Looking at the kifaru vs rockslide vs kuiu
Not too sure about a rockslide pack, but I know that you cannot go wrong with a Kifaru pack, with the reputation they have and the pretty stellar customer service... For me this is a no brainer...
But if money is a potential issue, look into HornHunter packs, their Full Curl system is a bombproof pack for the money!
Depending on budget take a look at Stone Glacier packs.
kifaru all the way. what are you looking at using it for?
DXH, I've also been doing a lot of research on this subject and narrowed my choices down to a Kifaru Hunter harness and the the Deluxe Timberline II bag or the EXO 5500 by EXO Mountain Gear. After waffling back and forth several times, I am going with the EXO 5500. Kifaru makes a top notch bag and has 30 years experience behind their products but the EXO bag fits my hunting style better. I also searched and searched and searched and could not find a single bad review of the EXO bags. They are made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty so it's hard to beat that.
It looks like a lot of folks have backed away from the KUIU bags because they are skeptical of their durability. I guess the carbon frames broke in a lot of the first generation bags and people are leery of KUIU coming out with design changes every six months.
Mystery Ranch also makes a great bag but they are a bit heavier than the Kifaru, EXO or KUIU.
Darren
I have the Kuiu pack and it's a great pack for light loads. So anything less then 60 lbs the Kuiu pack is great.
For heavy packs kifaru is my top choice. Call Aaron at kifaru and talk to him before buying. They will build the pack to your specifications, body type, etc. it makes a big difference in comfort when you are packing meat.
The exo mountain pack is one I'm testing this year. It is a truly awesome pack for the money. It hauls heavy weights comfortably and is a really we'll thought out design. For extended trips definitely get the 5500
I have a Exo 5500 and couldn't be happier.Plus their customer service is top notch
Tim
Kifaru is the only real choice in that list.
Brad
All three of us use the Kifaru packs on our wilderness hunts. They are great for light and heavy loads and are extremely comfortable.
Take the time and get it adjusted correctly and train with weight and you'll never look at another pack.
Mike
Sweet thanks guys
I've got three Bison Gear packs. Work great for my type of hunting in Texas and Oklahoma. :thumbsup:
I have Kifaru DT1 and its the best pack for me flying solo for 10-14 days
KIFARU
I'm a big Kifaru fanboy, customer service can't be beat and one of the sponsors on here is either a dealer or is becoming a dealer, rmsgear! They have a pack in just about every range available and with everything being so modular with them you can tailor them exactly to your needs even as they may change from season to season or day to day. And for clarification, rokslide is a Backcountry/backpacking forum not a pack brand, were you thinking maybe Stone Glacier or Mystery Ranch??
old goat I guess I was looking at the Stone glacier packs lol
I have a Stone Glacier and I a real happy with it. They are coming out with a new bag that looks pretty good.
FYI Kifaru is offering a 15% off on the new archers pack that is coming out for pre orders
QuoteOriginally posted by Dmaxshawn:
FYI Kifaru is offering a 15% off on the new archers pack that is coming out for pre orders
Hadn't heard that, it's pretty small bag but add a Guide Lid and throw a dry bag on the load shelf and you could haul a lot of stuff! I was wanting to get my wife one of those to go on her 22" frame in place of the Cargo Panel she has now, would be more versatile and that pack is made just for her frame.
Kifaru on that list. You might also look at Stone Glacier, Exo, Mystery Ranch. Just depends on your needs.
kifaru= endless options...
Mystery Ranch. Best of the best IMHO
I have a Stone Glacier Solo, and it's perfect for my needs; HOWEVER, I've packed my share of around a half-dozen bull elk in an $80 "Hunter's Carryall" from LL Bean! It's strikingly similar to the Full Curl pack, and I've had it up to 125 pounds several times with no problems (for the pack--I had plenty of problems with that much weight!)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgErufyM9Dw/UD0EYbxFhRI/AAAAAAAABLY/33QlmJhuIvo/s600/P8030007.JPG)
Don't let the internet wisdom tell you that you HAVE to have the luxury brands to hunt! That includes packs, Sitka/Kuiu camo, and $250 boots.
Kifaru gets my vote!!
Steve