Kifaru service

[ELKOHUNTER]

Not meant to be a bashing fest. However, it's definitely something to consider when purchasing.
I have never had to reach out to Kifaru for repairs. This happened on a pack out with a bull elk this year. Yes it was heavy, but I don't feel it was outside of what the pack is intended for.
Honestly I did not see this coming from Kifaru after all the years I've used them.

 

[svivian]

I wouldn't expect a company to warranty something that was bought second hand(most likely at a discount) to begin with, let alone offer another pack for free because of it.

Now if you bought it from them directly, that would be a different story.

 

[ELKOHUNTER]

I wouldn't expect a company to warranty something that was bought second hand(most likely at a discount) to begin with, let alone offer another pack for free because of it.

Now if you bought it from them directly, that would be a different story.

I didn't ask for a warranty. I've had many reputable companies repair, replace, or "make it right" on gear that has failed.

 

[jmez]

So have I when I bought it direct!

Sent from my moto g power 5G - 2024 using Tapatalk

 

[svivian]

I didn't ask for a warranty. I've had many reputable companies repair, replace, or "make it right" on gear that has failed.

What did you ask for then? What obligation does kifaru have to you when you dont have an obligation to purchase directly from them?

I'm certainly not a Kifaru fan boy and I think there have been some negative changes as of late, but this is unreasonable expectations for any company.

 

[KChunter71]

Is that frame metal or carbon under the Cordura? Sorry yours broke. No Warranty on used items is standard. I bet it can be fixed but it would not be like new.

 

[ELKOHUNTER]

What did you ask for then? What obligation does kifaru have to you when you dont have an obligation to purchase directly from them?

I'm certainly not a Kifaru fan boy and I think there have been some negative changes as of late, but this is unreasonable expectations for any company.

I have always been of the understanding Kifaru was one of the few companies that still stands behind their products, hence why I used them so long.
Simply make it right. If that one strap is the the only non repairable item on that entire setup, then surely it must not break often?
To be told to buy an entire new frame for that one loop was not expected. Purchasing directly from the company for a warranty is reasonable without a doubt, and i agree.
I have snapon and makita tools that cost more then the entire backpack setup that will be fixed upon breaking from normal use. Big agnes, Tarptent, Kenetrek, Vortex, Leopold, MSR has all repaired or replaced many items for me without asking where I bought it.

 

[Drenalin]

I don't have much love for Kifaru, but the response says they "can not repair" those tabs. Let's assume the CS rep didn't make that up and there really is some reason they can't or don't repair those tabs. At that point, the only recommendation is replacement.

To your larger point though, I don't get the impression New Kifaru is interested in products lasting forever or being repaired in perpetuity because ultimately that's not good for their bottom line.

I didn't ask for a warranty. I've had many reputable companies repair, replace, or "make it right" on gear that has failed.

Isn't that what "warranty" means?

 

[IBen]

i bet exo and sg would have replaced it. It’s just a frame sheet. If you are using the pack enough to break you are likely a great ambassador for the brand and giving you a new frame sheet would likely result in you buying an ark at full price a few years later. Now you’ll probably move to sg or exo.

 

[Bowfinn]

I wonder if Kifaru would’ve repaired or replaced this 5 years ago, regardless if your the original owner or the 3rd. When I bought my Kifaru stuff I was under the impression that they will take care of all Kifaru products regardless of ownership or age, but maybe I was wrong. However, Exo keeps sounding better to me with each Kifaru warranty posting I see on here.

Edit: attached photo I guess I’m not misremembering things.

 

[brca005]

The issue the OP posted about, is the exact reason why I didn’t buy a Kifaru set up. I watched a video from Aron breaking down the duplex lite, tactical and Ark frames and he stated how the loops are the weak link on the duplex frames, needing to be resewn every 5-10 years depending on use.

Every pack is going to have their issues and gripes from people, it’s just a bummer Kifaru isn’t sticking to their roots, as I’ve seen from various other threads on here about their CS/Warranty not being the same as it once was.

 

[dirtshooter]

I know exo would have helped you out.

 

[NDGuy]

I know exo would have helped you out.

I saw the writing on the wall and jumped ship to exo

 

[Trial153]

Again, people wanting a retail experience/ warranty while not paying the premium that goes along with it.

 

[plebe]

I’d ask why they can’t repair it. Sounds like it’s more of a won’t than a can’t.

 

[IBen]

I’d ask why they can’t repair it. Sounds like it’s more of a won’t than a can’t.

View attachment 830540View attachment 830541

Its because those tabs are sewn in before the frame sheet is put in and sewn together. Because of the plastic sheet you cant turn it inside out and sew it again.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I would like to think they would offer to repair it at whatever reasonable price?

 

[plebe]

Its because those tabs are sewn in before the frame sheet is put in and sewn together. Because of the plastic sheet you cant turn it inside out and sew it again.

Interesting. I don’t even see the circled stitching on OPs frame. I’ll have to look at mine.

Thought it could be serviced through the slot at the top, despite some tedium. Or at worst a new loop tacked on overtop the framesheet. I guess I’d have to see the manufacturing process or dissect one to see how it all comes together.

 

[RyanT26]

That sucks. I would like to think they could repair for a fee at least.

 

[IBen]

Again, people wanting a retail experience/ warranty while not paying the premium that goes along with it.

A new frame sheet is a small price to pay to gain a life long customer. Its just bad customer management. Look at how all the kifaru customer service threads blow up quick. Its cheaper to keep customers than to get new ones

Interesting. I don’t even see the circled stitching on OPs frame. I’ll have to look at mine.

Thought it could be serviced through the slot at the top, despite some tedium. Or at worst a new loop tacked on overtop the framesheet. I guess I’d have to see the manufacturing process or dissect one to see how it all comes together

Maybe if you split it from the top removed the stay sleeve then sewed new loops into the fabric the resew around and resew the frame stay sleeve. Im sure its possible. Most home sewing machines wont go through the plastic frame sheet though