I've done all the research and still can't decide. Does anyone have both and can make an informed recommendation. I know it is personal preference...just a hard decision. I'm not toting over 100 pounds unless it is an emergency of one sort or another!!

In your case I'd just buy the bikini. It'll do well over 100 if you ever need it. I have both but most of my Duplex loads were on a first generation frame. Just recently got my hands on a new Duplex. Enjoy

Have packed 130 pounds on a bikini frame so it can certainly do it, but doesn't do it quite as well as the duplex and it sucks either way don't let anyone tell you otherwise thats a lot of weight to be hauling for me regradless of the pack.

But up about 75-80 pounds I find the bikini frame more comfy. I would say save the weight and get the bikini frame for sure.

Bikini will do all I can do, in a lighter package with "possibily" better ventilation on your back, and considerable less weight.

I've never used a Duplex, seems like a true workhorse, you just need to be honest with yourself, How much weight you actually think you might carry?

I've packed 100 pounds on both the duplex and the bikini. I think the bikini is more comfortable.

Wow! Overwhelming support for the bikini so far. Any cons for it? My only concern is being poked by something in my pack between the vertical bars

Thats only been an issue once for me. And mainly cause I packed it like an idiot and a shoulder blade from a caribou was poking into my shoulder blades

Otherwise I haven't found it to be an issue at all.

That said for hunting I use the duplex exclusively while my wife uses the Bikini frame, but she will never pack more than 75-80 pounds very far so that works out well.

Do these frames have a provision for adding just a load shelf or do they have to be used with a bag?

Thanks for the input guys