Kifaru Questions

[Nick Bowen]

Thinking of making the splurge and buying a Kifaru Duplex frame and possibly a Duplex Timberline 1 (any other suggestions?). I have a few questions as I want to make sure I am completely informed before investing in this luxury.

1. Would a Duplex Timberline 1 be overkill for mainly day whitetail deer trips?

I would love to go on multi day hunting trips but since I am in college and work a part time job, I'm not too sure how many multi day trips I can make, but would love to have that option later on down the road. I plan on mainly hunting in northern and central california for deer, pig, and hopefully one day elk. I would like to go on a colorado, montana, idaho, or alaska hunting trip in the future though.

2. Can Gun Bearers and the guide lid be purchased after purchasing the frame and bag?

Total as it stands is around 900. I have no problem spending money for a quality product, but if some non essentials can be purchased at a later date, then that allows me more financial flexibility for other products such as sleeping systems.

3. Are there any accessories you all recommend?

I've noticed that there are many Kifaru products that Roksliders love and that I might be interested in. Also, I plan on doing bow and rifle hunting so I'm not sure if I should get a gun bearer or not.


Thanks in advance!

 

[dreamingbig]

Just buy a frame and a cargo panel now and use any dry bag you want with it. All other items can be added later as the funds become available.

 

[7mag.]

If I was in your position, I would get a Duplex frame and a Mountain Rambler bag, with a guide lid. It looks like a great size for a day pack, that you can expand away from the frame to haul meat. You can later add pods and pockets for multi night trips. Check out the videos here on Rokslide, on the Kifaru website, or on YouTube.

 

[Nick Bowen]

If I was in your position, I would get a Duplex frame and a Mountain Rambler bag, with a guide lid. It looks like a great size for a day pack, that you can expand away from the frame to haul meat. You can later add pods and pockets for multi night trips. Check out the videos here on Rokslide, on the Kifaru website, or on YouTube.

This was a tempting option. I'm going to look into it more thanks

 

[hntnnut]

Yes you can buy each component separately which is what I'm doing. I just received my duplex frame and am saving for a DT 1 or 2 now haven't decided.

Richard

 

[stevenm2]

I suggest you look at the Nomad as well. I use a Nomad with longhunter lid and grab-it 2/ it is very versatile with countless options.
I think this set up or get a cargo panel and some pockets with a duplex frame would serve you well.
This quality equipment with replacement parts available.
Good luck

 

[Shrek]

To save some cash you can look for a used rig. All of the bags work with both frames . An older bag can often be had for less than $150. Frames are a little bit harder to find a smoking deal on but they do come along.

 

[Beastmode]

As stated I would buy a frame and a cargo panel. If money is an issue and you have a lot more gear to get you may want to look at a cheaper pack and upgrade down the road. The cabelas Alaskan guide frame pack is a good pack for the money and I recommend them for guys who are on a tight budget. It will easily get the job done. There is a fair amount of gear to get for multiday hunts and it gets really expensive if you try and buy top of the line everything. You can upgrade one or 2 items every year and within a few years have a really good setup.

 

[Mckinnon]

I live in Reno and am in the Sacramento area frequently. I have both a DT1 and Nomad you can take a look at if you want to try them out before you buy them.

 

[Nick Bowen]

As stated I would buy a frame and a cargo panel. If money is an issue and you have a lot more gear to get you may want to look at a cheaper pack and upgrade down the road. The cabelas Alaskan guide frame pack is a good pack for the money and I recommend them for guys who are on a tight budget. It will easily get the job done. There is a fair amount of gear to get for multiday hunts and it gets really expensive if you try and buy top of the line everything. You can upgrade one or 2 items every year and within a few years have a really good setup.

Ehh this isn't necessarily the case. I should have been a little more clear, I have the money for all the stuff it's just me deciding if I want to go with a larger tent setup and buy a stove right away or wait until that time of the year is around. I've already got a lot of stuff so the only things I really need is a rangefinder, tipi/tent and sleeping bag. Everything else is stuff I can go without until I have more saved up for hunting. I definitely just want to buy it and be done with it because the pack is my number 1 priority.

 

[Nick Bowen]

I live in Reno and am in the Sacramento area frequently. I have both a DT1 and Nomad you can take a look at if you want to try them out before you buy them.

That would be awesome! But, I am in San Luis Obispo for school right now and am unsure of the next time I might be in Sac. If anything I might just buy the frame and wait on the bag for a little bit so I can see your setup.

 

[Nick Bowen]

To save some cash you can look for a used rig. All of the bags work with both frames . An older bag can often be had for less than $150. Frames are a little bit harder to find a smoking deal on but they do come along.

Yeah I was looking into that. Why do people sell them anyways? Then I was thinking I would rather just buy it through Kifaru in case it doesn't "fit" me correctly.

 

[Shrek]

First , if you let the guys from Kifaru help you they can usually get the right fit. There are some who it might not work for and then there are the grass is always greener who sell their Kifaru to buy the next best thing. Some want a newer bag style and sell the older bag and some want different colors so they sell the whole thing. An aluminum stayed duplex is an amazingly adjustable pack. With someone like Aron working with you he can recommend the adjustments along with custom bending the stays and if needed different lumbar pads. The belt is what everyone tries to copy but I don't know of anyone who has completely succeeded. If it doesn't work you have I think thirty days to return it.

 

[Shrek]

The bottom line for me is that if you have the cash to buy direct I'd call Aron and describe in detail what you do now and plan to do and utilize his experience to guide you. The man really knows his chit and has real integrity. He would not sell you anything just to sell it and Kifaru plans to have you as a customer for life.

 

[mrbillbrown]

The bottom line for me is that if you have the cash to buy direct I'd call Aron and describe in detail what you do now and plan to do and utilize his experience to guide you. The man really knows his chit and has real integrity. He would not sell you anything just to sell it and Kifaru plans to have you as a customer for life.

^^^^ Shrek couldn't have said it any better. Aron and the guys have been more than helpful getting me squared away with tons of Kifaru gear. From sizing to current use to future uses Aron has saved my arse a bunch of times. He's even shut down a few of my wilder plans and saved me pain and suffering (physical and financial).
Give Aron a shout. It's worth your time.

 

[Ray]

There are whitetail deer in California now?

 

[Nick Bowen]

The bottom line for me is that if you have the cash to buy direct I'd call Aron and describe in detail what you do now and plan to do and utilize his experience to guide you. The man really knows his chit and has real integrity. He would not sell you anything just to sell it and Kifaru plans to have you as a customer for life.

That's what i was thinking. Thanks for all your help and advice.

 

[Nick Bowen]

There are whitetail deer in California now?

There's a "shortage" but they can be found. I meant to restrict it to just "deer" hunting though

 

[Scotto]

The bottom line for me is that if you have the cash to buy direct I'd call Aron and describe in detail what you do now and plan to do and utilize his experience to guide you. The man really knows his chit and has real integrity. He would not sell you anything just to sell it and Kifaru plans to have you as a customer for life.

X2......This is what I did. Then visited the Kifaru booth at one of the shows. Customer service is awesome.
I live between SLO and Sac and if you are heading home, PM me and I'd be happy to show the Duplex/Nomad setup.

 

[Beastmode]

There are whitetail deer in California now?

Just east of eureka there is a small herd.