Does the Perfect Pack Exist?

[Kotaman]

I tried to like the KUIU packs but in the end, quite simply, they are NOT a Kifaru. I had a very hard time keeping a load "up" in the KUIU packs. Not so, with Kifaru. IMO nothing carries a load like a Kifaru MR is close, but they are so DANG heavy to start with and the load lifters on every one of their packs but the 6500 are all but useless.

I have a "feeling" Kifaru has some awesome innovations coming in 2014...Who knows..Maybe even "the perfect pack"...

 

[marc]

No not the perfect pack but maybe the perfect pack for a designated purpose. I really wish I could still hunt all day with my longhunter on but I can't move like I can with a small day pack or fanny pack on. For me now I pack in with the big bag and hunt with a quiet fleece fanny. I need quiet being a trad bowhunter.

 

[pyroducksx3]

I don't think the perfect pack for all situations exists. Which is why I love my kifaru duplex. I describe it as a lego, I can build anything on it. I have a DT1 for backcountry hunts. I have a cargo panel, backpouch and two #5 or #7 pockets, a lashing kit, a nimrod spotting scope case, and eberlestock scabbard. With all this stuff I can pretty much build any setup I need.

 

[E Wa Hunter]

To me you have to buy what works for you and your wallet, I have a buddy that bought an Alps pack and loves it, and another buddy that has 15 different packs and can't decide what one to use. For me no matter what I do I will need two different packs one for day and one for long trips. That being said I am looking forward to what 2014 has to offer 'cause I shoping for a new pack!

 

[hflier]

Does anyone in the lower 48 use a Barney's pack?

 

[O'Really]

Does anyone in the lower 48 use a Barney's pack?

I am not in the lower 48, but I use a Barney's pack exclusively. I have yet to find an internal frame that performs as well as my Barney pack for hauling heavy and bulky loads.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Does anyone in the lower 48 use a Barney's pack?

My brother (dirtytough) still uses his. Packed out one of our Colorado bulls with it this year.

He has also been using a couple different Kifaru packs the last couple years.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

If it exists I haven't found it yet....perhaps my ideas of perfection keep changing?

 

[bigfish b.c]

Yes, the new packs will be at the sheep show.

its around the 20th of jan is it not? real interested in the new pack, time to update my 10 year old longhunter rendezvous.when will we see pics on here & info?

 

[hunting1]

For me my G2 Siwash is close! I still have a bunch hanging and being a gear whore look forward to new Kifaru offerings.

 

[boom]

perfection doesnt exist. if it did, the industry could just stop progressing, slap the table and declare, "DONE!"

 

[RockChucker30]

I firmly believe that anything created by mankind has flaws and can't be perfect. But it can be darn good.

 

[MTbowhunter36]

I have had several brand name packs. Just recently sold a Kifaru T3. Loved that the pack could carry heavy loads with aplomb, however I didn't like that I had to put meat inside the bag in order to pack it out. Seemed like a poor concept to me. Now I'm in the market for a SG pack that will be able to pack out meat by utilizing the load shelf. I thought the T3 was noisy, but I think that's the trade off with bomb-proof pack materials that hunting packs are made out of these days.

 

[DWarcher]

I have had several brand name packs. Just recently sold a Kifaru T3. Loved that the pack could carry heavy loads with aplomb, however I didn't like that I had to put meat inside the bag in order to pack it out. Seemed like a poor concept to me. Now I'm in the market for a SG pack that will be able to pack out meat by utilizing the load shelf. I thought the T3 was noisy, but I think that's the trade off with bomb-proof pack materials that hunting packs are made out of these days.

I'm really curious how many out there actually utilize and like the load shelf on their packs.

 

[trk3263]

I am only 3 hrs away from you, and your on the way to my favorite fishing spot. Let me know when you are having a garage sale.

Tttoadman he lives 3 blocks from me and I still have to staulk his posts and eBay so he doesn't sell anything out from under me.

The best part is I get to test his gear a little. Oh and I was smart enough to buy the BHC first!

 

[tttoadman]

Tttoadman he lives 3 blocks from me and I still have to staulk his posts and eBay so he doesn't sell anything out from under me.

The best part is I get to test his gear a little. Oh and I was smart enough to buy the BHC first!

I never cut a break.

 

[MTbowhunter36]

I'm really curious how many out there actually utilize and like the load shelf on their packs.

Good point. The T3 has been my biggest pack thus far and at 3700 ci, it's at the smaller end of the pack spectrum. This year as well as last I encountered issues when I packed out my elk. Last year my bull was completely boned out and the hind quarter was a struggle to put in and out of the bag. This year I was hunting solo and didn't have the luxury to bone out the whole elk and the front quarter barely fit in the bag. The concept of the load shelf seemed to resonate with me.

It would be nice to hear some feedback from those that have the load shelf on their packs and how it works or doesn't work.

 

[Matt W.]

I really liked my Dana Design External. The "Magic Wands" did an awesome job putting the load on my hips. It was old when I got it and I ran it for another 4-5 years before I upgraded. It was always a size to big in the waist and I just got tired of struggling to keep it tight.

For me, the perfect pack comes in neutral colors and camo options.
Includes the Dana Magic Wands
The Kifaru Power Pull
The pocket system of the ICON 7200 (Love the pockets and the way the rifle is secured to the pack)
And it weighs right around 5lbs, yet is still tough and durable.. : )


It's nice to see the new 2014 packs coming out.
Wonder what KUIU will do?
Will Sitka ever make a large expedition style pack?

 

[tttoadman]

The SG solo is the first expandable load shelf I have had. I got thorough instruction when I bought it, and have paid attention to many comments on here. The first couple times i boned an animal out, i made the mistake of loading the meat in a pack standing up instead of laying it down to cinch it up tighter and higher. The way you load the SG and others like it and reassemble it flat really made the difference for me.

I am a big fan of the batwing concept, and i think kifaru has hit it on the head. With that said, the way i load my SG solo with 3 dry bags on the sides and top, I effectively get the same thing. If they would have had this bag available last year, they would have been in the running.

Short version is load shelves are the way to go. Widening the load with side bags or a batwing system which helps control the CG better is also the way to go.

 

[bobhunts]

Boy, I thought I was bad with the amount of packs I have tried! But I did find the pack that fits and performs. And that would be the DT1 for me. Thanks! to Aron for taking the time to meet with me and try on the pack. I did also get the load hauler too. I took the bag off and used the load hauler in Alaska this year with a dry bag as my pack inside the load hauler. Performed well.Bob.