Disappointment and Frustration

[colonel00]

Well, I finally received my replacement sternum strap and a test belt in a large size from Kifaru. The replacement sternum strap is fantastic and should really be standard gear but I imagine it might cost a hair more for the different plastic sliders. Below is a pic of one of the sliders for reference.

As for the belt, well, the power pulls seem to work alright but I think that is mostly because they are pretty much tightened when I put the belt on. It doesn't take much for me to bottom the belt out. As I mentioned, I am admittedly carrying some extra weight right now and I continue to work to drop the pounds so I don't see this belt doing much good if I can't tighten it anymore. I will get some weight in the pack tomorrow and see how it does though.

I also started messing with the stays a little more. The stays really seem to fit the shape of my back better if they are upside down with the shorter "straight" section in the lumbar. However, I'm not sure how this will feel when I get some weight in the pack tomorrow. Overall though, I have eliminated a little bit of the pivoting that occurs when I tighten the shoulder straps with the belt tight.Sadly, as with most people here, the seasons are upon us and I am 10 days out from the caribou hunt.

 

[Brandon Pattison]

Evan called me today and they are going to get me fixed up. Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Franklin, out of curiosity...What's the fix?

 

[SHTF]

I went through this same ordeal with Kifaru Packs. I couldnt keep them above my waist to save my life. I suffer from flat back no ass syndrome. I love Kifaru, Patrick and all of their products. Top notch but when something doesnt work after so many efforts to get fit, stays, Belt, Lumbar pad replacements I switched out to another company. 60# in my new pack and it stays put no matter how much I move bend menouver around. I think the key is 1. all Lumbar area Hypolon 2. a thicker lumbar Pad. 3. the way the stays move with the body when you walk.

Something I discovered is that if the frame is solid on your back with no wiggle room at all it tends to manuver itself loose down my ass shelf. But if the frame moves with your body, but the belt stays in place then it makes all the difference in the world.

By no means am I knocking Kifaru products. Again they are top of the line and you wont find a better company to do business with. But once I got my new pack it has made all the difference in the world.

My 2 cents.

 

[Brandon Pattison]

Franklin, out of curiosity...What's the fix?

Not sure. Maybe adjust it or swap it out when I stop by en route to the elk slaying grounds.

 

[trapperjay]

I ended up where SHTF is as well. As a fellow rokslider told me once, what works for one might not for the other and that's ok. I like Kifaru gear and ended up w/ a pack of theirs for daily carry and an SG for hunting and load bearing.