I have a Eberlestock Blue Widow and it is great until I get 50+lbs in it then it sags a little. Looking to upgrade. I really like the looks of the Kifaru Nomad and EMRII. Leery of paying that much for a pack without being able to load test it myself prior though.
Any other suggestions? I'm looking for a pack with heavy hauling comfort that can double as a day pack.
I was also looking at a Tenzing 5000 ut they are made over seas.
Jim,
Kifaru will let you have 30 days to try it out. As long as you keep it clean, you can send it back. I doubt many come back.
Take a good look at Mystery Ranch also.
I know that Kuiu is going with a new, lighter and improved version of their packs, another option.
Kifaru and Mystery Ranch are at the top of my lists. Have a G1 Zulu and Molle Express with a few extras, looking at a Timberlane 2 for 2014, well see if the budget can handle it???
Jim,
Jason and I both got Kifaru packs this year and absolutely loved them when packing moose meat. They are in Denver and would be a good day trip for you to go check it out.
Mike
I had the Eberlestock Blue Widow, it was a good pack. Switched to a Kifaru Timberline last year. For me, a WORLD of difference! Really no comparison, better fit, better built, simpler design, slimmer fit.
chris <><
Run the various classifieds and suction sites and you should be able to turn up an emr or longhunter. I run a G2 longhunter with composite stays and couldn't be happier. The Kuiu frame can't take the same weight as the Kifaru. I haven't met anyone yet who bought a mystery ranch and didn't later wish they had gone Kifaru.
Great info guys thank you! Denver is about 12 hours from me I believe. If I could get a cheap SouthWest flight it might be worth it.
I like the looks of the Nomad but with frame and some pockets it was like $700. Tough pill to swallow. I would like to get just one pack that will do everything well and be done though.
I just got back from the ATA Show where I got to check out a new pack company, EXO. They have a pack that is 3,500. Titanium frame, really comfortable. I know the guy who designed it,he spent a lot of time with Ebrlestock. Should be one to keep an eye out on. Built in Boise.
Mystery Ranch. The Nice frame is hard to beat.
Stone Glacier is another option for backpacks
Which packs did you get Wingnut?
Mystery Ranch!! Check out archery talk classifieds - couple for sale right now.
Anytime there is a heavy load called for, I want a pack with a tup strap. The tump strap puts the load on the hole skeleton, instead of just the shoulders. Just like the voygiers of old, I was told of a Canadian moose guide can transport his body weight in moose meat with a very simple canvas and tup strap setup, that is stored rolled up until needed.
Jim,
I'd first recommend the Kifaru followed closely by Mystery Ranch. Like so many things fit is personal. There are things I like a lot about both systems but personally I give the nod to the Kifaru packs.
Having been hauling heavy loads in Alaska since the mid-70's with everything from external aluminum frame packs to internal frame packs my opinion is based on having been there and done that. BY FAR the best system I've found is either the Kifaru or Mystery Ranch. For what it's worth I am currently using my 5th or 6th Kifaru pack (their Longhunter guide model which isn't being made any more) and also own and sometimes use a MR NICE 6500 and a MR Metcalf.
For most hunting situations I think a simple big bag with good compression straps is the way to go. You can always make a big bag smaller by compressing it down but you can't make a small bag bigger. The weight differential between a small bag on a removable frame versus a big bag on a removable frame is negligible.
There are two things upon which you should not compromise: one is the presence of a mid-level support platform/sleeping bag compartment. You don't want a heavy load resting in the bottom of a bag. The bottom of a heavy load is best carried with it bottomed out around your waist. The second is an excellent load lifting system to keep the weight off of your shoulders and on your hips where it belongs.
Hauling September 2013:
(http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/JCHavard/IMG_0970_zps2d434de5.jpg) (http://s603.photobucket.com/user/JCHavard/media/IMG_0970_zps2d434de5.jpg.html)
The benefits of having a removable frame:
(http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/JCHavard/IMG_0931_zpsd281a4ed.jpg) (http://s603.photobucket.com/user/JCHavard/media/IMG_0931_zpsd281a4ed.jpg.html)
Kuiu,Stone Glacier,Tenzing and Kifiru are in a different world then the Blue Widow check them all out I bet you like one of them. I have a Kuiu and love it. Widow
I am looking for a Kifaru frame if anyone is looking to part with one. Duplex would fit my needs the best I believe.
I am in the same boat, read and researched. I was going to buy a kifaru 5200 UL two years ago but now I am leaning towards a EMR 2. Looks like great options.
Jim,
I just ordered a Kifaru Nomad yesterday. Like you, I wanted a pack that could virtually accommodate all my hunts. I think this pack will do the trick for me. Besides all the other Kifaru amenities, it's versatility is what sold me.
Aloha!
Ryan
When will you guys learn!? Get whatever pack is most comfy for your teenage sons and friends.
Like Biatholonman, I've had a lot of exposure to various backpacks. I spend a fair amount of time living out of one.
Kifaru is likely the best player in the backpack hunting game. It's what I use most of the time. They're expensive, but they're lightyears better than anything else in that price range. Tax time will see me ordering a Bikini Duplex, with a 7000" bag, and something 5000"ish. Then I'll be using Kifaru for ALL my hunting (and fly fishing, scouting, and backpacking)
My advice, try all the packs you can, especially with loads over 65 Lbs if you're planning on packing meat. Buy the one that sucks least.
Here's a resource of videos that may interest you. I've watched them a handful of times. :D
https://vimeo.com/channels/backpackinggear
i own the kifaru duplex frame bought it used from a guy on rokslide.com that wanted the new bikini frame so i got a good deal on it. I was against kifaru to begin with but the more research i did it pointed to kifaru... i have now had my kifaru for a year and a bit and have wore it hunting tested it with 100 lbs of cement bags and it can without a doubt be done as long as your legs don't give out. comfort is amazing the entire weight is on your hips thats how good the waist belt is.
I just recently contacted the guy i bought the duplex frame from and asked him how he liked his kifaru bikini frame and he told me he sent it back and bought another duplex frame.
i just ordered a nomad bag for my frame it should be a very versatile bag.
hope this helps.
QuoteOriginally posted by hockey7:
Take a good look at Mystery Ranch also.
+2 on Mystery Ranch. I have a Kifaru X-Ray for a day pack, and I have a Mystery Ranch NICE Metcalf for multi day hunts.
Both are great. I give the edge to the Mystery Ranch for meat packing capabilities and comfort.
There is a guy on bowsite...elkreaper or something that has some fairly detailed and real world back pack testing write ups....he puts a hundred pounds of weights in them and does miles in country or on treadmill....torture testing for sure.
http://forums.bowsite.com/TF/bgforums/thread-print.cfm?threadid=382025&forum=5
search for some of his other reviews and such...he covers them pretty well though now a couple years old still relevant.
Might also look at Stone Glacier
QuoteOriginally posted by Brock:
There is a guy on bowsite...elkreaper or something that has some fairly detailed and real world back pack testing write ups....he puts a hundred pounds of weights in them and does miles in country or on treadmill....torture testing for sure.
http://forums.bowsite.com/TF/bgforums/thread-print.cfm?threadid=382025&forum=5
search for some of his other reviews and such...he covers them pretty well though now a couple years old still relevant.
I just went through those the other day. It's like 4 or5 threads long . He gives a lot of good reviews and insight on a lot of different packs. Really puts em to the test.
The Elkreaper is Aron from Rokslide and works for Kifaru. I like how he entertains other makes of pack if he thinks it might suit you better than a Kifaru. Think the duplex is the frame for me. Just need to find one now.
Im livingnin Bozeman so I get the pleasure on my off days of trying out Mystery Ranch and Stone Glacier packs.
I'm really liking the MR Metcalf. Strong Glacier also makes a heck of a pack. Much like bows, find one that fits YOU and thats the pack I recommend.
Good luck on your search! Very addicting
On the hunt for a Kifaru duplex frame but still torn about the bikini frame as well. I have a Duplex timberline 1 on the way.
Thank you all for the help.
good friend has a mystery ranch crew crab and another has the big KUIU bag. The mystery ranch is unbelievable but we haven't tested the KUIU bag yet. I don't think you can go wrong with Mystery ranch, Kifaru, or KUIU
I did some figures, I looked at the Kifaru Nomad, bikini frame and the camp bag and weighs right at 5 lbs if I got it right.
Nomad. 2lbs
Bikini frame 2lbs 5oz
Camp bag. 12.8 oz
I think the EMR 2 weighs around 7lbs with the duplex.
I think there is a one dollar price difference between the two systems.
Both systems have versatility to them. I had a longhunter on the duplex and sold it in order to buy a lighter bag.
QuoteOriginally posted by Onions:
I had the Eberlestock Blue Widow, it was a good pack. Switched to a Kifaru Timberline last year. For me, a WORLD of difference! Really no comparison, better fit, better built, simpler design, slimmer fit.
chris <><
exactly this x2!
hauler as daypack option- start with a kifaru duplex or bikini frame. you then have the option of getting whatever big bag you wish for extended hunts and various pockets for day use. always carry a grab-it and a lash kit and you have a meat hauler.
If anyone sees a duplex frame for sale, please let me know.
Bought a kifaru longhunter with the duplex frame last spring and really like it. I can honestly say I've never had that much weight on my back feel that light before. It's all in the suspension and the way it rides on your hips instead of your shoulders. The pack is also very light to begin with. I can't fool my legs though and frankly, lets face it, 100+ lb loads suck regardless of pack. Some just suck less! ;) Adjustability to your particular body is key and kifaru packs provide this. They also compact down so I use it as a day pack as well. Excellent system. I will say if I get another bag I'll go with the timberline bag instead of the longhunter...more pockets.
Think of these packs as investments for the long term, not couple year throw aways.
Neither Badlands . Great packs Best Warranty bar none!!
http://forums.bowsite.com/tf/bgforums/thread.cfm?forum=2&threadid=428410&MESSAGES=25&FF=2
Aron talks Kifaru packs...
TTT Still looking for a Kifaru Duplex frame if anyone has one to sell.
If I find one first, you're in trouble :)
I might know where there's a UL5200 that's priced reasonable.
Have one on the way soon.