The ark frame - 1.5 year review I’ll admit, when it came time to test out the new carbon frame I was apprehensive out of the gates. I am tough on my gear and expect a lot out of my gear. I was a huge fan of the duplex lite and duplex tactical frame I had been running for years. That being said I was open to being a Guinea pig and testing it out… fast forward a year and a half with countless hours and who knows how many thousands of lbs packed out and I can say the Ark frame can hang! (See list of hunts/packouts as well as bags I have run below) I have found the new frame and strap system to be far easier to work with when adjusting my setup and swapping bags. The weight savings on the frame also allowed for increased padding on the hips and shoulders which help on those long heavy haul outs. The carbon fibre frame is extremely strong for its weight and has just a slight amount of rotational flex which helps it move with the body but goes completely rigid after just a little flex which gives plenty of structure and support when hauling on uneven terrain. At 6’8 I was a little concerned that it was going to be a little too compact for me but I can honestly say I haven’t had any issues with it feeling undersized and there’s an added advantage of being less cumbersome in the bush and also fitting in overhead compartments on commercial flights. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not but I have also noticed improved air flow on my back as well which helps reduce back sweat. All in all, I can say I have not touched any of my older frames since getting my first Ark prototype over a year and a half ago. So with that II would officially say that this frame gets a big 2 thumbs up from this knuckle headed Canadian! Feel free to drop any specific questions in the comments! Animals packed: Moose (1) Elk (2) Red stag (1) Tahr (1) Fallow deer (1) Mule deer (1) Blacktail deer (2) Whitetail deer (1) Goat (1) Black bear (2) Sitka deer (3) Bags run: (in order of frequency) Hellbender Absaroka MANIML KU4300 44mag (unreleased) #kifarulife #kifaru #arkframe #productreview #huntinggear #backpackhunting #mountainhunting #biggamehunting