Exo 2000 v. Kifaru 14'er v. MR Pintler

[Ceby7]

The end goal is the ideal archery day pack. I have narrowed it down to these 3 packs, all of which have positives and negatives. The Exo and MR allow meat to be hauled in between frame and bag. All 3 have horizontal compression straps across the back which is a must for strapping a bow on. The Kifaru is the lightest(probably because of its internal frame) and the cheapest. The Exo and MR both have side stretch pockets built in whereas you would need to add pockets to the 14'er, thus adding weight. No experience with any of the suspensions so that's just a guess. Frankly, all of them are new so there's really no good reviews available. Anyone have an opinion?

 

[sr80]

For me either the MR or EXO, they would carry a heavier load with the heavier duty frame more comfortably.

 

[tipsntails7]

Pintler (longbow) on a kifaru frame if you absolutely have to have one of the 3.

 

[hammer0419]

Definitely the Exo. However the Longer (longbow) is incredible on a Kifaru duplex!! However MR IS NOT selling g pack separate as of now. I used a Longbow pack on my duplex and bikini frame. Like a fool I sold it and regret it all the time. I just ordered the new 2000 pack and really look forward to is.

 

[PJG]

I guess I'm the odd ball on this one. For a pack this size I would go with the internal (Kifaru) all day everyday. The comfort of the internal IMO is going to outweigh the packing capabilities of the other two. I guess for me anyway I like a pack that I am comfortable in 95% of the time. Meaning that if I am only going to pack 1 or 2 animals out a year then I will suffer with the weight in the internal for these rare instances, but this is only a couple of times each season. Sure its not going to haul a 60 lb. plus load near as well as the other two, but for a day load is going to be far more comfortable and not be near as rigid as the other two. You will have far more freedom of movement, the pack is going to sit closer to your back and you will be able to bend the stays to your liking if going with aluminum if you go with the internal. Everyones a little different when it comes to these decisions, good luck with your decision.

 

[Buglebrush]

Exo without a doubt. Comfortable all day.

 

[Ceby7]

Thanks for the opinions so far. PGJ I was thinking along those same lines that the internal would be the most comfortable for the most situations, but I have never really heard that the 1st Gen Exo was ever uncomfortable for guys. Most MR users also never complain about comfort(maybe weight) and this new frame should be better than the NICE I would think? I am going to try and stop in Bozeman soon and check out the MR as I live in MT, but have no way to lay hands on either of the others.

 

[LostArra]

If I lived in Montana and was going to Bozeman I would at least stop by Stone Glacier and try on a model that met your bowhunting needs.

 

[Trial153]

I am in the same boat. I have a couple hunts coming up where I am hunting out of fly in bascamp and I want a day pack primarily that can haul meat back. I have pretty strick weight limits so I almost ruled out the MR Pintler...right now considering the EXO, 14r and the SO Perigen

 

[hammer0419]

If Kifaru made them in duplex form they would sell like hotcakes.

 

[dotman]

I think the Kifaru Duplex and Apollo bag should be in the list. I agree with hammer seems like the great small bag designs are always stuck with an internal frame at Kifaru. Be cool if they offered it in both or maybe if they just stopped selling internal framed bags and focus on bags for the external frames.

 

[Kotaman]

I think the Kifaru Duplex and Apollo bag should be in the list. I agree with hammer seems like the great small bag designs are always stuck with an internal frame at Kifaru. Be cool if they offered it in both or maybe if they just stopped selling internal framed bags and focus on bags for the external frames.

They offer the .22 Mag in the "small bag design" that fits the frames and it is a great option. With that said, in a smaller bag, I prefer the internal frame on the smaller bags.

To answer your question...For a pure daypack, I'd go with the 14 er. Lost Arra makes a good point...If I was going to go with a "beefier" daypack design, my choices would be Kifaru .22 mag or the Stone Glacier Solo.

 

[dotman]

They offer the .22 Mag in the "small bag design" that fits the frames and it is a great option. With that said, in a smaller bag, I prefer the internal frame on the smaller bags.

To answer your question...For a pure daypack, I'd go with the 14 er. Lost Arra makes a good point...If I was going to go with a "beefier" daypack design, my choices would be Kifaru .22 mag or the Stone Glacier Solo.

I get what your saying but guess I just wish there were a few more options.

 

[hammer0419]

I get what your saying but guess I just wish there were a few more options.

I couldn't agree more. I could shoot myself for selling my longbow on my bikini. Now they don't sell packs bags separate. YET!

 

[Ceby7]

I looked at the options from Stone Glacier but nothing seems to be quite what I'm looking for. The 22 Mag could be an option, but just the bag and frame is over 6lb and that's without any additional pockets/accessories.

Out of curiosity, how hard is it to attach a longbow bag to a Kifaru frame? Any modifications needed?

 

[Clinch]

Ceby7, I truely hate to be that guy but it looks like I will anyway. Based on what you have spelled out, you might give Hill People Gear a look. I have no experience with the 14'er or the Exo. I have a MR longbow on a NICE frame. Love the bag but the frame seems a little rigid for a day pack. No doubt it can handle a load, but it is not that often I need to carry what it will handle. I know the Nice frame isn't the new one but the major turn off for me really wasn't the frame. I don't like the harness or belt. As for HPG, it is stupid how many ways you can set their stuff up. It is the definition of modular, and the suspension is as nimble as it gets. My current setup is the Ute with a Connor Pocket on the back. Connor will hold enough for a day, and the bag compresses to nothing under it. If I need to haul out a load then I have the whole bag.

 

[Ceby7]

Thanks Clinch, I will take a look at HPG

 

[PJG]

I'll second HPG. I'm running the same setup as Clinch. I have packed elk out with this but with a highlander panel (replaced by Connor pocket). I've probably run it as high as 70-80 lbs and as far as 7+ miles. All meat has been boned out. I haven't tried packing bone in quarters with it. I've sold all my other packs, but I've kept my Ute, I really think the HPG suspension and belt are better than anyone else's that I have tried.

Definitely try on as many packs as you can get access to.

 

[dotman]

I looked at the options from Stone Glacier but nothing seems to be quite what I'm looking for. The 22 Mag could be an option, but just the bag and frame is over 6lb and that's without any additional pockets/accessories.

Out of curiosity, how hard is it to attach a longbow bag to a Kifaru frame? Any modifications needed?

It's super easy.

 

[n8tivenv]

I would give the seek outside revo frame and peregrine bag setup a look. I was able to try the Kifaru frame, stone glacier, and the mr pintler and found the seek outside was the most comfortable for me. The peregrine bag size swallows lots of gear and fits very tight to the frame as well as being very lightweight.