Good, Bad, and the Ugly! 2014 Gear review!

[Karl Blanchard]

So I replaced a lot of gear this past year and thought it might be informative to some of you if I did a bit of review on some things.

First off is my Kifaru Timberline 1 with Duplex frame.  What an amazing pack!  It has 24" stays, standard top lid, and is 7200 cubic inches.  I have destroyed many a pack over the years but this thing is in a league of its own! It is a very simple layout with two front pockets, two long side pockets for tripod and spotter and one small pouch on the interior of the bag.  There is also a lower zipper on the bag for a sleeping bag compartment but I went ahead and cut out the divider to save some weight.  I also cut out the snow collar from the top, and some extra strapping I felt I didn't need.  The Duplex frame has an amazing amount of micro adjustability to get the absolute perfect fit.  It is a bit of a process but once properly fitted, it is as comfortable as I have ever worn.  Compression straps are in the perfect places for maximum effectiveness.  No barreling or bulging of gear or meat ever occurs.

This pack compresses down very small for day use.  The way I would set it up goes as follows.  Only thing in the main compartment was my kill kit, misc items in a pull out(later review), trecking poles, and any extra clothes items I may be packing.  These are things that I don't need to access on a regular basis.  On the outside, bottom front pocket I kept, rhino, headlamp, electrical tape, phone, and keys.  Top front pocket I kept all my snacks for the day.  Basically all the stuff I needed to access often was kept on the outside which enabled me to keep my bag compressed down to nothing for max mobility but quick access to the things I need often.  This setup worked extremely well for me from early bow hunting to late season rifle.  Side long pockets fit my big 85mm Vortex spotter easily and on the other side, my Outdoorsmans medium tripod with Outdoorsmans panhead.  These are quickly and easily accessed.  This was one of the bigger selling points for me as I have never had a pack that carried tripod and spotter well.

The load capabilities of this pack are amazing.  I don't just say things like that either.  I pack a bit more meat than your average hunter.  This year alone, I packed out 13 deer and 3 elk with this pack.  The largest load being both hind quarters, tenderloins and backstraps from a mature 6pt bull.  Pack was 118lbs.  I'm 5'8" and 175lbs.  A load like that would have killed me with my other packs.  I'm not gonna say that this pack made 118 pounds feel like 60 pounds or anything like that.  That load def felt like 118 pounds but it was as comfortable as that much weight has ever been.  Last pack out of the year was Coach's buck.  Whole buck boned out, cape and head. 

Things I would change about this pack.  Larger D rings on the shoulder straps.  The smallest of hydration bladder mouth pieces will not fit through them without removing the mouth piece from the tube (I hate doing this). 

I will be ordering a larger Long Hunter top lid that has pockets on it for future extended pack trips where more gear is needed.

I wanted a minimalist's pack design that was functional, durable, and effective and I got all that and more.

[Karl Blanchard]

This was the 118lb load.  This pack literally has nothing but elk meat in it.  Stuffed to the gills! 

[Karl Blanchard]

Colorado.  Whole buck boned out, head and cape, all gear, scope and spotter.

[Karl Blanchard]

Coach's buck

[JPhelps]

Look at the new "guide" lid. I just ordered one and I think it will be the ticket on longer trips. It is 800ci and can be used as a ruck.

[Karl Blanchard]

Since I am on the topic of meat packing I will elaborate on how I get it done.  This year I switched from Canvas Alaskan game bags, which have served me well, to Caribou lightweight bags.  Amazing difference.  Much lighter material which enables meat to cool more quickly and also saves on weight and space.  Bags are larger and about the third of the space.  Pretty durable for as thin as they are.  Lots of meat hauled and the only rip I have is from an unknown camp creature who chewed a hole in one. 

After I have boned out and game bagged my critter, I drop the game bag into a SEATOSUMMIT 65L dry sack.  Coach bought me one as a birthday present this fall and it has been a great addition to my pack.  Along with keeping your pack and your gear from getting bloody, it keeps the load compressed and centered well.  If its hot, you can pull the dry bag out of your pack and throw it straight in the cooler when you get back to the truck without your meat water logging.  Disclaimer: If your meat is still pretty warm, get it out of the dry sack and spread out to cool faster.  Dry bags hold heat and will slow the cooling process even when placed on ice.  Use good judgement on this matter

I don't mind a little blood on my pack but for me, if I didn't take these measures, I would have to wash my pack 20 times a season.  Blood will also rot your bag if not at least wiped out.

DO NOT machine wash these dry bags!!!!  The liner does not like to be machine washed

[Karl Blanchard]

Game bags.  New vs. Old and the seatosummit bag

[Karl Blanchard]

Top rolled up making it water tight

[Karl Blanchard]

Look at the new "guide" lid. I just ordered one and I think it will be the ticket on longer trips. It is 800ci and can be used as a ruck.

  I'll check it out!  Larger lid is def on my hit list for this spring.  Got some brutal backpack hunts planned next year.  Did you order a new bag?

[kentrek]

Always nice to find a good system 

 Just curious, how much water does the Kifaru packs soak up ??

[Karl Blanchard]

Always nice to find a good system 

 Just curious, how much water does the Kifaru packs soak up ??

I was lucky this year, no heavy rain on any of my hunts.  Did get some pretty heavy snow fall a few times that left me soaked but all my gear was dry.  Few light rain storms I got stuck in didn't amount to much.  I'm a dry side guy though

[Karl Blanchard]

With any Pack that lacks pockets, organization can be difficult and 7200 cubic inches can bury gear into the dark depths of "where in the hell did my flashlight go"!  To combat this, I picked up some of Kifaru's "pull out pouches".  They are just little zippered pouches that come in various sizes and weigh virtually nothing.  I have one I keep misc gear in like, med kit, extra batteries, fire starter stuff, tape, batteries, a couple contractor plastic bags, etc.  One is my kill kit which has two game bags, orange vest for antlers while they are on my back, havalon, electrical tape, and latex gloves.  I also have a larger one that I keep all my food in for backpack hunts.  These little pouches enable me to know exactly where everything is and keeps my pack from filling up with loose gear.  They also make packing for backpack trips simple and organized.

[Karl Blanchard]

Pull outs

[JPhelps]

Look at the new "guide" lid. I just ordered one and I think it will be the ticket on longer trips. It is 800ci and can be used as a ruck.

  I'll check it out!  Larger lid is def on my hit list for this spring.  Got some brutal backpack hunts planned next year.  Did you order a new bag?

Yeah I ordered the new AMR, a custom 28" duplex, guide lid and a few more belt pouches.

[kentrek]

Always nice to find a good system 

 Just curious, how much water does the Kifaru packs soak up ??

I was lucky this year, no heavy rain on any of my hunts.  Did get some pretty heavy snow fall a few times that left me soaked but all my gear was dry.  Few light rain storms I got stuck in didn't amount to much.  I'm a dry side guy though

You mean you haven't ran a before an after weight test under the sprinkler  

Always wondered how that fabric did after a few solid days of rain...nothing worse than carrying around water ya can't drink

[Bango skank]

so BLRMAN, ive been on the fence about which pack to buy,  i have narrowed i down to  a couple of ideas, but the price to risk thing is daunting.  its a big investment to make!  im sure you know this, so help me out here in your review...  obviously the guy packing the thing is in very good physical condition, but the height of a person alone can make a huge difference on how comfortable a pack is.  can you give a height / weight of the guy rocking the pack?  that would really mean a lot to a guy looking to make a purchase on a high end pack.  even a really fit guy (i personally am marginally fit) might not find a pack to work well if hes a few inches taller or shorter than the tester.  more info would be appreciated.  the guy packing out the heavy load looks to be well under 6 feet, unless im a bad judge of this?

[kentrek]

He said he's 5-8 @ 175

[Bango skank]

He said he's 5-8 @ 175

thanks, apparently im too drunk to read the whole thread.  any reviews from guys over 6 ft?

[Karl Blanchard]

He said he's 5-8 @ 175

thanks, apparently im too drunk to read the whole thread.  any reviews from guys over 6 ft?

that's me in the pic and as stated, I'm 5'8" 175lbs.  Kifaru builds their frames custom to your specs.  26" stays would give you plenty of lift.  I think JPhelps is a non midget, he could probably my answer better than me. Lol.  And I feel ya, its a big investment but like all high end gear I own, the buyers remorse goes away quickly once you start to use it.

[Karl Blanchard]

Look at the new "guide" lid. I just ordered one and I think it will be the ticket on longer trips. It is 800ci and can be used as a ruck.

  I'll check it out!  Larger lid is def on my hit list for this spring.  Got some brutal backpack hunts planned next year.  Did you order a new bag?

Yeah I ordered the new AMR, a custom 28" duplex, guide lid and a few more belt pouches.

Rolling on 28's!!!! DANG!  Big pimpin!

[Karl Blanchard]

Always nice to find a good system 

 Just curious, how much water does the Kifaru packs soak up ??

I was lucky this year, no heavy rain on any of my hunts.  Did get some pretty heavy snow fall a few times that left me soaked but all my gear was dry.  Few light rain storms I got stuck in didn't amount to much.  I'm a dry side guy though

You mean you haven't ran a before an after weight test under the sprinkler  

Always wondered how that fabric did after a few solid days of rain...nothing worse than carrying around water ya can't drink

Haha!  That I have not done.  I'm made of sugar, I melt! 
I did actually wash the bag for the first time this evening and it did not feel overly heavy when I took it out to hang up.  Now you've got me curious.  Gonna have to anger my wife with another "test" in the house.

[JPhelps]

so BLRMAN, ive been on the fence about which pack to buy,  i have narrowed i down to  a couple of ideas, but the price to risk thing is daunting.  its a big investment to make!  im sure you know this, so help me out here in your review...  obviously the guy packing the thing is in very good physical condition, but the height of a person alone can make a huge difference on how comfortable a pack is.  can you give a height / weight of the guy rocking the pack?  that would really mean a lot to a guy looking to make a purchase on a high end pack.  even a really fit guy (i personally am marginally fit) might not find a pack to work well if hes a few inches taller or shorter than the tester.  more info would be appreciated.  the guy packing out the heavy load looks to be well under 6 feet, unless im a bad judge of this?

I'm 6'4" and ALL torso. The past two years I've ran the 26" bikini frame and it has been an amazing pack.  BUT like Karl I always end up packing some monster loads, so I've decided to sacrifice a pound and go with the duplex for the load hauling comfort.

The kifaru suspension is one of the few made with "real" load lifters and not just load stabilizers.  I was also able to call up Aron and order custom 28" stays (too my knowledge no other pack company tailors to big guys like Kifaru).  The 26" should work great for a normal build guy up to about 6'6".

These packs are all they are cracked up to be. It is a big investment but at least it is an investment and not an expense. You will be able to use this pack for the next 20+ years.

[Elkohol]

Great review on great products. Pick up some of their web dominators to throw on your shoulder strap to hold your hydration hose, that will solve the small D-ring problem quick.

[MooseZ25]

Just curious how are you guys packing your rifles on these packs?  I am starting my research on a new pack and Kifaru is on the list.

[Karl Blanchard]

Just curious how are you guys packing your rifles on these packs?  I am starting my research on a new pack and Kifaru is on the list.

Funny you ask, since I was going to talk about that next.  Slings and big packs don't play well together, its no secret.  So in my quest to be hands free I purchased Kifaru's gun bearer system.  There is a pocket that attaches to your waist belt and then a strap with a quick release buckle that attaches to your shoulder strap.  Butt stock goes in the pocket, strap wraps around the fore grip and with the flip of your thumb or the yank of the strap, you can shoulder your rifle. 

Only downfall to this is that it puts a little added pressure on the hip that has the gun on it.  Small price to pay for not having to battle a rifle slipping off your shoulder.  Also allows you to be completely hands free to use tracking poles, glass, mess with gps, whatever. 

[JPhelps]

http://store.kifaru.net/gun-bearers-p30.aspx?noredirect

I personally don't like it under my arm so I usually attach the gun to the right side of the pack.

[coachcw]

Karl is such a little gear whore ! 

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Nice review .  The cost seems high but twenty extra lbs every trip sounds good.

[Karl Blanchard]

Nice review .  The cost seems high but twenty extra lbs every trip sounds good.

. It def is a big expense but I could have bought two of these packs for the amount I have spent on packs in the last decade.  Def not a pack for everyone but if you spend a large amount of time with a pack on and carry big loads often,  its priceless.

[Karl Blanchard]

Karl is such a little gear *censored* ! 

. I can't even argue this fact

[rtspring]

5'8" ?  Hmmm you must have grown alot!   

Standing next to Coach and I you look maybe 4' ha ha.

One day you might grow up..

Getsum

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Nice review .  The cost seems high but twenty extra lbs every trip sounds good.

. It def is a big expense but I could have bought two of these packs for the amount I have spent on packs in the last decade.  Def not a pack for everyone but if you spend a large amount of time with a pack on and carry big loads often,  its priceless.

Could you post the link to your pack?  I'm the exact same size and weight.  Just not as fit.  Thanks blr

[Karl Blanchard]

Frame:  http://store.kifaru.net/mobile/duplex-platform-frame-and-suspension-p8.aspxg

[Karl Blanchard]

Bag: http://store.kifaru.net/mobile/duplex-timberline-1-7200ci-bag-only-p9.aspx

[MooseZ25]

Thanks for the information guys

[Magnum_Willys]

For meat bags the kuiu Xxl dry bag works well.  Lighter and cools quicker than seat summit .   Only holds about 70# boned meat tho. 

[scottcrb]

tag tag tag

[Whitpirate]

I want to hear Coach's review of his pack.... damn that thing is heavy before he kills something.

[Karl Blanchard]

I want to hear Coach's review of his pack.... damn that thing is heavy before he kills something.

. Its loaded down with all the tags he had!  And RT's snickers!

[Karl Blanchard]

One of my other big purchases for the year was a new panhead for my tripod.  Previously I had been using an Outdoorsman's pistol grip head.  Top quality, very functional, but lacked the stability to support a large 80mm+ spotting scope.  I researched a ton of different heads as I really, really, really, didn't want to spend the cash on the outdoorsmans head.  Like any quality piece of gear though, you get what you pay for most of the time. 

No plastic parts to flex but still very light weight.  Individual head locks for tilt and pan.  Smooth as silk with no creep at all.  Huge fan of the individual locks for grid glassing.  Its not a fluid head so it doesn't freeze up in cold weather.  I used it in Montana this year in -20 weather with no issues.

Really the only complaint I have about this product is the price!  In the end, it is worth every penny but man oh man is it hard to pull the trigger on a $375 hunk of aluminum.

[Karl Blanchard]

Side views and one with the spotter attached. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Probably the biggest waste of money I have spent in the last few years was this Kifaru meat bag.  Claim is 100lbs of boned meat and keeps blood out of your pack.  Also you can use the handle to hang the bag so the meat cools, but it is def all false.  Blood pours out of this thing and if there is a load in it, 60ish pounds max, and you try and hang it up, the draw string won't hold and out comes your meat. I was very lucky that I had hardly lifted the bag off of the game bag I was using as a ground cloth.  The meat fell right out onto the game bag so no harm no foul but can you imagine if you had made it to a branch and out it all came onto the dirt!?!?!?

This product would work well if you weren't concerned about blood in your pack and just wanted something to keep a load centered and tight on a pack frame or in your pack.  Just don't use the handle, keep the draw string open end upright.


EDIT:  IM GIVING THIS PRODUCT A SECOND CHANCE, THIS TIME WITH SOME SEAM SEALER TO SEE IF IT WILL KEEP IT FROM LEAKING.  STILL WONT HOLD A LOAD IN A HANGING POSITION OR HOLD 100LBS BUT THEY DO WEIGH NEXT TO NOTHING SO MAY SUB IT FOR THE SEATOSUMMIT BAGS FOR BACKPACK HUNTS IF IT DOESNT LEAK.

[Karl Blanchard]

Here it is next to my son.  He is almost 3 but is only about 26#

[ridgefire]

sent you a pm. I will take the meat bag. I was going to brag the bags up. seam seal them and I use them to keep stuff dry in my pack like clothes or gamebags and drop meat in them and keeps your pack spotless from blood. once you get to camp, hang the meat in game bags and rinse meat bag out. dries real quick and ready to use again. bt2 worked great this year, packed out a couple elk with it this year and no complaints. not to impressed with my first lite brimmed beanie, thinking I will stick with the beanie and ball cap. I have a gun bearer but never have tried it yet. will have to try it out.

[Karl Blanchard]

So after trading PM's with ridge fire, he has convinced me to give the dry sack another run, this time with some seam sealer as insurance.  I guess I will hold off judgement on this product for now.

[MooseZ25]

Thanks for the information given.  Have you used Eberlestock packs and what is your opinion?   

[ridgefire]

I had the j34 a few years back and after buying a kifaru bt2 i will not be going back. The kifaru is twice the price though so not a real fair comparison. I also have a siwash that is similar in ways to the eberle but more comfortable and carries weight better.