Duplex vs. Bikini Frame

[Elkoholic87]

I'm sure this topic of discussion has been brought up many times, but I'm in the market for one of these frames and do plan on hauling heavy loads. I do like how the Bikini is lighter, but don't want to compromise hauling capabilities based off of trying to save a pound or two. Thoughts?

 

[justin davis]

For truly heavy loads I prefer the duplex frame. Bikini is nice and comfy with moderate loads in my experience but I'm a duplex kind of guy!!

 

[djsmith46]

I've never wore a duplex but I have the bikini frame. I think the difference isn't simply supposed to be weight savings but comfort and mobility. The Bikini is supposed to be more comfortable from what I've been told and typically most think it is. I went bikini due to the fact that the majority of the time I'm not packing heavy loads and the small amount of time I am (hauling out an animal) I'll still be able to haul 100 pounds in relative comfort.

 

[goatboy]

It's as simple as everyone says. Heavy loads duplex, not so heavy Bikini.

 

[colonel00]

Where are you located? As stated in another thread, try to find Roksliders in your area and there is a good chance that you can get your hands on some gear to check out in person.

With that said, be realistic with what you will actually be hauling too. While I don't doubt that many truly need the hauling capacity of a duplex frame, are you really going to be hauling 80+ pounds routinely?

 

[luke moffat]

For truly heavy loads I prefer the duplex frame. Bikini is nice and comfy with moderate loads in my experience but I'm a duplex kind of guy!!

Agreed.....I have both and have hauled quite a few animals with both. Just actual hunting purposes I prefer the duplex as it handles those heavier (for me) loads less horrible. I think up to about 100 pounds or so the Bikini can hang with the duplex in comfort. Above that the duplex really comes into its own. Or even semi-heavy akward loads, the duplex for me handles those better as well. That said for scouting or summer backpacking the bikini would be my choice.

 

[DaveS]

I have had both the duplex and bikini. At 100 pounds and below the bikini is more comfortable for me so I sold the duplex. I didn't try heavier loads since my max is 100 lbs.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

Depends what you call a heavy load. If 80 is heavy i say get a bikini but if 130+ is heavy get a duplex.

 

[MattB]

The other guys have pretty much nailed it, in that they are both great frames with the tradeoff being comfort versus maximum weight bearing capabilities. You just need to assess the sort of loads you will reasonably be carrying and decide from there. The heaviest load I have carried with my bikini was a hind quarter from a shiras bull plus my day hunting gear, and the bikini handled it fine - better than I did anyhow.

 

[Jlbmlb4]

If you plan to shoot a bow or do any scrambling with a pack on, the bikini frame is the way to go.

 

[squeekieslayer]

I have both and have used both for hauling and hunting... I would echo what has been said above.

The bikini is lighter and slightly more comfortable, but for really heavy or awkward loads, the duplex gets the load. That said, I have never had a situation where I felt the duplex prevented be from moving or shooting a bow any worse than the bikini.

I tell people this.... If I were to only have one frame for all-purpose duty, it would be the duplex. If you have both, I hunt with the bikini and use it for first load out, but have my duplex with the cargo panel and a couple pouches ready to go in the truck or in camp for the heavy stuff.

Joe

 

[justin davis]

If you plan to shoot a bow or do any scrambling with a pack on, the bikini frame is the way to go.

I'm strictly a Bowhunter and like I mentioned earlier im a duplex guy.

 

[luke moffat]

If you plan to shoot a bow or do any scrambling with a pack on, the bikini frame is the way to go.

Having scrambled after mountain goats and dall sheep and scramblin' up after them and hauling them off the mountain, I don't feel the duplex is any more restrictive than the Bikini when it comes to mountain hunting...aside from the 1.5 pound difference in frame weight or whatever it is.

 

[duchntr]

I use the duplex too. Owned the bikini previously and liked it a lot, now I primarily use the duplex frame and like it more. Not sure why people say its restrictive, I mean its a hunting/hauling frame not a U.L backpacking pack.

 

[JG358]

I prefer the Duplex.

 

[Domestique]

To the guys with both:

Do you have the same length stays in each (26")?

I have a 26" duplex now, but an debating about getting a 24" bikini frame for weekend backpacking trips/scouting/day hunting.

 

[Elkfitness]

I think it depends on your torso length, how much lift you want, and how heavy the load you are carrying is.

 

[wyelkhunter]

I have had both and I prefer the bikini. At 100lbs of pack weight I actually prefer it to the duplex. The bikini is much more comfortable and cool when hunting. I had the 24" stays on the duplex and 26" on the bikini. I like the 26"

You need to be realistic about how much weight you will be packing. I have hauled 100lbs but only here at home to see how it feels. When hauling elk out the heaviest I have ever been was 85lbs that was only once so far.

 

[realunlucky]

My back sweats much more with the duplex but to me it feels much more stable/solid while carrying

 

[Tony Trietch]

Bringing back this thread.
I am loosing sleep trying to decide.
Might have to buy both.

Anyone have anything to add?