Modified Kifaru High Camp 7000 on Bikini Frame

[Manosteel]

I had finished this project last winter right before my spring bear hunt.

Thought I would show you my modified Kifaru HE 7000 /Bikini frame. I added a (1)center zipper; (2) pockets on inside that are interchange; (3) added a pocket to the lid with zipper opening; (4) added removable Web pocket on top of lid for Delorme Inreach; and (5) cut some strapping/buckles on frame: Total weight with bikini frame is 4 lbs 11 oz

Full height



Pic of bottom strap over zipper to ensure load doesn't open zipper


Compressed a bit to normal use height



I added a pocket to the standard lid


I added a zipper to the front of the bag to make access super easy and functional

 

[Manosteel]

Internal pocket s that are attached with Velcro so I can swap sizes




I also added removable mesh pocket with g hooks for my Delorme Inreach



Bag and frame weight


YUP 4 LBS & 11.8 OUNCES!

bag only weight


It was my design (really just adding/taking away stuff to work for me, nothing special) and measuring. My beautiful and talented wife did all sewing plus she had input like adding a water proof internal pocket out of Silnylon for phone / important stuff and mesh pocket on top of bag for Delorme Inreach, and she will be making me a new lid like Kifura's UL EE pack.



I have been training with it and will be doing a few other modifications, carried weight just as good if not better than before (I think I finally got the bikini frame perfectly right on for me) threw in 120 lbs of sand and went on several 5k hikes with no issues. Been doing 3 to 5 mikes a day with it with 55 lbs feels to easy. I took it on my short bear hunt but wasn't able to connect so its still a virgin pack.

Since then I have added an Ultra light spotter pocket and another ultra light side pocket.

 

[chippewawarrior]

My ideal pack would be a center zip HC7000... Nice!

 

[colonel00]

Very cool. I have debated the center zip as well. Since you have had it for a while now, how much value would you put in the zipper mod? I just can't decide if it is really worth it.

I also don't see any seams for the internal pockets so is the velcro just glued on?

 

[Manosteel]

A center zip is a must in the big barrel type pack bags. I love mine, makes getting stuff in and out a breeze!

Everything was sewn in, no glue. My wife is just that good! She is an expert at matching thread/cloth color and using existing seems/contours to hide her work and make it look flawless.

Wait until I take pics of the spotter bag she made me. Very functional and slick.

The only thing I would have done differently is making the center zip longer and used a double zip to go both ways. Maybe use lighter fabric. If I was building a bag from scratch I would also add built in outside pockets out of a strong strechy (yoga pants material) above where the side pockets attached for use with tripods/ arrows/ rifle etc.. weight penalty would be an ounce and you could still leave attachement point for heaver duty add on pockets.

 

[dotman]

Alright I want my bag back now, please ship it ASAP

 

[dreamingbig]

I have a cb high camp that needs a center zip.

 

[Yellowknife]

Nice work.

I do find the double zipper to be the way to go on a center zip. Usually leave it near the middle so I can access it without loosening the lid.

The only other thing I would suggest for others that might do something similar would be to put the lid zipper on the other side. The original SG Sky packs were done the way you have it, but I found I always laid it flat on the ground for easy access to the center zip. That would then put the lid zipper underneath and out of reach. Kurt made me a prototype with the zipper on the back, and I found it to be a improvement in function that was subsequently adopted for all Sky packs.

 

[Jeff Martin]

This read my mind and wanted to buy a HC4800 for this very reason. Has a "Stone Glacier" feel which is exactly what the Kifaru bags need. This bag on the new ultralight is the cats meow.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Great work! Pm me your address and I'll get an HC4800 started your way

 

[Manosteel]

Alright I want my bag back now, please ship it ASAP

Hahaha not a chance, this has been my best buy on used gear. Yellowknife, totally agree with you on the lid zipper but if you look at how the basic Kifaru lid is built I couldn't put the zipper on the back withou losing functional square inches and/shape.

My wife is making me a new lid based on the new kifaru guide and the old UL Kifaru EE bag/pack. That will address my lid/UL small pack needs.

I have the new kifaru frame coming with hunter and UL stays. Throwing bag on it the moment it arrives.

I have been chatting back and forth with Aron for a fees months on this project, going thru the whys, where's and how's.

I have been on a couple of scouting trips for sheep with this bag combo and will hopefully have some action shot for you guys at the end of the month.

 

[couesbitten]

Manosteel, watch out, there's a bear or three behind you! Awesome mods, I'm very intrigued and you've got my creativity in high gear and my sewing machine pedal foot itching!

 

[dotman]

Haha, I figured that would be your answer. I almost picked up another when they put that combo on clearance, so far that was my favorite bag I have tried, but I like the cargo panel more for my hunting area.


If anyone else wanted to try this the camp bag would be a great bag to start modifying since it already has the center zip.

 

[jquarnberg]

I just found this thread as I am searching for the impossible to find perfect bag to go on my perfect frame (new kifaru duplex frame). Man a highcamp with a center zip would be Kifaru's best bag. I wish they offered that. A few interior pockets inside the zipper like that would be money as well. Preferably long enough to slide a tripod/spotter into. Someone get to kifaru and make it happen!

 

[reaper]

Nice work...it make me think about the camp bag but with steroïds.

 

[RCR]

I love the idea of the center zip.. I'm thinking an EMRII without the wings would be pretty cool. Great work. VERY professional looking product.

 

[Zricky]

Does the center zip get in the way of the bag attachments? What about about two zippers but on the sides going from top to bottom??

 

[slim9300]

Nice work!

 

[jm1607]

Very nice!

I wish they made a similar bag...

6000-7000ci, center zip with double zipper to the bottom, full length daisy chains on sides like AMR, 3 compression straps... Done!

Perfect bag?? I can't think of anything I'd do differently.. Would probably be very light too without built in pockets or sleeves..

 

[Manosteel]

Does the center zip get in the way of the bag attachments? What about about two zippers but on the sides going from top to bottom??

It would but I don't use pocket on the back of the bag, I use large side pockets on the bottom attachments, and custom long pockets on the side for my spotter on one side and trip pod arrows on other side