Kifaru Ark Frame Thoughts

[mpb21]

What are your thoughts on the new ark frame from kifaru?

I have long been a kifaru fan, have had multiple packs and frames over the past decade plus.

I really wanted to love the Ark frame. I packed out 3 elk and 2 deer with it this year. Rucked 100+ miles in the last year.

I just don't love this frame, I am considering going back to the tried and true duplex. I don't know exactly what it is but it rubs and rides much differently than my duplex frames did. I also wish they'd stuck with 24" and 26" frame instead going to a 22" and 25" frame.

 

[bozeman]

For my back, its 1000% more comfy than the duplex. Just something about the duplex didnt ride well for me. Just goes to show how 'individual' pack fit is for some people. Once I got the Ark dialed in, I sold the others I had been trying. Edit to add, I went with the 25".

 

[Steven.Elmore]

I agree with the Ark frame fitting differently than the Duplex. For me when loaded with weight my posture goes more into a leaning forward position than with the Duplex or the K4. I rucked all summer with it and the K4 trying to figure out why my back wasn't as sore with the K4. My conclusion was posture, I'm thinking of trying to put some sort of spacer between the shoulder pad and the frame to see if it will ride more upright.

I ended up hunting with the K4 this year just for that reason. Also I wasn't too impressed that the waist belt only had 4 slots when all the pockets were designed for 5. That was probably my most disappointing purchase last year.