Kifaru Pack questions/preferences?

[moocher97]

Hey Y'all. I'm looking to buy a pack and the Kifaru brand looks like the way to go.(maybe Exo mountain pack to) Do you guys have a preference between the bikini platform or the duplex platform? And they sell so many bags its hard to choose which one! Preferences on that would be awesome! Or if you tried on Kifaru packs/Kuiu/exo packs it would be nice to know what I should look into! I hope to spend a maximum of like 600-700 on either a single pack or a combined modular system. I'm 6' 160lb if that has to do with anything on sizes.

[Evoac05]

I would checkout the Rokslide forum. There is a lot of helpful info on packs as well as a classifieds section where you can find used packs at great prices. I picked up a Kifaru pack with bikini frame and love it. I actually bought two packs to see which back stay profile worked best for me (standard or flat). I haven't tried the the duplex, but I don't feel a need to as I really like the bikini frame. I packed 80+ pounds in my pack last hunting season and it felt great.

[Shawn Ryan]

I just went through the same process. So my comments do NOT include ANY field experience with the Kifaru packs. I had been researching packs for years and had decided on the bikini frame and EMRII bag.  Talked with Aron Snyder from Kifaru at the Portland Sportsmens Show for about an hour and a half, including trying on the duplex frame with his famous 80# sand bag. Felt more like what 50 pounds in my Blue Widow would have felt like.  We discussed bikini v. duplex. I had watched his video about the difference on the Kifaru website. Aron suggested the duplex was better for hauling meat out of the wilderness. The duplex frame sheet spreads the load over a larger area than the bikini stays.  On a long, heavy haul out, that could really make a difference in the pressure you'll feel on your lower back/upper rump.  It appears (from Aron and forum threads) that the bikini and duplex handle about the same until about 80 pounds (YMMV) and then the duplex starts to outperform the bikini.  I don't want to carry 100-120#'s and wanted the bikini's weight savings.  So I purchased the bikini.  I'll find out if that was right.

As for bags, Aron suggests that your intended use should drive the decision and I agree.  I hunt by dropping camp and day hunting for 9 days as well as 3-5 day bivy hunts, where camp stays on my back all day. So versatility and capacity mattered to me. The EMRII is configured a lot like my Blue Widow, so I'm comfortable with the design. Aron likes the DT1 better because it allows him faster access to his tripod and spotter.  I wanted the cubic inch capacity of the EMRII and like the center zip concept for loading as opposed to the top load only design of the Timberline. I also like the EMRII's method for reducing to a day pack; again, very similar to what I was already using with my Blue Widow. Though, it appears all of their packs have enough load tensioner to reduce the bags down for day hunting.

If you like a minimalist bag, then the high camp bags may satisfy you.  If you like the top load, then the Timberline series is good.    By adding pockets to the outside, you can make just about any configuration you want. Lots of versatility in the design without having molles/pals all over the packs.

Figure out how many cubic inches you need, which is usually based on how many days you intend to stay in.  I would suggest going with the separate bag and frame option so that you can change bags later if you want to, instead of a backpack where the frame and bag are built together/don't separate.  Kifaru says and has the reputation of fitting the pack to you, so your size/shape won't be an issue.

Aron used to own Rokslide and now works for Kifaru.  Both sites have forums with lots of pack information.  Hopefully, you hear from members here who have their packs.  I've not heard of any members here who were dissatisfied with their packs, though I've seen some change their bag as a new design was released. On the Rokslide classifieds, I've read some sellers who just didn't need the backpack anymore, but very few, if any, that were really dissatisfied (and I've read a lot of those classifieds).

[hogslayer]

I made the Kifaru jump a few months ago and have bought many additions for the bag.  I went with the DT1, and am very happy that i did.  I would call Kifaru and check if they still have the high camp 7000CU with Long hunter lid for sale.  They posted something on there face book page last week that had the combo for $170.00.  That is a hell of a buy.  They also have a Rhino den on Kifaru's website that has some good bags on it.  I wouldn't look to far into the EXO or KUIU packs.  Personally, American made and lifetime warranty are important (talking about Kuiu).  I went with the Duplex frame and am glad i did.  I would get some small belt pouches for calls/GPS.  The Grab-it 2 is graet for carrying a bow or other things on the bag.  And either get a Long hunter lid or Guide.  I went with the guide lid because it removes and has 2 shoulder straps tucked inside.  You can use it carrying little things around once you get to camp.

[ridgefire]

I have the bikini frame a t2 bag and a highcamp 4800 bag. I use the t2 bag for my elk hunts and the highcamp bag for deer hunts and hiking. I have been really happy with the setup, super comfortable and packed a front and hind quarter with ease. If i buy any other bags it will probably be the rambler.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Literally. Call Aron Snyder. His phone is on the kifaru website. He will spend as much time as you want answering questions and will help you walk through getting the best combination for your style.


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[7mag.]

Literally. Call Aron Snyder. His phone is on the kifaru website. He will spend as much time as you want answering questions and will help you walk through getting the best combination for your style.


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I agree 100%. Aron is the best possible person to talk to. He designs the packs for intended uses and tests them as well. He can answer all your questions and fit you, including stay bend, over the phone.

[JPhelps]

Give Aron a call...but after spending 5 days with him in Portland learning and listening what he recommends... The duplex was recommended 99% of the time.
For the extra 13 oz I like the duplex better. I just got my custom built 28" duplex and like it better than my bikini for comfort with heavier loads.

[kentrek]

what kinda of people/hunters fell into the other 1 % ??

[JPhelps]

what kinda of people/hunters fell into the other 1 % ??

An REI pack for guys that never carry more than 30 lbs and a budget that doesn't really allow for a kifaru.

[kentrek]

what kinda of people/hunters fell into the other 1 % ??

An REI pack for guys that never carry more than 30 lbs and a budget that doesn't really allow for a kifaru.

So its duplex  or die 

[Camo]

Moocher,
If this is Eric, and you haven't talked with Rusty? He's got the Bikini on order with the new (can't remember the name) bag, wait until he gets it and go see it. You won't be disappointed. I've had mine for 2 years now, but I'm carrying the T2 on a Bikini.
BTW congrats on the buck last year.

[moocher97]

I just checked out Rokslide for the first time and its fricken AWESOME!!!!!

[moocher97]

Moocher,
If this is Eric, and you haven't talked with Rusty? He's got the Bikini on order with the new (can't remember the name) bag, wait until he gets it and go see it. You won't be disappointed. I've had mine for 2 years now, but I'm carrying the T2 on a Bikini.
BTW congrats on the buck last year.

No I haven't talked to rusty in a while! I definitely will! And I'm actually Eric's son Hayden. Assuming you know my dad you've probably heard a lot of stories about me  If I may ask how do you know Eric?

[ridgefire]

If you figure out what you are looking for keep watching Rokslides classifieds, lots of Kifaru items pop up there.

[Camo]

Hayden, last time I saw you, you would have fit inside a T2 with half a spike camp in it! Hunted and fished a few times with your dad awhile back. He stayed with me one year when he shot a buck down on the river around Packwood during late rifle, and we ran almost identical boats for a few years.

Getting back to the pack, these are great with one caveat. In my opinion, even though these packs compress down really well for day hunts, you are not going to sneak through the blacktail jungle still hunting with it. If your hiking down closed roads or sitting over clearcuts it would be fine. The pack is just big and loud enough to not be conducive for this(even when its blowing 40mph and raining). This is in no way a strike against Kifaru, it was not designed for this application.

[xXLojackXx]

ting back to the pack, these are great with one caveat. In my opinion, even though these packs compress down really well for day hunts, you are not going to sneak through the blacktail jungle still hunting with it. If your hiking down closed roads or sitting over clearcuts it would be fine. The pack is just big and loud enough to not be conducive for this(even when its blowing 40mph and raining). This is in no way a strike against Kifaru, it was not designed for this application.

This is news to me.....Do you own a kifaru? I probably wouldnt take an EMRII and stuff nit to the gills and try to sneak through anything, but in day pack mode its as quiet as any pack available. I guarantee you'll make more noise than the pack "snagging" on stuff will

[Camo]

Lojack-
I prefaced my comment with "in my opinion", obviously yours is different. If you went back a couple posts you would see that I do and have owned a Kifaru for a couple years now. I have no experience with the EMR but believe it is the same Cordura type material which makes the T2 equally bullet proof. I have owned a number of packs in the past, none of which were built to the same high standards as the Kifaru, however, were quieter rubbing up against tree trunks, and branches scratching down the length of the bag. Additionally "I" found that with the high stays on this pack it became more difficult to clear low hanging objects without snagging on them. This is probably a personal issue in that prior to the Kifaru, I could find no manufacturer that built a pack to actually fit my height, short of full external frames. So previous packs sat much lower on my back. Again, this is my personal opinion, yours may vary.

[xXLojackXx]

Sorry, I missed the "IMO". Say what you'd like 

[moocher97]

Ah you must have good taste Camo  Yes ive heard of you before in my dads Packwood buck story. That's kinda why Im getting a pack to! is for elk hunting down there in my dads/rusty's honeyhole  I bet you know the spot (maybe). Anyway Sounds like I have most of the information I need. er well do you guys have a preference on bag size and how long x amount of cubic inches will get you x amount of time on the mountain in supplies. Im liking the highcamp with a guide lid which totals out at 5800 or do  you think I can get away with maybe a mountain rambler at 4000 with a guide lid. I plan on doing 2-5 day elk hunts and backpacking trips maybe more if the opportunity comes up.

[buglebuster]

All the kifaru bags compress down small enough for daypack. I'd rather have extra Ci then not enough when the time comes. Think about it like this, sure you can fit your whole gear list for a 5 day hunt in a 4000ci pack but if you get an animal down, can you pack that gear AND the meat out? I'd rather have extra and not need it.

[_TONY_]

All the kifaru bags compress down small enough for daypack. I'd rather have extra Ci then not enough when the time comes. Think about it like this, sure you can fit your whole gear list for a 5 day hunt in a 4000ci pack but if you get an animal down, can you pack that gear AND the meat out? I'd rather have extra and not need it.

 

[JPhelps]

Last year I used the DT1 bag and this year I will be using the AMR. I like a bag with a larger main storage area for packing meat.

The Mountain Warrior and AMR are the newest extended trip bags and the new mountain rambler is smaller but has a built in gun carrier

[Chesapeake]

Ah you must have good taste Camo  Yes ive heard of you before in my dads Packwood buck story. That's kinda why Im getting a pack to! is for elk hunting down there in my dads/rusty's honeyhole  I bet you know the spot (maybe). Anyway Sounds like I have most of the information I need. er well do you guys have a preference on bag size and how long x amount of cubic inches will get you x amount of time on the mountain in supplies. Im liking the highcamp with a guide lid which totals out at 5800 or do  you think I can get away with maybe a mountain rambler at 4000 with a guide lid. I plan on doing 2-5 day elk hunts and backpacking trips maybe more if the opportunity comes up.

I know you asked about Kifaru, but have you given Stone Glacier a look? I run the Solo to do what you describe. Its certainly not quiet fabric, but it compresses very small as a daypack so is easy to keep quiet. I believe it runs a touch lighter than anything mentioned in this thread. With its expandable meat shelf its real easy to go in light and come out heavy. Or you can stuff sack stuff on the shelf an go in heavy and come out even heavier if you like.

Kifaru makes great stuff though, so no wrongs to be had with what your considering. Just offering another option.

[dreamingbig]

I have a Kifaru duplex, nomad, guide lid and the new cargo panel.  I also have a high camp 7k bag in foliage that I would part with.


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[moocher97]

Well it seems like I don't need a 7000 ci bag but when I go backpacking I don't think ill be more than 5-6 away from the truck and when I shoot something hopefully I get one of kifaru's meat bags put the back strap, tenderloins and all other meat (besides the quarters and the head) put that inside the actual pack take it back to the truck. take bag off and attatch the extended meat shelf and start shuttling the quarters. er well that's what I in vision anyway does that sound reasonable? how do you guys pack your meat out using this system?

I have a Kifaru duplex, nomad, guide lid and the new cargo panel.  I also have a high camp 7k bag in foliage that I would part with.


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I don't know if I want a 7000 ci bag I think a smaller bag would suit me better. I get pretty extreme on my stalks (by that I mean getting hit in the face by fir branches and slipping on rocks and knocking my sight off- true story) Anyway Thanks for the offer though! I'm going to have to sell some wood first which is kinda hard with school and baseball because I get home at 6 usually every day. There are some really sweet packs and deals on rokslide though I think that's where im going to get a pack.

[dreamingbig]

If you don't need much space then I would get a Kifaru duplex frame, a cargo panel, a guide lid and a couple of pockets (large, medium and long pocket).


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