backpack opinions?

[casey58]

I currently have the Eberlestock J107 for the most part I'm happy with it but I find my self adjusting it after the first 10 miles.  I can see this being a big issue when I get the chance to come back down with meat.  So my question is how much better is the Kifaru duplex timberline 1?  Is it worth the extra $$$?

[lostbackpacker]

I did a bunch of research on this subject.  the general consensus is that , yes they are that much better. 

I packed a bull out last year with a eberlestock.  it tended to barrel on me and needed constant adjusting.  Maybe it was me , but i dont think so.

I ordered a bikini frame and am currently waiting on my highcamp pack to get here.  i read alot of the reviews and comparasions between all the different packs from eberlstock, mystery ranch, kifaru, stone glacier. 

When I got my bikini frame, I strapped 50lb sand bag to it and was very impressed.  they say 100lb on a kifaru frame when adjusted correctly will fell like 40lbs on your hips. 

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I did a bunch of research on this subject.  the general consensus is that , yes they are that much better. 

I packed a bull out last year with a eberlestock.  it tended to barrel on me and needed constant adjusting.  Maybe it was me , but i dont think so.

I ordered a bikini frame and am currently waiting on my highcamp pack to get here.  i read alot of the reviews and comparasions between all the different packs from eberlstock, mystery ranch, kifaru, stone glacier. 

When I got my bikini frame, I strapped 50lb sand bag to it and was very impressed.  they say 100lb on a kifaru frame when adjusted correctly will fell like 40lbs on your hips.

I own the BDT1 combo. I am very happy.  But I hesitate to say that a 100 lbs feels like forty ha.

I'm starting to ramp up my training for hunting season, and that includes some backpack scouting trips. The kif will get reviewed along with the rest of my new gear this year.

Is it worth the extra coin? I think so, but only you can really answer that question. With all my extra accessories, it cost me 800.00 shipped.

To some people that's a house payment, and it's not like other packs such as your eberlestock don't function.

A Chevy cobalt will get you to work and back.

[briancorneal]

100 pounds will never feel like 40 pounds!  All good packs do is distribute the weight where it's supposed to be....on your hips.  I had the J107, and didn't like it that much.  I did a ton of research, and I mean a ton, before I bought my Mystery Ranch pack.  If you want to carry large loads in comfort, and rely on a tough pack while miles deep in the woods, look past the price and toward the Mystery Ranch packs.  They're made by Dana Gleason (formerly Dana Design) and there are so awesome there is a "cult-like" following.  They even have Mystery Ranch/Dana Design clubs all over the globe.  Do a quick search on here for them and you'll find quite a few happy customers, including myself.  I currently have the NICE 6500.

[halflife65]

I own a Mystery Ranch Crew Cab and a Kifaru Duplex Timberline.  They are both much better than any other pack that I've ever worn.

Mystery Ranch
1.  More padded hip belt, which is good if you have a belt that's too thick or over a long, long distance.
2.  Shorter, which is great in the brush or as a daypack.  However, it results in not a good angle for the load lifters if you're over 5'10", I think, especially over really long distances.
3.  Really nice, adjustable framsheet that's super comfortable.
4.  Expandable (the Crew Cab) so that you can have the thing wrapped up tight (and small) when you're not carrying a lot.
5.  Heavy - it weighs about 8 pounds with the lid on it.
6.  TOUGH - I think you can throw it off a cliff and it will be just fine.  Probably really good for all the military guys that use it.

Kifaru
1.  Lightly padded hip belt, which is fine when you have the right clothes (I had a Kryptek belt that was too thick but changed over to a Kuiu belt, which is better.  Just buy a thin one.)
2.  A little taller pack which makes it a little more of a pain when crawling through thick brush, but does really help with the load lifters.  To me (6' tall) it keeps the straps up off my shoulders a little better than the MR.
3.  Very comfortable, adjustable frame.
4.  A little heavy, probably in the 7 pound range.

My hunting partner used a Eberlestock for years but just upgraded to a Kifaru Bikini frame.  According to the guys that talked to at Kifaru, the Bikini is more comfortable than the Duplex but the Duplex will handle really heavy loads a little better.  Once we try out the Bikini and get something really heavy into it, I might switch out if it carries it alright.  It's definitely a LOT lighter than the Duplex and certainly the Mystery Ranch.

So, my opinion (and it's definitely opinion - everyone has something that works for them best) is that the Kifaru is #1, the Mystery Ranch is #2 and the Eberlestock is playing Double A ball in Scranton.  I want to stress that the only reason I would pick Kifaru as #1 for me is because of the load lifter issue.  The Kifaru and MR are both very high quality backpacks.

(I'm trying to convince my dad to take the MR because he's about 5'9" and I think it would fit him perfectly.)

Oh, and 100 pounds always sucks; I don't care what backpack you're wearing.

[fillthefreezer]

I currently have the Eberlestock J107 for the most part I'm happy with it but I find my self adjusting it after the first 10 miles.  I can see this being a big issue when I get the chance to come back down with meat.  So my question is how much better is the Kifaru duplex timberline 1?  Is it worth the extra $$$?

quite a few people around have em. me and silk both have em and we're close to you. just try one on if you dare 

unless you pack 100+lbs more than you pack under 50 id get a bikini frame over the duplex frame.

I currently have the NICE 6500.

doubt you'd ever have one of these fail but its been  why start with a pack thats almost 10lbs empty

[Shawn Ryan]

Littlebuf on Huntfishnw had an Eberlestock and now has the T1.  You might ask his opinions.  But I don't think there is much doubt that the T1 is a better pack. Its just a matter of money.

[bullfisher]

I have yet to own a "hunting" designated pack that was worth a dam on the mountain. But then I've never spent over 500$ on one either. The best performing pack I've owned is from rei. And was half the price. Sad but true

[lostbackpacker]

there is a good website www.rokslide.com that talks in depth about backpacks.

[jackelope]

Littlebuf on Huntfishnw had an Eberlestock and now has the T1.  You might ask his opinions.  But I don't think there is much doubt that the T1 is a better pack. Its just a matter of money.

I have an Eberlestock and it works. I'm sure the Kifaru packs work better, I just don't know if they work $500 better.

[Bluesdude]

I have a slightly used Eberlestock J-107 Dragonfly that I don't use I would sell.  It has the Camo Super Spike Duffel (very cool accessory) and the Clip on Gun Rest.  All together I paid $489 for all of this.  I would let it go for $300.

I am in Puyallup.

Todd

[halflife65]

I own a Mystery Ranch Crew Cab and a Kifaru Duplex Timberline.  They are both much better than any other pack that I've ever worn.

Mystery Ranch
1.  More padded hip belt, which is good if you have a belt that's too thick or over a long, long distance.
2.  Shorter, which is great in the brush or as a daypack.  However, it results in not a good angle for the load lifters if you're over 5'10", I think, especially over really long distances.
3.  Really nice, adjustable framsheet that's super comfortable.
4.  Expandable (the Crew Cab) so that you can have the thing wrapped up tight (and small) when you're not carrying a lot.
5.  Heavy - it weighs about 8 pounds with the lid on it.
6.  TOUGH - I think you can throw it off a cliff and it will be just fine.  Probably really good for all the military guys that use it.

Kifaru
1.  Lightly padded hip belt, which is fine when you have the right clothes (I had a Kryptek belt that was too thick but changed over to a Kuiu belt, which is better.  Just buy a thin one.)
2.  A little taller pack which makes it a little more of a pain when crawling through thick brush, but does really help with the load lifters.  To me (6' tall) it keeps the straps up off my shoulders a little better than the MR.
3.  Very comfortable, adjustable frame.
4.  A little heavy, probably in the 7 pound range.

My hunting partner used a Eberlestock for years but just upgraded to a Kifaru Bikini frame.  According to the guys that talked to at Kifaru, the Bikini is more comfortable than the Duplex but the Duplex will handle really heavy loads a little better.  Once we try out the Bikini and get something really heavy into it, I might switch out if it carries it alright.  It's definitely a LOT lighter than the Duplex and certainly the Mystery Ranch.

So, my opinion (and it's definitely opinion - everyone has something that works for them best) is that the Kifaru is #1, the Mystery Ranch is #2 and the Eberlestock is playing Double A ball in Scranton.  I want to stress that the only reason I would pick Kifaru as #1 for me is because of the load lifter issue.  The Kifaru and MR are both very high quality backpacks.

(I'm trying to convince my dad to take the MR because he's about 5'9" and I think it would fit him perfectly.)

Oh, and 100 pounds always sucks; I don't care what backpack you're wearing.

Well, just traded away the MR for something else I "needed."  Huh...

[Ridgerunner]

Mr metcalf solves the load lifter issue as well as the weight issue.  Don't overlook this pack.

[casey58]

I did look into the mystery ranch but I have narrowed it down to sticking with what I have or going with the kifaru.  Looks like I'll be putting the J107 in the classifieds soon. 

[JPhelps]

This Is my opinion on hunting packs that I have some experience with:
Tier 1: Kifaru, Mystery Ranch, Stone Glacier
Tier 2: Eberlestock, Tenzing, Blacks Creek
Tier 3: Cabelas, Badlands

With that said all these packs are capable of carrying 100+ lb loads, some just do it with more comfort and less issues.

Kifaru and Mystery Ranch are a little better heavy haulers for me.  The flat frame on the Stone Glacier was a little too flat for my curved back but loads under 80 it performed awesome.  I really liked the MR metcalf but the bag was just a little too small for me.  Ultimately, I decided on the Kifaru Bikini with DT1 bag.  It has a ton of room, lightweight, comfortable and bulletproof.  I know it seems like a ton of money but when I figure how many times I will use it over its life to carry 100+ lb loads out It is easy to justify.

The reason the tier 2 packs are where they are at is a combination of non functioning load lifters and/or weight.  People not looking at spending more than $400 may get great use out of these packs.

Tier 3 packs have had failures that I have been a part of (making my life hell for a short while).

I always tell people use whatever pack works for you.  Only you can decide if the extra cost is worth it to you.