Post by: arguhl on May 04, 2012, 03:54:07 PM
Timberline 2. Both have there pros and cons, price and weight being the biggest two factors. The Opw weighs in at almost ten pounds which is heavy to say the least , the kifaru just under three pounds, that six pound difference is huge in my book. The cons for the kifaru, the price tag which is well a lot to say the least. I love the diversity of the opw but also take into consideration the more parts in a system the more points for potential failure. This is important considering my uncanny ability to take any piece of Gear and destory it with use. I've read the majority of reviews on both that are available just looking for some more opinions and or thoughts from guys that have used these packs hard in the field. I'm interested in the field reports not just impression from handling the pAck at a show. Thanks so much Andrew
Post by: MtnMuley on May 04, 2012, 04:13:03 PM
Post by: couesbitten on May 05, 2012, 07:58:58 AM
Post by: JPhelps on May 05, 2012, 08:07:35 AM
I found a used Dana Designs Terraframe Longbed XL (external framed load monster) and can't be happier. Might be worth looking into. Last year I packed 160+ lbs for over 10 miles and I couldn't have asked for anything more (except less weight) :tup:
Post by: arguhl on May 05, 2012, 12:53:10 PM
Post by: lewy on May 05, 2012, 12:56:30 PM
Post by: kentrek on May 05, 2012, 01:03:07 PM
Post by: lewy on May 05, 2012, 01:06:45 PM
Post by: JPhelps on May 05, 2012, 01:15:24 PM
Show me a sub 3 lb pack that can haul 100+ lbs and carry 7+ days worth of gear and I am all ears.
Post by: kentrek on May 05, 2012, 01:23:01 PM
good luck finding a solid pack capable of carrying out 100 lbs of meat and gear that weighs 3lbs, these arent day packs by the way
haha they are out there,my frame is spot on 3 pounds and has noooo prob carying 100 pound loads. its just one of those plastic style military frames(same frame the wilderness pack uses) with a 35liter dry sack on it.nothing fancey,no pockets,no extra gizmos.no extra weight
il try and find a pic but i think you get the idea
Post by: romaknows on May 05, 2012, 01:33:43 PM
Post by: lewy on May 05, 2012, 01:34:52 PM
thats not apples to apples, im talking frame and pack both. going with just a frame is a good option to save weight no doubt, but doesnt suit the needs of everyone....good luck finding a solid pack capable of carrying out 100 lbs of meat and gear that weighs 3lbs, these arent day packs by the way
haha they are out there,my frame is spot on 3 pounds and has noooo prob carying 100 pound loads. its just one of those plastic style military frames(same frame the wilderness pack uses) with a 35liter dry sack on it.nothing fancey,no pockets,no extra gizmos.no extra weight
il try and find a pic but i think you get the idea
Post by: JPhelps on May 05, 2012, 01:38:14 PM
Post by: Alpine Mojo on May 05, 2012, 02:32:42 PM
Post by: kentrek on May 05, 2012, 03:11:39 PM
thats not apples to apples, im talking frame and pack both. going with just a frame is a good option to save weight no doubt, but doesnt suit the needs of everyone....good luck finding a solid pack capable of carrying out 100 lbs of meat and gear that weighs 3lbs, these arent day packs by the way
haha they are out there,my frame is spot on 3 pounds and has noooo prob carying 100 pound loads. its just one of those plastic style military frames(same frame the wilderness pack uses) with a 35liter dry sack on it.nothing fancey,no pockets,no extra gizmos.no extra weight
il try and find a pic but i think you get the idea
my main point is i would just go for the lighter pack, i have no idea of the "needs" or wants of arguhl or other peaple on here.
Post by: arguhl on May 05, 2012, 03:31:08 PM
Post by: lewy on May 05, 2012, 08:50:16 PM
Post by: slim9300 on May 06, 2012, 11:46:22 AM
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Post by: sea2summit on May 06, 2012, 09:14:00 PM
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.
Post by: MichaelJ on May 06, 2012, 10:41:20 PM
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
Post by: Houndhunter on May 08, 2012, 12:14:35 PM
Post by: Branden on May 08, 2012, 02:36:53 PM
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)
Post by: CoachNemo on May 08, 2012, 03:45:07 PM
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.
Post by: arguhl on May 09, 2012, 09:33:11 AM
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
Post by: arguhl on May 10, 2012, 10:26:47 PM
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.
Post by: CoachNemo on May 11, 2012, 10:06:50 AM
Inquiring minds want to know ;)
My pack shipped yesterday from OPW :IBCOOL:
Post by: arguhl on May 12, 2012, 04:57:10 PM
The end of July can't get here fast enough now :chuckle:
Post by: slim9300 on May 13, 2012, 01:06:05 PM
The final verdict, a kifaru duplex timberline 2 in multi cam camo. :tup: 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 :chuckle:
Welcome to the club! ;)
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Post by: dreamingbig on May 15, 2012, 08:50:43 AM
Post by: Grunt on May 15, 2012, 11:02:56 AM