Kifaru meets Wildertools Bushpack

[othello32]

Ever since the first time I saw Rick's (Magnussen) leather Bushpack I knew I wanted to try something similar. Now, we all know nothing beats the beauty of leather, but (and I hope Magnussen doesn't mind) I decided to try my own hand at a variation of the Bushpack. First, click on the link below to see the Bushpack (and other great gear from Wildertools):
http://wildertools.com/gallery/?a=13

The Bushpack is essentially a rounded/rectangular sack measuring 7" x 14". It is then suspended by a set of shoulder straps, settling the pack on the middle of the back. Ideally, it will hold the necessities for a day in the wild and the potential to survive for a longer period of time.

So, what I decided to do was use some of my own gear in a new way. First, I took one of my Kifaru Standard Long Pockets (customized with a top zipper opening and Molle on the back). This pocket is typically meant to Dock & Lock to other Kifaru or Molle packs and does so on my Expess. Then I took the shoulder strappette set from Kifaru (to be used with the lumbar packs such as the Tailgunner (often featured by k_estala) and the Scout. I then attached the female buckle ends to the Molle loops available on the back of the Long Pocket (see first image below). Then I attached the male buckle parts to the four ends of the shoulder straps (after removed the metal bracket which forces the back straps to cross). Next, I linked the appropriate buckles together and had a small pack measuring 7.5" x 14.5" x 3".

Now, what can it hold, you might ask?
Maxped single sheath holds Benchmade Mini-Rukus
Maxped Cocoon pouch holds flash light and other goodies.

Pullout 1:
Compass
Survival drinking straw
Strike Force fire steel
Write-In-the-Rain notebook
Gerber Folding saw

Pullout 2:
First Aid Kit (blue Otterbox)
Fire Kit (clear Otterbox)
MSR quick-dry cloth

Small pouch of paracord (5 hanks of various lengths)

Small nalgene and SS cup...and there was room to spare.

All in all, I really like this set up. It carries a lot of gear for a day hike, is very comfortable and could carry more. I often carry a fixed blade and canteen on my belt. I do believe that if I removed the small nalgene I would be able to fit my Trek Light hammock in this pack, and the rest of the gear.

I'd appreciate any thoughts/comments. Magnussen, thank you for the idea and vision, I hope this is fitting remake of the Bushpack.

 

[PayetteRucker]

that bushpack is pretty slick, I'll be attempting a utility pouch about the size of a maxped versipack jumbo for my leather bandoleer/belt rig soon. hoping it turns out decently!

 

[othello32]

Thanks for the compliment. The credit really goes to Magnussen's original design, but I do really like this little pack. I carried it for approx. 1 mile today and it carried very well. By shortening the shoulder straps all the way up, the pack rides very well on the shoulders. Also, by keeping my canteen on my belt, thereby keeping the water weight out of the pack, it carries my kit very easily. With what it holds and my fixed blade, I think I could manage an overnight. I'm also going to add a Maxped RolyPoly opposite the Cocoon for added space if ever needed.

PS. I love those dump pouches. Also, i think this will make a great little pack for archery season this fall. I use a traditional recurve and belt quiver. This little pack will not impede the bow draw but will allow me to easily carry my lunch, gloves, and extra survival goodies I always take with me when I hunt.

 

[mtwarden]

very innovative!

when you get some time it would be great to get a couple of pics to see how it rides

 

[Rick Marchand]

That's awesome, bro... Thanks for mentioning me. The idea behind the small bushpack is that it forces you to pack lighter/smarter.

Here's and updated version of the leather Bushpack.

Rick

 

[othello32]

That's awesome, bro... Thanks for mentioning me. The idea behind the small bushpack is that it forces you to pack lighter/smarter.

Here's and updated version of the leather Bushpack.

Rick

Thanks for the compliment, means a lot coming from you. The new Bushpack looks fantastic!! Have you considered a leather/buckle sternum strap? I noticed that the sternum strap on my "improvised" pack allows the pack to ride a little tighter and more comfortably on the back.

 

[HDBeav]

Very creative, thanks for sharing your ideas.

Let us know how it works out and how it evolves. Looks to be very light and comfortable.

After seeing another of Rick's creations.........its apparent I still need to learn some leathercraft.

 

[bkduckworth]

Rick,

That looks just like the miniature backpacks my kid sisters used to carry because they were too cool for a purse.

You're such a girl



Seriously though, nice work on that pack, looks slick!

Brandon

 

[othello32]

Yeah, the leather Bushpack makes mine seem much too modern, but one needs to work with what he has. Someday I might own one of the leather versions

 

[Shotgun]

That's pretty cool but I have a question. What do you guys do with extra layers of clothes? One of the main reasons I carry a daypack is to put a fleece or rain coat in there if I get too warm on a hike.

 

[Corso]

nice work othello32 I has a similar setup with an E&E

I realy like Magnussen's though thats definately on my wish list, as is alot of stuff on his site

 

[othello32]

That's pretty cool but I have a question. What do you guys do with extra layers of clothes? One of the main reasons I carry a daypack is to put a fleece or rain coat in there if I get too warm on a hike.

I was actually thinking the same thing. I rolled my rain jacket tightly and it went under the two straps on the opposite side of the Cocoon and worked very nicely. Also, you are quite correct about the fleece. I see this carry option as summer only. I would carry a slightly larger daypack or use my Tailgunner in fall/spring to allow me to carry a light fleece and/or tarp.

 

[333rm]

That's a great little set up! It really is similar to the E/E, just on a slightly smaller scale.

 

[ratamahatta]

looks like a great setup!!!!!

 

[The Ice Bear]

Great engineering, nearly looks store bought.

 

[Corso]

That's awesome, bro... Thanks for mentioning me. The idea behind the small bushpack is that it forces you to pack lighter/smarter.

Here's and updated version of the leather Bushpack.

Rick

Hi Rick - any chance of a description of what you'd carry in it?

 

[Rick Marchand]

I carry a shoulder bag for bush wandering... I fisrt made the Bushpack for my wilderness skills mentor.

Here's what I carry in mine...

Cold Weather - Naptha stove, 32oz Nalgene, billy can, cordage, bandana, hawk, 2 garbage bags, poncho, socks, AMK heatsheet.

Warm Weather - Water purifier, 32oz Nalgene, billy can, cordage, bandana, hawk, 2 garbage bags, poncho, socks.

Rick

 

[PayetteRucker]

looks like it would do a great job of carrying a water bladder or other water storage devices, as well. Magnussen, do you have any experience making Scandinavian style salt pouches?