Kifaru packs

[Kc w]

Hello everyone. I am new to the kifaru world. I just purchased my new to me tactical duplex frame and Reckoning bag. I came from a Mystery Ranch bag that did not fit well so this thing is day and night better. Fits well, carries weight very well. My only issue with it is how heavy it is empty.
My question is, are other brands or the duplex lite noticeably lighter? And will they carry weight as well as the Tactical duplex? Maybe I just need to get used to this pack. Like I say it is very comfortable and Carries weight well.
Or would anyone have any suggestions on a way to lighten it up a bit? TIA

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

You could get a smaller bag for sure. The tactical frame is beefy. The new Ark is significantly lighter. But they do have lighter bags. Part of the reason Kifaru is so good at carrying heavy is they didn't try to shave ounces when it would make a difference in carrying capacity. Plus the materials they use are bombproof. The newer versions of older bags shaved some weight by adding lazer cut molle instead of the standard. The 44 mag for instance went from having ridiculous amounts of standard molle to two strips of lazer cut.

Either way, enjoy that pack. You will have it for many years to come and it will serve you well. If you go down the rabbit hole, check out the Ark frame. For me, it was a vast improvement to feel and comfort.

 

[nphunter]

I’ll disagree with the above. I really don’t like the ark, I sold mine after 1.5 seasons, packed out 3 bulls and a buck with it. It was nowhere near as comfortable as my duplex lite. I sold it and bought a K4 to try. I actually only sold the frame and bought another regular duplex frame and put the absoroka bag off of my ark on it.

The duplex hauls meat well, if you kill a lot of stuff they are hard to beat. I’m digging the K4 so far too but I don’t notice it being lighter that my Kifaru packs. My favorite bag for a Kifaru pack is the exo K3 4800 bag, I made a post a few years back about putting it on the Kifaru frame, another bag that is lighter and can be made to fit easily is the Kuiu bags.

The stone glacier packs are awesome for hunting with and noticeable lighter as well but for me don’t haul weight as well. I really enjoyed the SG sky archer for backpacking and hauling camp but it’s just too uncomfortable hauling meat multiple miles. I carried my bull 7 miles in one year and ditched it the next day.

 

[Kc w]

Yea. Seems every pack fits different for different people. Its hard to be able to try different brands where i am from as there aren't very many dealers around. Seems everyone has there favorite.
I actually really like the fit of the Tactical frame. Frame and bags feel very well built. Probably another reason they weigh a little more than some. I think i will just have to use it for a while and maybe i will forget my concerns.
I have tried on the stone glacier. To me they feel lighter but they were not comfortable for me even empty. Maybe just not set up for me but i hung it back up and went with a kifaru. Coming from a mystery ranch, i think the waist belt is what sold me. I appreciate everyones insite. Nice to learn without spending tons of money. Thanks again