DaveS
Lil-Rokslider
I have had both and I prefer the bikini. The bikini is much more comfortable than the duplex with lighter loads. I also prefer the bikini with loads up to 100 lbs. The big difference for me is the torso pads. The duplex torso pads have "no give" and feel bulky against my back while I can barely feel the the bikini torso pads. I guess they hit me at just the right place. The lumbar pad, shoulder straps and belt feel the same to me. I get the same shoulder lift out of both and don't feel any difference with load stability.
I also find the bikini easier to modify. I've added an extra set of tab loops to the frame so I can attach a bag under a nomad. I don't see an easy way to do this on the duplex.
The duplex's biggest advantage is the ability to use custom bent aluminum stays if one of the composite stays don't fit your back. Fortunately for me the standard composite stays fit my back perfectly.
The new UL duplex with the arrows looks very interesting to me especially the 22" inch version. I would really like a 22" pack that is low profile for hunting that can easily be extended to 26" for meat hauling. I think the new load lifter attachments on the Ultralight/Hunting platform might allow for something like this.
I also find the bikini easier to modify. I've added an extra set of tab loops to the frame so I can attach a bag under a nomad. I don't see an easy way to do this on the duplex.
The duplex's biggest advantage is the ability to use custom bent aluminum stays if one of the composite stays don't fit your back. Fortunately for me the standard composite stays fit my back perfectly.
The new UL duplex with the arrows looks very interesting to me especially the 22" inch version. I would really like a 22" pack that is low profile for hunting that can easily be extended to 26" for meat hauling. I think the new load lifter attachments on the Ultralight/Hunting platform might allow for something like this.
