Kifaru ARK vs K4 for Training & Hunting Pack

[ErikT]

I currently have a Kifaru Duplex Light frame with Stryker bag that I use Daily for ruck training loaded with 65-75lbs.
The frame is comfortable enough and very durable but the belt and straps will NOT stay cinched up no matter what I do (see previous thread Kifaru Pack Slipping).
I have the Stryker bag and a ton of Kifaru accessories.
Do I spring for a new $500 ARK frame and see if it stays put on my body- or try an EXO K4 2200 ?

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

If you can try them on, you’ll have your answer. Both are fantastic.

For me, the EXO is much more comfortable with a light load and the arc heavy.

But they both are great all around.

It may just be my body that feels it this way.

If possible, order both and return the one you don’t prefer.

But I have had no slip with the arc and since you have everything but the frame, that’s the direction I personally would go.

 

[dpitt]

I currently have a Kifaru Duplex Light frame with Stryker bag that I use Daily for ruck training loaded with 65-75lbs.
The frame is comfortable enough and very durable but the belt and straps will NOT stay cinched up no matter what I do (see previous thread Kifaru Pack Slipping).
I have the Stryker bag and a ton of Kifaru accessories.
Do I spring for a new $500 ARK frame and see if it stays put on my body- or try an EXO K4 2200 ?

I have both the duplex lite and an ARK frame. The belt straps seem to come un-cinched a bit when I load them up to 75+ lbs but not enough to bother me. I will say my duplex belt seems to do so more than the ARK but I also wonder if that is due to how used my duplex lite belt is. I have had it for 7 years and it's been used on hundreds of days so I am sure it is a bit more worn. The ARK belt seems to hold slightly better but I almost attribute that to it being newer and not as worn in. Overall the belt strap seems to be the same between the 2.

 

[prm]

The Ark/Stryker held weight better than the K4/3200 for me. This was after many direct comparison hikes.

 

[ErikT]

I have both the duplex lite and an ARK frame. The belt straps seem to come un-cinched a bit when I load them up to 75+ lbs but not enough to bother me. I will say my duplex belt seems to do so more than the ARK but I also wonder if that is due to how used my duplex lite belt is. I have had it for 7 years and it's been used on hundreds of days so I am sure it is a bit more worn. The ARK belt seems to hold slightly better but I almost attribute that to it being newer and not as worn in. Overall the belt strap seems to be the same between the 2.

This is good info-- thanks. I wondered as well if my belts are just worn out?