Got my Nomad+Bikini, feeling conflicted...

[KMD]

so far whats working for me, granted its an emr but same, is 1 small ku belt pouch mounted at the top of the back panel. 1 med ku pullout below that. these contain my possibles and necessary items (headlamp, lighter, lens pen, triox, etc)
puffy goes in left zippered pocket. rain gear in right side. spotter goes in left slot pocket. tripod either in left cinch pocket or in right slot pocket. depending if trying to balance a rifle or bladder. bladder either gets hung in center by a tiny ti carabiner, kind of over the KU pocket, or in the right slot pocket. water filter goes in right cinch pocket. wipes/chit paper goes in my map pocket. not sure where thatd go in the nomad. thats about it for me.
hope this helps a little. i tried alot of different combos and so far this is what i like. its been on (3) day scouting trips and a couple multi night trips.

EMRII sounds solid & balanced. Good food for thought, thanks!

 

[fillthefreezer]

i should add, this is coming from a dt-1 bag, that i had no issues with and totally happy with, but this bag blows it away for both situations. the thing i like most is being able to drop my pack and be glassing with the spotter in less than 30seconds.

 

[Rizzy]

so far whats working for me, granted its an emr but same, is 1 small ku belt pouch mounted at the top of the back panel. 1 med ku pullout below that. these contain my possibles and necessary items (headlamp, lighter, lens pen, triox, etc)
puffy goes in left zippered pocket. rain gear in right side. spotter goes in left slot pocket. tripod either in left cinch pocket or in right slot pocket. depending if trying to balance a rifle or bladder. bladder either gets hung in center by a tiny ti carabiner, kind of over the KU pocket, or in the right slot pocket. water filter goes in right cinch pocket. wipes/chit paper goes in my map pocket. not sure where thatd go in the nomad. thats about it for me.
hope this helps a little. i tried alot of different combos and so far this is what i like. its been on (3) day scouting trips and a couple multi night trips.

I load mine similar and load the main bag tall and narrow. The Nomad has an advantage here in that you can get a tall narrow drysack for the pack in. The slot pocket works great for the bladder. Just be careful what you put in the zipper pocket on that side. I didn't tighten my cap tight enough and had a soaked kill kit that I didn't know about until it started getting funky. The rain gear also on that side was OK I lined the other zipper pocket with a drysack, the yellow sack from the walmart set fits perfect, and put my spare clothes, puffy,etc. in that. I like to access clothes easily while glassing and hiking because I'm always changing layers. If it starts pouring rain or I bonehead the bladder again, my clothes still stay dry.

 

[Sooner]

Not to go off topic but, how are you guys attaching the med pod to your nomad? I want mine on the bottom under the wings. Im just not understanding how I'm suppose to attach it.

 

[Rizzy]

There are a few ways of attaching pockets down there in this thread;

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?14531-Kifaru-Nomad-User-Reviews/page17

 

[RockBridge]

Wow! I had no idea that this thread would get so many replies in the two nights I was gone. Thank you everyone for the input. After two full days in the field, I came to appreciate the pack much more and have started to learn better how to pack it for my personal style. I ordered a long pocket to put down low under the wings which I'm sure will add versatility, and ultimately either that or the top pouch will probably sort out my need for "where the hell do I put my frequently needed/accessed items" issues.

My initial concerns were with packing the camp bag and how it made the pack bulge and slop around if it isn't packed just right. I was able to work it over a into a system that works for me.

This was the heaviest load I've carried on a multi-night trip in YEARS. Pack weight was probably in the area of 35-40lbs without water. I am absolutely amazed with the Kifaru suspension. I couldn't tell the difference between that load and my standard 15-20lbs load. I easily could have tossed in much more weight and never have known.

I'd like to especially thank Aron for welcoming me to call and discuss things with him. I may still take you up on that about some other ideas.

 

[mt100gr.]

So, for those of you using the slot pockets for your water bladder, is it even noticeable that one side gets lighter as you use up your water? This is one obstacle I am struggling with (only mentally). The obvious spot for the bladder would be one of these slot pockets...other than leaks, has anyone had troubles with running it there?

I have a bladder pocket for the back panel but I don't really like the water pocket tying up the entire space.

 

[RockBridge]

I hung my bladder with a carabiner from the top center loop. It didn't take up any room really and I don't have to worry about it causing me to be off balance.

 

[Coyote Commander]

I asked this in another thread recently but what really changes for you for a 5 day or greater trip? Just food and maybe another change of socks and underwear? I am just curious as to how this addition really necessitates an attached main bag (in regards to the EMR II) as opposed to just putting more food and your socks in the camp bag or dry bag or whatever you already have stuff in.

.

Food is about the only thing that really changes. Maybe a few more socks or something, but clothing wouldnt amount to much.

The problem for me at least, is im cursed as a skinny dewd with high metabolism. I adhere strictly to the "100 calories/oz minimum" rule, or better. Even at that, I need 3000 calories to keep me going during high exertion (and I still loose approximately a lb a day at that). Which means I usually end up packing a little more food weight than a lot of guys.

So five extra days of food means around 10lbs of weight for me, plus the added bulk.

I have only done two trips with my Nomad thus far, but it seems to me (and mind you, im still trying to dial in my "system" for packing it), that the Nomad gets a little "sloppy" as the weight and bulk increases. At least, my DT1 seems to stabilize the heavier, bulkier loads better. Time will tell.

Ive been using the camp bag with mine, and your absolutely right, if you have even half ass decent compact camping gear, there is MORE than enough cubes in this pack to pack for many days. Its been a stabilization factor for me thus far (and im still working that issue).

But for 3-4 day "long weekend" trips, this pack is PERFECT.

 

[Scotto]

View attachment 17050
Chose to hang my bladder in the center, takes up a small amount of space but seems to balance better for me.

 

[colonel00]

So, for those of you using the slot pockets for your water bladder, is it even noticeable that one side gets lighter as you use up your water? This is one obstacle I am struggling with (only mentally). The obvious spot for the bladder would be one of these slot pockets...other than leaks, has anyone had troubles with running it there?

I have a bladder pocket for the back panel but I don't really like the water pocket tying up the entire space.

For me, not really. With that said, most of the hiking I have been able to do around here is just carrying a PR-49 to the park or the river. For those loads, I have the raft strapped up in the middle with my MSR Reactor and food and misc. in a zipper pocket on one side along with the paddles in the sleeve. On the other I have the water bladder in the sleeve and the pump in the pocket. Obviously if I was going on an extended trip then the raft would have to be moved to a different location.

 

[colonel00]

Food is about the only thing that really changes. Maybe a few more socks or something, but clothing wouldnt amount to much.

The problem for me at least, is im cursed as a skinny dewd with high metabolism. I adhere strictly to the "100 calories/oz minimum" rule, or better. Even at that, I need 3000 calories to keep me going during high exertion (and I still loose approximately a lb a day at that). Which means I usually end up packing a little more food weight than a lot of guys.

So five extra days of food means around 10lbs of weight for me, plus the added bulk.

I have only done two trips with my Nomad thus far, but it seems to me (and mind you, im still trying to dial in my "system" for packing it), that the Nomad gets a little "sloppy" as the weight and bulk increases. At least, my DT1 seems to stabilize the heavier, bulkier loads better. Time will tell.

Ive been using the camp bag with mine, and your absolutely right, if you have even half ass decent compact camping gear, there is MORE than enough cubes in this pack to pack for many days. Its been a stabilization factor for me thus far (and im still working that issue).

But for 3-4 day "long weekend" trips, this pack is PERFECT.

Fair enough. One thing I can see is you comment about the "slop" as it can be challenging to get an awkward load stabilized.

 

[mt100gr.]

Fair enough. One thing I can see is you comment about the "slop" as it can be challenging to get an awkward load stabilized.

That, and depending on what is in the nomad pockets, cinching down hard on the compression straps may be hard on gear. I know if I pulled as hard as I need to to stabilize my sand bags for training and had any less-than-stout gear in the pockets, it would get crushed. Packing this thing is a puzzle.

I am going to carry extra comp straps for a while for this reason. Anything heavy can be lashed to the back panel up high and the frame below the wings and the pack wings can snug down less to be nicer to the pocket contents.

 

[tipsntails7]

So I've got to say I am becoming a huge fan of the nomad. Most all of my hunting is 3 day weekend hunts, with one or two 5 day stints thrown in. Im actually headed out this weekend for a 3 day scouting trip, and I've got all my stuff ready to roll.

Left wing:
Zipper pocket: Thin fleece, FL lano, extra sock and underwear. KU possibles pouch, msr whisperlite, stove fuel
Slot pocket:4L dromedary
Cinch pocket: msr sweetwater, 2 cliff bars, bag of nuts
Right wing:
Zipper pocket: FL puffy, 65mm viper
Slot pocket: Tripod
Cinch pocket: 1L cook pot, baby wipes.

Nomad panel:
Small belt pouch, keys, wallet, cell phone etc
Medium belt pouch: beanie, gloves, neck gaiter, spork, headlamp
Tent and exped downmat 5 UL strapped to bottom below wings

On belt:
Leatherman, knife, small belt pouch with gps, compass and map.

Food is in a dry sack under the wings. So this would basically be my kit for 3- however many days I would be in the bush, just add food in the dry sack and another pair of socks and skivvies. I'm fortunate enough to not be in a place where I need a 0 degree bag or a stove or a 4 season shelter. I can see the emr being much better for that. I almost regret not getting the emr because packing out meat would be made a ton easier with that big main bag. Although I'm secretly thinking I getting a high camp and installing a riri zipper in it



As you can see this is basically bare bones nomad, ad a long hunter lid, a long or back pouch and you could get even more stuff into it. I will update next week how this all went.

 

[slim9300]

Not the best comparison, so don't go crazy here......

The Nomad is "similar" to the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab to me. Great for day hunts and the ability carry meat out when needed. But when either is packed up for five days they pack up like a gypsy rig.

There are very few packs that are an all in one, fits every scenario well.

I have stuck with my Duplex Timberline as my all in one, but some may say it is overkill for a daypack. Probably is, but it is what it is.

This is exactly why I bought my Nomad. I needed a daypack that could carry half an elk in quarters. In WA I generally day hunt and even though my T1 is my favorite pack of all time, it's not ideal for bone-in quarters unless I put the hind inside the bag and then use the grab-it to attach the front to the outside. Even then it's kind of a PITA in comparison to the Nomad.

I'm hoping to pack some 100 lb. hind quarters this year in WA come Sept. and give the Nomad it's first test. It's going to take the right bull though.

 

[rodney482]

Yep the original T1... Pure bliss

This is exactly why I bought my Nomad. I needed a daypack that could carry half an elk in quarters. In WA I generally day hunt and even though my T1 is my favorite pack of all time, it's not ideal for bone-in quarters unless I put the hind inside the bag and then use the grab-it to attach the front to the outside. Even then it's kind of a PITA in comparison to the Nomad.

I'm hoping to pack some 100 lb. hind quarters this year in WA come Sept. and give the Nomad it's first test. It's going to take the right bull though.

 

[castandblast]

So I've got to say I am becoming a huge fan of the nomad. Most all of my hunting is 3 day weekend hunts, with one or two 5 day stints thrown in. Im actually headed out this weekend for a 3 day scouting trip, and I've got all my stuff ready to roll.

Left wing:
Zipper pocket: Thin fleece, FL lano, extra sock and underwear. KU possibles pouch, msr whisperlite, stove fuel
Slot pocket:4L dromedary
Cinch pocket: msr sweetwater, 2 cliff bars, bag of nuts
Right wing:
Zipper pocket: FL puffy, 65mm viper
Slot pocket: Tripod
Cinch pocket: 1L cook pot, baby wipes.

Nomad panel:
Small belt pouch, keys, wallet, cell phone etc
Medium belt pouch: beanie, gloves, neck gaiter, spork, headlamp
Tent and exped downmat 5 UL strapped to bottom below wings

On belt:
Leatherman, knife, small belt pouch with gps, compass and map.

Food is in a dry sack under the wings. So this would basically be my kit for 3- however many days I would be in the bush, just add food in the dry sack and another pair of socks and skivvies. I'm fortunate enough to not be in a place where I need a 0 degree bag or a stove or a 4 season shelter. I can see the emr being much better for that. I almost regret not getting the emr because packing out meat would be made a ton easier with that big main bag. Although I'm secretly thinking I getting a high camp and installing a riri zipper in it



As you can see this is basically bare bones nomad, ad a long hunter lid, a long or back pouch and you could get even more stuff into it. I will update next week how this all went.

What bag do you use, and where does it ride?

 

[Coyote Commander]

So, for those of you using the slot pockets for your water bladder, is it even noticeable that one side gets lighter as you use up your water? This is one obstacle I am struggling with (only mentally). The obvious spot for the bladder would be one of these slot pockets...other than leaks, has anyone had troubles with running it there?

I have a bladder pocket for the back panel but I don't really like the water pocket tying up the entire space.

I dont notice it.

But I carry my bladder in one of the side sleeve pockets on the DT1 too, so one side gets "lighter" there too.

I dont notice it though.

 

[mt100gr.]

I reconfigured my setup to use a slot pocket for my bladder and also to make better use of the drawstring pockets of the nomad. Now all I have on the back panel is a medium belt pocket for keys, lighter, GPS, wipes, etc. I think this is going to be a really good setup for scouting and for daypack mode hunting, I will add a small belt pocket to keep my grab-it and a few extra straps in. If I need more room, I think I will look to the LH lid first, and then onto a back pouch or long pocket if needed. I like keeping the pack narrow.

 

[ozyclint]

i'll keep my T2 thanks. as soon as i saw the nomad i thought of the eberlestock blue widow i just sold. i'm a 'one big compartment, a lid and a couple of small pockets' kinda guy. the nomad is too wide when packed for my liking. it would be hell pushing through any sort of thick bush, especially in new zealand where i do my extended hunts. sounds as if there's been a few who bought the latest and greatest but found it not so good.