Kifaru Bikini Troubles

[boom]

If it was me- ( and I do not have a Bikini pack); I think I would just slip a piece of foam pad that I always have with me for sitting ( either a piece of Z- rest or ridge rest) into that space. It would be plenty wide enough, and could even attach some quick release cord on the foam to attach firmly to stays. I already carry this foam around with me for sitting anyways. Now if my pack contents, or even meat after having that foam placed there was somehow able to still push into that slot and push on to my back enough to cause a problem for me- that would have to be something I would have to see to believe. Because I do not see how it would cause a problem for me with a Thermarest foam pad.

But since I do not have a Bikini- this is still some conjecture on my part.

this is what i did. makes the pack nice to lean against for glassing..and naps.

 

[jlsteel]

After hearing these bikini issues I am glad I was convinced into buying the duplex over the bikini for my purposes. Lightening the duplex or beefing up the bikini I think would be canabalizing the sales of each other and also take away kifaru's market share to the competition. I like the two extremes of their two frames as they can compete with the heavy duty packs from MR, barney, etc and compete in the ultralight category with SG and Kuiu, etc.

 

[Matt Cashell]

This issue has been really minor for me. I mentioned it in my initial (infamous) review, but I have since hiked many miles with the bikini, and it just hasn't been any sort of practical problem in the field for me. I like the PCord fix.

 

[jquarnberg]

The difference between the duplex and bikini is like a pound and a half. A sheet like what snowcamoman made, but made out of a high quality light material would add maybe an ounce or three. It doesn't make the bikini a duplex it would just fix a minor little issue. It bothers me enough I would pay a few dollars and add an ounce or two. I hope kifaru does put something out and that is small light and easy to get on on/off (hopefully similar to what snowcamoman created) oh and I will hope its not ridiculously priced.

 

[7mag.]

This issue has been really minor for me. I mentioned it in my initial (infamous) review, but I have since hiked many miles with the bikini, and it just hasn't been any sort of practical problem in the field for me. I like the PCord fix.

I noticed it as well, but like like Matt said, it's not a problem that I feel I need to fix. I am a little more conscious of how I load my pack, but, I don't feel it while wearing the pack.

 

[weaver]

I noticed it as well, but like like Matt said, it's not a problem that I feel I need to fix. I am a little more conscious of how I load my pack, but, I don't feel it while wearing the pack.

X2

Also I prefer the bikini over the duplex not so much for weight savings but for the comfort and flexibility with only day hunting gear in it. The duplex feels like a board strapped to my back all day long. I feel the duplex is more stable with heavy loads but I spend more time hunting than packing heavy loads.

 

[squeekieslayer]

i think everyone is making this into a much bigger deal than it is. the first month i had the pack it bothered me. throughout the rest of the year i didnt notice it.


squeekieslayer: if anything id like a bikini with 1in webbing!

I agree 100 percent, sometimes i feel like the strap is too thin and twists and moves some.

As for the frame sheet... i don't want to be taken wrong, I completely understand that people don't like things poking through the frame stays. I notice it and i sweat like a hog so i will probably do something with para cord myself. It isn't really noticeable for most but it is for me. I wasn't saying that the ideas shown here are bad for their intended purpose.

For water bladder and other things pushing through all of the options look awesome. I was just stating that I didn't feel that there was any aftermaket frame sheet option that would allow it to be like the Duplex at a significant weight savings.

I agree that the 1 pound 6 ounce difference is worth the bikini, i am just afraid that a carbon fiber stay sheet that only held the bladder off my back would not likely be worth the cost.

Joe

 

[badkneesbro]

Just takes a couple of minutes to tie a paracord web & forgetaboutit.

 

[PABowhunter]

I use an MSR 3 litre bladder in my Bikini/T1. Though the bulging bladder looked like it would be an issue, I forget all about it when I'm wearing the pack to hike or hunt. My back is going to sweat anyway, and the bladder doesn't stay full that long, as I'm sucking down water.

 

[snowcamoman]

Why'd you guys have to guilt trip me on the heavy full sheet fix???? I went back to the drawing board and went with the lightest fix I could find that is mostly bomb-proof. Threaded spectra cord through the cordura on the center arrow shaft cross member. The top one has some sewing on the loop so that it cannot slip out and the bottom cross member stays in place as is. There....are you happy now? Problem solved for now...again... I just don't trust my para-cording knots to stay tight and taught with a load pushing on it over hundreds of thousands of miles.

 

[jlsteel]

Slick setup

 

[luke moffat]

Wow....until reading this thread I didn't know my Bikini frame had some an outlandish problem.

Given the choice I'd still pick the Bikini over the Duplex most of the time just to save the 1.25 pounds and the given extra comfort at normal pack weights while hunting. Unless its north of 120 or a super awkward load the Bikini frame wins out for me.

 

[fillthefreezer]

Here is what I did, I just took and old arrow cut it to fit the frame width, chamfered it, and used paracord to hold them in position. Light and strong with no more bulge. Now the only bulge is self imposed, but this pack is awesome! Can't say enough good about it, so versatile for everything I do.

i did mine this weekend. went a little different route with the cordage and knots but didnt take long, added minimal weight and im liking it. cut arrows at 7.5, 7, 6.5. about 2ft of gutted 550 cord.

 

[ohhiitznik]

Why not just run your lashing straps across if it bothers you that much? I don't keep my bladder against my back anyway, keep it in a slot pocket of the nomad.

 

[Tim M]

Man you would think that even with the heavy loads (and day pack ones!) I have carried with my bikini duplex I would be fighting this problem... In all reality I noticed it the first time I used the pack... this thing it is definitely worth the weight savings especially since I have not noticed it since... I did however use a piece of paracord on it about a year ago and have carried several 120+ lb loads since.
as you can see in this pic I have the pack really cinched down and the amount it pushes thru is minimal, even after 8 1/4 miles and seceral thousand feet gained and lost!

 

[Brent1321]

Just did my Nomad/Bikini Anti-Bulge Fix, para-cord and two pieces of arrow shaft. Works fantastic I must say. Will likely re-tie the para-cord later as mine looks like it was tied and laced by a blind guy! Thanks for the tips and instruction all.

Brent

 

[Shrek]

./QUOTE]
That's...beautiful ! Your picture captures pure satisfaction and joy to me.

 

[luke moffat]

./QUOTE]
That's...beautiful ! Your picture captures pure satisfaction and joy to me.

Not me...looks more like bruised hip bones, tired legs, and aching body....especially with 120 pounds over 8.5 miles and several thousand feet of elevation. That is a load for sure!

 

[Buster]

Not me...looks more like bruised hip bones, tired legs, and aching body....especially with 120 pounds over 8.5 miles and several thousand feet of elevation. That is a load for sure!

Hurts so good.

 

[Shrek]

Not me...looks more like bruised hip bones, tired legs, and aching body....especially with 120 pounds over 8.5 miles and several thousand feet of elevation. That is a load for sure!

All the above for sure but when you drop it on the tailgate it's one really happy and satisfied moment.