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Kifaru Duplex Lite vs Duplex Tactical?

In case you’re worried about the 24 inch not being tall enough here is my 26 towering way too high for ducking under limbs, and I only have the load lifters connected to the middle attachment pointView attachment 57050
I put an order in with the 26" yesterday before seeing your post Jamie. I am going to email them and ask for 24". I hope they can change it.. that is a great visual, I definitely want the 24" after seeing the picture. Thank you for sharing.

For reference, I am 6'1", 225.
 
Yeah, I saw his equipment breakdown/recommendations. What I’m looking for is a where does he pack everything breakdown, but particularly the sticks/platform part.
When I one stick I just carry that stick in one hand and my bow in the other. I have strapped it to the outside of my pack but always did so with a strap connected to each side of the frame and not the straps attached to the bag. When you get your frame that will make more sense. You can do the same with a full set of sticks. I made a little platform pouch that attaches the same way, to the tabs on the sides of the frame, for when I carry a platform. Jerry @always89y over at custom gear modifications makes one very similar to what I made. I try to carry everything I can inside my bag like ropes, clothing, and gear but you will have a ton of attachment options when you get your bag. I hope everyone took my advice on getting a medium and large belt pouch to go with their bags. I also love the little organizer pouches they sell. I’ll make a short video tonight showing how I attach and carry everything and post it here if that will help you guys out.
 
I put an order in with the 26" yesterday before seeing your post Jamie. I am going to email them and ask for 24". I hope they can change it.. that is a great visual, I definitely want the 24" after seeing the picture. Thank you for sharing.

For reference, I am 6'1", 225.
It took them 3 months to build my frame. I think they actually have things in stock now so they ship quickly. But they’re an awesome company so I bet they’ll take care of you.
 
When I one stick I just carry that stick in one hand and my bow in the other. I have strapped it to the outside of my pack but always did so with a strap connected to each side of the frame and not the straps attached to the bag. When you get your frame that will make more sense. You can do the same with a full set of sticks. I made a little platform pouch that attaches the same way, to the tabs on the sides of the frame, for when I carry a platform. Jerry @always89y over at custom gear modifications makes one very similar to what I made. I try to carry everything I can inside my bag like ropes, clothing, and gear but you will have a ton of attachment options when you get your bag. I hope everyone took my advice on getting a medium and large belt pouch to go with their bags. I also love the little organizer pouches they sell. I’ll make a short video tonight showing how I attach and carry everything and post it here if that will help you guys out.
Yep, I ordered the medium and large belt pouches as well as a couple of the internal pull out bags. Would love to see that video. My estimated ship date is the first week of December. That will give me a few weeks of season left to use it I hope.
 
Yep, I ordered the medium and large belt pouches as well as a couple of the internal pull out bags. Would love to see that video. My estimated ship date is the first week of December. That will give me a few weeks of season left to use it I hope.
It’s in the process of uploading to YouTube. As detailed as I could make it. I’ll post it here in just a minute when it’s finished uploading. YouTube videos are blurry when they are first uploaded. Give it a bit and it will be HD
 
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Again, thanks @LoadedLimbs. All good points.

I agree about the zippers, I'd prefer a different configuration on the Stryker XL. But I decided to go that route nonetheless, for reasons you mention.

I typically strap my bibs and coat onto the exterior of a stand or pack, so they'll go in the load shelf. As will my platform. After that, I don't need much interior bag space. Puffy vest or jacket, baselayers and socks to change into, kill kit, lights, and a few extras.

And I will debone and pack the animal out.

Looking forward to the rig, thanks for your help.

Are you using a stand or a saddle?

I have the original Stryker and mostly use my OOAL hush. I started out carrying it in the load sling, but got tired of all the buckles. Now I just run one strap from the frame and put the stand on the outside of the pack. If I put my sticks on the pack I usually strap them on the bottom of the pack. Been working well so far.

Curious to see what you come up with.
 
Really generous to put that video together @JCLINE84. The tip on the repair kit is a good one, gotta get one of those.
The only thing I’ve used out of it is the buckles to connect to the frame. If you don’t want to have to place a separate order the g hooks work really well. These packs are so versatile, especially if you own a sewing machine and can make the crazy ideas that pop into your head for attaching gear. I’m heading to New Mexico next week but when I get back I can make a couple of those platform bags if anyone needs one. I have all kinds of projects I’ve put off til after Thanksgiving.
 
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I’m sorry I’m just seeing this, and yes they’re having a big sale this week so jump on it. Now my experience and recommendation.

I am between 6’1 and 6’2 205 pounds 32 inch waist. I went with the 26 inch duplex lite after speaking with Aron Snyder. If I was doing it again I would go with the 24 duplex lite because even being tall the 26 inch frame is always snagging when I have to duck under limbs. The 24 is plenty tall enough to use the load lifters and would even work well if I was hunting out west for elk. The smaller bags like the 22 mag and the Stryker fit the 24 inch frame much better too. I prefer the duplex lite over the tactical and the ultra light. The ultra light is too flimsy for hauling a tree stand. The plastic sheet is too thin and will get bent or broken on the edges.
As far as bags, I think the 22 mag is the perfect whitetail bag. The layout is awesome with a medium and large belt pouch attached to the front or a single Sherman pocket attached to the front. If you are going to haul tree stands the Stryker xl or original Stryker would probably be a better fit for you but it doesn’t have the organization and perfect layout of the 22mag. Belt pouches on the front would be a must for that bag. I also recommend getting some of their lashing straps that connect to the frame so you can strap your sticks and things on the front of the bag but directly to the frame instead of using the straps that run accoss the sides of the bag itself. They’ll hold the e weight but the sticks carry much better with the straps that connect to the sides of the frame.
Since you went with the Stryker you won’t need the lashing straps but I mentioned everything I could think of so future guys looking for pack advice will have it.

[mention]JCLINE84 [/mention] just curious if you’ve ever looked at the 357 mag? And if so why you prefer the 22mag? 357 is very similar but slightly more internal space and lighted, just internal frame rather than external.


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[mention]JCLINE84 [/mention] just curious if you’ve ever looked at the 357 mag? And if so why you prefer the 22mag? 357 is very similar but slightly more internal space and lighted, just internal frame rather than external.


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I’ve actually recommended that pack a few times. It’s got a lot of the benefits of the frame and 22 mag in a internal frame pack. It’s quite a bit bigger than the 22 mag though. I think the 22 mag is about the perfect size. I like the ability to attach sticks and platforms directly to the frame because it makes it much more stable to carry. I wouldn’t hesitate to use the 357 though. It is laid out just like the 22 mag so it would be very similar
 
I’ve actually recommended that pack a few times. It’s got a lot of the benefits of the frame and 22 mag in a internal frame pack. It’s quite a bit bigger than the 22 mag though. I think the 22 mag is about the perfect size. I like the ability to attach sticks and platforms directly to the frame because it makes it much more stable to carry. I wouldn’t hesitate to use the 357 though. It is laid out just like the 22 mag so it would be very similar

Super helpful, thanks!


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@JCLINE84, I haven’t had a Kifaru pack, but I have had a few of their pouches. How is the fabric and zippers? Are they noisy?
It’s 500d solution dyed cordura so it’s about the softest cordura you can get. But it’s still cordura so it can be a little noisy. I haven’t had any issues with it being too loud to hunt with. The zippers aren’t silent either. But not awful. I just hang mine in the tree and open what I think I’ll need opened while I’m settling in. Ive done that with every pack I’ve hunted with though so it’s not a big deal to me.
 
It’s 500d solution dyed cordura so it’s about the softest cordura you can get. But it’s still cordura so it can be a little noisy. I haven’t had any issues with it being too loud to hunt with. The zippers aren’t silent either. But not awful. I just hang mine in the tree and open what I think I’ll need opened while I’m settling in. Ive done that with every pack I’ve hunted with though so it’s not a big deal to me.
@JCCLINE84 Thanks for honest input. Cordura can be stiff and noisy but watching your videos the material seemed pretty soft. You guys have me looking hard at the 22mag, but not sure I need a framed pack, so chewing on the 357 mag or possibley the Shape Charge with internal frame. 357 mag may be too big for me.
 
@JCCLINE84 Thanks for honest input. Cordura can be stiff and noisy but watching your videos the material seemed pretty soft. You guys have me looking hard at the 22mag, but not sure I need a framed pack, so chewing on the 357 mag or possibley the Shape Charge with internal frame. 357 mag may be too big for me.

Personally I think the external frame bags give you a lot more options. You can easily change bags to larger or smaller as the need dictates. You can lash things down better and have less shifting of loads. The great thing is Kifaru retain their value quite well and with the sale you could probably easily recoup your investment later if you don’t like it. I have the 22 Mag on order with the suggested config by @JCLINE84 but I’m tempted to add a Stryker XL as well for the versatility it offers.
 
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