need help finding a frame pack

My biased (I test stuff for them) opinion would heavily recommend Paradox Packs. You can get an integrated frame/pack (the Unaweep), or a separate frame and bag (Evolution).

Kifaru only works in 500D cordura. Lightest frame and bag combo is around 4 pounds (Bikini and Highcamp), and that is without any exterior pockets and (IMO) inadequate side compression straps for a larger pack. Stone Glacier uses Dimension Polyant fabric (not sure what version) for the bottom and back of their packs, to reduce blood staining when hauling meat while hunting. The top, sides, and front are 500D cordura. Cordura is a substandard fabric when packrafting. It's waterproof in normal rain, but not when lashed to the bow of your boat in whitewater.

All the Paradox packs are Dimension Polyant or hybrid cuben, all variants of which are excellent packrafting fabrics. Which will suit you best depends on durability preferences and how much you want to spend.

The other packrafting bags to look at are the various 4400 HMG packs. The few folks I've known who have used both report Paradox carries a heavy load better. HMG is lighter. Cost is basically the same.

Thanks, I didn't know these packs, they seem like great packs Ill keep that in mind.

For the Kifaru I'm not concerned about the weight or lack or waterproofness of their packbags, I was thinking of making my own, so I'm only considering the frames. But you're right about compression, I don't see clearly on the picture where and how are the tieouts for strapping and compressing.

If you do some advanced Googling on the Rokslide.com forum you'll find good photos of the Kifaru frames. A few folks over there have made their own bags or modded other brand bags to fit.

Another brand you might want to look in to is KUIU. They have a couple of different frame types that each will fit a few different size bags. I've never seen them personally but they look pretty slick and I've heard some good things about them. Seems like most of the current external frame packs are built for the lightweight hunting crowd. Few others are even trying to innovate on external frames, even with all their benefits over internal frames.