Modifications to my Duplex TImberline 1

[crazy_davey]

Very timely thread as my T1 and accessories showed up last night. After a few trial runs there will most certainly be some trimming happening. The weight was pretty impressive out of the box(compared to the MR packs I have owned) but I can see where improvements can be made.

Thanks!

 

[justin davis]

Kifaru packs are actually on the light side compared to alot of other packs out there.

 

[Lukem]

I've done some hacking to my Cabela's extreme Alaskan Outfitter (I know, I know, lame compared to you Kifaru guys... and I've cut nearly a pound off of the total pack weight, even with adding some compression straps (a major flaw in the original pack design), which puts the pack weight right at 7#, which isn't bad for an external frame pack. If I take off the top lid with the rain cover it gets it under 5.5#. I can't bring myself to cut the pack cover out just yet, can't decide if it's worth the weight yet or not.

Great video Aron.

 

[slim9300]

I've done some hacking to my Cabela's extreme Alaskan Outfitter (I know, I know, lame compared to you Kifaru guys... and I've cut nearly a pound off of the total pack weight, even with adding some compression straps (a major flaw in the original pack design), which puts the pack weight right at 7#, which isn't bad for an external frame pack. If I take off the top lid with the rain cover it gets it under 5.5#. I can't bring myself to cut the pack cover out just yet, can't decide if it's worth the weight yet or not.

Great video Aron.

That's amazingly light.

 

[Lukem]

That's amazingly light.

There's really not much to the bag, which was part of the problem. It's just a big floppy bag unless it's packed full, and at 4700 ci, means it's a pretty big floppy bag. The frame itself is less than 4.5#. I've really liked the frame, I've used it for all sorts of applications, just hated the bag in the past. Pretty sure it was one of Aron's posts about modding a pack that got me to thinking about hacking at mine. I wasn't using it anyway, so it's worth a shot. I haven't put the pack to a full test yet as I wasn't able to elk hunt this year, but with the few mods I made, I think it'll be the ticket. If I get the time this weekend, I'll snap some pics and get better weights on the components.

 

[slim9300]

There's really not much to the bag, which was part of the problem. It's just a big floppy bag unless it's packed full, and at 4700 ci, means it's a pretty big floppy bag. The frame itself is less than 4.5#. I've really liked the frame, I've used it for all sorts of applications, just hated the bag in the past. Pretty sure it was one of Aron's posts about modding a pack that got me to thinking about hacking at mine. I wasn't using it anyway, so it's worth a shot. I haven't put the pack to a full test yet as I wasn't able to elk hunt this year, but with the few mods I made, I think it'll be the ticket. If I get the time this weekend, I'll snap some pics and get better weights on the components.

I have two of the heavier AK Guide Model frames and have worn out two of the older ones. They aren't too bad but I am not a big fan of Bowhunting with an external frame pack. (Which is what I do primarily) That's why I ditched mine for an internal framed pack. I love my Timberline 1.

 

[a3dhunter]

I've got my Timberline 1 down to 5 lbs even with the general modifications mentioned and no lid, that is using the aluminum stays instead of the ultralight as well.
I spent most of archery season not using any type of lid and didn't have any problems.
When packing in I would put my waterproof layer on top using the strap that comes over the top to secure it. When in daypack mode I would cinch the cordlock on the snow collar and then roll it so any pine needles or things would not drop into the pack but roll off. Made it even smaller profile and lighter weight.

 

[Florida Mike]

Aron has got to be the most helpful guy around! I wish I could be as helpful but I just don't know enough to dangerous much less helpful. Another great thread! Mike

 

[justin davis]

Yea not using the lid is a great way to cut down on weight. The pack will function just fine without the lid

 

[Lukem]

I have two of the heavier AK Guide Model frames and have worn out two of the older ones. They aren't too bad but I am not a big fan of Bowhunting with an external frame pack. (Which is what I do primarily) That's why I ditched mine for an internal framed pack. I love my Timberline 1.

Is the potential for noise the reason you ditched the externals for bowhunting?

 

[slim9300]

Is the potential for noise the reason you ditched the externals for bowhunting?

Overall size and noise mainly. An external frame pack can't do this...

 

[Lukem]

Overall size and noise mainly. An external frame pack can't do this...

Yeah, definitely can't do that. That is an awesome picture.

Mine'll compress down pretty well though. Just can't get the frame inside the shoulders.

Should be able to carry a pretty good load (of sleeping bags)..

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I made several similar modifications (i.e. cut off every unnecessary strap, buckle, etc.) to my pack and am pretty satisfied with it. I reweighed stuff and it's at 6#13oz (which is just over a pound from the premod weight) with the lid and 5#13 w/o. Being on a limited budget, I'm pretty proud of my $240 pack that wasn't really being used. There's a lot that we can do to shed some weight with some "lesser" packs.

 

[crazy_davey]

Please keep in mind that cutting things off of your pack is not warrantied through Kifaru and you should make sure that you know what you're doing!

Aron, could you explain exactly how cutting off the extras will effect the warranty of Kifaru packs? Once some of the extras are cut off, is there any warranty at all left on the pack or will Kifaru even touch it once modified? I now know what I want to modify but want to be clear on what is covered when finished.

Mainly what I want to chop is the snow collar and the sleeping bag divider.

 

[keep]

Overall size and noise mainly. An external frame pack can't do this...

Slim that's a great pic. Glad you got your elk, looks like you were almost out of bullets

 

[Aron Snyder]

THe only thing that wouldn't be covered under warranty would be the things you cut off, so yes, the pack is still under the standard warranty.

If you wanted your sleeping bag divider sewn back on in a couple months, than that would need to be payed for and not under warranty.

Aron, could you explain exactly how cutting off the extras will effect the warranty of Kifaru packs? Once some of the extras are cut off, is there any warranty at all left on the pack or will Kifaru even touch it once modified? I now know what I want to modify but want to be clear on what is covered when finished.

Mainly what I want to chop is the snow collar and the sleeping bag divider.

 

[slim9300]

Slim that's a great pic. Glad you got your elk, looks like you were almost out of bullets

Thanks! I actually had 2 left but I gave it to my partner since he was down an arrow. We shoot the exact same arrow.

Next year I'm packing 2-3 extras just in case.

 

[crazy_davey]

THe only thing that wouldn't be covered under warranty would be the things you cut off, so yes, the pack is still under the standard warranty.

If you wanted your sleeping bag divider sewn back on in a couple months, than that would need to be payed for and not under warranty.

Perfect, thanks!

 

[crazy_davey]

Cut and removed what I didn't want from my Timberline 1, so far about 9-10 oz's. Haven't hacked the sleeping bag divider yet but it could be next as I have never really found the need for one. A large pack close to 5 pounds will be a nice change over my last MR packs.