Flat or curved stays on your Kifaru? From what my research shows most get the curved, I did the back against a wall test and I’m pretty sure I need the curved, do you notice the lower lumbar pad more on your duplex frame vs the mystery ranch pad, it looks substantially bigger in the pictures on the duplex, on my old K2 short bed the pad is so thick it always drove me nuts, it’s too much pressure on my lower back I can’t stand it, I have adjusted it enough I’m done with it time for something new.
I did the wall test (as per their video) and thusly ordered the curved composite stays. Idk. I really notice the lumbar pad, alot more than my X-ray that came with aluminum stays.
Though honestly, I haven't had the pack on my back for more than a few minutes as I spent the last couple weeks out of town. It's just my initial reaction. I'm confident I ordered properly for my build, and can remove cushion sections if it's too much padding.
I was totally surprised at how light the Duplex Lite frame is. The packaging tape looked a bit handled when I picked the box up; I actually thought someone had snatched the frame. It's that light. Can't imagine featherlights like the Stone Glacier and Kuiu frames.
The build quality is signature Kifaru, albeit not as meticulous as my X-ray...the sewing on that particular bag is immaculate...but pretty exceptional nonetheless.
The frame has what I envision is the right balance of flex and rigidity. Of course, I have 0 use thus far.
For a dedicated meat hauler and camp mover, I'm not sure where I'd have landed. I wasn't looking for anything dedicated, which is what ultimately made the Kifaru so attractive. Modularity.
If I was tracking and still hunting only but wanted to pack out my game, I would have given Exo a hard look. The K3 pack seems to move dynamically with the user as well as being functional as a meat hauler without a pack.
@kyler1945 has experience with their stuff I believe.
But for a dedicated hauler, idk. More rigidity might be the ticket. Lots of good choices. I might have ended up with an outlier in the frame pack discussion..Sitka. There were massive discounts on their hauler last year. It's kind of a complicated mess of a thing, but apparently carries well, big bag, and was
bargain priced.
I kind of landed in the middle. I was curious about Blackscreek for whitetail only, but again, the Kifaru seemed to have the edge in case a Western hunt comes together.
Never had a MR, wouldn't hesitate to use one.