Long Torso, Tree Trunk Legs. Kifaru or MR?

Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
86
Hey guys,

Brand new to Rokslide and very glad I was referred by a friend, I'm making my first venture into the backcountry this November and need a serious upgrade in the pack department. I have what I would say is an abnormally long torso and short legs for being 6'1, 190lbs. I have done some research on both the Kifaru Hunting frame and the Mystery Ranch NICE frame and am wondering if there is anyone out there with a similar body type that can provide some insight or anyone that has tried both frames and prefers one over the other and why. Thanks!
 
Welcome!

I haven't tried the NICE frame, but I have the Kifaru hunting frame and it fits great after some work. I am 6'4" with only a 33" inseam, so I have a very long torso. From what I have heard about the older Kifaru Duplex frame, it had something that would dig into the back of guys with longer torsos, so I would only go with the current gen frame. There are some guys on the site with longer torsos that have custom ordered 28" frames because they prefer the increased lift (Shrek), but it wasn't necessary for me even with a longer torso than them. I have a collar bone issue due to an old injury that a 28" frame would make worse. Aron is very helpful and will work with you over the phone anytime until you are satisfied with the fit. Not everyone is the same and the fitting instructions on the site are for the 80%, not the 20% with weird fitting needs which you just need someone experienced like Aron to help out. In my case my left collar bone is almost 1" higher than my right due to a torn AC ligament in college. I have heard Aron say confidently several times that he can adjust their frame to fit anybody.

The only other higher end pack that I have tried is a Kuiu Icon Pro and I will just tell you not to bother. It can't be adjusted correctly for longer torsos.
 
I appreciate the in-depth response, I'm gonna do a little more thinking before I make a decision but you did a dang good job of selling me the Kifaru! Whatever I get I know it will be better than my 5 year old Badlands day pack!:D
 
I have a longer torso. Neither the Kifaru bikini or older duplex worked. They had a plastic piece that dug into my back as stated above. The new frame solved that problem and carries like a dream. Also can't say enough about Kifaru's amazing customer service. They bent over backward to work with me ... I would say they went FAR beyond what I expected them to do. Amazing. I wouldn't look further than Kifaru.
 
I am 6' 5" wirh 34" inseam and I am running the new kifaru frame and it is very comfortable and has been awesome so far.. Only have carried 70 lbs on it but can say it really did not feel like 70 with how comfortable it was.. No experience with Mt though..
 
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