Kifaru DT1-First Impressions

Joined
Sep 22, 2013
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Okay, just did my first hike with the DT1 pack and here's my first impressions.

Overall layout, designed for multiday backpacking w/o a doubt. Put 4 pockets on it for quick access to certain items. Wanna get to my RF, Smoke-in-a-bottle, camera, and other esstentials quickly. I loaded the pack with all my multiday basics including a ridiculous first aid kit that'll handle everything short of a lobotomy. It all fit fine without effort. Filled it to just under the snow collar, the Longhunter lid packed with MH and such.

Got some pit rub which may be my fault. This pack is far more adjustable than any of my others and it may be something easily remedied with some simple adjustments. I may shoot a video of it on my back to illustrate this and maybe somebody at kifaru or here can tell me what do do.

The pack is sloshy on my back, moreso than my Sitka Gear 45 bivy. This may be because it is a much bigger pack but I think it has more to do with the way it's rigged or perhaps the 26" composite stays. I can't say but it slides around more on my back than I'd expect.

Can't say I felt it handled the load any better or worse than any other pack I've used but again, this could simply be part of the learning curve. The pack seemed neither heavy or light empty and since "felt weight" means more than actual weight...that's a draw.

Well dinner's ready...gotta go.
 
Ya know...I watched all the Kifaru videos repeatedly before purchasing one. But gosh darnit...I tightened the Delta straps before adjusting the shoulder straps and load lifters so that's probably it. Will play with it tomorrow. Thanks.
 
After tinkering with the pack for a hour last night i think I have identified the real problem...the load lifter straps that are supposed to be at a 15 degree angle are at a 45-50 degree angle. Not sure how to adjust frame to correct this but think if i can move it up an inch or more that'll fix it and eliminate the pit rub too.
 
"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." - Mark Twain

Call Kifaru on Monday.
 
"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." - Mark Twain

Call Kifaru on Monday.

That's plan B if I cannot find the answer sooner. With a hunt coming up, the more time I spend hiking with this pack before I leave on the 16th, the better. Hate losing two days over something easily remedied. I mean, isn't that what sites like this are for?
 
Load lifter

That's plan B if I cannot find the answer sooner. With a hunt coming up, the more time I spend hiking with this pack before I leave on the 16th, the better. Hate losing two days over something easily remedied. I mean, isn't that what sites like this are for?

You should be able to slide tha little 3 bar slider that's attached to the load lifter up or down to adjust the angle of the load lifter.
 
That's plan B if I cannot find the answer sooner. With a hunt coming up, the more time I spend hiking with this pack before I leave on the 16th, the better. Hate losing two days over something easily remedied. I mean, isn't that what sites like this are for?

Call me anytime

720-937-1418
 
The instruction book referenced in the videos was not included with the pack and the page that might help me isn't loading the photos: http://kifaru.net/lhfit.htm

Is there anywhere else online that these instructions are posted? I need to "see" how it's done. Aron, I emailed you a video showing the pack on my back so you can see what i see. Please call me on the toll free number I provided.
 
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WOW! I am so stoked. Aron called me tonight and walked me thru the loader lifter adjustment. After adjusting it 3 times I hit the sweet spot and instantly felt a remarkable difference in felt load...easily lost 20lbs in the felt weight of the pack. It is stunning how something as slight as an inch in adjustment can have such a tremendous in comfort!! I'm just blown!!! Suddenly the pack feels like it should, the sloshiness is almost gone and the balance I was seeking (almost equal load distribution vertically...essential due to back injuries) is attained. Thanks Aron. I know you do this 100 times a week so it's nothing to you but it's a great big deal to me. And a great relief to know my $1,200.00 pack won't hurt me anymore. Tomorrow I'm gonna give this DT1 another 5 mile test hike and see how my neck and pits and lower back feel. Stellar customer care Kifaru! Thank you.
 
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