Kifaru Flat Back Test Not Always Correct

[ams]

I just went through this jmez. I have a similiar frame from the sounds of it. I tried Kifaru, Dana externals, tenzing, paradox, and kuiu. If I could have gotten a timberline for the discounted price I would have and probably just stuck with that. The bikini and composite stays didn't work for me. The bikini however, really messed with my head and although my duplex fit better I couldn't get over the weight difference. I still have a dana and really am starting to like the paradox but for the discounted price the timberline is hard to beat. There's still a part of me that wishes I kept either the t1 or t2 and never looked back as they did everthing I realistically needed. Get the aluminum stays as you can bend them to fit. A cool part about the timberline is, and what I was planning on doing, you can start with 26" stays and pick up some 24's for general packing or scouting prior to hunting season. Did you see the t2 in the classifieds?

 

[jmez]

Aaron, if you are around are there certain stay configurations that are not on sale? Going to order an olive drab T1 but would like aluminum stays and the only option it gives me is standard composite?

 

[123 4/8 P&Y]

Aaron, if you are around are there certain stay configurations that are not on sale? Going to order an olive drab T1 but would like aluminum stays and the only option it gives me is standard composite?

That would only be $468! Dang I wish I was still looking for a pack.

 

[jmez]

Considering a new Blue Widow is $350, I would say that is a pretty good deal.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Aaron, if you are around are there certain stay configurations that are not on sale? Going to order an olive drab T1 but would like aluminum stays and the only option it gives me is standard composite?

Call me 720-937-1418

 

[Clarktar]

T1 in olive drab is only 468?

 

[123 4/8 P&Y]

Considering a new Blue Widow is $350, I would say that is a pretty good deal.

Well did you order one?

 

[jmez]

Not yet. Going to call and ask them a few questions this week before I order.

 

[Aron Snyder]

T1 in olive drab is only 468?

Correct

 

[Clarktar]

I guess I will have to wait to buy a Kifaru pack until I can sneak a roadtrip past their location and try on various packs and stays. I have a very curved back, as in when I lay on the floor you could make your hand into a fist and it would fit between the small of my back and the floor. I have had a ton of pretty bad lower back pain, along with some siatica issues, although I have not had one of those in a couple years now (thank god!). It would be sweet to go the the Kifaru warehouse or what not and actually have on fit to my back by people who know packs and backs, I am pretty sick of dealing with college kids at REI etc. who really do not know, and are only at the job as a means to something else.

Anyway.

 

[live2huntelk]

I am looking at purchasing a bikini/DT1 pack......does anyone the Pittsburgh, Pa area have one that I could check out.

 

[mattfish]

I am looking at purchasing a bikini/DT1 pack......does anyone the Pittsburgh, Pa area have one that I could check out.

Live2hunt I have a DT2 on the way. It should be here in early November. I live in Pittsburgh South hills area. Pm me if interested. I am a little concerened, spent big money on the pack. I got the bikini frame. Research showed Kifaru top notch company with top notch service and quality. I hope it works out being on the other side of the country could present problems working out potential issues. im a FNG to backcountry hunting so it is all new to me.

 

[ozyclint]

funny, i had issues with my T2 pack. i ordered 'normal back' aluminium stays. i could put my whole arm behind my back above the lumbar pad, such was the gap. i agree with those who like aluminium stays for the fact they can be customised to suit YOU. i have since got it fitting very well. to heck with the extra weight. as luke said, i usually out hike anyone i hunt with even with more pack weight. a tiny extra weight won't make or break my hunt. ultralight is good but excellent function and comfort is better for the minimal weight penalty.

 

[edg1967]

Bringing this thread back again rather than starting a new one. I read through most of the posts and think I know what my problem is, but want to confirm. To make a short story long, I ordered a Bikini frame way back last Dec. or Jan. when they first came out…talked to Aron on the phone and decided I needed flat back even though I can get my hand between my back and the wall when I do the test. I have no ass, but my wife & a number of my friends say I am an ass sometimes. Anyway, I got the frame and just had a chance to try it briefly before my hunting plans for the fall changed and I decided to sell it…mistake #1. So, I ended up just finding an older EMR frame that I used for carrying tree stands, daypacks, etc. for my whitetail hunting this fall. It fits great with standard composite stays…I can haul a stand and gear (about 40#) no problem for a mile or two without any issues. It's more than I need for what I do, but I like it so I'll probably keep it. Anyway, I found someone in the classifieds that had a slightly used Bikini with standard stays and I bought it because I really liked it when I had my original one and didn't think I needed the Duplex frame for a majority of my needs which are mainly as a day-pack. Anyway, my 4800 came the other day and I didn't have anything to do this morning so I loaded it up with about enough gear for a 3-day bivy hunt and walked around the house for a half hour or so…up and down the stairs, paced around the basement, etc. I'm not going outside because the air temperature is -12 and windchill is almost -40. I had about 35# in it including my bow strapped to the back. I had a majority of the weight on my hips and felt very little on my shoulders…good lift and lifter angle. What I did notice is that I had quite a bit of pressure on the lumbar pad. Not a big deal wandering around the house, but I can see that it could be a potential problem if I'm hiking four or five miles and even more of a problem if I put 50# or so in it. I have no illusions that I'm ever going to be carrying 80-100# as I'm 47 years old with a screwed up back and a hip that's starting to give me problems, but I want to make sure I can haul 50# give or take comfortably. Am I wrong or do I need to find a Bikini frame that has flat-back stays? I suppose I could order one and then decide which fits better, but want to be somewhat sure before I drop money on another new frame. Thanks.

 

[Mark]

edg1967,

I don't have a flat back, but I do have low back problems and sciatic nerve issues. I noticed the same thing as you with the lumbar pad on my bikini frame(standard stays)- as in way too much pressure with heavier loads. The stays form well to my back so that wasn't the problem.

Kifaru makes a thinner lumbar pad so I ordered one and it solved my problem. I don't know if it will help you, but it's worth a shot.

 

[edg1967]

edg1967,

I don't have a flat back, but I do have low back problems and sciatic nerve issues. I noticed the same thing as you with the lumbar pad on my bikini frame(standard stays)- as in way too much pressure with heavier loads. The stays form well to my back so that wasn't the problem.

Kifaru makes a thinner lumbar pad so I ordered one and it solved my problem. I don't know if it will help you, but it's worth a shot.

Thanks. I'll check into that. Might be easier & cheaper than selling and getting a new frame.

 

[hammer0419]

The wrap tech lumbar pad fits in duplex perfectly. Though it is thinner it fits with no slop or loose material. I too had the same problem but the flat back stays did work for me. The new aluminum bikini will definitely be interesting since it will be able to be formed.

 

[edg1967]

I see…I was not aware that they were going to start making the Bikini with aluminum stays. After going on the website and doing a little third-grade math, I assume that the aluminum option will be about 9 ounces heavier than the composite if they use the same stays as they do with the Duplex frame. Giving a little weight might be worth it for a more custom fit. Even if I factor in the fact that I would probably go Multicam (because it's cheapest and would match my bags) I could still save over a pound compared to the Duplex. Interesting. I'll look into the wrap tech lumbar pad too.

 

[5MilesBack]

For me, the Bikini felt better without the lumbar pad at all.

 

[edg1967]

For me, the Bikini felt better without the lumbar pad at all.

I might try that too.

I Loaded up my Duplex with the 4800 and threw some weights in there. I think I was a touch over 40 pounds according to the bathroom scale…still felt the pressure. I'll take the pad off tomorrow and see how it feels. Crap! I thought I had my system down, now it looks like I'm starting over again.