Kuiu Test

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

So I checked out the Kifaru and don't understand?  Is the frame with belt and such included in the pack?  I seen a few that said bag only but the timberline 2 just says very little about the suspension?  Is it the same bikini or the duplex?  Or do I need to buy it separate?

[JPhelps]

The kifaru Timberline 1 and 2 include an internal frame and bag.

Think of Kifaru external frame packs as a modular system:

Pick your frame:
Duplex
Bikini

Pick your stays:
Composite curved
Composite curved
Aluminum (can be custom bent for unique back)

Pick your bag:
EMR
AMR
DT1
DT2
Mountain warrior
Mountain rambler
High camp
Etc....

Pick your accessories:
Pockets
Water bottle holsters
Grab it
Etc...

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Can the DT2 attach to the bikini frame?  Or is the word duplex in the title mean it's specific to that external frame?  What set up do you suggest from kifaru in around 5200?  Do you prefer the bikini or the duplex ?  And have you ever tried the internal frame like the timberline 1 or 2?  Thanks phelps.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Not Phelps, but any of the bags will attach to any of the frames.

Just don't be confused with the Timberline (internal frame complete pack) versus the Duplex Tumberline (bag only attaches to separate external frame.

In that CUi, the DT2 with a bikini frame is nice, though the AMR has a lot of nice features as well.


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[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

I like the dt2 with bikini frame.  Might have to buy it up.

[JPhelps]

Yeah the DT2 or Mountain Warrior are right in that 5,000 ci range.

I've used the bikini frame the last two years and it has hauled some mega loads but I'm climbing back out of the rabbit hole known as the pursuit of ultra lightweight gear.

I sold my bikini frame and ordered a duplex frame with a new AMR bag. The weight handling ability of the duplex is worth the small upfront weight penalty.

[dreamingbig]

The duplex frame is awesome.  I am still running the nomad myself.  Sometimes with a guide lid but mostly without.


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[7mag.]

I have the AMR on a Bikini frame. IMO, the AMR is an improved, bigger, T1. I may end up trying a Duplex frame, but I'm pretty happy with my Bikini.

[longwalker]

Can the DT2 attach to the bikini frame?  Or is the word duplex in the title mean it's specific to that external frame?  What set up do you suggest from kifaru in around 5200?  Do you prefer the bikini or the duplex ?  And have you ever tried the internal frame like the timberline 1 or 2?  Thanks phelps.

I've been running a T1 since they first came out. Think mine is number 80 something made. I've packed half a bull elk (boned out) in one trip with that pack not to mention countless other loads. I prefer the simplicity of the standard tom erlines myself. They will haul every big as much weight as the external frames ( duplex/bikini) and you can probably pick one up used for a third the price

[FishEKat]

I'm ~ 40 years old, decided to take up hunting 5 years ago. I love the outdoors, I love hunting, I just didn't have the early start some people had. IT took me awhile to get here. But I found my passion. The first few years were spent road hunting; which I now discovered that it is not for me. Like I said, I love the outdoors, not driving. I am finally making the commitment to get away from the roads, up into the wilderness, and hunt like I envisioned it all along. I've got a Go Lite pack. Yeah it's 3 lbs, but it can't hold more than 50 lbs of weight. So I did some research, and thought the Kuiu would fit my low weight but high strength requirements. This post contains quite a few people vehemently advocating for the Kifaru. But it still comes back to my basic problem: for those of us who are new, and not rich, how can you expect us to spend $400 - $800+ on a backpack without even trying it on? Maybe I should have included other brands in the original post. The point is, the internet sales model at those prices is difficult for new people to take the plunge. I've had a couple people generously take time to show me their Kuius. If anyone has a Kifaru in the Puyallup area and is willing to meet up with me, let me know. But thanks for all the discussion, it does help.

[longwalker]

if i was in your shoes this is what i would buy

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?27103-Kifaru-Timberline-2-Great-Deal-475-TYD&p=317316#post317316

i would be happy to let you check out my kifaru. i am however in the middle of moving so the next week or so im going to have zero free time. if your still shopping by mid march send me a PM and i could meet you around here somewhere. im in orting

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Send a message to fillthefreezer. He has a bikini frame, duplex frame, and two of their bags and lives close. I'm sure he would meet up and show you there stuff.


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[7mag.]

Send a message to fillthefreezer. He has a bikini frame, duplex frame, and two of their bags and lives close. I'm sure he would meet up and show you there stuff.


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I have a bikini frame and an AMR bag that you could check out as well. I live in Buckley. I also have a Mystery Ranch internal frame pack you can check out.