Dumb Question about Kifaru and other high end packs.

[SuperMagManiac]

So I don't know squat about packs! I've been trying to do some research on here to find a new pack for day hunts, and 2-3 day hunts. I've seen a lot of talk about Kifaru, and they seem pretty popular. My question is, when you buy the pack, does that include everything? Including the shoulder straps? Or is it just a bag that you have to mount to a pack board? Thank you

Josh

 

[Xtreme007]

I would call Kifaru. They will set you up with what you need.

with the new stuff you buy frame then pick your bag you want to put on it.

 

[Bubblehide]

All the high end pack made to comfortably carry heavy loads (100 pounds and up) have an external frame. Most if not all, have built in meat shelf designed to compress the weight of the meat against the pack. I use a Stone Glacier, but you wouldn't go wrong with any of the high end hunting packs like Kifaru, Exo, Kuiu...

 

[mrbillbrown]

OP, yes and no. You can buy certain kifaru packs that are all "inclusive" but the majority of their offerings are ala carte. Like Xtreme said, call the shop and give them some information about your pack needs. They can give you options for what might work best for you. Great guys to talk gear with and very helpful.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Most of the high end hunting pack manufactures out there are making external frames so you purchase a frame and bag separately. Kifaru's Timberline series is an internal framed pack so everything comes together. I believe Mystery Ranch's new line is supposed to be all in one as well.

 

[snowcamoman]

Stone Glacier has the built in frame on the Cirque 6200 if you want another internal frame option.

 

[acwirz]

Check out Blacks Creek. Great packs out of Idaho, and really nice folks.

 

[SuperMagManiac]

Thanks guys. I don't really mind if the pack has an external or internal frame. I have just seen a lot of packs selling on here, where it says "bag only". I wanted to know what I was paying for. I have always thought that tenzing and eberlestock were "THE" top packs........until seeing some of your's on here. Those two brands are probably good enough for what I'm looking for, but I would rather not buy something now, and want something else the following season. Thanks again! Lots of good info on this site.

 

[SuperMagManiac]

Check out Blacks Creek. Great packs out of Idaho, and really nice folks.

Thanks for the suggestion. I just went and checked out their page, and I really like the looks of both "the answer" and "the alternative".

And best of all, they are made in the USA!

 

[acwirz]

I have the alternative and its able to carry lots of equip. Plus the grip frame lets you carry your meat at the same time. Watch some of their YouTube videos.

 

[Kevin_t]

Our Unaweep Packs are integrated, our Revolution can be used as a hauler. Even though the Unaweep the bag is integrated, you can still change bags, or even change to a Revolution. So for instance, I will use the new Divide for most of my backpacking / summer use. In the fall, I will take the frame / harness / belt and move over to a Revolution, because it is more adaptable for hunting situations (hauler frame, day , etc).

 

[COlineman78]

There are very few Kifaru packs that are sold with an integrated frame/suspension anymore as they are trying to move away from them. The Timberline 1 and 2 (not the Duplex Timberline or DT as it's commonly called) are the last stragglers of any size and are being discontinued. The Xing is the only one left that isn't being discontinued yet. If you are never going to carry over 80lbs than the T1 is said to be amazingly comfortable.

Exo sells theirs as a kit and the bag only is available on the accessory page. Stone Glacier is pretty clear; I believe there is only 1 pack left that doesn't use the Krux frame and the listed prices are usually for the kit, but if you dive down into the product page you can purchase the bag only for the Krux frame. Kevin has already answered for Seek Outside, and if you are considering the Unaweep 4500 it is available on Massdrop right now for $50 off.