Duplex Timberline 3 or Timberline 3

[Enfuego]

I've been looking at a new bag for a while now and think I've set on either the Kifaru DT3 or the Timberline 3, but I'm having trouble deciding between the two. I have a couple questions that I was hoping to get some help with:

1) Can you use a hunting cargo panel on the regular (non-duplex frame) Timberline 3?

2) Is there any difference in comfort level between the packs? I've read the DT3 is better at heavy loads that the Timberline 3, but is there any difference in comfort level when used as a day pack or with loads of 60 lbs or less?

3) The DT3 appears to come with stay options of either 24" or 26" whereas the Timberline 3 has options of 22" or 24". I am 6'2" tall, with a 33" inseam. I think my torso is about 19". From what I've read, it seems I would opt for the 26" stays in the DT3. Does that mean the 24" stays (the max offered for the Timberline 3) would be too small?

I plan to use the pack for short trips (2-3 days). I do not plan to use it for elk hunting or any situation where I need to carry out 100lb+ loads. A lot of the hunting I do is in densely forested areas, so I'm worried that if I go for the DT3 with 26" stays, I may end up getting the pack caught on branches / limbs due to the extra height of the pack. I'm assuming the duplex frame is more rigid than the standard Timberline 3, so I'm wondering if the Timberline 3 is a bit more comfortable with non-heavy loads. On the other hand, the duplex frame allows for more options in the future (buying a new bag that goes on the frame will cost a fraction of buying an entirely new bag).

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

 

[dotman]

You should call Aron with Kifaru, he can answer all your questions.

 

[SDHNTR]

For what you describe, the T3 is a better choice, IMO. It's more mobile and a bit less cumbersome than the DT3. The only place where a DT3 would have an advantage is when carrying 100+lbs. For everything else, I think the T3 is lighter, more maneuverable and comfortable. But yet it still hauls most normal loads really well. I just packed out a big boned out wild hog with it yesterday. Probably 50# of pack weight. Very comfortable, I love the belt! The DT frame is awesome for what it is, but for mostly daypack use, I think its overkill. I also agree with you about hunting in thick, brushy conditions. That is why I got the T3' in the first place. Yes, the 24" stays are easier to deal with when ducking and crawling and still provide plenty of lift, IMO.



And see the classifieds. I just so happen to have a T3 like NIB condition for sale.

 

[Justin Crossley]

If I wanted a T3 bag, I would get it with the bikini or duplex frame because you can get 26" stays.

 

[Kotaman]

Yes, get the best of both worlds and get a Bikini T3 with 26 inch stays...

 

[Shrek]

++ for a Bikini frame. You may want to do more in the future and you can hang any duplex system bag on the bikini. If you get the t3 pack then thats it. No more options.

 

[Ross]

No experience here with the DT, but having used the T3 for the last two years elk/deer hunting it is a great all around pack. It will pack loads in the mid range from my experience of 60-75 pds comfortably and is slender enough to use as a day pack, being streamline and not bulky. If I could change one item it would be to make the opening larger, as it is quite small when loading boned out meat into, as you almost need a shoehorn to slide the meat in. Outside of that it is nice compromise between a larger and small pack.

 

[Aron Snyder]

You can also get 24" stays in the Bikini or Duplex frame..... Something to think about.

 

[hammer0419]

Definitely opt for a Bikini frame with the T3 bag on it. Having that frame makes your options endless.

 

[5MilesBack]

Yes, get the best of both worlds and get a Bikini T3 with 26 inch stays...

I could not stand how tall the Bikini was with 26" stays, and I'm 6'6". Ya sure, for packing heavy loads that's great......but there was no way I was hunting with that thing on my back. As said earlier, you still get good lift with 24" stays. In over 30 years of hunting and hauling I had never used a pack with functional load lifters before, so even a 22" or 24" stay would suffice for me........especially since most of my time during a season is spent hunting and not hauling. But that's just me.

 

[wyelkhunter]

I could not stand how tall the Bikini was with 26" stays, and I'm 6'6". Ya sure, for packing heavy loads that's great......but there was no way I was hunting with that thing on my back. As said earlier, you still get good lift with 24" stays. In over 30 years of hunting and hauling I had never used a pack with functional load lifters before, so even a 22" or 24" stay would suffice for me........especially since most of my time during a season is spent hunting and not hauling. But that's just me.

And I am the opposite. I am 5'11" and used the bikini with 26" stays this year elk hunting and deer hunting. I wore the pack all day for many many miles in timber, and some of it very thick and dark. No problems at all, not once did I hang up on a branch or while going under dead fall. I would recommend the 26" stays.
the 26"

 

[hammer0419]

never had an issue with the 26" stays but to each his own. I have owned about 15 Kifaru packs over the years. From big to small. The Bikini frame is simply the best no doubt. Because it is so lite and strong, your set-up options are endless. From a full sized bag to a pouch and grab-it the configurations are endless. I run mine currently with a Myster Ranch Longbow on it.

 

[Enfuego]

Appreciate all the quick replies. I'm not sure why I hadn't considered the bikini frame, but that might be the answer. Does anybody have any pictures of the duplex timberline 3 bag on a bikini frame? I'm curious to see how it looks and I haven't been able to find any pictures online.

Also, would there be any difference in the height of the pack or how it rides between the regular timberline 3 pack with 24" stays and a duplex timberline 3 bag on a bikini frame with 24" stays? As in, would the bag and stays fit the same on your back / shoulders (and rise the same height above your shoulders) for both bags assuming the stay length is the same?

 

[littlebuf]

If I wanted a T3 bag, I would get it with the bikini or duplex frame because you can get 26" stays.

plus your going to end up wanting a bigger bag and this way it will be less expensive since you already own the frame

 

[Justin Crossley]

Here is a BT3 on the left and a T1 on the right.

 

[Justin Crossley]

My brother is on the left in the pic above, he is 6'2" and I'm on the right and 5'10".

We both much prefer the longer stays when we have loaded packs.

Also I have never had an issue with the pack sticking up too high.

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

That's an excellent photo, really sends home the difference in size between the two bags. After a season with the dt3 bag and bikini frame I realize that I made a mistake and should have went with the larger bag. Don't get me wrong the set up works but it would be better IMHO to be able to put everything in the bag rather than strapping the sleep system to the outside. Not having a bottom access to the bag is a real pain in the ass at times as well. Probably going to order a dt 1 or 2 by spring.
Nice elk by the way.

 

[justin davis]

Id go duplex but that's just my opinion

 

[Enfuego]

Thanks for the picture, Justin. That is exactly what I was looking for. I'm 6'2" as well, so that picture helps. I think I'm going to put my order in for the bikini frame and DT3 this week. Does your brothers frame have 26" stays in that picture?

Again, thanks for the help from everybody.

 

[Shrek]

What you don't get from that picture is how small the T1 bag will pack down when empty. Yes it's big but it collapses down well. Just something to think about.