Teaser Kifaru HPG Stryker XL

[SHTF]

How did you tie in the top lashing of the kifaru pack to the frame. Specifically where it has black webbing and tan webbing through the buckle. Isnt that section a full loop on the stryker?

I only ask because I am currently attaching and configuring my stryker to an eberlestock carrier frame.

Hi Pfern,

I used Repair tension lock buckles where I have the Load lifter straps attached. You can see them here. https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Moun...ement+backpack+buckles&qid=1620184950&sr=8-38 I just ran them into the loop and they are not going anywhere unless you need to take them off. I have massive amounts of buckles and straps and you name it.

 

[SHTF]

I've been back-forth on just which HPG bag would be best for my application. It is hard to predict as colder weather hunting adds volume; just no way around it for both clothing and calories. Is the HPG Large Decker bag manageable when loaded and on your back?

If your not sure how your gear will fit in the bag and how much you need to take or the size of bag you may need I always say error on the side of caution and go big. You can always cinch things down more. so I would go with the Large Decker bag. or you can get the Large and Medium depending on your needs. I have all 3 of them just for testing things out and to see what I can and cannot get away with this setup.

 

[strongarm]

Yes very manageable. works just fine. There is a bit more fiddling involved with this but if its from truck to camp and drop the big bag it works great. If your going to be hiking around with the entire setup every day I wouldnt recommend it and go with a more conventional setup. Alot of guys pack in and drop camp and get to hunting. That is when this kind of a setup is going to be great.

Correct, looking for a cleaner/closer-to-back drop camp solution as I consider this setup compared to what I've been doing (which has been taking my expedition pack and hauling in day bag as an addendum).

I would be using the Stryker XL from base camp to spike camp for overnighter(s). Durations will vary, but would not be hiking all day every day with full camp in this setup. I would transition to a different bag at that point in time.

I'm still a little nervous about how far back the load will be using this approach, but I remind myself its quasi-temporary. Many miles one way in, then the ability to drop the bag and go slimmer with the Stryker throughout the day and more importantly easily get quarters out. The HPG bag (s) looks like a decent pairing in size and also appears to help address my main concern a little bit--not pushing the camp bag + Stryker XL + Sherman pocket so far away.

Curious, while we're on different frame platforms (HPG vs. Kifaru), would you run a sleep system underneath the shelf? If I can get bag and pad out of the HPG bag it will pack better and likely allow me to consider a medium vs. a large. The small HPG bag looks great for cold weather gear if in day mode, too!

I do wish the HPG bags had a center or tombstone-style zipper, contents would be super accessible at camp. But it still seems like better geometry than the roll-top bags for my application. Appreciate you sharing this preview - super helpful!

 

[mstei4]

@SHTF how have you liked the Decker frame? And if you don’t mind me asking what’s your torso length? I really like the concept of the Decker, the ability to swap out bag sizes, and I’m really happy with the kit bag I have from them, but am worried about the frame length. I have a relatively long torso 20-21 inch, and I’m not sure if the 24 inch frame would be quite enough with heavier loads. For most of my usage right now (day hikes/hunts and 1-2 night trips with my wife) I think it would be fine. But we’re planning on kids in the relatively near future and I want to take them on overnight trips before there walking too much let alone carrying anything, which means I’ll be playing pack mule for awhile. Unfortunately my wife doesn’t get the gear obsession quite the way I do so I can probably only swing one nice pack for quite awhile.

 

[trophyhill]

Blasphemy I say. Stone him!

 

[SHTF]

@SHTF how have you liked the Decker frame? And if you don’t mind me asking what’s your torso length? I really like the concept of the Decker, the ability to swap out bag sizes, and I’m really happy with the kit bag I have from them, but am worried about the frame length. I have a relatively long torso 20-21 inch, and I’m not sure if the 24 inch frame would be quite enough with heavier loads. For most of my usage right now (day hikes/hunts and 1-2 night trips with my wife) I think it would be fine. But we’re planning on kids in the relatively near future and I want to take them on overnight trips before there walking too much let alone carrying anything, which means I’ll be playing pack mule for awhile. Unfortunately my wife doesn’t get the gear obsession quite the way I do so I can probably only swing one nice pack for quite awhile.

Hi Mstei4, I like it alot its simplicity but usefulness all in one. My Torso is 19.5 inches and it works great for me. I dont have any issues with it at all. Its a very versatile system and the fact that I get the best of 2 great pack manufacturer worlds is a bonus. HPG makes the best belt out of all of them in my book. Ive owned and tried Kifaru, SG, Exo and I keep gravitating back to HPG as their belt just feels great on me. Not to say the others are bad but for my body type the HPG Belts are customizable with the padding which helps alot.
HPG has a great return policy so if you get the Decker put some weight into it and try it out. If you find its to short then send it back.

 

[SHTF]

Blasphemy I say. Stone him!

Its already happened for many years on this site for all the cross pack trials I have posted about. =)

 

[mstei4]

Hi Mstei4, I like it alot its simplicity but usefulness all in one. My Torso is 19.5 inches and it works great for me. I dont have any issues with it at all. Its a very versatile system and the fact that I get the best of 2 great pack manufacturer worlds is a bonus. HPG makes the best belt out of all of them in my book. Ive owned and tried Kifaru, SG, Exo and I keep gravitating back to HPG as their belt just feels great on me. Not to say the others are bad but for my body type the HPG Belts are customizable with the padding which helps alot.
HPG has a great return policy so if you get the Decker put some weight into it and try it out. If you find its to short then send it back.

Thanks! I’m getting a feeling they’ll be getting a chunk of my money shortly. Glad to hear the frame isn’t too short for you, most of the things I’ve read on it are by people in 16-17 inch range. Thanks again

 

[RottenOnion]

Pack looks good

 

[rotn_dunedain]

That thread helps a lot....funny I wasn@t the only one having the idea!