Adding to the Kifaru arsenal, help deciding

[freediver111]

I've read about all the pack threads there are and I'm still having trouble deciding.
I'm running a Mtn Rambler now. Nice daypack, but fills up really quickly. Also still debating how much I like the meat shelf. I haven't packed any quarters with it yet, but I train with 80 lbs sand bags and it's a little awkward getting it loaded properly.

Thinking AMR. Compresses down to a reasonable day pack size but can handle lots of gear and meat. Never thought I'd be a fan of sticking meat in my bag but I may be coming around to it.

Mostly a day hunter, but plan on doing some longer bivy hunts this year if everything goes as planned.

Opinions? I really want something that can be used for day hunts, fits the bill for 3 day hunts, and can comfortably haul quarters/meat.


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[N2TRKYS]

My first Kifaru purchase was a hunter frame, AMR bag, and cargo panel. My plan is to hunt with the bag and haul the first load of meat out with it. Then swap over to the cargo panel for straight meat hauling. I'm sure that's not needed, but it's what I did. Unfortunately, I've only hauled bags of sand in it, so far.

 

[mrbillbrown]

I've owned almost every bag they make and have been the most happy so far with the AMR. From cinched down day trips to blown out dead hooker carry off (yes, I'm the guy my buddies call...) the AMR works perfectly for me. If I had a use/need for a spotter and tripod more often I would look at the DT series. Since I only carry a tripod and big binos a couple of times a year the lack of dedicated side pockets is great for me.


molon labe

 

[toddb]

Saddened a little by bills comments. I thought he owned every one of kifaru pack at one time or another. Lol.

 

[freediver111]

I've owned almost every bag they make and have been the most happy so far with the AMR. From cinched down day trips to blown out dead hooker carry off (yes, I'm the guy my buddies call...) the AMR works perfectly for me. If I had a use/need for a spotter and tripod more often I would look at the DT series. Since I only carry a tripod and big binos a couple of times a year the lack of dedicated side pockets is great for me.


molon labe

Yeah the DT1 had my eye because of the side pockets, but I don't always bring a spotter or tripod.
I also read that the AMR compresses better for day hunts.
I'm definitely still wobbling a little between the AMR and the DT's.


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[mrbillbrown]

Sad but true toddb. They created the Tahr, Markhor, and Argali just to keep me wondering. Lol

Free, I've had the DT 1/2/3 (really like all 3) and just like you've read the AMR cinches down a little nicer because of the lack of dedicated side pockets and the 3rd side strap. 90% of the time I run the AMR cinched down with bags of sand for training or day gear. Occasionally I'll train with a full gear load and expand it out. Realistically, I'm only gonna get to chase elk once or twice a year so the extra dedicated side pockets and not as clean cinch down DT series just don't make sense for me.


molon labe, mrbill

 

[bpctcb]

Just keep a 2 mil contractor clean-up bag in the bottom of your pack and slide the meat into it to keep the blood off your pack. This works great for me.

BP

 

[wasatchcomm]

i traded in the 22 mag for a larger pack
went with the mountain warrior
very big bag
i cannot imagine the size of the AMR

the MW is huge.....

the kifaru cookies we all crave................

 

[COlineman78]

I have yet to try the AMR, but want to. I currently have an EMR2 and it compresses very well. There is a thread in the last couple days of someone that added a zipper to make a very good day pack mode. I suggest checking it out and if you like it contact David @ ntcolorado.com and see how much he'd charge to add one. He'll do it before Kifaru ships it if you order from them. The only problem with the EMR2 and AMR for training is that it can be a little difficult to get the weight to sit high enough in an empty bag. My small setup is a 22 mag with a grab-it but want to try it in combination with a cargo panel. I think I could figure out a way in this combo to compress the load without compressing the bag. Also, on a 26" frame a small or medium pod fit quite well underneath the 22Mag.

 

[HuntHarder]

I have owned the Rambler and DT3. I now currently own the Nomad and DT2. I think I am absolutely set for any kind of hunting I will ever do. I am really digging the Nomad, and absolutely love the DT2. Perfect size for daytrips on up to 7 days if needed, probably more if I wanted to.

 

[mrbillbrown]

The AMR and its 3 side straps compresses loads very well at any level. One beauty in the 3 straps is the ability to hold loads at different levels on the frame. The EMRII and its 3 straps works similarly but your forced to crush everything in the bag and wings to hold a load up high using the straps. The AMR and its back pockets leaves items less crunched because the straps are attached to the sides instead or wrapping all the way around everything.

The best way I found to hold items high in the emrII was to use a grab it inside the center bag itself. I would move the grab it up and down on the interior pals matrix. Very slick use of pals tabs and grab it.


molon labe, mrbill

 

[Kotaman]

Plus, with the AMR, if you get in a pinch, you can use it for a sleeping bag.

 

[Vtsheddog]

I ordered my first kifaru last weekend, the wait begins lol ordered a tac frame and mountain warrior bag as it should do everything I need and more


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[Clarktar]

Great to meet you today. I would go with AMR or EMR2. I run a DT1. All of this packs compress down plenty for day use. They can all carry plenty of meat also. I feel the idea that bigger packs don't work well for day packs is a relic of old designs. All three of these packs are large, can expand for multi day trips, but can also be compressed for day use.

Meat in the pack is the only way I will go for now on. I feel that it just carries better.

I will bring up one of my DT1 for you to check out later this summer. Who knows maybe I will have a EMR2 or AMR by then.

I wish Luke would run the AMR for awhile so I can see how a PR49 will pack on it....

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[Vtsheddog]

I ordered my first kifaru last weekend, the wait begins lol ordered a tac frame and mountain warrior bag as it should do everything I need and more


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[freediver111]

Great to meet you today. I would go with AMR or EMR2. I run a DT1. All of this packs compress down plenty for day use. They can all carry plenty of meat also. I feel the idea that bigger packs don't work well for day packs is a relic of old designs. All three of these packs are large, can expand for multi day trips, but can also be compressed for day use.

Meat in the pack is the only way I will go for now on. I feel that it just carries better.

I will bring up one of my DT1 for you to check out later this summer. Who knows maybe I will have a EMR2 or AMR by then.

I wish Luke would run the AMR for awhile so I can see how a PR49 will pack on it....

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Good meeting you too! I'm leaning more and more towards the AMR. I think it's more of a mental block that made me worry about putting meat in the bag. I can see the benefits of it now though. Plus, while I'm mostly a day hunter, the Rambler gets full quick. Might as well have a pack that can go big for those random long trips but works as a meat bag and day bag. By the time I'm done adding pockets to my Rambler, it weighs the same as an AMR.

 

[Clarktar]

Yep, time to go big.

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