Ark feedback wanted

[guitarpreston]

I see a lot of arks come up for sale here or fb etc. I know a lot of guys (myself included) try stuff and flip frequently. But what did it not do for you that a diff pack system did?
I’m pretty happy with my duplex light but considering an upgrade

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Ark is a big upgrade to the DL for me. DL never felt right until it was heavy. The Ark is comfortable all the time. Lumbar and shoulder straps are big improvements as is the waist belt.

I cannot decide which I like better, the Ark or the K4.

 

[isleofGough]

The ARK is my most comfortable frame, and I have back issues.

 

[j3h8]

The ARK is my most comfortable frame, and I have back issues.

Compared to what other packs? Asking as you said it was your most comfortable pack.

 

[isleofGough]

Exo k4, various Gregory, Osprey, and Kelty packs.

 

[isleofGough]

And mystery ranch

 

[j3h8]

Exo k4, various Gregory, Osprey, and Kelty packs.

I'm mentally jumping between K4 and the Ark. I have the Duplex Light and love it, but do find my exo K2 a bit more comfortable overall so I'm swaying towards the K4.

 

[isleofGough]

The K4 is comfortable. I think the differences are that the K4 packs are narrower and taller and the ARK lumbar pad is larger and has more friction, so I don't have to tighten the belt as much.

 

[j3h8]

The K4 is comfortable. I think the differences are that the K4 packs are narrower and taller and the ARK lumbar pad is larger and has more friction, so I don't have to tighten the belt as much.

I find it to be the opposite with my K2 vs the duplex. Both are nearly equal but the K2 (with k3 belt) does seem to sit better with lighter loads. Damnit. I'm still torn!

 

[isleofGough]

If I were going for a lower volume pack, I would probably go with Exo Mtn Gear or Seekoutside. The deciding factors for me related to SAR needs. The Absaroka has better organization, is more water resistant, and permits more irregular objects to fit comfortably on the load shelf. I like the adjustability of load strap angle and the ease of adding side compression straps on the Kifaru.

 

[prm]

I like the Ark. No selling mine. However, Duplex is very good too.

 

[Roughneck]

I have had the duplex lite, duplex hunter and 2 Ark frames. For me the Ark was more comfortable than either duplex frames. It was also was easier to get the fit right. I have back issues and it carried weight better for me as well.

 

[AndrewP04]

I am looking for a new frame pack and had narrowed down to Kifaru and was leaning toward the duplex lite mostly because it is on sale. Is the ARK that much of a difference? Consider I am coming from a MR pop-up 28 (only frame pack I have owned)

 

[ScottinPA]

Following. I have a Duplex Hunter and had the Duplex Lite but it wasn't as comfortable no matter how I adjusted it. I'm considering the K4 and Ark. Two concerns with the Ark: customer support and height.
I messaged CS about replacement shoulder straps, lumbar pads for Ark. They don't sell them and not sure if they will in the future. To me, those are wear type items that will need replaced eventually. Big negative.
Being solid across the top of the frame, will I hit the back of my head on that? Older frames and K4 have a gap between stays. According to the website, I fall in the low end of 25" frame.
I'm going to call Kifaru today or tomorrow to discuss these concerns.

 

[ScottinPA]

Following. I have a Duplex Hunter and had the Duplex Lite but it wasn't as comfortable no matter how I adjusted it. I'm considering the K4 and Ark. Two concerns with the Ark: customer support and height.
I messaged CS about replacement shoulder straps, lumbar pads for Ark. They don't sell them and not sure if they will in the future. To me, those are wear type items that will need replaced eventually. Big negative.
Being solid across the top of the frame, will I hit the back of my head on that? Older frames and K4 have a gap between stays. According to the website, I fall in the low end of 25" frame.
I'm going to call Kifaru today or tomorrow to discuss these concerns.

According to CS they don't get any complaints on the solid top of frame. Also the 24" duplex supposedly measures closer to 25", I'll measure tonight to confirm.
They are spooling up for shoulder straps, lumbar pads, etc spares for the Ark now but don't have a "go live" date when they'll be on the site.