TXBK
11-02-15, 18:14
The Khard 30 is an exceptional pack. The simple layout works very well. There is no doubt that Arc'teryx uses quality, durable materials, and does an great job in the manufacturing department. I hike for the love of the outdoors and the exercise, so I am not a obsessive about the weight that I am carrying. I do carry quality gear, that for the most part is lightweight, but I don't count grams or worry about ounces. For my usual hikes of 10-20 miles, my pack will weigh ~20-30 pounds (just guessing). A large portion of that weight is consumed during the duration of the hike (food and water), but the weight and its effects are felt throughout the hike. The only part of the Khard that I feel is lacking, for my uses, is the strap waist belt. For me, it is a very comfortable pack until it gets loaded down, then the waist belt just doesn't cut it.
http://i.imgur.com/7ULi6dGl.jpg?1
I found a padded, molle belt on sale and coyote colored, so I decided to pick one up and attempt to mate the two.
http://i.imgur.com/tml8lyjl.jpg?1
My goal was to attach the belt to the pack in a manner that transferred the weight effectively, not make any permanent modifications to the pack, and I didn't want to cluster up the usefulness of the molle on the belt just to make all of this happen. After some searching, I found the 2" hardware I was looking for to make use of the existing 2" strap waist belt already on the pack. I used 2" ITW looplocs and triglides in coyote brown.
http://i.imgur.com/q685g3ll.jpg?1
I did not use complex techniques. I just took some side cutters and cut the hardware to where I could slide it onto the molle, it would stay well, and retain enough strength to be be durable.
http://i.imgur.com/0fNqEgml.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/UpCeGeQl.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/UnYYyXhl.jpg?1
With the ability to still carry items on the belt I decided to add some small accessory pouches. I wanted to relocate some items that I usually carry in my pockets. Once again, I tried to keep things low profile as possible, and not attach items just for the sake of attaching them.
http://i.imgur.com/nGMbMQil.jpg?1
The small pouch contains meds and other first aid items. The accessory pouch contains energy bars, gum, GPS, and trash for the most part.
http://i.imgur.com/NcoGlNNl.jpg?1
On this side, the accessory pouch contains foot care and first aid items. After a severe blister generating hike in the summer, my wife shuts it down any time she feels the slightest discomfort. It turned out to be extremely convenient to have the items I needed on my side without having to remove my pack. My camera fits perfectly in the small pouch.
http://i.imgur.com/502Q6X2l.jpg?1
I was anxious to test the belt modification, so my wife and I put in 17 miles one afternoon. The padded belt made a world of difference. It effectively took the weight of the pack off my shoulders, and was very comfortable on my hips. It may not quite look like it belongs, but it didn't feel at all as if it didn't belong. The pouches did not get in the way and worked very well. I could easily swap over to a holster and/or mag pouches, which I really like. Including the belt, hardware, and shipping, this project cost me $40.
http://i.imgur.com/7ULi6dGl.jpg?1
I found a padded, molle belt on sale and coyote colored, so I decided to pick one up and attempt to mate the two.
http://i.imgur.com/tml8lyjl.jpg?1
My goal was to attach the belt to the pack in a manner that transferred the weight effectively, not make any permanent modifications to the pack, and I didn't want to cluster up the usefulness of the molle on the belt just to make all of this happen. After some searching, I found the 2" hardware I was looking for to make use of the existing 2" strap waist belt already on the pack. I used 2" ITW looplocs and triglides in coyote brown.
http://i.imgur.com/q685g3ll.jpg?1
I did not use complex techniques. I just took some side cutters and cut the hardware to where I could slide it onto the molle, it would stay well, and retain enough strength to be be durable.
http://i.imgur.com/0fNqEgml.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/UpCeGeQl.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/UnYYyXhl.jpg?1
With the ability to still carry items on the belt I decided to add some small accessory pouches. I wanted to relocate some items that I usually carry in my pockets. Once again, I tried to keep things low profile as possible, and not attach items just for the sake of attaching them.
http://i.imgur.com/nGMbMQil.jpg?1
The small pouch contains meds and other first aid items. The accessory pouch contains energy bars, gum, GPS, and trash for the most part.
http://i.imgur.com/NcoGlNNl.jpg?1
On this side, the accessory pouch contains foot care and first aid items. After a severe blister generating hike in the summer, my wife shuts it down any time she feels the slightest discomfort. It turned out to be extremely convenient to have the items I needed on my side without having to remove my pack. My camera fits perfectly in the small pouch.
http://i.imgur.com/502Q6X2l.jpg?1
I was anxious to test the belt modification, so my wife and I put in 17 miles one afternoon. The padded belt made a world of difference. It effectively took the weight of the pack off my shoulders, and was very comfortable on my hips. It may not quite look like it belongs, but it didn't feel at all as if it didn't belong. The pouches did not get in the way and worked very well. I could easily swap over to a holster and/or mag pouches, which I really like. Including the belt, hardware, and shipping, this project cost me $40.