Which way to go with my DT3 bag-new Kifari frame or old one?

[philos]

I have a DT3 bag, lid, grab it and some pouches-all in Highlander pattern. I do not have a frame presently except for an old Cabela's frame.

I would like to get opinions / suggestions of how to proceed with a new or used frame purchase or maybe even to sell the DT3 and start over. My needs will be mostly for deer sized game with a couple of elk hunts thrown in. I don't see me hiking out with any 100+ lbs loads in the near future and mostly I'll be keeping the load to 50 lbs or so. I like the Highlander pattern and I realize Kifaru doesn't offer the new frames in Highlander. I don't imagine the coyote frame would look too bad with Highlander but I have not seen these 2 together.

I imagine the new frame in a 24" or possibly even a 22" would work OK if the DT3 bag will fit easy enough. I thought of trying to score a used bikini frame but I have heard the newer frame is considerably better that the older frames. I have never owned a Kifaru frame so I have no direct knowledge of this. I have even thought of selling the whole DT3 rig and starting over but don't really know what I would buy to replace it.

My height is 5'8" around 185lbs with a mostly normal curved back. I would use as hunting and camping set up and would like to be able to haul heavy loads even if rarely done. I realize the DT3 is a bit small for a multi-day pack but I don't believe I need any more space in the pack as I could always lash items under / over the pack and I have a few pouches to add external CI.

My first choice would be a new Kifaru UL frame but again I was hoping for a Highlander frame and I have concerns with the DT3 bag fitting the new frame without mods.

Please tell me your thoughts and how you would handle this.

Thanks

 

[Justin Crossley]

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong whether you buy a used Bikini, or Duplex, or order the new frame in coyote brown. I have a Highlander pack on a brown frame, and it looks good.

 

[Mark]

If you're looking for a new frame, get the 24" black duplex frame with normal composite stays. That way if you change bags/colors in the future, your black frame works. Coyote brown works too. If you're looking for a used frame I would still go with a duplex. There's nothing wrong with the bikini either. It's capable of carrying weight. There's also nothing wrong with the previous duplex. It's different than the new duplex, but it's proven to work for a lot of people, myself included. Any of those three frames will sere you well.

I have a DT3 bag that I use for day hunts. I've carried an entire boned out deer with my day hunting supplies in the bag. It holds a lot for a small bag. However, I only use it for day hunts.

For extended hunts, I use a DT1 bag. If it's in your budget, keep the DT3 and add a DT1 to the collection. You'll find a use for both. If you want just one bag, sell the DT3 get the DT1 and use it for everything. It compresses down nicely and will carry more than I ever want to have on my back.

As far as mods go, you will need to cut out a few holes using a stencil provided by Kifaru if you buy the new duplex frame. It's a simple mod if you can use a pen and a razor blade. It's pretty straight forward.

Hope that helps.

 

[philos]

Thanks for the replies. Mark do you run the 24" on your DT3? Did you have to cut this bag and if so what do you do to keep from fraying or weakening the fabric to mod for the new frame? Is the 22" frame too small for the DT3 bag?

 

[wyodan]

I ran a DT3 on a 24" frame for a couple seasons. You won't have to cut it. It works just fine.

 

[Mark]

If you run the DT3 on an original duplex or bikini it fits perfectly without mods. If you use the new duplex frame you will have to add holes to the Hypalon sleeve (rubber material) at the top of the bag that goes over the frame. It's rubber, so it won't fray.

I do believe I read on the Kifaru website that any bags other than the 22 Mag will fit but will not be aesthetically pleasing. My take on that is it will hang too low on the frame.

I've used the DT3 on an original 24" and a 26" duplex. Fits just fine. I have the new duplex and I will need to cut the holes in the Hypalon using the template that came with that frame.

 

[PA-R]

I have a DT3 bag, on a original duplex frame, 24 inch, will go out for 3-4 days, anymore than that, you will need the larger bag. Heck of a good good day pack.