mystery ranch guide lite MT frame mod

[yyyoniii]

i have a pintler and really want to use it as a day pack. its perfect in terms of volume and organization. the thing that disturbs me is the frame. it has really tall load lifters which limit my head moment in some instances - when i hike and scramble and try to look up the hike route, the frame hits the back of my head, also when i wear climbing helmet , the frame also hit the back when i try looking up when standing.
another important point is that i want it to be easily compressed for air travel, hopefully for a carry on.
i was wondering if i could cut the load lifters so that i would have the head clearance. basically its to transform the guide lite mt frame to the nice frame.
i know about the pop up frame, but sadly mystery ranch doesn't sell their frames separate, and i think the frame is too bulky for my needs compared to the guide lite mt frame.
i edited some picture of the frame to get an idea.

 

[Wacko]

Just me, but I like having the higher load lifters on my pintler when it is under a heavy load.

I think if you want to cut them down...you probably can. I think they are a fiberglass rod underneath....so know how to cut them or they will shred. Then you have to resew them so they are strong enough.

I think the route I would take is to just buy a different pack. One I have considered in the past is the eberlestock X2 (new version)....I had the old version and literally wore it out. I carried out deer in it (unfortunately not elk). It was fantastic as a day pack and worked to carry stuff out. I replaced it with my pintler. It is easier to load meat and carry gear at the same time.

You could sell the pintler and get in to a different pack to offset costs for your needs....

Just some thoughts...

 

[Jmyers12]

just buy a different one