24 vs 26 inch Kifaru

[T28w]

Looking for some feed back on 24 vs 26 inch stays on a Kifaru pack. I’m 6 feet tall 170 lbs. I understand the load lifted advantage with the taller stays but are there other pros and are there any cons? I would use this pretty much for hunting pack only as I have a much lighter pack for backpacking/hiking.
Thanks

 

[brsnow]

I have a different brand pack, wear it at 24” and then add 2” extensions to 26” when carrying out a load. I would as them if that is an option.

 

[T28w]

pretty sure that is not an option with this brand, but im sure someone with more knowledge will chime in.


so is the pack more comfortable(or preferable) with the shorter stays unless you have a heavy load?

 

[rob86jeep]

I'm 5'11" and was torn between the 24 and 26. I ended up getting the 24" which I'm glad I did. I have higher hip bones so I usually wear my pack a little higher than my waist though.

As for the pros and cons, the biggest differences are going to be the 26" frame will have more load lifter for heavy pack outs and the 24" frame will be a little shorter if you hunt in thick places. I think most people would say to get the 26" frame due to your height.

Comfort will be the same with light loads, you'll just have a little more pack sticking up above your shoulders.

 

[JG358]

Height and weight doesn't really matter when talking packs, whats your torso length? You want a long enough frame to be able to get good lift. No real disadvantage to the shorter frame if you get lift.

 

[T28w]

torso 20-21" so im pretty sure that this puts me into the 26 inch stay category, but it seems to me that folks seem to prefer the shorter frame, as the load lifters are probably utilized <5% of the time the pack is being worn.

 

[rsiwuda]

I'm 6ft 180pounds I went with the 26in. The good thing about kifaru is that you can remove the female buckle down adjusting the load lifter height depending on situation. The 26in fits me perfect.

 

[coleman]

You can adjust the angle of the load lifter but he pack itself still stays at the same height. I have both. Im 5'8 but have a fairly long torso 19.5" or so. I got the 26" for the heavier loads on multi day trips as I found the 24" didn't quite give me the lift I wanted. Wore the 26" on my last trip and I didn't find it uncomfortable or in the way at all. To each there own though. Some may not like taller packs for the majority of what they do, if not hauling heavy loads frequently.

 

[oldhorse]

I have a 19 inch torso. I have a 22 and 24 inch frame. I try not carry more than 80 lbs, so I get adequate lift from my 24 inch frame so far. If I was packing 100+ lbs like you Young Bucks I would probably go with a 26 inch.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Kifaru can make a 28" frame too. They did for me.

 

[Catahoula]

I run 26” stays on my Kifaru. I’m 6’1”

 

[rhunter424]

Start w/ your torso length first. I'm 6 ft but have a 17.5" torso which is on the short end. I'm good w/ my 22" frame for most trips.

 

[Quicksilver]

I'm 6'0" 200lbs and was dead set on the 26" frame. My torso is around the 17'/18" mark and have long legs and tall hips. After trying on a buddies 24" frame I realized how high the frame sits above my shoulders already and changed my mindset to a 24" frame instead. Most of my packouts won't exceed 80lbs and the rare case they do I don't think an extra 2" of frame is going to save me from the misery I still wouldn't mind trying out a 26" frame, but the 24" is treating me well so far.

 

[tdot]

I'm 6' 170lb, 20" torso, I have had a couple 24" frames and find it has plenty of lift for me. 26" might provide more lift on the heaviest of loads, but I've done 125lbs for a couple mile packout and had plenty of lift. Any issue was in my legs, not my pack. To be honest, I'd prefer a 22" frame the majority of the time. The 24" is quite high above my shoulders as is. The packs span the gap between the 2 stays, so they take up the recess that your head would fit into. I do find it limiting when looking up slope and in the timber.