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View Full Version : Arc'teryx Khard 30 Waist Belt Mod



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.

El Vaquero
11-04-15, 23:15
Nicely done. What's your review of the pack in general?

TXBK
11-05-15, 22:46
Overall, I think it is a great pack. The layout works fantastic, and the way that the pack is designed holds it to your body very well. I wish that the Khard30 had a padded hip pod, similar to what the Khard45 uses, but that is my personal preference.

I didn't want to permanently modify, because the Khard30 is excellent just the way that it is for the most part.

TXBK
01-11-16, 10:44
I found a source for the hip pods that are included with the Khard45. They are removable, of course, and low-profile. I feel they should be included with the Khard30 as well, but they were not expensive. This is the reason for not permanently modifying the waist belt, in the first place. I now have 3 different waist belt options, which increases the usefulness of this pack for me.

I have only carried it once with the hip pods. I was wearing a few layers, so I don't know that they really made a difference on that trek. I feel that the impact will be felt more in warm weather where the extra padding from clothing layers will not be present.

Not my pic, but it shows the profile.
http://leaf.arcteryx.com/product.aspx?language=EN&category=Packs_and_Travel_Systems&model=Khard-45-Pack

http://i.imgur.com/HV6lIp8l.jpg

yugotprblms
04-04-16, 13:55
I found a source for the hip pods that are included with the Khard45.

Hey, I know this post is old as shit, but do you still have the source for those pods? I've had absolutely no luck in finding them.

TXBK
04-04-16, 14:36
I got them from http://www.us-elitegear.com/, but they are not listed on their site anymore. Contact them, or Arcteryx and maybe you can get some. Those little hip pods make a noticeable difference.

yugotprblms
04-04-16, 15:10
I got them from http://www.us-elitegear.com/, but they are not listed on their site anymore. Contact them, or Arcteryx and maybe you can get some. Those little hip pods make a noticeable difference.

Sweet, thanks man. I will shoot them an email. I talked with Arc'teryx themselves multiple times, and they could never find any. It's frustrating, especially since the little pamphlet thing that comes with the Khard 30 said the hip pods would be available for purchase on their own.