Kifaru pack advice?

[T-Dozzer]

Switching from EXO to kifaru & looking for some advice on a pack. I'm around 75% leaning toward the reckoning bag with the duplex hunter ultra light frame.
Maybe some of you kifaru weirdos can tell me if Im on the right track? Anyone with the Reckoning have any complaints?
Context-
I pack out 2 to 6 animals a year. Both day hunt & camp off my back. Never anymore than a handful of nights at a time. I'm not a hardcore ounce counter, but try to stay light. I'll also use it for the occasional fishing trip, day hikes, and maybe training. I dont plan to hual any unusual loads (treestands, chainsaw, heavy training plates etc.)

TIA

[bigdub257]

Sounds like the Reckoning would be a good choice for your style of hunting.  I've had several Kifaru bags but never the Reckoning since I didn't need the volume.  Other people I've spoken to that have the Reckoning love it.  Great for extended hunts but will cinch down well for day hunting.  As far as the frame goes, the only possible drawback I see with the ultra light is it only has 3 attachment points on each side of the the frame versus 5 on the duplex light.  Just something to consider.  I think somebody has a Reckoning for sale on here now if I'm not mistaken.  I've been running the 44 mag on a 24" duplex light frame this year and sure do like that setup. Gun bearer is pretty cool too, but takes a little getting used to.  Alot less fatigue at the end of the day vs. a sling over the shoulder.

[T-Dozzer]

Sounds like the Reckoning would be a good choice for your style of hunting.  I've had several Kifaru bags but never the Reckoning since I didn't need the volume.  Other people I've spoken to that have the Reckoning love it.  Great for extended hunts but will cinch down well for day hunting.  As far as the frame goes, the only possible drawback I see with the ultra light is it only has 3 attachment points on each side of the the frame versus 5 on the duplex light.  Just something to consider.  I think somebody has a Reckoning for sale on here now if I'm not mistaken.  I've been running the 44 mag on a 24" duplex light frame this year and sure do like that setup. Gun bearer is pretty cool too, but takes a little getting used to.  Alot less fatigue at the end of the day vs. a sling over the shoulder.

44 mag is smaller I take it. Does that stand for 4400ci?
Great info on the frame. I didn't know that. I take it that comes into play when using the meat shelf & not securing the bag?

[bigdub257]

Yes, the 44 mag is 4400 c.i. but like most Kifaru packs you can attach a multitude of additional pockets/bags/accessories to greatly increase the c.i. of storage.  As far as the frames go I think more attachment points is better especially when using the meat shelf mode so you can be sure to have the ability to get everything cinched down nice and secure.

[coop2424]

Reckoning is an awesome pack.  My hunting partner runs it and he likes it a lot.  He runs it with a medium pouch up top and another on the bottom.  The only thing I think he doesn’t like that he has told me is the open top on the side pouches.  I also run the 44mag when I don’t need a really large pack and absolutely love that bag. I have a lite frame  and a regular duplex with dt1 bag and I like the lite better.  Has more ventilation on the back and seems the foam is better but may be just because my duplex frame foam is more broke down.

[Antlershed]

I don’t care for the open top side pockets on the reckoning. I’m using the Cavern right now, and probably would have went with the Hoodlum, but it hadn’t been released yet.

[X-Force]

What size exo pack did you hunt with?

Not knowing that I would go with the 44 mag because of the 2 zip side pockets, panel on the back, organization pockets on the lid and in the panel and the main zipper if you like putting meat on a meat shelf. If you don’t mind putting meat in the main bag go with the Fulcrum or wait for a bit and see what the new release will be.

Are you buying a used hunter ultra light frame? The difference between the hunter and the hunter ultra light is stays aluminum/composite or arrows. The new frame is duplex lite and ultra light. 1/8 to 1/16 hdpe and 5 tab to 3 tab. If you are looking at the new frame go with the duplex lite. A little stouter and 5 tabs which will help securing loads.

I personally don’t care for the side pocket design of the reckoning.

[Bone collector 13]

Best thing to do is just to get ahold of Aaron himself. Stand up dude will walk you through everything

[X-Force]

Best thing to do is just to get ahold of Aaron himself. Stand up dude will walk you through everything

 

His phone number is on rokslide and if you don’t want to bug him call kifaru and one of those guys can really help you out

[T-Dozzer]

I've been hunting with the EXO 3500 for years. I can get 3-4 days of crap in it, but it's tight. I mainly use the meat shelf, but Im not opposed to using the bag for meat.
Good points on the frame. I think the duplex hunter light sounds better.
The thing I like about the reckoning (without seeing it in person) is the big front zipper and the way the side compression straps are separate from the front compression straps. It looks like the bag expands up quite a bit. Not sure how I feel about that. Nice to have the room, but maybe too much for day trips?
I've messaged Aron a bit. Told him I would give him a call when I narrow it down.
Am I going to be surprised how much it all weighs coming from an EXO?

[Karl Blanchard]

Few things. All kifaru bags compress down to absolutely nothing. Go bigger than you think you need.  You can make a big bag small but you can't make a small bag big.  The load shelf thing I can't wrap my brain around.  Stay tight and load vertical. Don't unnecessarily move weight away from your body. I personally like the open side pocket design. I can get my spotter and tripod out of my old DT1 in half the time it takes me to get them deployed out of my crater (which is still plenty fast honestly).  I've hauled hundreds of animals on my back in a lot of different packs. There's a whole lot of uneccessary fluff and marketing crap that goes into so many of these packs anymore.  I live by the K.I.S.S. philosophy 

[92xj]

I'd recommend a good long look at the mountain warrior.  Out of all the bags I've used, this is the best for me for extended hunts, day hunts, training, carry on bag on flights... until they come out with the Warlum....  MW humped a Hoodlum, side pocket panel loader

[D-Rock425]

I got the hoodlum this year and so far it's been nothing but awesome.  If you're close to snohomish County I'll be willing to let you take a look first hand at it.

[TriggerMike]

I like the Exo bag on the Kifaru frame.

[D-Rock425]

I think the greatest part of a kifaru pack is how customizable they are.

[Shawn Ryan]

The thing I like about the reckoning (without seeing it in person) is the big front zipper and the way the side compression straps are separate from the front compression straps.

I like the big front zipper and the ability to compress the main bag separate from the sides on my (old) EMRII that should have similar functionality. Especially like that front zipper.

[T-Dozzer]

I think the greatest part of a kifaru pack is how customizable they are.

Yeah. Bit overwhelming at first. Been reading reviews and watching vids all day.
Their customer service seems top notch.

[T-Dozzer]

I like the Exo bag on the Kifaru frame.

I've heard alot folks do this. Interesting, but I'm not going back to anymore EXO products.

[Bushcraft]

Few things. All kifaru bags compress down to absolutely nothing. Go bigger than you think you need.  You can make a big bag small but you can't make a small bag big.  The load shelf thing I can't wrap my brain around.  Stay tight and load vertical. Don't unnecessarily move weight away from your body. I personally like the open side pocket design. I can get my spotter and tripod out of my old DT1 in half the time it takes me to get them deployed out of my crater (which is still plenty fast honestly).  I've hauled hundreds of animals on my back in a lot of different packs. There's a whole lot of uneccessary fluff and marketing crap that goes into so many of these packs anymore.  I live by the K.I.S.S. philosophy 

^^^ This.

I've known Patrick and have been running and proto-type testing and providing design input on some of their gear for almost two decades now.

Great company. Awesome gear. Aron has helped kicked it into overdrive.

Put a WTS out there on Kifaru Insiders on Facebook. Lots of gear sluts out there.  You might find a few that would be willing to sell their current gear for new stuff. 

[zwickeyman]

Re: Kifaru pack advice?
« Reply #17 on: Today at 06:47:06 PM »

Quote
Quote from: TriggerMike on Today at 10:45:19 AM
I like the Exo bag on the Kifaru frame.

"
I've heard alot folks do this. Interesting, but I'm not going back to anymore EXO products."

For sure. Im a little backwards and run an EXO frame with a Kifaru bag

[T-Dozzer]

Thanks for the advice. Adding the 44 mag to my short list. More organizations & side zips, but the reckoning is still in the lead with the bigger volume and center zip. The crater looks cool too.
Now I need an excuse for the 22 mag

[Karl Blanchard]

Thanks for the advice. Adding the 44 mag to my short list. More organizations & side zips, but the reckoning is still in the lead with the bigger volume and center zip. The crater looks cool too.
Now I need an excuse for the 22 mag

just a word to the wise, the crater is a BIG bag.  The cavern is the same design but smaller. More comparable to the reckoning in size. 

[T-Dozzer]

Thanks for the advice. Adding the 44 mag to my short list. More organizations & side zips, but the reckoning is still in the lead with the bigger volume and center zip. The crater looks cool too.
Now I need an excuse for the 22 mag

just a word to the wise, the crater is a BIG bag.  The cavern is the same design but smaller. More comparable to the reckoning in size.

I had them mixed up. Thx.
You have the cavern? Complaints?

[Karl Blanchard]

Thanks for the advice. Adding the 44 mag to my short list. More organizations & side zips, but the reckoning is still in the lead with the bigger volume and center zip. The crater looks cool too.
Now I need an excuse for the 22 mag

just a word to the wise, the crater is a BIG bag.  The cavern is the same design but smaller. More comparable to the reckoning in size.

I had them mixed up. Thx.
You have the cavern? Complaints?

no I have the crater. It's a monster and I wish it was bigger but I'm weird like that

[T-Dozzer]

Ended up going with the 44 mag, duplex lite frame  & a hand full of accessories.
Probably the best customer service I've ever had.

Thanks for all the feedback

[snake]

I am considering getting an EXO or a Kifaru set up.  Why are you done with EXO products?

[Wetwoodshunter]

If you think you may hunt in the wet environments the muskeg is amazing. On my caribou hunt in Ak with my AMR my bag gained some serious water weight. I now  have the 5000 ci bag and love it. At 5000 ci and no lid I have done multiple 3-5 day trips. I also have used the meat shelf to keep the inside of my bag clean and load awkward objects for short pack outs. If I have a long pack, the meat goes in the bag.

[pd]

@ WetWoodsHunter

I wish I had a pithy remark.  For once in my lifetime, I am speechless.

Congratulations, BTW.

[T-Dozzer]

If you think you may hunt in the wet environments the muskeg is amazing. On my caribou hunt in Ak with my AMR my bag gained some serious water weight. I now  have the 5000 ci bag and love it. At 5000 ci and no lid I have done multiple 3-5 day trips. I also have used the meat shelf to keep the inside of my bag clean and load awkward objects for short pack outs. If I have a long pack, the meat goes in the bag.

Muskeg bags looked interesting. Just wasn't what I was after. I did however, order 3 xpac pouches. I'll just use a rain fly if it gets bad.

[T-Dozzer]

I am considering getting an EXO or a Kifaru set up.  Why are you done with EXO products?

I used an EXO for years. Nice packs. The way they released the k3's made me want to try something else. Felt like they got greedy releasing them right before hunting season. Smart buisness wise I suppose, but it was rushed. Everyone was on backorder & they released a defective lid in their rush. They did send out the correct lids at no charge months later, but that came well after most were done hunting for the year. It also kinda rubbed me wrong that they claimed to be "made in America ", when they are only assembled in Anerica using foreign parts.
No big deal deal in general, but enough to sway me.

[snake]

I am considering getting an EXO or a Kifaru set up.  Why are you done with EXO products?

I used an EXO for years. Nice packs. The way they released the k3's made me want to try something else. Felt like they got greedy releasing them right before hunting season. Smart buisness wise I suppose, but it was rushed. Everyone was on backorder & they released a defective lid in their rush. They did send out the correct lids at no charge months later, but that came well after most were done hunting for the year. It also kinda rubbed me wrong that they claimed to be "made in America ", when they are only assembled in Anerica using foreign parts.
No big deal deal in general, but enough to sway me.

Interesting,  I was wondering what "Made in America" actually meant.  Thanks for the reply.

[T-Dozzer]

I am considering getting an EXO or a Kifaru set up.  Why are you done with EXO products?

I used an EXO for years. Nice packs. The way they released the k3's made me want to try something else. Felt like they got greedy releasing them right before hunting season. Smart buisness wise I suppose, but it was rushed. Everyone was on backorder & they released a defective lid in their rush. They did send out the correct lids at no charge months later, but that came well after most were done hunting for the year. It also kinda rubbed me wrong that they claimed to be "made in America ", when they are only assembled in Anerica using foreign parts.
No big deal deal in general, but enough to sway me.

Interesting,  I was wondering what "Made in America" actually meant.  Thanks for the reply.

I think to be truly made in America they have to be something called Berry compliant. If thats a factor for you, Kifaru is.

[snake]

Kifaru's website is overwhelming to me, don't even know where to start. I would buy American made if I had a choice, but its not necessarily a deal breaker.

[T-Dozzer]

Kifaru's website is overwhelming to me, don't even know where to start. I would buy American made if I had a choice, but its not necessarily a deal breaker.

I started with a frame. I chose the duplex lite, then narrowed down a bag by size. After that, it was decided by bag details.
Kifaru insiders on FB, Rokskide & even just messaging Aron & Frank helped.
Good luck!

 EXO just recalled all their K3 frames today. They are replacing for free though.

[PacificNWhunter]

Kifaru's website is overwhelming to me, don't even know where to start. I would buy American made if I had a choice, but its not necessarily a deal breaker.

Make of list of what’s important to you (in a pack....loading style, pockets, access), your style of hunting (day/weekend or week long) and give Kifaru a call. Even if Snyder and Frank are busy the other customer service people will be able to point you in the right direction.

[huntnfmly]

Kifaru's website is overwhelming to me, don't even know where to start. I would buy American made if I had a choice, but its not necessarily a deal breaker.

I started with a frame. I chose the duplex lite, then narrowed down a bag by size. After that, it was decided by bag details.
Kifaru insiders on FB, Rokskide & even just messaging Aron & Frank helped.
Good luck!

 EXO just recalled all their K3 frames today. They are replacing for free though.

Kifaru's website is overwhelming to me, don't even know where to start. I would buy American made if I had a choice, but its not necessarily a deal breaker.

Make of list of what’s important to you (in a pack....loading style, pockets, access), your style of hunting (day/weekend or week long) and give Kifaru a call. Even if Snyder and Frank are busy the other customer service people will be able to point you in the right direction.

Both posts are right on the money.
Great people at kifaru and will steer you into exactly what you need and want

[kentrek]

It's hard to know exactly what you want in a pack till you gain alot of experience with it...get somthing relatively close to what you want and use the heck out of it..trust the designers abit..

Another thing to consider is that most ultra light hiking packs all have roughly the same design..alot of our needs are pretty similar

Kifaru hold its value so it's easy to try out a few bags