REI XT85 upgrade

[dotman]

So my brother has a tight budget, I was looking at his pack and decided the stays and belt are lacking. This mod took me about 5 mins to make. I had my old belt from my bikini and we found some aluminum 26" stays used. Removed the old stays and insert the new attach the belt to the stays and round frame stays on the pack and reattach lumbar pad.

Now I haven't used it and I may have to modify or seq a top retainer but the stays fit perfectly in the load lifter area under the factory perimeter frame. The pack fells way more ridge which it should considering the factory rei stays are so thin and narrow. The belt being used and broken in does not move and get way tighter then the factory rei belt.

He picked the pack up used and has $30 in the kifaru stuff since I had a belt. All in he is in it less then $180. I would think a guy could get either an used bikini or duplex belt and stays for $80 or less.

I think this will make the pack even better and is a good low budget option.

 

[Ramcam]

Thanks for sharing that info .I have been thinking of picking one up let us know how it holds up.

 

[Tim M]

how about a picture to see how it worked out?

 

[couesbitten]

I'm with Tim, would be interested in seeing the handi-work.

 

[dotman]

I'll try to get some up tomorrow. It truly is a simple mod.

 

[rckymtnguy]

I've been using a XT85 for 3 seasons now, and it carry's my camp pretty well, but I've only used it to pack out some of the meat load. I'd be VERY interested in seeing your modifications!

 

[dotman]

 

[dotman]

It will need some further mods to how the top of the stays mount, just need to find a way to tie them to the actual load lifter straps.

 

[fillthefreezer]

ladder lock, some webbing, and a sturdy rivet?