Kifaru DT3 Question?

[jquarnberg]

I sold my mystery ranch dragon slayer for a kuiu icon 1850. I like a lot of things about the icon. But I really hate how it slides down my back under a heavy load. I thought I would love the 1850 bag size (day pack when I need and use the load cell when I need more space), but I really find the bag to be to small most of the time. The dragon slayer wasnt right at all for hauling quarters. I think I need to try the Kifaru DT3 or a stone glacier possibly. But I have questions... Hoping someone can help

- Can you extend the bag from the frame with these like you can with the icon and stone glacier? I dont want to have to by a T3 and a T2. I usually only do 1-3 days so im not that worried about space but if I ever need it I am hoping I can extend the bag away from the frame for more space. Also is carrying quarters an option with this method? (I have read that you can but have never seen a any video or pictures of it)

- Am I correct that the standard lid that comes on the duplex bag has no pockets?

- Does the T3 compress down real small for day pack mode? It looks like it does to me. I see many of you compressing the 2 and 1 down plenty so I assume the 3 is even smaller when sucked down... Seems like it would be great for a day pack with the optics pockets on the side and the two pockets on the back for quick access items.

 

[Shrek]

The BT3 can be separated from the frame and meat put in between the frame and bag. All the frame bags will compress down small enough for a daypack but you have to hang chit off them to hold more. The timderline 3 is a pretty small bag. I bought a 4800 high camp the sold it and bought a T1 bag. Give it a pleat fold along the side so it lays down flat then cinch the straps and rides basically as small as the T3 but when something is down it has the room to hang the meat inside .
If you do get the Bikini and want to use the load shelf the good thing is you have two places to connect it so you can put the shelf half way up the frame and keep the meat high, or at the bottom for really big loads.
One to three days out of a T3 is minimalist gear. Yes the lid is plain but if you get a T2 or T3 you have all the hunting lids to choose from and both will do 3 days easy and the T1 5 days easy and 6 to 8 tighter.

 

[Eagle]

I've done six days out of a DT3 with my gear, so you can get a decent amount of gear in one. As far as size, the main bag is about 2200 ci and the side pockets and rear pockets add about 1800 extra making it about a 4000 ci bag. The lid is plain, but you can get gear between the bag and lid after you cinch the main bag up, so it can still help with holding gear. No experience with using the load shelf as that wasn't available when I did my trips.

 

[Soutie]

jqaurnberg - here is a video that may help...http://vimeo.com/69912774

 

[Justin Crossley]

I would get a T1 or T2 bag if I was you. I use my T1 for everything from daypack to extended backpacking trips and it works great for it all. Just last Saturday, littlebuf and myself were elk hunting with our T1's on our backs and compressed like day packs. After littlebuf shot his bull I asked him if he shot with it on or off. He had to think for a second and said "I had it on, but I didn't even realize it".

It sure was nice to be able to take the elk out without having to go back for bigger packs.

We boned out his elk and loaded the entire thing in these two packs so we could get it to camp (about 1.25 miles) in one trip.

 

[2ski]

If you at all think you want a different lid, upgrade when you buy the bag. Quite a price difference between upgrading and ordering a different one at a later date.

 

[jquarnberg]

@ Soutie thanks for the video. Not sure how I missed that. In the video he is using the bikini frame... would the duplex work the same way? Assuming the answer is yes... It seems Aron prefers the bikini to the duplex for the method he demonstrates based on a few things he said... is there a reason the bikini would be superior to the duplex for this purpose?