Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 13, 2013, 08:23:11 PM
Post by: 7mag. on December 13, 2013, 09:45:12 PM
Post by: JPhelps on December 13, 2013, 09:54:34 PM
With all that said I am using a Kifaru bikini frame with the DT1 bag (I would strongly consider the big bag as all the unused space disappears when compressed down). The two deciding factors for me were functional load lifters and lighter base weight. Being a tall guy I need stays that stick over my shoulder. I also like that my bare pack is light!!!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 14, 2013, 08:31:33 AM
Post by: Whitpirate on December 14, 2013, 08:44:23 AM
Post by: 7mag. on December 14, 2013, 09:09:26 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 14, 2013, 09:18:01 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 14, 2013, 09:19:52 AM
Post by: Ridgerunner on December 14, 2013, 09:29:59 AM
Post by: JPhelps on December 14, 2013, 09:39:15 AM
The bikini was designed with barreling in mind. Heavy loose loads will not squeeze through the frame. Also with all of the side compression straps it is easy to situate and lock a load down.
For that price it would be awful hard not to go with the kifaru setup. I would not hesitate ordering the duplex frame , but I would most likely order the bikini again.
Post by: JPhelps on December 14, 2013, 09:41:09 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 14, 2013, 10:06:53 AM
I can say that the metcalf with the side zipper is the bomb. I had eight days worth of food and stuff in it on my Alaska dall sheep hunt this past year. It's a sweet pack that is very comfortable. Love mine.The side zip is the one feature that is keeping me from hitting send on the Kifaru! They need to incorporate this into more packs.
Karl,Good stuff Jason, thanks! The DT1 is $590. Choices, choices!
The bikini was designed with barreling in mind. Heavy loose loads will not squeeze through the frame. Also with all of the side compression straps it is easy to situate and lock a load down.
For that price it would be awful hard not to go with the kifaru setup. I would not hesitate ordering the duplex frame , but I would most likely order the bikini again.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 14, 2013, 10:24:26 AM
Shoot it closer to the road. Problem solved. Look forward to seeing what you pick up.Chris, you were supposed to win big in Vegas and buy me one for christmas :chuckle: Regardless which one I get we will put it to work next season!
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on December 14, 2013, 10:27:08 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 14, 2013, 11:05:10 AM
http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=27808 (http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=27808)
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 14, 2013, 12:05:32 PM
http://blog.mysteryranch.com/2013/02/nice-metcalf/ (http://blog.mysteryranch.com/2013/02/nice-metcalf/)
Post by: 7mag. on December 14, 2013, 10:01:20 PM
Post by: Slimdog350 on December 15, 2013, 12:00:02 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on December 15, 2013, 05:10:55 PM
Post by: 7mag. on December 15, 2013, 05:23:19 PM
Post by: JustinC on December 15, 2013, 05:33:16 PM
My high hunt buddy has a Kuiu Icon 7200, and he loves it. But, he hasn't hauled out any meat with it yet, so we'll see how the frame holds up. Kuiu supposedly fixed the frame problem for the 2013 model, but time will tell.
The new frames are still breaking like the old ones.
One of my hunting partners just bought one but I'll keep a backup Kifaru on hand for him when it fails. ;)
A kuiu pack wouldn't begin to hold up to the loads I carry when elk hunting.
Post by: 7mag. on December 15, 2013, 06:41:26 PM
My high hunt buddy has a Kuiu Icon 7200, and he loves it. But, he hasn't hauled out any meat with it yet, so we'll see how the frame holds up. Kuiu supposedly fixed the frame problem for the 2013 model, but time will tell.
The new frames are still breaking like the old ones.
One of my hunting partners just bought one but I'll keep a backup Kifaru on hand for him when it fails. ;)
A kuiu pack wouldn't begin to hold up to the loads I carry when elk hunting.
That's a shame. Pretty expensive pack to be having issues with the frame breaking.
Post by: Benny on December 15, 2013, 07:34:10 PM
Post by: JPhelps on December 15, 2013, 07:39:51 PM
I have another buddy that has the new 7200 and likes it, but never hauled a heavy load.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on December 15, 2013, 07:47:43 PM
Post by: JustinC on December 15, 2013, 08:53:35 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on December 17, 2013, 08:07:51 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 08:14:47 PM
The deciding factor was the load lifters on the metcalf. When the pack is extended out into load sling mode the load lifters are moved from the metcalf pack to the NICE frame and you lose your height. They make an extension for the frame but that is just one more thing to carry. I just hope they don't put a side zipper on the Timberline next year as someone on here will be getting a smoking deal on my current Timberline! That truly is a game changing innovation in top load bags in my opinion.
Post by: coachcw on January 22, 2014, 08:24:27 PM
Post by: JPhelps on January 22, 2014, 08:46:43 PM
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on January 22, 2014, 09:02:43 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 09:08:46 PM
Sooo dumb question, what's the difference between the aluminum stays and the other ones$40 :chuckle: seriously though, $40 and the ability to bend them to better fit your back. Downfall is they are a bit heavier. Not enough to justify the cost in my opinion though.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 09:11:20 PM
Karl just get one of each and I will use the one you don't like ! :chuckle:lol! You need a full size pack. Someday when I grow big my packs will fit you! Until then I will keep eating my wheaties! Not holding my breath though. Pretty certain I am gonna stay vertically challenged for the rest of my life!
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on January 22, 2014, 09:14:39 PM
Sooo dumb question, what's the difference between the aluminum stays and the other ones$40 :chuckle: seriously though, $40 and the ability to bend them to better fit your back. Downfall is they are a bit heavier. Not enough to justify the cost in my opinion though.
10-4 I would have made the same choice
Post by: Smossy on January 22, 2014, 09:27:50 PM
Post by: Smossy on January 22, 2014, 09:32:18 PM
Update!!!!! After many hours of research and many sleepless nights I have ordered a pack! Kifaru DT1 is the winner! Multicam with aluminum stays and the standard lid (for now) to my door for $575.12! Should be here in 4 to 6 weeks! :IBCOOL:Woo, you did what I cant commit to yet :chuckle: I still cant decide what pack to actually get yet though. I think its between the highcamp 4800 or the DT3. Im still somewhat new to hunting so I dont think I have a HUGE need for a massive pack just yet but I do want something I can get good use out of, Plus all the added packs and attachments you can add to them I think I wont have a problem.
The deciding factor was the load lifters on the metcalf. When the pack is extended out into load sling mode the load lifters are moved from the metcalf pack to the NICE frame and you lose your height. They make an extension for the frame but that is just one more thing to carry. I just hope they don't put a side zipper on the Timberline next year as someone on here will be getting a smoking deal on my current Timberline! That truly is a game changing innovation in top load bags in my opinion.
Did you go with the bikini frame? And what's your ETA?
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on January 22, 2014, 09:38:22 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 09:48:45 PM
. I was gonna go with the T2 but for the extra few bucks it was worth it to go big. One thing I have learned is that with a top load pack you can never have enough cu in! I quarter more deer than I debone so having the room is important. Plus from what I have seen this pack compresses down very nicely and is not cumbersome when empty. I went with the Duplex frame. The weight savings wasn't enough to justify the added cost. ETA is 4 to 6 weeks.Update!!!!! After many hours of research and many sleepless nights I have ordered a pack! Kifaru DT1 is the winner! Multicam with aluminum stays and the standard lid (for now) to my door for $575.12! Should be here in 4 to 6 weeks! :IBCOOL:Woo, you did what I cant commit to yet :chuckle: I still cant decide what pack to actually get yet though. I think its between the highcamp 4800 or the DT3. Im still somewhat new to hunting so I dont think I have a HUGE need for a massive pack just yet but I do want something I can get good use out of, Plus all the added packs and attachments you can add to them I think I wont have a problem.
The deciding factor was the load lifters on the metcalf. When the pack is extended out into load sling mode the load lifters are moved from the metcalf pack to the NICE frame and you lose your height. They make an extension for the frame but that is just one more thing to carry. I just hope they don't put a side zipper on the Timberline next year as someone on here will be getting a smoking deal on my current Timberline! That truly is a game changing innovation in top load bags in my opinion.
Did you go with the bikini frame? And what's your ETA?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 09:51:30 PM
For your first pack I would recommend the eberlestock blue widow, good pack at a good price. The blue widow is a decent pack but it did not hold up to my abuse. Didn't even make it through one hunting season. Did not seem to carry weight well for me. That being said I have a friend who has had one for 4 seasons and loves it. He only packs about one deer a year with it though.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 09:53:33 PM
All the cool kids are using a DT1 in multicam ;):IBCOOL: ya! I'm a cool kid!!!! Um I mean....sup 8)
Post by: Smossy on January 22, 2014, 09:57:20 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 10:05:22 PM
Any reasons why you went with multicam over highlander?Cause multicam looks cooler! That and its on sale :chuckle: Seriously though i think multicam is one of the most universal camo patterns out there. I wear it a lot but wish someone would make some higher end stuff in that pattern, like First Light or someone.
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on January 22, 2014, 10:16:13 PM
For your first pack I would recommend the eberlestock blue widow, good pack at a good price. The blue widow is a decent pack but it did not hold up to my abuse. Didn't even make it through one hunting season. Did not seem to carry weight well for me. That being said I have a friend who has had one for 4 seasons and loves it. He only packs about one deer a year with it though.
I've had pretty good experience with mine for the price, multiple elk with 80+ lbs loads, deer, salt, ect. Held together for me. Although wish I had more room for being out more than 4-5 days, also heavy loads ride low and that gets old... If I had the cash I would go the route you went
Post by: Smossy on January 22, 2014, 10:19:32 PM
Sounds good, lol Just wondering because I couldnt decide on a camo pattern either :chuckle: at these kinda prices its hard to give the final go ahead.Any reasons why you went with multicam over highlander?Cause multicam looks cooler! That and its on sale :chuckle: Seriously though i think multicam is one of the most universal camo patterns out there. I wear it a lot but wish someone would make some higher end stuff in that pattern, like First Light or someone.
I know what my tax returns are going towards :tup:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 10:27:29 PM
Absolutely. If it works and your happy then thats all that counts.I returned mine and they replaced it but after having a hole wear out in the bag and then when the shoulder strap ripped off on a meat packout I wasn't giving them a second chance. Sold it. I did love the rifle scabbard though. I have been stashing a few bucks every check for this one for a while and I was waiting until after I got some refund checks from some states back to buy it but when I saw the sale I figured I better strike while the iron is hot!For your first pack I would recommend the eberlestock blue widow, good pack at a good price. The blue widow is a decent pack but it did not hold up to my abuse. Didn't even make it through one hunting season. Did not seem to carry weight well for me. That being said I have a friend who has had one for 4 seasons and loves it. He only packs about one deer a year with it though.
I've had pretty good experience with mine for the price, multiple elk with 80+ lbs loads, deer, salt, ect. Held together for me. Although wish I had more room for being out more than 4-5 days, also heavy loads ride low and that gets old... If I had the cash I would go the route you went
Its definitely a hard trigger to pull but it is a short lived pain once you start using it. High quality gear is almost always well worth the investment.Sounds good, lol Just wondering because I couldnt decide on a camo pattern either :chuckle: at these kinda prices its hard to give the final go ahead.Any reasons why you went with multicam over highlander?Cause multicam looks cooler! That and its on sale :chuckle: Seriously though i think multicam is one of the most universal camo patterns out there. I wear it a lot but wish someone would make some higher end stuff in that pattern, like First Light or someone.
I know what my tax returns are going towards :tup:
Post by: Smossy on January 22, 2014, 10:35:17 PM
How do you know if its on sale, Ive been trying to price some stuff and Im only seeing the DT3 on sale with the multicam.Any reasons why you went with multicam over highlander?Cause multicam looks cooler! That and its on sale :chuckle: Seriously though i think multicam is one of the most universal camo patterns out there. I wear it a lot but wish someone would make some higher end stuff in that pattern, like First Light or someone.
Post by: RadSav on January 22, 2014, 10:37:41 PM
For your first pack I would recommend the eberlestock blue widow, good pack at a good price. The blue widow is a decent pack but it did not hold up to my abuse. Didn't even make it through one hunting season. Did not seem to carry weight well for me. That being said I have a friend who has had one for 4 seasons and loves it. He only packs about one deer a year with it though.
Send that pack back to Glen. Eberlestock packs should never wear out! I've misused and abused mine. Have had over 150# in it many times. Some awful out of balance loads a few times too. Never a problem! I've heard the same story about Eberle a few times, so I guess it's not unheard of. I've just never experienced it myself.
If you have salt on anything it's a good idea to always soak and re-soak. Blood is not so bad, but it does start to have an effect over time. Especially on the stitching. I've ruined some dang fine packs over the years and finally learned my lesson.
Once you get it back you could have a nice backup pack for those guys, all of us know at least one, who show up to elk camp and say, "Sorry, I can't help. I have no pack." I always enjoy seeing the look on their face when I tell them, "That's ok. I've got extras! You want internal or external?" :chuckle: Even the women pack meat around our camp!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 10:37:59 PM
Post by: Smossy on January 22, 2014, 10:39:59 PM
I was just punching in what I wanted the other day and noticed that the multicam came up discounted when I punched it in with aluminum stays. Didn't really mess around too much with other combinations though. The DT2 came up discounted as well. It was just shy of $100 off.I must be missing something, I cant even get it to show up where I choose the stays, I must have have to choose a frame to eh?
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 22, 2014, 10:40:54 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 10:42:27 PM
This was about 4 years ago. I did send it back for a new one and then I sold it. I didn't want to pack a load of meat in my arms ever again :chuckle: It only made it two months into the season. It was probably just a bad strap but it was enough of a bad experience to shy me away from them for life. I have been trying very hard as of late to try and buy American made as well. Its tough let me tell ya. And my buddies get my old bi-mart frame with the broken waistbelt :chuckle:For your first pack I would recommend the eberlestock blue widow, good pack at a good price. The blue widow is a decent pack but it did not hold up to my abuse. Didn't even make it through one hunting season. Did not seem to carry weight well for me. That being said I have a friend who has had one for 4 seasons and loves it. He only packs about one deer a year with it though.
Send that pack back to Glen. Eberlestock packs should never wear out! I've misused and abused mine. Have had over 150# in it many times. Some awful out of balance loads a few times too. Never a problem! I've heard the same story about Eberle a few times, so I guess it's not unheard of. I've just never experienced it myself.
If you have salt on anything it's a good idea to always soak and re-soak. Blood is not so bad, but it does start to have an effect over time. Especially on the stitching. I've ruined some dang fine packs over the years and finally learned my lesson.
Once you get it back you could have a nice backup pack for those guys, all of us know at least one, who show up to elk camp and say, "Sorry, I can't help. I have no pack." I always enjoy seeing the look on their face when I tell them, "That's ok. I've got extras! You want internal or external?" :chuckle: Even the women pack meat around our camp!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 10:44:47 PM
Yep, buy it as a combo and you will get the options. I don't believe they sell the bag with the bikini frame as a combo though.I was just punching in what I wanted the other day and noticed that the multicam came up discounted when I punched it in with aluminum stays. Didn't really mess around too much with other combinations though. The DT2 came up discounted as well. It was just shy of $100 off.I must be missing something, I cant even get it to show up where I choose the stays, I must have have to choose a frame to eh?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 10:45:54 PM
Congrats...welcome to the Dark Side...I'll never go back.I wanted soooo bad to send you a pic of my new Mystery Ranch :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on January 22, 2014, 10:56:26 PM
This was about 4 years ago. I did send it back for a new one and then I sold it. I didn't want to pack a load of meat in my arms ever again :chuckle: It only made it two months into the season. It was probably just a bad strap but it was enough of a bad experience to shy me away from them for life. I have been trying very hard as of late to try and buy American made as well. Its tough let me tell ya. And my buddies get my old bi-mart frame with the broken waistbelt :chuckle:
They did have a bunch of bad stitching right after the fire. Not sure if stock got rushed or they didn't pay due diligence on inspection trying to get back in business. That's a bummer! I packed a hind quarter a mile in my arms one time when I was young...NEVER again!
I'm going to try the new Eberlestock frame/hauler this year before I break down and do the same as you. But, I'm hoping to go a little lighter rather than changing because of reliability. I like the idea that they named the pack after my late friend Bill Krenz too!
One of the reasons I always keep a spare is because I have to use a guide up north. Most of those guys are so poor they have garbage packs. Been more than one occasion where the guide had a broken pack when I arrived. I even had a guide, whom I am very fond of, who carried a shotgun for our bear protection. When a grizzly acted threatening one day I noticed he dropped the gun and pulled out his big knife :yike: When I asked him what he was doing he told me he didn't have enough money to buy slugs for the gun so it was empty. Apparently he was carrying it just to make me feel better. I now usually bring ammo for whatever the guide says he carries as a backup too :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2014, 11:03:47 PM
WOW!!!!!!!! I think bludgeoning the bear with the gun would work better!!! I think defects happen with every product. I probably just got unlucky. When I first got my Blue Widow I had something adjusted wrong, can't remember what, but it made the pack squeak really bad, but I called their customer service and they were extremely professional and knowledgeable and they had me up and running in stealth mode in know time. I also had a new pack, no questions asked in no time. They got an A rating in the customer service category.This was about 4 years ago. I did send it back for a new one and then I sold it. I didn't want to pack a load of meat in my arms ever again :chuckle: It only made it two months into the season. It was probably just a bad strap but it was enough of a bad experience to shy me away from them for life. I have been trying very hard as of late to try and buy American made as well. Its tough let me tell ya. And my buddies get my old bi-mart frame with the broken waistbelt :chuckle:
They did have a bunch of bad stitching right after the fire. Not sure if stock got rushed or they didn't pay due diligence on inspection trying to get back in business. That's a bummer! I packed a hind quarter a mile in my arms one time when I was young...NEVER again!
I'm going to try the new Eberlestock frame/hauler this year before I break down and do the same as you. But, I'm hoping to go a little lighter rather than changing because of reliability. I like the idea that they named the pack after my late friend Bill Krenz too!
One of the reasons I always keep a spare is because I have to use a guide up north. Most of those guys are so poor they have garbage packs. Been more than one occasion where the guide had a broken pack when I arrived. I even had a guide, whom I am very fond of, who carried a shotgun for our bear protection. When a grizzly acted threatening one day I noticed he dropped the gun and pulled out his big knife :yike: When I asked him what he was doing he told me he didn't have enough money to buy slugs for the gun so it was empty. Apparently he was carrying it just to make me feel better. I now usually bring ammo for whatever the guide says he carries as a backup too :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on January 22, 2014, 11:38:15 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on January 23, 2014, 10:06:05 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on January 27, 2014, 06:38:33 AM
All the cool kids are using a DT1 in multicam ;). I guess I am not cool. DT2 in multicam for me. ;)
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Post by: Smossy on January 27, 2014, 06:59:21 AM
I think that's what Ill be getting to, DT1 seems alittle too big for me.All the cool kids are using a DT1 in multicam ;). I guess I am not cool. DT2 in multicam for me. ;)
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Post by: dreamingbig on January 27, 2014, 07:11:23 AM
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Post by: Smossy on January 27, 2014, 07:59:00 AM
Post by: JPhelps on January 27, 2014, 08:48:31 AM
I can fit 9 days of gear in my dt2 with no issues. I do have a high camp 7000 for family trips when I am the pack mule.
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I'm always preparing for 4000-5000 CY to be used up by fresh meat :tup: plus I hate daisy chaining gear to the outside of the pack.
Post by: dreamingbig on January 27, 2014, 08:58:03 AM
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Post by: iflyils on February 05, 2014, 10:08:27 PM