Oregon pack works or kifaru ?

[arguhl]

My needs, solid back country hunting pack and backpacking rig. I'm an avid backpacker throughout all seasons as well as a hunter. Looking for something that can handle winter camping at 5000+ feet and hold its own during August bear season and archery elk season. This is how I hunt and recreate. That kifaru is such a nice setup, with all the accessories though the price tag is a real kick in the ya know. All said and done it would be about eight hundred with everything I want. That's some serious serious coin, not saying its not worth it but ouch. I'm really excited to demo a pack from Oregon pack works, I'm going to put it through its paces as much as possible. The diversity of the system is very appealing, but the frame system on that kifaru looks bomb proof next to the  to the Opw. Would anyone be interested in reading a review of the Opw once i receive the demo? I currently have a badlands 4500 ( for sale in the classifieds) that I can test against the opw and my buddy who has a kifaru said he d be happy to let me try it against the Opw. Let me know if anyone might be interested

[lewy]

Reviews from members are always great! I hope you find something that meets your needs As far as price, the dt2 was a big decision, as a matter of fact I had the order sheet filled out a few times before I finally hit the order button deciding factor was that this set up should last me a long time........Josh

[slim9300]

Go with the Kifaru DT2 if you have the money. You will never regret the decision. I have had the T1 since October and it's amazing. I will have this pack for the rest of my life and when it fails way down the road, I'll send it in to be rebuilt. It carried 100 lbs. very comfortably and packs down to nothing in day pack mode. The Duplex frame will carry heavy weights even better. Good luck but you had better order soon if you want it by August.


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[sea2summit]

I've had a kifaru for years that has been to Iraq twice, Mongolia, Singapore, Alaska (several times), spent moretwo time into thethe woods than most people that call themselves outdoorsmen and still looks freaken new. The thing is awesome.

Having said that I'm lusting for a Mystery Ranch "Crewcab". That thing is the best innovation in hunting or fighting bags in the last 60 years at least. If you haven't seen it check it out before you buy, youtube has a some great videos on it.

Good luck.

[MichaelJ]

I've had a kifaru for years that has been to Iraq twice, Mongolia, Singapore, Alaska (several times), spent moretwo time into thethe woods than most people that call themselves outdoorsmen and still looks freaken new. The thing is awesome.

Having said that I'm lusting for a Mystery Ranch "Crewcab". That thing is the best innovation in hunting or fighting bags in the last 60 years at least. If you haven't seen it check it out before you buy, youtube has a some great videos on it.

Good luck.

CC's are pretty awesome, but heavy as well...  I think with some load cells they are in the 9+ lb range.  Granted I doubt you'll ever wear one out but that weight can be a factor for some.

Mike

[Houndhunter]

i would check out the cabelas packs, they are much cheaper and really hold up well. ive been using them for 3 years now, no complaints other then when i ride my bike it digs into my back. im sure these other backpacks are nice but i personally am not convinced they are worth the money. for less than 300$ you can get the light weight cabelas pack brand new and it will fit all your needs. and you can try them on if you ever visit the stores. for just plain hiking trips i use a internal frame pack, lighter and fit very nice but when it comes to hunting trips i like to have a external frame pack. imo you'll be set with most brands for internal frame packs, i got mine from a garage sale for 5$!

[Branden]

i would check out the cabelas packs, they are much cheaper and really hold up well. ive been using them for 3 years now, no complaints other then when i ride my bike it digs into my back. im sure these other backpacks are nice but i personally am not convinced they are worth the money. for less than 300$ you can get the light weight cabelas pack brand new and it will fit all your needs. and you can try them on if you ever visit the stores. for just plain hiking trips i use a internal frame pack, lighter and fit very nice but when it comes to hunting trips i like to have a external frame pack. imo you'll be set with most brands for internal frame packs, i got mine from a garage sale for 5$!

After using a cabelas frame once and breaking it I would never use/buy one again. They don't hold up under a heavy load at all. My buddy broke one also. (I am just talking about using the frame solo)

[CoachNemo]

I just ordered the Whole Shabang! after a demo period.  I liked the versatility, the comfort, the made in America and the fact they are local.  The pack is a little heavy configured as a whole (9 lbs), but it carried weight like a champ.  Really comfortable with 85 lbs total for about 6 miles during my test.  On my weekend trip I only had about 35 lbs in it and it was great!

Plus, Karl has been very easy to deal with during the demo period and in ordering the pack.

I don't have much experience with packs, so in some peoples eyes I my have made a "bad choice", but I love the pack and am looking forward to many great years of use.

[arguhl]

Coachnemo if you like the pack then that's all that matters. Karl's been great to deal with this far when discussing the pack. I'm going to be checking out a wsb today hopefully. I'm leaning towards the kifaru, I've rung it up several times now but have yet to hit the final checkout button till I see the Opw. More info to come after
Today. I'd avoid the cabelas packs at all cost, you get what you pay for and exploded the one that I had hiking out of a canyon, thank god for duct tape and para cord because that's the only reason it made it out. Just my experience though

[arguhl]

I met with Karl the owner of opw tonight to check out his product and its a big thumbs up. He's putting out a very innovative, abstract and well thought out pack system. His fabric looks top notch to say the least and the pack components appear well made. He spent a good hour and a half breaking down all the different features and combinations despite a hot meal calling his name. It was easy to tell during our conversation that he's listening to customer feedback and truly cares and listens to the input from guys using the pack. I was pretty much sold on the kifaru, after actually seeing his setup though I'm not to sure. I'm going to check out my buddies timberline tomorrow will post more
After that.

I went and checked out my buddies Kifaru this evening. Unbelievable is the only word I can used to describe this pack. The quality of the design, from the stitching to the buckles is world class. I've never before put so much weight into a pack and had it ride so well and so comfortably. They are hauling machines! It takes a 70 pound load and carries it like it's 30. The proofs in the pudding and man oh man that's some dang tasty pudding. The price it hurts, the wait until the end of July sucks, carrying out an elk quarter in comfort *priceless*   Thanks everyone for their inputs and responses to the original post.

[CoachNemo]

So what was the verdict?  OPW or Kifaru?

Inquiring minds want to know   

My pack shipped yesterday from OPW   

[arguhl]

The final verdict, a kifaru duplex timberline 2 in multi cam camo. I can't say that the Opw isn't an equally fine pack because I never got to test one and haul weight in it, after trying my buddys kifaru, the ride with heavy amounts of weight, and the sheer quality of well everything on the pack I was sold. That being said if I happen to find myself with some extra cash I'd love to have an Opw in the pack closet. I can't say enough good things about Karl the owner of Opw, the unique design and concept of his product and the quality of his pack. Ultimately They are both great packs and you cant go wrong either way.
The end of July can't get here fast enough now

[slim9300]

The final verdict, a kifaru duplex timberline 2 in multi cam camo. I can't say that the Opw isn't an equally fine pack because I never got to test one and haul weight in it, after trying my buddys kifaru, the ride with heavy amounts of weight, and the sheer quality of well everything on the pack I was sold. That being said if I happen to find myself with some extra cash I'd love to have an Opw in the pack closet. I can't say enough good things about Karl the owner of Opw, the unique design and concept of his product and the quality of his pack. Ultimately They are both great packs and you cant go wrong either way.
The end of July can't get here fast enough now

Welcome to the club!


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[dreamingbig]

Great choice!  I am anxiously waiting early June and for my duplex frame and cargo panel.

[Grunt]

I bought the OPW whole shebang last season.  Used it on a drop camp hunt and bivied out from camp 5 night with it.  I have no regrets with this pack.  The versatility is awesome, it is so nice to be able to drop all of your gear and be able to hunt with the fanny pack/hydration combo and still have the capability to haul a load back to camp.  Not many other packs out there can do that.  Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to haul any meat out with it yet but it handled all my gear just fine ( aprox. 60 lbs).  It may be a bit heavier than others but for the type of hunting I do it works great.  As for the durability...we will just have to get a couple more seasons on the pack to see how it holds up.  I don't think there will be any issues though it is made very solid in my opinion.  Plus the guys at OPW are great guys and I know they will take care of you.  It took me a few tries at reconfiguring the pack before the light bulb came on, but now it's easy.  You can always demo a pack form them before you decide to purchase one.  A buddy of mine demoed one for us to try out before I pulled the trigger and got one.