Mystery Ranch Metcalf vs. Kifaru Timberline 2 or 3? Update! Purchase made!

[Karl Blanchard]

A little info on the design changes that came with the metcalf

http://blog.mysteryranch.com/2013/02/nice-metcalf/

[7mag.]

Word on the street is Kifaru has a new bag for the Bikini/Duplex frames coming out for 2014. If you want a good deal, order now....or wait, and see what Kifaru comes up with next.

[Slimdog350]

I almost went with the metcalf myself. I ended up going with the longbow because it was slightly lighter in weight and my hunts are usually 2-3 days. I think the biggest thing I didn't care for was the base weight. Kifaru is definitely lighter. I think both are great packs. I looked at the kuiu icon series but wasn't quite sure. I already had a nice frame though so it was an easier decision to go with MR. I like the versatility too. I can buy any bag that fits the frame and it's only a 5 min. switch. Did I mention I love the longbow! Super comfortable and has a cool pocket configuration inside. 

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I love KUIU...but I'm super skeptical about 100D Cordura...and I've seen pictures of those frames breaking under extreme weight.

[7mag.]

My high hunt buddy has a Kuiu Icon 7200, and he loves it. But, he hasn't hauled out any meat with it yet, so we'll see how the frame holds up. Kuiu supposedly fixed the frame problem for the 2013 model, but time will tell.

[JustinC]

My high hunt buddy has a Kuiu Icon 7200, and he loves it. But, he hasn't hauled out any meat with it yet, so we'll see how the frame holds up. Kuiu supposedly fixed the frame problem for the 2013 model, but time will tell.

The new frames are still breaking like the old ones.

One of my hunting partners just bought one but I'll keep a backup Kifaru on hand for him when it fails. 

A kuiu pack wouldn't begin to hold up to the loads I carry when elk hunting.

[7mag.]

My high hunt buddy has a Kuiu Icon 7200, and he loves it. But, he hasn't hauled out any meat with it yet, so we'll see how the frame holds up. Kuiu supposedly fixed the frame problem for the 2013 model, but time will tell.

The new frames are still breaking like the old ones.

One of my hunting partners just bought one but I'll keep a backup Kifaru on hand for him when it fails. 

A kuiu pack wouldn't begin to hold up to the loads I carry when elk hunting.

That's a shame. Pretty expensive pack to be having issues with the frame breaking.

[Benny]

Hhhmm, I've hauled quite a bit of weight with one and wasn't once concerned with the frame breaking. Have you guys that are saying they won't hold up had one break on you?

[JPhelps]

I have never personally owned one. My good buddy had the gen 2 kuiu frame brake on him in Alaska with a medium sized load (less than 100 lbs).

I have another buddy that has the new 7200 and likes it, but never hauled a heavy load.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Like I said from my post, I've seen pictures of them break.  It happens.  Not necessarily often...but it happens. 

[JustinC]

I know of a 2013 frame that broke when a guy simply sat on it.

[fillthefreezer]

i like the look of the metcalf and especially the side zip but for me, 4k ci is not big enough. especially when said 4k cubes is almost 7lbs! my kifaru is under 6.

[Karl Blanchard]

Update!!!!!  After many hours of research and many sleepless nights I have ordered a pack!  Kifaru DT1 is the winner!  Multicam with aluminum stays and the standard lid (for now) to my door for $575.12!  Should be here in 4 to 6 weeks!  

The deciding factor was the load lifters on the metcalf.  When the pack is extended out into load sling mode the load lifters are moved from the metcalf pack to the NICE frame and you lose your height.  They make an extension for the frame but that is just one more thing to carry.  I just hope they don't put a side zipper on the Timberline next year as someone on here will be getting a smoking deal on my current Timberline!  That truly is a game changing innovation in top load bags in my opinion.

[coachcw]

Karl just get one of each and I will use the one you don't like ! 

[JPhelps]

All the cool kids are using a DT1 in multicam