Kifaru, tenzing or..?

[stalkin4elk]

When will you guys learn!? Get whatever pack is most comfy for your teenage sons and friends.

[Dan Adair]

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.

[Ryan Sanpei]

Here's a resource of videos that may interest you.  I've watched them a handful of times.    :D

https://vimeo.com/channels/backpackinggear

[tawmio]

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.

[Major Boothroyd]

Originally 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.

[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.

[trapperjay]

Might also look at Stone Glacier

[agross1]

Originally 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.

[razorsharptokill]

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.

[Iowabowhunter]

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

[razorsharptokill]

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.

[vernon]

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

[The Night Stalker]

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.

[ozy clint]

Originally 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.

[razorsharptokill]

If anyone sees a duplex frame for sale, please let me know.

[mmgrode]

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.

[Mr. fingers]

Neither Badlands . Great packs Best Warranty bar none!!

[razorsharptokill]

http://forums.bowsite.com/tf/bgforums/thread.cfm?forum=2&threadid=428410&MESSAGES=25&FF=2

Aron talks Kifaru packs...

[razorsharptokill]

TTT Still looking for a Kifaru Duplex frame if anyone has one to sell.

[Dan Adair]

If I find one first, you're in trouble  


I might know where there's a UL5200 that's priced reasonable.