Kifaru - what length frame?

[koppertop]

Howdy, everyone.

I am interested in buying a Kifaru ultralight pack frame and am unsure what length to get. I'm 5'9" and 140 lbs with an athletic build. Can anyone make a recommendation? I'll likely call Kifaru in the next couple days, just hoping to also get some real world recommendations.

I'm new to western hunting and thus far have done mostly day hunts with an eberlestock x2. The x2 was ok but was far from ideal when loaded heavy with meat. I'm interested in a pack that i can eventually use for 1-3 nights as well as a day pack that can haul a full load of meat as comfortably as possible. The 26" frame looks mighty tall, I'm concerned that it will be awkward while hunting. Would a 24" frame leave me wanting more lift when loaded with meat?

I don't know exactly what bag i'll eventually buy. For the moment I will only be buying a frame. I'll need to save up and get a bag later.....

Thanks
Taylor

 

[realunlucky]

Taylor give them a call they'll steer you right to what will work best for you

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[COlineman78]

In order to size the frame they will need to know your torso length. Aron went over this in the seminar last week and also mentioned that due to so many guys screwing this up they estimate it based on your height and inseam. Phil just got last week's seminar uploaded and I highly recommend checking it out before you call (still call and talk to Frank or Aron).

Backcountry seminar 2016 week 1- Aron Snyder part 1 - YouTube

Assuming that you have a 32" inseam I would say that you would be fine with a 24" frame and small belt. You shouldn't need the 26" unless you like to ride your pack low, but based on your weight I assume you will want to run it right on your hip bone. I have a ridiculously long torso (6'5" with a 33" inseam) and like to run my belt a little low as well, so I max out my load lifters on a 26" frame with only 40lb.

 

[PMcGee]

I'm 5'9" and have two 26" frames and never had a problem hunting with either one. Aron recommended a 26" when I bought my first frame. I'd call them though.

 

[oldgrowth]

I am 5' 9" and 145 lbs and I just went from the 24" to the 26" frame this year. The 26" frame is a little more awkward feeling (sits higher) compared to the 24", but I am liking it better. The 24" was great but it didn't provide enough lift when packing out an animal. That said, the 24" worked great with 90% of the loads I normally carried.

 

[Takeem406]

I think the best way to order a pack is to just call Kifaru. I did this a couple weeks ago and it was awesome. The guy asked what I was wanting to do and he set me up with a 24" composite hunting frame. He determined I needed a medium belt too. Way better service than the previous pack company I delt with!

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[skindaddy]

can someone explain about "providing enough lift" if its to short?
how can you tell what it feel like? or how do you know

 

[rhunter424]

can someone explain about "providing enough lift" if its to short?
how can you tell what it feel like? or how do you know

From my experience if I put a good amount of weight 40lbs+ in a shorter 22" frame, then stays are even w/ the top of my shoulder.

This means the shoulder straps cannot be lifted off my shoulder. Therefore there will be some weight transferred to my shoulders instead of all on my hips.

 

[oldgrowth]

^ This. Being able to get the load fully on my hips and off my shoulders is much more comfortable for me. On long trips with heavy loads I like to transfer the weight back and forth between my hips and shoulders just to help with circulation. I find if I go to long with the load only on my hips or shoulders then I start to go numb in that area. When I carried heavy loads with the 24" frame I couldn't fully transfer the load to my hips witch gave me some fatigue in my shoulders sometimes.

 

[COlineman78]

can someone explain about "providing enough lift" if its to short?
how can you tell what it feel like? or how do you know

Watch the video link above, Aron goes over that along with a lot of other pack fit.

One advantage of Kifaru's new frame is that you can always attach your lifters lower. Basically, it has to do with adjusting the amount of weight on your shoulders vs your waist. Textbook is 40% shoulders, but I prefer closer to 20% so it is personal preference. As weight increases and the bag sags a bit you will need the anchor point of the load lifter to be higher to attain the desired ratio. For any train to hunt type guys when running with a pack you will actually want it closer to 60% or more shoulder and will go with a lower load lifter angle to suck the pack in to keep it from bouncing around as you run.

 

[oldgoat]

Good advice above, total height doesn't give the answer, my wife is only an inch shorter than you but has one of the world's shortest torsos, she gets crazy lift from a 22" frame, give them a call, you will be happy you did!

 

[couesarizona]

I have one question and it's something that has been driving me crazy. What is the purpose of the three bar sliders that are on the shoulder strap?

 

[dreamingbig]

They are supposed to be in line with your clavicle to help with proper load lifter angle.


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[couesarizona]

They are supposed to be in line with your clavicle to help with proper load lifter angle.


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Thank you dreaminbig!

 

[COlineman78]

I have one question and it's something that has been driving me crazy. What is the purpose of the three bar sliders that are on the shoulder strap?

Which ones, the upper or lower? The upper are for load lifter angle adjustment. The lower are for the Gun Bearer (non-universal).

 

[couesarizona]

Which ones, the upper or lower? The upper are for load lifter angle adjustment. The lower are for the Gun Bearer (non-universal).

The uppers. I been trying to fine tune my pack. I have watched the pack fitting vids and née that's where they needed to be but never understood the purpose.