Kifaru Fulcrum Review, by William Hanson

[Justin Crossley]

Rokslide moderator William Hanson thought the Kifaru EMR2 was just about the perfect pack for his needs. Then Kifaru had to do what they do and come out with a new and improved model after taking in users feedback. This new version is the Kifaru Fulcrum and is loaded with features a lot of backcountry hunters will benefit from. So how did William like the Fulcrum compared to his trusty EMR2? After testing the fit and function at home and in the field on a recent backcountry trip to Colorado he lays out his thoughts in this Kifarum Fulcrum Review.

Rokstaff Jordan Budd also adds her thoughts in a 3 part video review at the end of the article.

 

[Leo45]

Nice write up
Thank you

 

[elkeaterco]

Love mine. It so stinking versatile. You'll be hard pressed to find a better bag, imo.

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[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Love mine. It so stinking versatile. You'll be hard pressed to find a better bag, imo.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

I agree. It hauls more than I want to even without a lid and is small and sleek in day pack mode.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I will say using the pack wasn't quite as intuitive for me as other packs I've used, but I think that's due mostly to how versatile it is. I ended up changing my system several times in the field before I finally found what I really liked.

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[thinhorn_AK]

I love my Fulcrum. My only complaint is that I wish Id gotten it in a different color but thats not really a big deal, it functions perfectly from day hikes to 8 day trips which is the most i've done with it so far. I have a few longer expeditions planned for the summer and its going along with me.

 

[SLDMTN]

I used an EMR II on my sheep hunt and then within two weeks a Fulcrum on a buffalo hunt. Loved the EMR and I like the Fulcrum that much more. My one and only issue, if I had one, was that I ripped the bag material at the grab handle. My fault though due to the load.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I used an EMR II on my sheep hunt and then within two weeks a Fulcrum on a buffalo hunt. Loved the EMR and I like the Fulcrum that much more. My one and only issue, if I had one, was that I ripped the bag material at the grab handle. My fault though due to the load.

Kifaru will likely fix that if you call them

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[SLDMTN]

Kifaru will likely fix that if you call them

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I emailed them the other day and already got a response. I need to send the bag in but I'm not sure that I'm done hunting for the season

 

[brianrossman1]

Thanks for the write up, my Fulcrum should ship out next week. Very excited to try this out after having some disappointing experiences with one of their well known competitors.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Thanks for the write up, my Fulcrum should ship out next week. Very excited to try this out after having some disappointing experiences with one of their well known competitors.

You won't be disappointed

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[mfllood3800]

William, does this pull loose vertically at the frame sides to allow meat to run behind the bag and on the frame sheet itself?
I see there are 2 straps at the bottom as usual but I cannot seem to see how the bag attaches to the frame vert sides?

I really like hauling meat between the frame and the bag and not in the bag or on top of the outside of it.

Id like to get this on their Black Friday sale, but had that one question.
Thx

 

[TMan84]

William, does this pull loose vertically at the frame sides to allow meat to run behind the bag and on the frame sheet itself?
I see there are 2 straps at the bottom as usual but I cannot seem to see how the bag attaches to the frame vert sides?

I really like hauling meat between the frame and the bag and not in the bag or on top of the outside of it.

Id like to get this on their Black Friday sale, but had that one question.
Thx

I just ordered the fulcrum and had the same question...Kifaru told me it does

 

[mfllood3800]

Yes that does William sent me pictures of his and with compression straps it will work perfect mine was ordered not even a week ago and I got shipping confirmation today already

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[Tsarbomba]

I love my Fulcrum. My only complaint is that I wish Id gotten it in a different color but thats not really a big deal, it functions perfectly from day hikes to 8 day trips which is the most i've done with it so far. I have a few longer expeditions planned for the summer and its going along with me.

What color fid you get? And what do you want?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What color fid you get? And what do you want?

Grey, I wish I’d gone with coyote or multi cam.

 

[Tsarbomba]

Pretty much narrowed down it down to Fulcrum, Reckoning, and Exo 5500. I like the open side pockets on the Reckoning & 5500. Just not sure if having that extra space on the Fulcrum would be needed for 7-10 day outings.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Pretty much narrowed down it down to Fulcrum, Reckoning, and Exo 5500. I like the open side pockets on the Reckoning & 5500. Just not sure if having that extra space on the Fulcrum would be needed for 7-10 day outings.

The fulcrum does an excellent job at compressing down for smaller loads, even down to day hunting size. I personally would rather have a larger bag cinched down than a smaller bag with junk strapped all over the outside because I have no more room. I always go for bigger bags also because I do some winter trips.

I love the fulcrum, I don’t think I can ever again use a bag without a center zip. I wish I had a newer fulcrum with the meat shelf...oh well.

 

[Achigan1]

I love mine - even been using it for turkey hunting. 25# of sand and two semi-hard body decoys in the main bag, HPG Windcheater and a fleece in one side pocket, stake blind and decoy stakes in the other. Bow strapped to the back. Pack makes a nice backrest and I'm getting some hours of prep for spring bear on my legs.