Kifaru Not Working Out For Daypack.....Suggestions?

[Brian]

*****

 

[sveltri]

Does it help to run things a little loose? With just a little weight it doesn’t seem like you’d have to have things cinched up.

 

[toddb]

I think you would love the new nomad for what you want.

 

[dotman]

Do you have arrow stays? It’s feels more form fitting with the arrow stays.

 

[Lockster]

I felt the exact same as you with the aluminium stays, but I found a good workaround.

I use the arrow stays for light weight use like hiking in and “daypack” mode, and carry the aluminium stays for heavy pack out.

Bit more hassle to change out the stays but it only takes a few seconds and the arrow stays make the frame much less rigid and a lot more flexible, the arrows are pretty cheap, you could try them as an option.

Some people might think it’s silly to carry the extra weight of a different set of stays but if you’re carrying the weight of the composite stays now then the only “extra” weight is the arrow stays which weigh next to nothing, certainly worth it if it gives you the flexibility and comfort that you are seeking, it gives you the best of both worlds, a nicer, more flexible daypack mode but also the solid, rigid carry for when you need it for the brutal carry out

 

[b2one]

I have an older Kifaru MMR frame, and I have swapped out my composite stays with arrow shafts, and the stiffness with lighter loads is no longer an issue. It also does just fine with heavy loads - I have hauled out 3 elk with the arrow shafts and am completely sold on the system. I have tried out the newer kifaru frame, the Stone Glacier x-curve, and a couple of others and can't find any reason to replace this one.

 

[Nuke Man]

Same boat. I just ordered a kuiu pack to try out. I've been eyeing them for a long time. I like my Kifaru but it just plain sucks in day mode.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Hey fellas, jumped on board with a kifaru hunter frame and it’s not very comfortable as a daypack. Very stiff and rigid. Any suggestions how to help this?

You may be asking for a bit too much versatility and comfort from a big Pack/frame. I said this in a mystery ranch thread a couple of days ago. Bottom line is pressing a full size pack or frame into a Day Pack mode is going to be a compromise. Unless you need meat hauling capability, it may not be worth it.

There are some neat rigs that can act as a Day Pack and transform into a hauler when needed - woodsman, pintler, crew cab, the new mr pop ups. There are also big packs that can compress down to day packs emr etc. regardless, you’ll end up hauling a heavy, stiff frame and a lot more weight than a purpose built day Pack. If you don’t need the meat hauling ability, consider adding a dedicated daypack to your line up. I have a little 18 liter Pack from tactical tailor that is great for some odds and ends. I have a 30 liter pack that is a little heavier but hauls plenty for a day Pack. Both are very light and much more comfortable to carry and move around in than my bigger packs. The only downside is you lose the ability to expand capacity or haul meat if the need arises.

 

[choovhntr]

I have a year 2 exo 5500 (non k2 frame) that has been great as an all around pack. The frame really moves laterally with you when not cinched up super tight and tightens up good with heavy loads. They have since changed the frame to what seems like a more robust setup ( larger lumbar pad, wider belt, and I believe stiffer cross bars and stays in the frame). I haven’t played with the new one yet to see the differences but imagine it’s a little stiffer. There are always used gen 1 packs on sale in the classifieds if interested. If I were constantly packing heavy loads the kifaru would probably be better. However,for day to day use andthe ability to still load 100+ lbs without any problem, the exo has been great.

 

[texag10]

Seek Outside frames are incredibly stiff vertically, but move with you when you do things like twist side to side. Mine gets used in daypack mode more than anything else but I was happy to have it when packing out my elk.

 

[DWP51]

You may be asking for a bit too much versatility and comfort from a big Pack/frame. I said this in a mystery ranch thread a couple of days ago. Bottom line is pressing a full size pack or frame into a Day Pack mode is going to be a compromise. Unless you need meat hauling capability, it may not be worth it.

There are some neat rigs that can act as a Day Pack and transform into a hauler when needed - woodsman, pintler, crew cab, the new mr pop ups. There are also big packs that can compress down to day packs emr etc. regardless, you’ll end up hauling a heavy, stiff frame and a lot more weight than a purpose built day Pack. If you don’t need the meat hauling ability, consider adding a dedicated daypack to your line up. I have a little 18 liter Pack from tactical tailor that is great for some odds and ends. I have a 30 liter pack that is a little heavier but hauls plenty for a day Pack. Both are very light and much more comfortable to carry and move around in than my bigger packs. The only downside is you lose the ability to expand capacity or haul meat if the need arises.

These are good points to consider.

What are you using the Kifaru frame for mostly?
If your intended use for it is a daypack, well that is not what it is built for.

Define your usage of it first, then people can chime in with advice.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

When I first got my DT1 I was like, "Oh man, this sucks! What a waste of money." Then i sent Aron pics and he told me how to adjust it over the phone and once I got my load lifters and delta strap right i was like "I love this pack!" That's the thing about Kifarus...they force you to learn how to fit em to your body. I use aluminum stays so I can bend to fit me. Good luck!

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I’ve never wore any other Kifaru frame except the hunter. I e tried it with one set of arrows, then two sets, then the normal aluminum stays.



I’m going to give you a suggestion. If the frame feels to stiff with twisting motions, it might be that it’s adjusted to long for your torso. The pack should twist with you unless the waist belt is low on your pelvis.



One arrow and the contoured aluminum stays felt about the same. Two arrows was pretty dang stiff. All were extremely comfortable