Kifaru Bikini w/ Mystery Ranch Longbow

[hammer0419]

I wanted a smaller bag on my Bikini frame for short outtings and even day trip mode. I have owned several T3 and DT3 bags. However I just could not get used to the small top opening on them. I really wanted to like the pack but not able to fit things through the top easily just drove me nuts. After reading and asking questions on Rokslide, I decided this year to try something different. I purchased the Mystery Ranch Longbow bag to fit on my Bikini Frame.

The ONLY thing thing that I had to do to the pack for a proper fit was to cut two slits for the load lifter straps. The correct way to do that is to sew two button holes then cut. However I was too impatient and just used my Havalon knife to get through 3 layers of pack cloth. I will take it to the taylor after seasons end and have him do something to clean it up. Everything pretty much lines up perfectly to attach to Bikini Frame. The pack is short for the frame and does not come all the way down but that is not an issue for me. I attach my Grab-it and put my quilt, air pad, and shelter all in it. Everything fits and carries perfectly. I absolutely LOVE this setup. The Bikini frame is incredible and so is the Longbow pack.

 

[HvyBeams]

Sounds pretty nice. The longbow was my favorite MR pack. I am looking forward to seeing your pictures.

 

[stephen b]

Well done-Nice job!

I knew it would work well and it looks like you have the pack the way you want it.

Also FWIW- for any one that likes the Stone Glacier bags, I know they work on the Kifaru external/hybrid frames also.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

 

[ssliger]

How much does this setup weigh? I am looking into a new pack this year and this looks interesting. It looks great

 

[hammer0419]

How much does this setup weigh? I am looking into a new pack this year and this looks interesting. It looks great

I will check the weight tomorrow and let you know. For a smaller pack option, I could not be happier. I have easily done 3 days 2 nights with this setup. I carry a medium pod with me. I can put my gear in the pod and a boned out deer inside the pack on my way out.

 

[ssliger]

I will check the weight tomorrow and let you know. For a smaller pack option, I could not be happier. I have easily done 3 days 2 nights with this setup. I carry a medium pod with me. I can put my gear in the pod and a boned out deer inside the pack on my way out.

Awesome, I am looking for something for 2-3 day trips

 

[JG358]

Looks good. I have a longbow in route to put on my duplex.

 

[Jager]

Good looking setup mate.

I am attaching a HPG T 'however you spell it' A pack onto a bikini.

Keen to see some pics of yours loaded up with a trophy.

 

[hammer0419]

Kifaru is the ONLY suspension system I will use (15 years and Counting). However I have never found a small Kifaru pack I REALLY liked. I absolutely love the longbow bag and Bikini frame setup. Light weight, tons of organization (which is a must for me), and carries a good amount of gear. Definitely my most favorite pack to date.

 

[hammer0419]

The tarahumara is on my to buy list. HPG makes awesome gear.

 

[edg1967]

Dang…why did you have to post this. I had a Longbow on my Duplex frame this year and had it set up exactly like this. When I bought a used Bikini w/T1 and ordered a Highcamp 4800, I sold the Longbow….stupid, stupid, stupid. That's the third Longbow I've sold! The only improvement to this bag would be if they put a couple long pockets on the outside like the Timberlines. Time to start searching the classifieds again!

 

[hammer0419]

I may order some long pockets for it down the road but for now I really like it.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I would also keep in mind that all the companies will be coming out with their newest coolest packs for 2014. Some of these packs may fit the bill for what everyone is looking for.

Food for thought, anyway.

 

[fillthefreezer]

I would also keep in mind that all the companies will be coming out with their newest coolest packs for 2014. Some of these packs may fit the bill for what everyone is looking for.

Food for thought, anyway.

is this what they called "foreshadowing" back in english class?

 

[JG358]

I would also keep in mind that all the companies will be coming out with their newest coolest packs for 2014. Some of these packs may fit the bill for what everyone is looking for.

Food for thought, anyway.

Pretty sure lots of us are big enough gear whores that we'll buy the new ones to try out too

 

[edg1967]

I would also keep in mind that all the companies will be coming out with their newest coolest packs for 2014. Some of these packs may fit the bill for what everyone is looking for.

Food for thought, anyway.

SH*^! My new 4800 shipped on Wednesday! I should have waited to order!

 

[JG358]

Huh, mine just showed up but I don't think it's going to work. The top of the bag that goes over the frame looks different than yours. Won't leave much material to hold the weight once the holes are cut for the load lifters.

 

[hammer0419]

That is identical to mine. I made my cuts for the load lifter straps right across the seam. Works perfectly. Like I stated above. The correct way to do it would be to sew button holes in each location then cut the slits.

 

[JG358]

I may be seeing it wrong in your pic but, Yours looks solid across the top to me. Mine only has an inch and a half on each end with a five inch gap in between. If I cut the hole the same size as on my DT1, I'd have something that looks like this. Which doesn't seem like enough to hold the weight I'd like it to hold.

Edit; Went back and looked at your pics again. After looking again, I can see the carry handle hole. Did you cut your load lifter holes right at the top seam?

 

[SHTF]

JG for what its worth and Im not sure if this means much to you but HPG bags are about the same as what you have in your photo only difference is they have a strap that wraps around the top and bottom part of the frame to hold the bag in place. But the area where it hooks to the top of the duplex is about the same as what your showing in your photo there. Accept it wraps down in the middle instead of on the outer edges like yours. I can set it up tonight to show you, and maybe that would give you some ideas on how to make the Longbow work. I said this on a previous post also but Stephen B had a post on here showing the Longbow hooked up to the MMR Frame (or Duplex) He stated he had great success with making it work from what I remember. Maybe he can chime in if he sees this.

Forgot about my old thread on this. You can see in this post how the HPG Bag works: http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?11182-Duplex-Frame-with-HPG-CM20-Ultralight-Bag