Molle Gen IV frame build - Kifaru Cargo and Kuiu Ultra

LBFowler

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Jul 6, 2015
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Digging up an old thread. I decided to go this route; however I went a slightly different route. I discovered that Wilderness Specialties uses this molle IV frame on their Bighorn pack. I bought two frames on ebay for 10 bucks in new condition, and purchased the upgraded suspension from Wilderness Specialties along with their meat hauling sling. I then bought a Kuiu Icon 3200 bag and attached it to the frame. I'm still working on the bag attachment, but so far for what I have in it, I like it. Its surprisingly light.

The WPS frames look like some of the best budget haulers out there, how much did just the suspension cost you? I haven't used one yet but I have to assume their belt and harness is a huge step up from the military suspension.

I too love the infinite mounting options on the Down East frames, but haven't found a suspension I really like. I made a lumbar pad adapter and have a frame set up with Hill People Gear belt and shoulder harness, but it isn't perfect.
 

JWP58

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Nov 21, 2013
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Boulder, CO
The WPS frames look like some of the best budget haulers out there, how much did just the suspension cost you? I haven't used one yet but I have to assume their belt and harness is a huge step up from the military suspension.

I too love the infinite mounting options on the Down East frames, but haven't found a suspension I really like. I made a lumbar pad adapter and have a frame set up with Hill People Gear belt and shoulder harness, but it isn't perfect.

I think 120 for the suspension. It's the upgraded version that comes on the Yukon pack (also known as the Outdoorsmans optic pack).
 
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AGPank

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Jan 16, 2013
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978
I used the military suspension. I didn't think it was a bad as a daypack. I didn't test under real heavy loads either.
 

Fatcamp

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May 31, 2017
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How do you attach the panel to the bottom of the frame? Came with straps, but they don't make sense to me. Like this for now.

KIMG1350.jpg
 
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AGPank

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Jan 16, 2013
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That is the metal tri-glide on the bottom of the cargo panel. I just put it through the notch in the bottom of the frame.


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Fatcamp

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May 31, 2017
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I had it like that, but it didn't seem right. Messed around more tonight and came up with this.

KIMG1353.jpg
 

Fatcamp

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May 31, 2017
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Here is how it turned out. Got my pack for $25 and it had 3 butt packs in it. Used a seam ripper to remove the belts and everything unnecessary. Two inside and one outside for my spotter. I've been using a Cabela's pack frames with a day pack strapped to it. This is heavier but far more compact. I don't backpack in anywhere, I just need to be able to carry a deer out. This does that in a small, quiet package.

Bought the panel for $100 off the classifieds here. Gonna buy a couple of the custom Nalgene holders which will bring the total cost to $175. Pretty happy about it.

KIMG1356.jpg
 
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