New Packs from Kifaru 2024

[MaraviaDave]

Would you rather a frame equal to the Duplex Lite in durability and remove all the weight you can to make it happen, or do you want a small weight savings and have it 60% stronger?

There’s more to frame design than physical weight versus durability.

 

[Jordan]

I got a new frame last year but to say I’m not tempted would be a lie. I like the idea of it being a little more comfortable with the lighter loads. Excited to see some reviews come out. I feel that each frame from my 1st duplex in ‘07, to the bikini to the current duplex light have all been improved upon so I’m guessing the same is true here.

 

[david2duck]

The big 3 all make a great pack. Some people like one over the other but they’re all damn nice. This is just another great option.

 

[SkunkCabbage]

@MaraviaDave Curious about its stiffness in comparison to the duplex lite.

I’ll be purchasing one to try once it’s available

 

[roosiebull]

Wonder how head clearance will be with the Ark, I wonder if the top of the frame has enough curve to give some head clearance… I’m confident they didn’t overlook that, but I am curious

Seems like if it wasn’t good as is, they could have cut a small saddle to give head room

 

[SkunkCabbage]

Wonder how head clearance will be with the Ark, I wonder if the top of the frame has enough curve to give some head clearance… I’m confident they didn’t overlook that, but I am curious

Seems like if it wasn’t good as is, they could have cut a small saddle to give head room

Just going to depend on your load lifter angle really. I think the squadron sleeve being a straight across panel will prevent that no different than it being on a duplex lite.

 

[Dos Perros]

So you don't think carbon fiber technology has advanced and improved over 7 years?

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

It hasn’t. Prove me wrong.

 

[roosiebull]

I have been considering getting a straight up pack frame, set up for meat only, a load crib and a Nalgene holder only kind of pack

I was thinking I would get a Barney’s but pending feedback, I may consider this frame

I want to have a hunt light and bare minimum some this year (like a fanny or lumbar pack with essentials only), and then have just a pack board in my pickup when hunting light

When I’m helping others pack meat, I can keep my hunting pack clean

 

[KurtR]

Do you have any evidence to support this?

I do how involved in dirt track super late models and or building race cars cause if not than it’s just easier to say it has gotten better.

 

[plebe]

It hasn’t. Prove me wrong.

Modified lignin creates improved carbon fiber - Materials Today

Researchers have developed a method for producing high-strength carbon fiber from chemically modified lignin and polyacrylonitrile.

www.materialstoday.com

 

[Maverick1]

I have been considering getting a straight up pack frame, set up for meat only, a load crib and a Nalgene holder only kind of pack

I was thinking I would get a Barney’s but pending feedback, I may consider this frame

I want to have a hunt light and bare minimum some this year (like a fanny or lumbar pack with essentials only), and then have just a pack board in my pickup when hunting light

When I’m helping others pack meat, I can keep my hunting pack clean

I have a dedicated meat-hauling frame, the Kelty Cache hauler. Packs weight much (MUCH!) better than my kifaru duplex or bikini frames do. Enables me to have a dedicated meat hauler. Also use it for ruck training prior to elk hunting season. Don't have to fart around with removing bags, adjusting clips, or any of that stuff once I'm in meat-packing mode. It also costs about $125-$150 (or $350 cheaper than what you are considering).

What I take with on most of my hunts:
1. Frame and larger backpack for overnight hunts
2. Frame and smaller backpack for day hunts
3. Meat-hauling frame pack

Setup #1 is the primary go-to for most hunts. Setup #2 is the backup to #1 and is used when I'm day-hunting (going into a new area I don't know, hunting a limited-quota/draw unit with fewer hunters, hunting an arid state with NO water within a reasonable distance, hunting an area with roads all over the place). Setup #3 is only used prior to the hunt for for training and then for packing out meat when I kill something.

 

[Maverick1]

This thread is titled: "New Packs from Kifaru 2024" - - - yet, nothing about any pack bags, only the new frame. LOL. Good one.

 

[plebe]

I have been considering getting a straight up pack frame, set up for meat only, a load crib and a Nalgene holder only kind of pack

I was thinking I would get a Barney’s but pending feedback, I may consider this frame

I want to have a hunt light and bare minimum some this year (like a fanny or lumbar pack with essentials only), and then have just a pack board in my pickup when hunting light

When I’m helping others pack meat, I can keep my hunting pack clean

You’ve been pretty on board with the K4, correct? Why would that not be your go-to for this purpose. K4 is priced lower than the Kifaru ARK.

 

[plebe]

This thread is titled: "New Packs from Kifaru 2024" - - - yet, nothing about any pack bags, only the new frame. LOL. Good one.

Well, mostly it’s been about Berry compliance. LOL.

I think it was a surprise (to some) that Kifaru launched a new frame. Don’t know why it’s a big deal to talk about it here. ”New” is the keyword. Maybe OP can change the title, not that knowledgeable on such things.

It’s clear Kifaru will offer new packs. They’ve been fire-saleing bags and accessories. Plus the social media pics are pretty leading. Anyways, I‘m sure such updates will add to the conversation in a meaningful way when they become public.

For now, it’s a frame.

EXO’s new frame didn’t accommodate their older packs.

Kudus to Kifaru.

 

[plebe]

I have a dedicated meat-hauling frame, the Kelty Cache hauler. Packs weight much (MUCH!) better than my kifaru duplex or bikini frames do. Enables me to have a dedicated meat hauler. Also use it for ruck training prior to elk hunting season. Don't have to fart around with removing bags, adjusting clips, or any of that stuff once I'm in meat-packing mode. It also costs about $125-$150 (or $350 cheaper than what you are considering).

What I take with on most of my hunts:
1. Frame and larger backpack for overnight hunts
2. Frame and smaller backpack for day hunts
3. Meat-hauling frame pack

Setup #1 is the primary go-to for most hunts. Setup #2 is the backup to #1 and is used when I'm day-hunting (going into a new area I don't know, hunting a limited-quota/draw unit with fewer hunters, hunting an arid state with NO water within a reasonable distance, hunting an area with roads all over the place). Setup #3 is only used prior to the hunt for for training and then for packing out meat when I kill something.

Kelty Cache Hauler weighs what? 6lbs or more? Yikes.

When you try the Kifaru ARK and it underperforms the Kelty, let us know.

 

[SkunkCabbage]

I have been considering getting a straight up pack frame, set up for meat only, a load crib and a Nalgene holder only kind of pack

When I’m helping others pack meat, I can keep my hunting pack clean

Run a 55-65L sealine dry bag for the sole purpose of hauling meat. The S2S ones aren’t blood tight.
Run meat in the bag and don’t even worry. It’s been the best solution I’ve found so far.
7000ci bag or bigger and you are golden.

 

[Dobermann]

And interesting question comes up when watching the promo video. If the Duplex Lite broke with 60% less force...Ive never really heard of the Duplex Lite breaking under hauling loads.. Wouldnt it be better to remove whatever material you can from the Ark frame and make it equal to the duplex in durability and pitch it as equally strong but a noticeable amount lighter?

Would you rather a frame equal to the Duplex Lite in durability and remove all the weight you can to make it happen, or do you want a small weight savings and have it 60% stronger? Then again maybe removing the material to make it equal in durability to the Duplex LIte doesnt really make all that much of a weight savings.

I guess that will be the Ark Lite one day.

I might have missed the bit in the video if Aron said the Duplex Lite broke with 60% less force - but if so, 60% less force to break the Lite is not 60% stronger for the Ark ... percentages don't work that way!

 

[Stubborn_bowhunter]

Is the logo just a silver gray first lite logo?

Frame looks interesting. Gonna keep my eyes open on reviews for this.

 

[prm]

Is the logo just a silver gray first lite logo?

Good catch! Basically FL logo that tipped over.

 

[tpicou]

It hasn’t. Prove me wrong.

Formula 1 would like a word. Solvay has made pretty big gains in the carbon tech they supply teams. (Tbf, practically speaking I doubt pack manufacturers are seeing those gains lol)