After 5 years of running the Bikini Composite 26 I broke down and called Kifaru for details on the new Lite frame. The Bikini, while a great hauler, was always about 1-1.5 inches too long in the torso no matter how much I reefed on the lower shoulder strap attachments. On pack weights greater than 50 lbs, the pack would slide below the ideal hip position.
After talking with Anders at Kifaru about my dimensions and packing goals, I bought the Duplex Lite Composite/Normal back in 24. (I am 71 tall, 195 lbs, 34 waist with a legit 34 inseam, if the specs help.) I've put 10 miles or so on the frame (Woodsman)
with 60 lbs since it arrived. I could not be happier.
The Lite is much more torsionally and vertically stiffer. The heavier straps add to a more solid feel, too. Torso/Shoulder strap adjustability feels like an additional 2-3 inches were built in to the design, and it suits my shorter than average torso perfectly. They are also way easier to adjust with the new design. The Lumbar pad has also been angled where the bottom is pulled backward towards the frame maybe a 1/2 inch. This really lets the pad's entire face sit flush against my back and stay in place. No slipping whatsoever. All of these seemingly minor adjustments really add up to a profoundly more comfortable frame.
Thanks Kifaru! You really nailed these changes!
mudd foot
After talking with Anders at Kifaru about my dimensions and packing goals, I bought the Duplex Lite Composite/Normal back in 24. (I am 71 tall, 195 lbs, 34 waist with a legit 34 inseam, if the specs help.) I've put 10 miles or so on the frame (Woodsman)
with 60 lbs since it arrived. I could not be happier.
The Lite is much more torsionally and vertically stiffer. The heavier straps add to a more solid feel, too. Torso/Shoulder strap adjustability feels like an additional 2-3 inches were built in to the design, and it suits my shorter than average torso perfectly. They are also way easier to adjust with the new design. The Lumbar pad has also been angled where the bottom is pulled backward towards the frame maybe a 1/2 inch. This really lets the pad's entire face sit flush against my back and stay in place. No slipping whatsoever. All of these seemingly minor adjustments really add up to a profoundly more comfortable frame.
Thanks Kifaru! You really nailed these changes!
mudd foot
