upgrades I made this year we could do 10 now without a problem. I am happy that I got the DT2 bag instead of the DT1.

 

[luke moffat]

You should be fine with the DT2. My dad and I did 8 days fairly easily with a pair of BT2s last year in Wyoming and we didn't even have much for ultralight gear or have any extra pockets. With the few upgrades I made this year we could do 10 now without a problem. I am happy that I got the DT2 bag instead of the DT1.

Did you pack out meat and camp in the same load? How far in are you going?

 

[SHTF]

Thanks MT.

Can you put a load between the bag and frame? Anywhere I can see a pic or video of this?

Hey Muley see this Video done by Mat from Rokslide. he shows you what it can do =) http://vimeo.com/61975714

Enjoy.

 

[MuleyFever]

Thanks for the video.

 

[boom]

Thanks for the vid x2!

I have a bag and I can't see sandwiching a load. The top attachment perplexes me. I'll watch the vid

 

[Kotaman]

I just sold my T2 so I could get a T1 for the reasons Luke stated. Going in with the T2 is fine...Coming out after having some success is another matter. I think my Nomad will work either way but I've always loved the simplicty of the Timberline bags and can't see myself without owning at least one. So, for now, I will be running the Nomad and the T1 These should cover about any type of hunt I ever do.

 

[Tim M]

Did you pack out meat and camp in the same load? How far in are you going?

I agree with Luke, the larger bag allows me to pack my camp up and still pack boned out meat inside the main bag since I am usually 8-15 miles in I really don't like having to make round trips so the couple oz penalty for the extra cloth is worth it to me; especially since the main bag is about 5400 ci by itself.