Kifaru Lightweight Duplex (review)

Stid2677

WKR
Joined
Sep 13, 2012
Messages
2,346
Was lucky enough to get my paws on a prototype of the new Kifaru LW Duplex frame. WOW,,I have gotten about 20 miles under it so far and I'm extremely impressed with the improvements. So of course making something lighter that goes on your back is always better, but making it lighter and more comfortable is a WIN WIN.

The new foam used in the improved wider, thicker, shoulder pads combined with the new foam makes the shoulder pads much more comfortable for me. Completely eliminated the pinching I would sometimes get from the shoulder straps digging in under a load.

The new foam in the upper and lower lumbar pad and the full sized cover on the lower pad ensures that the frame "sticks" to my back, at least it feels that way. I find it breathes well, but also stays put better.

I found it quick and easy to adjust and get my EMR II mounted it it. My EMR II with the new LW Duplex using composite stays weighs 7.5 lbs with my Gun Bearer, Water Bottle Carrier, 4 Pull Outs and a custom chest pouch. The new frame cut almost a full pound off my empty pack weight and is vastly more comfortable.

Just wanted to post up a quick post with a few photos, will be using this next week on a Father/Son Rifle/Bow sheep hunt, and will post more as time gets near and once I get back.

Special Thanks to Kifaru and Aron for giving me a chance to use this new frame. This old guy needs every advantage I can get to keep up with my Son, 20 years younger.

Seen here with my original Duplex
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I made a few slits for the new risers.

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Weight of my EMR II with accessories.

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Weight of my old Duplex frame only.

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Weight of new LW Duplex (Prototype)

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Photo of the bag side of the old and new.

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This is yet another great improvement to an already solid design, I would highly recommend upgrading to one of these!!! Your back and shoulders will thank you and your wallet will get over it. :)

Steve
 
great to hear Steve, now I am really looking forward to trying ours out once it arrives. Being able to drop 1lb off my pack weight with the EMRII would be huge. As a little person I need all the weight advantages I can get.

So glad the new set up is working for you. Good luck and straight shooting to you and Zach next week!
 
Steve, just to confirm that I'm reading it correctly, your new frame has the same composite stays as your old duplex and not the carbon arrow shafts, correct? So this is the new "Hunting Platform" frame and not the "Ultralight Platform" right? Sorry to be so remedial, I just haven't had a chance to catch up and absorb all of the info on the new frames.
 
Steve, just to confirm that I'm reading it correctly, your new frame has the same composite stays as your old duplex and not the carbon arrow shafts, correct? So this is the new "Hunting Platform" frame and not the "Ultralight Platform" right? Sorry to be so remedial, I just haven't had a chance to catch up and absorb all of the info on the new frames.

This is the Hunting Duplex with composite stays. Not the version that uses arrows but composite stays.

I can't state enough what a difference the new foam makes.

https://store.kifaru.net/hunting-platform-frame-and-suspension-p192.aspx
 
So are you and your son going to be taking this and a stone glacier?

I'm using the new Hunting Duplex with my EMR II bag and my Son will be using a 2015 EXO 5500. He likes the Exo side zip and can get into it with his bow strapped on. He liked my EMR II better, but I only have one so Jr gets 2nd pick. :)
 
Thanks Stid. When I first read your review and saw the weight difference of almost a pound, my simple brain jumped to the conclusion that this was the UL frame. I was on the fence with trying this new one out but a pound weight savings alone plus your comments on the foam have me rethinking....
 
Thanks Stid. When I first read your review and saw the weight difference of almost a pound, my simple brain jumped to the conclusion that this was the UL frame. I was on the fence with trying this new one out but a pound weight savings alone plus your comments on the foam have me rethinking....

I'm telling ya, the new frame is the cats behind. I'm sure Luke and Becca will have one soon and this one is always available for anyone that wants to check it out. I hauled a truck load of packs to sportsman warehouse's parking lot a while back to show folks. Always nice to touch high dollar stuff before you buy.
 
Wish I would have known, I would have definitely made the trip. I know I want a new pack but can't decide!

I'm telling ya, the new frame is the cats behind. I'm sure Luke and Becca will have one soon and this one is always available for anyone that wants to check it out. I hauled a truck load of packs to sportsman warehouse's parking lot a while back to show folks. Always nice to touch high dollar stuff before you buy.
 
This is the Hunting Duplex with composite stays. Not the version that uses arrows but composite stays.

I can't state enough what a difference the new foam makes.

I agree on your assessment but this isn't helping the sale of my gen2 duplex ;)
 
Putting final plans together for my trip up there but that won't be until the first week of September and I imagine most of you will be out chasing moose or sheep or bou by then.

Here is where I'm stuck, I had to get a duplex with aluminum stays because my back fits neither the standard or flat back profiles. So now that I have some custom stays that are finally working for me. As I understand it, I might as well get the UL frame and just swap in my aluminum stays that I have now, right?
 
Putting final plans together for my trip up there but that won't be until the first week of September and I imagine most of you will be out chasing moose or sheep or bou by then.

Here is where I'm stuck, I had to get a duplex with aluminum stays because my back fits neither the standard or flat back profiles. So now that I have some custom stays that are finally working for me. As I understand it, I might as well get the UL frame and just swap in my aluminum stays that I have now, right?

Aron will need to address that or someone smarter than I. I'm just a country boy that likes to hunt and scribble. :)
 
Putting final plans together for my trip up there but that won't be until the first week of September and I imagine most of you will be out chasing moose or sheep or bou by then.

Here is where I'm stuck, I had to get a duplex with aluminum stays because my back fits neither the standard or flat back profiles. So now that I have some custom stays that are finally working for me. As I understand it, I might as well get the UL frame and just swap in my aluminum stays that I have now, right?

Yes Colonel. Keep your perfectly matched aluminum stays and buy the UL version. You will have the best of both worlds. The aluminum or arrows will work and you'll be able to go back and forth at your leisure.
 
Appreciate the weights and write up. No lid in that weight, correct?

I have a hunting frame and dt1 on order and can't wait to test them out in the sheep hills. Hope you and your son down a beauty ram!!!
 
Thanks for taking the time Steve, you Alaska guys ( and girls ) are a valuable asset to Kifaru, what better place and people to try out new equipment. It's a little late for me to order one for this year but I'm definitely keeping my eye on this one for next spring.
 
Appreciate the weights and write up. No lid in that weight, correct?

I have a hunting frame and dt1 on order and can't wait to test them out in the sheep hills. Hope you and your son down a beauty ram!!!

On the photo with my total pack weight I have the standard lid. I attach a KU hipbelt pocket to that instead of running one of the lids with storage.
 
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