I prefer the Duplex light to the ARK at the moment. Might just be because it’s like putting on an old pair of shoes. I’ve packed out 20+ animals with the duplex and only 2 bulls with the ARK and have had it on a couple backpacking trips.
The ARK has some really annoying features, like if you want to pull the bag and use the frame you need to carry extra straps for the load lifters and hip belt. Also it doesn’t have as many attachment points so I can’t have my meat shelf and grab it both on at the same time. There also isn’t a sheet between the frame stays so blood just runs down your back when packing quarters and runs down into the hip belt which was annoying too.
I wrote a post a while back about modifications I’ve made to the ARK, I also ran an exo bag on the duplex because I’ve never been a Kifaru bag guy. I do like the Absaroka bag more than most other Kifaru bags the the exception of the OG timberline series. The zippers being more waterproof make them stiff and annoying but they will probably get better with time and there isn’t a good spot for a bladder which is annoying too. IMO EXO and SG both have good bags and Kifaru sucks at bag designs.
I’ll keep using the ARK for this year for now, it hauls heavy loads potentially as well as my Duplex. It wasn’t super comfortable with a hind and front quarter off of a 6 point bull at the same time but that was a super heavy load and the first load out with the pack. It was more comfortable than the SG I packed my bull out with last fall. I sold it as soon as I got home and used my duplex until I found a good deal on the ARK. I think the SG frame and bags with Kifaru shoulder straps and waste belt would be an awesome pack.
If I had to pick one right now to used forever it would be the duplex light 100%.
