billysmals
WKR
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2023
- Messages
- 681
Spoiler Alert: This is not going to be another Exo vs Kifaru vs whatever brand pack thread (nothing wrong with those, but not what this is about).
Background for context:
I currently run a 24in Kifaru Tactical frame, composite semiflat stays, short shoulder straps and an X-small belt, bag is the Hoodlum. This is my first Kifaru pack and I switched from an Exo K3 4800. I like trying different things and switched to try Kifaru based on the research and testimony of others. I was drawn to the ability to add and take away customizations (think pouches, pockets, sherman, ect...). I haven't used it on a hunt or heavy load. I fit the pack with 35-40lbs watching the kifaru videos and even calling and sending in pictures to Kifaru to get pro tips. Today I took a hike around the neighborhood with my day hunt load out which weighed about 23lbs. The belt is amazing! The problem then occurred....
My problem:
The shoulder straps seem to pinch or rub my traps/neck. This wasn't noticeable till the walk today after wearing the pack for a bit. I don't feel "weight" per see on my shoulders but there is "pressure" on the inside edge. I still have a hands breadth gap as the fit videos suggest. The problem stems from the way the straps lay along my shoulders as they seem to lean towards my body, rather than fall in the slope of my traps and shoulders away from the body. Another Rokslider posted on this and I tabbed the photo for reference as a picture says more than my description. That thread didn't answer my problem as I had already made all the adjustment suggestions on that thread through my fitment with Kifaru customer service help. The picture is a reference of the strap lean only (from the other thread), my sliders are lower.
You can see the natural slant towards the neck. I'm concerned if I load up 50+ lbs this problem will become exponentially worse. I tried loosening and adjusting the load lifters and shoulder straps during the hike without much help at all.
Kifaru Owners:
Is this normal? Will it loosen up and relax over time? Some have suggested these shoulder straps come stiff and settle after a break in. Did you find this to be the case? I have watched all the fit videos from kifaru and this particular question isn't addressed.
Exo K4 5K Owners:
Do the shoulder straps fit differently? My last Exo K3 shoulders seemed to fit me well and "float". Is the K4 similar? Also how much head clearance do you have? Many of the promotional materials seem to demonstrate the 5K bag sitting really high on the back, to the point where the pack lid sits at the base the neck and would seem to limit the head clearance. You can see this in the pictures comparing the "compressed" vs "expanded". The bags seem narrow and tall. Is there truth to this? I really like the Kifaru head clearance I currently have and would hope the Exo is similar.
Why I need clarity from Kifaru and Exo owners:
If I can't solve my problem I'll being selling/trading my kifaru set up, which I don't want to do as I really want to like the pack. If so the K4 is at the top of the list (based on my K3 experience, which is why the Exo clarity is helpful).
Thank you all for your input.
Background for context:
I currently run a 24in Kifaru Tactical frame, composite semiflat stays, short shoulder straps and an X-small belt, bag is the Hoodlum. This is my first Kifaru pack and I switched from an Exo K3 4800. I like trying different things and switched to try Kifaru based on the research and testimony of others. I was drawn to the ability to add and take away customizations (think pouches, pockets, sherman, ect...). I haven't used it on a hunt or heavy load. I fit the pack with 35-40lbs watching the kifaru videos and even calling and sending in pictures to Kifaru to get pro tips. Today I took a hike around the neighborhood with my day hunt load out which weighed about 23lbs. The belt is amazing! The problem then occurred....
My problem:
The shoulder straps seem to pinch or rub my traps/neck. This wasn't noticeable till the walk today after wearing the pack for a bit. I don't feel "weight" per see on my shoulders but there is "pressure" on the inside edge. I still have a hands breadth gap as the fit videos suggest. The problem stems from the way the straps lay along my shoulders as they seem to lean towards my body, rather than fall in the slope of my traps and shoulders away from the body. Another Rokslider posted on this and I tabbed the photo for reference as a picture says more than my description. That thread didn't answer my problem as I had already made all the adjustment suggestions on that thread through my fitment with Kifaru customer service help. The picture is a reference of the strap lean only (from the other thread), my sliders are lower.
You can see the natural slant towards the neck. I'm concerned if I load up 50+ lbs this problem will become exponentially worse. I tried loosening and adjusting the load lifters and shoulder straps during the hike without much help at all.
Kifaru Owners:
Is this normal? Will it loosen up and relax over time? Some have suggested these shoulder straps come stiff and settle after a break in. Did you find this to be the case? I have watched all the fit videos from kifaru and this particular question isn't addressed.
Exo K4 5K Owners:
Do the shoulder straps fit differently? My last Exo K3 shoulders seemed to fit me well and "float". Is the K4 similar? Also how much head clearance do you have? Many of the promotional materials seem to demonstrate the 5K bag sitting really high on the back, to the point where the pack lid sits at the base the neck and would seem to limit the head clearance. You can see this in the pictures comparing the "compressed" vs "expanded". The bags seem narrow and tall. Is there truth to this? I really like the Kifaru head clearance I currently have and would hope the Exo is similar.
Why I need clarity from Kifaru and Exo owners:
If I can't solve my problem I'll being selling/trading my kifaru set up, which I don't want to do as I really want to like the pack. If so the K4 is at the top of the list (based on my K3 experience, which is why the Exo clarity is helpful).
Thank you all for your input.