bikini or hunting platform for kifaru packs?

[casey58]

I'm ordering my new pack and was looking for some opinions on which platform some people prefer.

[MtnMuley]

Good question.  I'm getting ready to upgrade from my older Kifaru and have researched this a bunch.  It's a crap shoot on which I'd prefer and what others who OWN each say.  I just don't want to end up buying both, lol.

[jrebel]

I find that when I wear my bikini, the kifaru rubs me in all the wrong spots.   

[Karl Blanchard]

It all depends on what is the most important to you.  If weight is number one then go bikini, if bang for your buck is more important than a bit of weight then the duplex is your winner.  Me personally I would go with the duplex.

[fillthefreezer]

i prefer the bikini for my needs, i had a duplex before. i think its more comfortable with loads under 50. equal 50-100. around 120 the duplex excels. so it just depends what you spend the most time doing.

edit:
if i lived in alaska, packed treestands or awkward loads, or was a guide, id get a duplex

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Never owned the Duplex...but I echo FTF's sentiments.  We were just under 120 last year each on my bear, and I thought it handled it quite well.  Hopefully I"ll get to stretch those limits this year.

[Smossy]

Good thread, Was just looking into which frame to get myself when my tax return check comes in.

[dreamingbig]

Duplex here myself but I owned it before the bikini came out and chose not to switch.  I am very happy with it so far.


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[kerrdog]

The Kifaru packs seem really popular here.  I've visited the site several times and they look very high quality…..but they just seem like a big bag on a cool frame?

What makes them so cool besides the weight?   I would think that modularity and accessibility (being able to get to your stuff without unpacking everything) would be the most important feature for bivy/backcountry hunters.  I'm not saying they're not modular….just not the most modular.

Anyway, I'm gonna buy a larger pack this year.  Is Kifaru the one I should be looking at?  What about the Kuiu?

Not trying to hijack the thread.

[MtnMuley]

I wouldn't say they're the best design as far as accessibility, but the overall package for overnight trips and load hauling continues to be arguably the best. I've tried most top brands, and still feel the Kifaru is the standard to beat, dealing with big loads and comfortability. For single night bivy hunting, I'd personally use one of my Eberle's, just because I like their better accessible design. Also, don't overlook all the accessories options you can add to a Kifaru. They make accessibility nicer.

[MtnMuley]

I should also add that a true 120 lb load on many packs fees like an 80 lb load on a Kifaru.

[JPhelps]

The Kifaru packs seem really popular here.  I've visited the site several times and they look very high quality…..but they just seem like a big bag on a cool frame?

What makes them so cool besides the weight?   I would think that modularity and accessibility (being able to get to your stuff without unpacking everything) would be the most important feature for bivy/backcountry hunters.  I'm not saying they're not modular….just not the most modular.

Anyway, I'm gonna buy a larger pack this year.  Is Kifaru the one I should be looking at?  What about the Kuiu?

Not trying to hijack the thread.

The suspension is what you are paying for.  the kifaru suspension and adjustability of the load combined with the different frame options is what makes them so good.

You can't go wrong with either the Bikini or Duplex.  I personally use the Bikini frame with the Dt1 bag.

I wouldn't say they're the best design as far as accessibility, but the overall package for overnight trips and load hauling continues to be arguably the best. I've tried most top brands, and still feel the Kifaru is the standard to beat, dealing with big loads and comfortability. For single night bivy hunting, I'd personally use one of my Eberle's, just because I like their better accessible design. Also, don't overlook all the accessories options you can add to a Kifaru. They make accessibility nicer.

Have you checked out the new Nomad and the modularity of the batwings.  I may pick this bag up to play around with but I think it will be hard to beat the DT1 for me.

[7mag.]

The Kifaru packs seem really popular here.  I've visited the site several times and they look very high quality…..but they just seem like a big bag on a cool frame?

What makes them so cool besides the weight?   I would think that modularity and accessibility (being able to get to your stuff without unpacking everything) would be the most important feature for bivy/backcountry hunters.  I'm not saying they're not modular….just not the most modular.

Anyway, I'm gonna buy a larger pack this year.  Is Kifaru the one I should be looking at?  What about the Kuiu?

Not trying to hijack the thread.

As others have said, you are paying for quality, comfort, and durability. As far as a big bag, that is what almost all true back country packs are. You need volume to pack out your camp and meat in one trip. I just ordered a Kifaru Nomad. If you want modularity, check it out. Probably the most modular, high quality pack on the market.

[kerrdog]

Yeah, I like that Nomad.  Does it only come in that funky camo pattern? 

[7mag.]

It comes in several patterns/colors.