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?

 

[6.5x284]

I’d order both and do a walk with weight with the tags on and return the one you like least. I did that with like 7 packs at once and crowned my owner winner over a 2 week period.


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[twall13]

Not a direct comparison but I own an old Kifaru Duplex Hunter frame and use it a lot for rucking. I also own the K4. I realized that the Kifaru belt and shoulder straps have compressed a lot with use and now slip more than they used to. That's the main reason I use it for rucking, to save some wear and tear on my K4. It's obviously not the Ark frame but it's the comparison I have. For me the K4 is way more comfortable under load and never slips. I feel like the Kifaru used to be really comfortable but now it hurts my hips and I'm constantly adjusting things. I'm sure an updated belt would help a lot but I'm okay training with more pain so when I'm hunting things feel all the more comfortable.

I know Kifaru customer service isn't what it used to be but if they will allow it, I'd do as others have recommended and get both to try out and return one. Just be aware, the K4 actually needs a little time to break in and may feel too stiff at first so take that into consideration as you compare.

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[ErikT]

I’d order both and do a walk with weight with the tags on and return the one you like least. I did that with like 7 packs at once and crowned my owner winner over a 2 week period.


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which pack did you end up with??

 

[wysongdog]

If just wanting a training -ack, why not the outdoorsman atlas trainer?

 

[ErikT]

I do a 2 mile ruck with my pack 5 days per week, so that ends up being the primary use although it would be a hunting pack and backpacking pack as well. I've seen the Outdoorsman trainer but seems like it would only be good for rucking and no other use.