NEW Kifaru Frame & Suspension Review

[Shrek]

Bottom line is the new frame is incredibly comfortable under a load. Last week I was packing meat and my legs and ankles were killing me and my mind was getting loopy from the exhaustion and pain from my ankles but the pack didn't enter the problem at all. Totally comfortable and controlled in my AMR. All the weight on my hips for hours and no pain at all. One guy had a badlands and I wanted to cry for him ! I was taking a rest and I'm looking at him whither under the badlands. Raising one shoulder and then the other. Re adjusting the the belt over and over. I don't know how he did it honestly. My only problem was my ankles and legs. No discomfort at all from my pack. That's as good as it gets.

 

[Aron Snyder]

No, the reason the black or hunting version is lighter is because of the frame sheet being thinner. The actually webbing, buckles and things like that are all identical when compared to the tactical version.

I know it is not a big deal but does the black color weigh less like with the bikini?

 

[Cantharellus]

Carried out loads of two elk on Tuesday in my new Hunting frame. Man that thing is comfortable! It took me a little bit to get it adjusted perfectly, but it's so easy to adjust that I can do it anywhere. Loving the frame.

 

[hammer0419]

I ordered one and should have it in a few weeks. Very excited to try it. I have owned 13 Kifaru packs over the years. I have high hopes for this one.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

So here is the pack loaded with just the basics for a day (3L water, rainsuit, kill kit, phone, GPS, snacks (2), sidearm w/ extra speedloader, wind checker, call, compass, headlamp, flashlight and buttwipe. The damn thing is flat as a pancake (most stuff in belt pouches) and weighs nothing. Ready to kill elk and hogs.

 

[Carlin59]

Bruce, please tell us that isn't Hillary on your t.v. screen in the background!

 

[rhunter424]

What pack is that bruce? I'm unfamiliar with the pancake model...is that a prototype? Guide lid w/ grab-it?

 

[mt100gr.]

Bruce, please tell us that isn't Hillary on your t.v. screen in the background!

....pretty sure that's Hillary. Could be wrong

 

[COlineman78]

What pack is that bruce? I'm unfamiliar with the pancake model...is that a prototype? Guide lid w/ grab-it?

Looks like a guide lid with a cargo panel. Hard to tell what else is wrapped up in there.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Looks like a guide lid with a cargo panel. Hard to tell what else is wrapped up in there.

Yes to all. Guide lid w/ CP and a couple Medium Pouches (empty). Yes, I was watching Fox News as the Committee was grilling Shrillary now that her recently discovered emails prove she lied to us about Benghazi. That B hasta serve time! This is the new UL Hunter Duplex frame.

This is the pack with a lot more stuff, the drybag holds all my multiday camping gear (tent, pad, EE quilt, Jetboil, MH meals, Hiker Pro, etc).

 

[geriggs]

I running just about the same on my cargo panel. I have a longer hunter lid and large side pocket on. Inside. It's growing on me. Have the same dry bag even.

 

[jb79]

So I know I am probably beating a dead horse but I just got my new frame and WOW! I'll be running an AMR and a cargo panel pretty much the same as Bruce. I wasn't going to jump on the band wagon but couldn't help myself.... I got it yesterday and my buddy is taking it tomorrow for a rifle elk tag here in Oregon, it was supper easy to set up for him. With my old duplex I was a little hesitate to loan it out for fear it wouldn't fit right and I'd get the wtf you spent how much! Anyways time will tell but realty impressed right of the bat. I also got the arrow stays for this coming late blacktail season and I'm sure it's going to be money!

 

[Idaho Boy]

Now that (unfortunately) hunting season is over, any users of the new frames care to share some reviews? Would be great to get some feedback. Currently leaning towards the Hunting Platform and Markhor bag. Had a Bikini/Highcamp combo that I ran the past two seasons. Great pack, never let me down, but always felt a little uncomfortable with heavier loads.

 

[weaver]

I got my hunting frame with arrows stays after my western hunts so I really havent been able to thoroughly test it.
I ran a bikini frame for a few years and it fit me like a glove. Never thought I'd try another frame but I'm glad I did.
The new frame is hands down better designed and more comfortable than the bikini.
I have a very curved back and I'm surprised the arrows stays are as comfortable as they are.
Im not sure I'll run the arrows during hunting season until I test it some more with 100+lbs but so far its been good.

 

[Idaho Boy]

Thanks weaver. I am also trying to determine composite vs. arrow stays. I have a curved back as well and always thought the composite stays in my bikini frame fit me well. After seeing such positive feedback from you and others that had the bikini and then upgraded to the new frames, I will definitely be taking the plunge. Also have two hunting buddies who will be getting Kifaru frames this year for the first time after seeing my setup the past two seasons.

 

[Queets30#]

Which medium pouches are those? Don't see them on the website?

 

[Queets30#]

Yes to all. Guide lid w/ CP and a couple Medium Pouches (empty). Yes, I was watching Fox News as the Committee was grilling Shrillary now that her recently discovered emails prove she lied to us about Benghazi. That B hasta serve time! This is the new UL Hunter Duplex frame.

This is the pack with a lot more stuff, the drybag holds all my multiday camping gear (tent, pad, EE quilt, Jetboil, MH meals, Hiker Pro, etc).

Which medium pouches are those? Don't see those on the website? Thanks

 

[castandblast]

Which medium pouches are those? Don't see them on the website?

https://store.kifaru.net/mobile/belt-pouch-p14.aspx

 

[MUDDYCRICK]

Are those mediums on the belt or cargo panel. Im confused

 

[Xtreme007]

Are those mediums on the belt or cargo panel. Im confused

Looks like medium on cargo panel and small on waist belt