Backpack / Frame Observation

[CiK01]

I am by no means a backpack, western hunting expert, but I have been watching the Born And Raised 2.0 and have observed "ride" differences between those that run EXO and those that run Kifaru. I am in the market, so I want to know why. With the EXO, it looks like the straps are sitting on the shoulders of those who use them. Whereas, the guys who run Kifaru packs, appear to have a gap between the straps and shoulders.

What would be the design difference between the two that would cause that? Pros? Cons?

Tony

 

[Jebuwh]

I noticed that quite a bit as well. I just feel like it's setup differences. Some of the exos I saw looked to be too low on the wearer. No angle up to the lifters.
I feel like I've become a backpack nerd the last while researching packs, but I definitely don't know enough to be definite on that.

Hopefully Aron sees this thread. He's the ultimate backpack nerd.

 

[deerhunter628]

There is a youtube video that Aron shows and explains how the shoulder straps should fit.

 

[silverbullet555]

Haven't seen bro 2 but the kifaru load lifter attachment point may be higher. Also, how much tension is put on the load lifter can impact how closely the shoulder straps hit the shoulders. Higher total pack weight can cause the load to sit lower as well.

All conjecture from an amateur.

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[Chesapeake]

Sounds like a fitment/setup issue, and is probably aided by load lifter angle differences.
I don’t know that I’m right, but I run my load lifters set so the pack straps run smooth across my shoulders and place the pressure on the front of my shoulders letting my waist belt carry most of the load.
In order to do this you have to have the pack adjusted for size properly and all straps(shoulder, waist, breast, load lifters) tensioned properly.

Haven’t handled a newer Kifaru. The EXO packs have a somewhat flexible metal hoop type thing for a frame. It doesnt seem to stick up above the shoulders as far as other packs. It seems to work for lots of folks. I prefer a more rigid frame.

I currently run Stone Glacier........

 

[5MilesBack]

Was this difference while they were hauling heavy loads or just hunting? It's probably just a difference in how each tightens their load lifter straps. The tighter you go it lifts the shoulder straps off the shoulders but may not be the best fit. In daypack mode I wear my pack a lot lower than when in "haul" mode.

 

[bigdesert10]

It's likely a result of setup and/or torso length. I have my exo setup so there is a gap. That gap shrinks with a hind quarter of elk loaded, but it still doesn't hang on my shoulders. As far as torso length, the exo frame only comes in one size (25"), whereas kifaru frames have options on frame length. If a guy is of an average build, the exo works great, but if you have a long torso, you might be better off with a 26" kifaru frame. That's part of the reason it's important to try on a pack before you pull the trigger. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[sneaky]

Sounds like a fitment/setup issue, and is probably aided by load lifter angle differences.
I don’t know that I’m right, but I run my load lifters set so the pack straps run smooth across my shoulders and place the pressure on the front of my shoulders letting my waist belt carry most of the load.
In order to do this you have to have the pack adjusted for size properly and all straps(shoulder, waist, breast, load lifters) tensioned properly.

Haven’t handled a newer Kifaru. The EXO packs have a somewhat flexible metal hoop type thing for a frame. It doesnt seem to stick up above the shoulders as far as other packs. It seems to work for lots of folks. I prefer a more rigid frame.

I currently run Stone Glacier........

The Exo frame isn't anymore flexible than the SG frame, and it's pretty much the same length as the SG frames. The K2 frame is a lot more rigid than the original Exo frame was, but the original was super comfortable to wear. Too many variables to the OPs question. I've seen just as many guys with SG and Kifaru packs with their load lifters all out of whack as any other brands. Some people like theirs set up that way, like has been said already who knows how much weight is in the packs. An unloaded Kifaru will look different than a fully loaded Exo, and vice versa. The BRO guys are carrying a bunch of camera gear as well, and that stuff adds up quick. I'm like 5miles, I run my pack differently in hunt mode than in haul mode.

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[sneaky]

It's likely a result of setup and/or torso length. I have my exo setup so there is a gap. That gap shrinks with a hind quarter of elk loaded, but it still doesn't hang on my shoulders. As far as torso length, the exo frame only comes in one size (25"), whereas kifaru frames have options on frame length. If a guy is of an average build, the exo works great, but if you have a long torso, you might be better off with a 26" kifaru frame. That's part of the reason it's important to try on a pack before you pull the trigger. Different strokes for different folks.

27" frame coming from Exo for next year... if the rumors are true

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