Kifaru duplex frames

[Arctic Hunter]

Does anybody have experience with the duplex frames? Specifically, the hunter vs tactical.  I'm going to he a new pack and I'm trying to decide between the two. How comfortable is the hunter frame with heavy loads and the tactical with light loads?

Most of my pack in trips are not that heavy (35-40lbs), but I have been known to pack 100-150lb meat hauls. The only thing I can compare it to is my nearly 20 year old Kelty super tioga (which has done well over the years, all things considered).

I'd like to hear others experiences. Pictures of your set ups would be great too.

[Daz]

The beauty of dealing with Kifaru is if you phone them, they will walk you through the entire process. Ask them the above questions, and they will give you the straight goods. If you aren't happy in the end, they will do whatever it takes to make it right.

Kifaru and Stone Glacier both have the finest customer service of ANY business in any field i have dealt with.

FWIW i run an EMRII on a Bikini Frame (i prefer it to the Duplex frame. I'm willing to sacrifice a little load hauling comfort for day in day out comfort).

[old_goat2]

Same basic frame, same padding, only difference is the frame sheet is twice as thick on the tactical. Doubt you need the tactical, but call them and ask them, they will steer you right! If you are wanting this by elk season, you better hurry, there are a couple places you can get instant gratification on Kifaru gear, but if you are ordering straight from Kifaru, it's a two to three week delivery time. Rmsgear is a dealer for them, they have some stuff in stock. Doubt they have a tactical frame though.

[Arctic Hunter]

I won't be using it this year. I had to sit out of my Colorado trip this year to pay for my big trip next year. I've messaged them a few times, and they've been quick to respond and super helpful. I will call them before I order one, mostly just looking for opinions from those who have used them.

I'm leaning towards the hunter right now, but it's hard for me to try before I buy where I live.

[old_goat2]

Unless you're superman, I don't think you will need tactical!

[wingnut]

We all run the Kifaru duplex frames and love them with our normal 35-40 pounds plus the heavier meat hauls.  Headed back to Alaska for moose in 5 weeks with ours.

Mike

[Arctic Hunter]

Originally posted by wingnut:
We all run the Kifaru duplex frames and love them with our normal 35-40 pounds plus the heavier meat hauls.  Headed back to Alaska for moose in 5 weeks with ours.

Mike

Is that the older duplex or tactical with the 1/8" frame sheet or the hunter model with 1/16"?

[ozy clint]

^^^ if the tactical is twice as thick as the hunter does that mean that the tactical is the same as the older duplex?

[Stixbowdrew]

I am running a tactical with the aluminum stays, and it is awesome!  Ordering some arrows for it though to try it as the Tactical Ultralight just to see how much difference it makes.

[Arctic Hunter]

Originally posted by ozy clint:
^^^ if the tactical is twice as thick as the hunter does that mean that the tactical is the same as the older duplex?

Someone can correct me if I'm mistaken, but that was how I understood it. The older duplex and the tactical duplex both have an 1/8" frame sheet. Some people say the older duplex felt like a sheet of plywood on your back. Which is why I asked for some opinions.

Thanks for the info stixbowdrew. How does it do with 35-40 loads vs heavy loads? Can you tell any difference in comfort?

[Stixbowdrew]

Ive wore it smashed down into day hunt mode with little to nothing in it, and I didn't feel any discomfort. Aron recommend the tactical frame to me, and I wasn't going to question him, I am very happy with my choice. I do know that if you run it with the arrows and go the ultralight route it wouldn't be as stiff.

[Arctic Hunter]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to give them a call tomorrow. As far as bags go, I'm thinking the EMR 2. Anybody have another suggestion? I need to be able to fit a moose quarter in it. The other way I thought about going was a cargo panel with a dry bag and two or three pouches. And maybe a guide hood to carry gear a little more gear.

[Stixbowdrew]

I have the argali with guide lid and 5 belt pouches, I know I'm upwards of 10k c.i but it compresses down so small you wouldn't notice and I know with that bag and the compression straps it would make short work of a moose qtr

[old_goat2]

You should read some of the threads on rok slide. Some good recent threads on emrii etc

[Arctic Hunter]

Thanks! I'll check them out.