Kifaru (duplex) vs Mystery Ranch (NICE) questions

[taggart_lumpy]

I’ve been running the Mystery Ranch NICE frame for several seasons now and i’m considering jumping ship.
those who have used or owned both id like to know your experiences with both frames pro’s and con’s.

 

[bcimport]

Owned both (more than once even). The NICE Frame is the most bombproof of any of the frames in the last few years. It doesn’t barrel and when it had the lifter extensions in something like a Marshall,6500 or Metcalf it hauled weight exceptionally well. Had the latest generation duplex for awhile with the thicker frame sheet. It was very comfortable too but I had some stitching and durability issues with it. The sewing on the mystery Ranch stuff was executed better in most cases but Kifaru seemed to be more responsive to what the hunting market wanted which was nice. I’ve also run SG, MR guidelight and now a Hill People Gear pack. They’re all good and you’re best bet is still to find a buddy who will let you borrow one of the other brands, load it up and hike with it for a couple weeks. I don’t think any of the alpha packs are really night and day better than any of the others but you have to find what fits you best and try not to go bankrupt doing it.

 

[Backstrap]

+1 on bcimport's post. I bought the load lifters from Oneiros Valley so I can use them with the bags that don't come with them.

 

[justinspicher]

I started with a duplex and then moved to a bikini frame. Tried an SG and that was uncomfortable for me. Went to a mystery ranch because that is what we used at work and I like how it felt and how it carried with and without a load. Sold everything and picked up an MR frame and had a couple of custom bags built by Rugged Stitching. Kifaru makes exceptional products, as does SG, but I don’t find their frames to be comfortable and I’m not happy with any of their bags so I just made up my own. Kifaru frames are fairly complex to adjust compared to an Mr frame.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I started with MR nice frames. Went Kifaru duplex 22 and 26 for a year. I never felt like the Kifaru carried as well for me as the MR but it is more of a personal preference matter. In fairness, I followed their fitting instructions but never bent the stays to my back or anything. On a whim I bought a mr guidelight frame for cheap and loved it. Have switched back to MR. I agree the MR frame does better with lifters- aftermarket on the Nice or built in on the guidelight. I also find the mr Pack designs to be a bit more refined and most have more pockets and options. Again a matter of preference but I like some organization on my Pack and found myself adding pockets to the Kifaru bags that increased cost and weight.

Take note of weight of your set up. The nice frame is a true beast in terms of hauling and weight. I don’t recall the exact amount but I am sure it is quite a bit heavier than the Kifaru frame. More so if you add lifters. Depending on your bag, you could get to 10 pounds unloaded easily. I think the mr guidelight gets you a lot of the capability and comfort for less weight. The hunting bags are also a lot lighter than the .mil bags.

 

[taggart_lumpy]

thank you guys lots of good info!