Molle Gen IV frame build - Kifaru Cargo and Kuiu Ultra

[AGPank]

A little history first. I grew up elk and deer hunting, but rifle hunting I had the approach that you needed to be able to drive to it. The few times I had to quarter or debone an elk and haul out I had more youthful energy than sense.

5 of the last 6 years I have gone archery hunting. My hunting consists of day trips from my grandparents cabin. I have been using a Horn Hunter G2 pack and borrowing my dads REI internal frame in case I got something. After years of close calls I was successful this year on a 5x6 bull...in the steep hole off the backside of the mountain. The cabin is at about 8500 feet, the mountain summit is about 9100 feet, the elk are off the steep backside of the mountain from the 9100 down to about 8200 feet to our property line. A day of hunting is probably 5-6 miles hiking up and down the mountain and back to the cabin.

This years hunt helped me realize I waste a lot of valuable time and energy returning to the cabin. I needed a pack that could begin hauling a quarter from the first trip.

I wanted a functional pack, but on a budget. I selected the Molle GenIV frame as it had good reviews for durability and is very affordable. I found mine for about $40 shipped with straps and belt NIB.

 

[AGPank]

I then shopped the classifieds and found a Kifaru cargo panel.

And a Kuiu Ultra 3000.


I found a military hydration pack on eBay.

 

[AGPank]

The real learning curve was on assembly and the terminology for the different webbing buckles. Unfortunately all side release buckles aren't interchangeable. Lesson learned is to find on brand and stick with it.


So left to right and top to bottom.
First 2 are 1" ladder locks, slightly different styles. Next is a very useful 3/4" Duraflex SJ Gatekeeper Tension lock. I found some of these from Kuiu, I couldn't find a retail source for these.

The next is an assembled strap from Kifaru that came with the cargo panel. It has a G-hook, ladder lock and metal triglide. These metal triglide safe great with the Molle frame. Next is a Grimlock, then a k-clip from Kifaru. I later found 5.11 tactical sells strap kits with these that includes side release buckle. I think 4 for $15. Lastly a side release buckle and plastic triglide.

 

[AGPank]

I just started assembly and I'm open to suggestions if I can improve on what I'm doing.

This pic is with the cargo panel only holding a carry on luggage for demonstration.

 

[AGPank]

My thought is that when packing out meat I may only use the cargo panel and the hydration pack attaches nicely with Grimlocks onto the pals webbing.

 

[AGPank]

This shows the Ultra 3000 pack onto a sample load. It's strapped to the Molle frame.

The hydration pack also fits easily into the pack.

 

[rhunter424]

Looks like you are using the original cargo panel as designed by Mel/Kifaru Maybe this post will help you a bit or give you more ideas.
http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=25946&p=263973#post263973

 

[AGPank]

For daypack / hunting I am thinking about pulling the cargo panel tight to the frame and the bag attached to the frame. I used a couple of Grimlocks to hook the pack tighter to the cargo panel.

 

[AGPank]

A couple pics of the bag straps.

I haven't attached compression straps to the bag yet.

 

[AGPank]

Thanks rhhunter.

 

[bpctcb]

AGPank, have you got to haul any weight with your setup yet? I have the same frame and suspension. I used it this year to haul out 96# of boned meat inside a large rucksack. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was.

Do you know if a Kifaru Duplex belt can be attached to this frame?

BP

 

[AGPank]

I put about 45 lbs in the bag and walked around the house, so no real test yet. Any suggestions on simulated weight?
I've never seen kifaru belt so I'm not sure if it would fit.

 

[bpctcb]

For heavy weight I'd put a couple (3 if you're feeling froggy!) 45# barbell plates in it. Or maybe grab 80# of quickcrete (wrapped in cellophane first).

After looking at more pictures of the Kifaru belts, I'm quite certain they won't work as is. I was just wanting something with a reverse pull to tighten the belt. I may try a FILBE belt for that reason although they seem to lack any PALS webbing.

BP

 

[AGPank]

The GenIV frame is also called the 1603. It's slightly heavier than the new FILBE 1606, about 1/2 pound.

The packed worked well this year it functioned as my carry on for the trip and fit in the overhead bin. It fit my spotting scope, binoculars, rangefinder, gps, and iPad.

 

[AGPank]

For my day pack I actually pulled off the ultra and only ran the cargo panel and grab it. I had a couple of pullouts. One pullout had all knives and miscellaneous items if successful. The other had food/snacks.

I'm going to add the longhunter lid for next year for easier access and some extra capacity.

 

[AGPank]

I haven't done much longer pack in trips, but I picked up this Kifaru Rendezvous in the classifieds. It attaches very well too.

 

[JWP58]

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.

 

[AGPank]

Looks good. I like the Molle frame, lots of attachment options.

Here is a picture of a simple attachment I made.
You can do many variations on this theme.

 

[GKPrice]

"hunting/meat hauling pack" .... ebay

 

[JWP58]

Looks good. I like the Molle frame, lots of attachment options.

Here is a picture of a simple attachment I made.
You can do many variations on this theme.

Yep already bought the hardware from strapworks, just waiting for it to get here.