Big Game Hunting > Backcountry Hunting

Kifaru Pack questions/preferences?

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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.

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