Kifaru Ark Frame Thoughts

[bozeman]

Sounds similar to what I would be using it for. What bag did you run if you dont me asking?

I have a gen 2 kifaru nomad. I have tried numerous bags/setups, but for me, it just works.

 

[nphunter]

Well after a full season, scouting and packing I’m selling the Ark frame, I ended up keeping the bag and bought a like new duplex for it. Packed a long pack out with my bull, short pack out with my buck and a lot of scouting. Just don’t like how the frame wants to fall off backward unless the load lifters and shoulder straps are tight. Also don’t like how bloody I get with the pack, I also can’t stand the laser cut holes in the hip belt instead of the webbing. I carried a gun bearer for years with my duplex and after a week with the ark it fell out and was lost, the laser cut panel just doesn’t work as well as the webbing, I’ve also had my belt pouch’s come lose several times with the new belt.

Anyway, there’s a like new ark in the classified if anyone is looking. I just picked up a K4 to try out in Idaho in a couple weeks and if it doesn’t work out I’ll just stick with the tires and true duplex.

 

[Maverick1]

Just a thought. For the guys who don’t love it, it’s likely because the frame has too much curve built in. If the frame doesn’t hug your back pretty tight, once you’ve snugged up the shoulder straps, the curve of the frame is too much at the lumbar pad.

Without the ability to bend the stays to fit, it is what it is. It either fits good enough or it doesn’t.

Cut the lumbar pad in half. Worked wonders for me. Described earlier in this thread.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Cut the lumbar pad in half. Worked wonders for me. Described earlier in this thread.

I reckon I could try that. But, I’m not going to. I’m not paying that kind of money for a pack frame to start cutting on it to make it fit. If Kifaru can’t offer a custom stay option then I’ll buy from someone else.

Seek outside frames fit me like a glove. With modifying anything. I’m sure exo would too.

 

[Maverick1]

I reckon I could try that. But, I’m not going to. I’m not paying that kind of money for a pack frame to start cutting on it to make it fit. If Kifaru can’t offer a custom stay option then I’ll buy from someone else.

Seek outside frames fit me like a glove. With modifying anything. I’m sure exo would too.

Ok. I’m sharing my experiences with Kifaru frames and how I got it to be comfortable for others knowledge and benefit. Just took the two halves apart on the lumbar pad. (Used to be two halves, which could easily be separated without any cutting. Not the case anymore.). Worked really well for a bikini, duplex, duplex kite, and now Ark.