Kifaru Packs

[Jonathan_S]

I am very surprised that so many are enamored with Kifaru packs when I read about those on this thread that have to use dry bags and zip lock bags to keep the contents dry.

ZERO high end packs are waterproof. Waterproof material isn't durable.

I get the distinct impression that Kifaru  is the least water resistant of all the high end packs.  I do not hear about other packs taking on water to the degree Kifaru packs do.  I have formed this impression based on years and hours upon hours of reading in forums such as this one, as a pattern has developed.  From personal experience my Badlands takes on water where my Stone Glacier has not.  Perception may be reality or may not be.

A quality pack cover can be purchased for low price, or I can see my own easily.

Personally I don't care if my pack takes on water like instant rice, it's a non factor in my decision. A cover is donned or doffed in 2 seconds 

[mburrows]

I hunted with my SG in some extremely wet weather this year and it soaked through pretty bad. I dont think any of the top of the line pack companies market their packs to be waterproof.

When buying a pack how water repellent it is would never cross my mind or would be at the bottom of my priorities 

[coop2424]

I am very surprised that so many are enamored with Kifaru packs when I read about those on this thread that have to use dry bags and zip lock bags to keep the contents dry.

I can see stone glacier shielding water better than most due to material they use.  I have first hand experience with exo and kifaru and noticed no difference when in the rain.   This is a non factor for me when I made my decision on my pack.  I probably will pick up a cover to throw on if needed like the Jon states but at this point I have not had an issue throwing electronics and extra clothes in lightweight dry bag if extreme heavy rain.  Even if I have a cover I will still put those items in drybag if raining hard since they are important pieces of gear. 
ZERO high end packs are waterproof. Waterproof material isn't durable.

I get the distinct impression that Kifaru  is the least water resistant of all the high end packs.  I do not hear about other packs taking on water to the degree Kifaru packs do.  I have formed this impression based on years and hours upon hours of reading in forums such as this one, as a pattern has developed.  From personal experience my Badlands takes on water where my Stone Glacier has not.  Perception may be reality or may not be.

[BULLBLASTER]

I am very surprised that so many are enamored with Kifaru packs when I read about those on this thread that have to use dry bags and zip lock bags to keep the contents dry.

ZERO high end packs are waterproof. Waterproof material isn't durable.

I get the distinct impression that Kifaru  is the least water resistant of all the high end packs.  I do not hear about other packs taking on water to the degree Kifaru packs do.  I have formed this impression based on years and hours upon hours of reading in forums such as this one, as a pattern has developed.  From personal experience my Badlands takes on water where my Stone Glacier has not.  Perception may be reality or may not be.

With all of your forum reading to see patterns have ypu also  seen that most forums and posts show that the kifaru is favored over the other packs drastically? Could there be a reason for that? Obviously it isn't because they are the cheapest out there.

I don't own a kifaru and couldn't care less if my pack leaks water. When hunting in some pretty serious rain my mystery ranch had as much water inside as my buddy's kifarus. That's real world experience... outside doing it... not opinions I've formed by reading forums. 

[dscubame]

Yes I have.  They have done a excellent job marketing it.
I have a bunch of Kifaru gear they are a fantastic company.

[shanevg]

I am very surprised that so many are enamored with Kifaru packs when I read about those on this thread that have to use dry bags and zip lock bags to keep the contents dry.

ZERO high end packs are waterproof. Waterproof material isn't durable.

I get the distinct impression that Kifaru  is the least water resistant of all the high end packs.  I do not hear about other packs taking on water to the degree Kifaru packs do.  I have formed this impression based on years and hours upon hours of reading in forums such as this one, as a pattern has developed.  From personal experience my Badlands takes on water where my Stone Glacier has not.  Perception may be reality or may not be.

With all of your forum reading to see patterns have ypu also  seen that most forums and posts show that the kifaru is favored over the other packs drastically? Could there be a reason for that? Obviously it isn't because they are the cheapest out there.

I don't own a kifaru and couldn't care less if my pack leaks water. When hunting in some pretty serious rain my mystery ranch had as much water inside as my buddy's kifarus. That's real world experience... outside doing it... not opinions I've formed by reading forums.

Don't have issues with water in your pack when you use a rain cover. 
http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/pack_cover.shtml
1.7 oz and covers my Kifaru perfectly, even fully loaded with a deer in it.

[dscubame]

2nd that and the REI rain cover is popular enough that sometimes it is hard to find one in stock.

[coop2424]

2nd that and the REI rain cover is popular enough that sometimes it is hard to find one in stock.

Do you run one then?  Is that why your stone glacier hasn't taken on any water?

[dscubame]

2nd that and the REI rain cover is popular enough that sometimes it is hard to find one in stock.

Do you run one then?  Is that why your stone glacier hasn't taken on any water?

I use the Stone Glacier rain cover in serious down pours.  For the most part however even without the cover it does not take on water.  I think the way they do the zippers may play a role.  Really have not put much thought into it and was just pointing out that I find it interesting so many find Kifaru packs taking on water.  Some folks seem to think I am the devil for my observation apparently.  Maybe it is a Chevy vs Ford thing.  Either way my interest in it has been lost and moving on.  I will write it off to "off season" negative attack banter.  Positive thoughts this Friday. 

[huntnfmly]

Just curious is there any reason not to spray Packs with some kind of water proofing?
Is the water soaking thru material or coming thru zippers and stitching?

[mburrows]

2nd that and the REI rain cover is popular enough that sometimes it is hard to find one in stock.

Do you run one then?  Is that why your stone glacier hasn't taken on any water?

I use the Stone Glacier rain cover in serious down pours.  For the most part however even without the cover it does not take on water.  I think the way they do the zippers may play a role.  Really have not put much thought into it and was just pointing out that I find it interesting so many find Kifaru packs taking on water.  Some folks seem to think I am the devil for my observation apparently.  Maybe it is a Chevy vs Ford thing.  Either way my interest in it has been lost and moving on.  I will write it off to "off season" negative attack banter.  Positive thoughts this Friday. 

Team stone glacier unite! Theyre all good packs, we gotta have something to talk about right?

[coop2424]

Just curious is there any reason not to spray Packs with some kind of water proofing?
Is the water soaking thru material or coming thru zippers and stitching?

With the exo and kifaru in heavy rain they both soaked through material.  I believe all the top packs kifaru,exo, stone glacier and mystery ranch use codura 500 last I checked.  All the top packs are good to excellent and all depends how they fit you and what you are looking for in a pack.

[bradslam]

Sorry, but rain covers will not completely eliminate water from getting in a pack because they only cover a portion of it.  Water will still run down the back panel and find it's way through the fabric and seams.  Ultralight rain covers are also susceptible to being torn while bushwhacking.  IMO, the best way to handle rain is the same way experienced backpackers do: use a trash compactor bag inside of your pack or a pack liner.  Exo is coming out with an integrated pack liner for their 2017 packs, but I don't know how much it weighs compared to a trash compactor bag which will probably work just as well.

[hollymaster]

Sorry, but rain covers will not completely eliminate water from getting in a pack because they only cover a portion of it.  Water will still run down the back panel and find it's way through the fabric and seams.  Ultralight rain covers are also susceptible to being torn while bushwhacking.  IMO, the best way to handle rain is the same way experienced backpackers do: use a trash compactor bag inside of your pack or a pack liner.  Exo is coming out with an integrated pack liner for their 2017 packs, but I don't know how much it weighs compared to a trash compactor bag which will probably work just as well.

Wait...what?? But a cheap plastic bag won't go with my expensive book bag. 

[Jonathan_S]

Sorry, but rain covers will not completely eliminate water from getting in a pack because they only cover a portion of it.  Water will still run down the back panel and find it's way through the fabric and seams.  Ultralight rain covers are also susceptible to being torn while bushwhacking.  IMO, the best way to handle rain is the same way experienced backpackers do: use a trash compactor bag inside of your pack or a pack liner.  Exo is coming out with an integrated pack liner for their 2017 packs, but I don't know how much it weighs compared to a trash compactor bag which will probably work just as well.

Yeah nothing is perfectly waterproof while hiking, anyone who's tried it knows that.

If staying dry during rain is that important then they ought to stay in their shelter