I can't decide...AMR, DT1, DT2!?

[Steeliedrew]

So I'm on the verge of ordering a Kifaru pack system. I thought I had it all figured out and was all set to go with the AMR but I'm just wanting to make sure I make the right choice!  I like the fact that the AMR Is huge when you want it to be but also compresses extremely well. After seeing some compressed pics of AMR's and Timberlines the AMR does seem like it compresses better.

The main thing I like about the Timberline series is the built in long side pockets for a spotting scope and tripod but the AMR is so big I feel like I can easily slide my tripod and 15's right into the main bag against my layers or something and I'd be just fine. Do I currently "need" 7,800 ci? Not really, however I'm not exactly an ultralight minimalist, and I was easily able to fill my icon pro 5200. Also, I plan on adding a guide lid, a large or medium belt pouch to each side of the bag(haven't decided yet on large or medium) and I'd like to run a small pouch on the waist belt itself. With those accessories it turns the AMR into a 9,000+ ci pack! That just sounds insane. However, one school of thought is that I don't feel like I'll ever have to worry about squeezing gear into the AMR. More so I'd just be packing gear into the AMR and the compressing the pack down onto it all. 

So if you ended up going with the AMR, DT1, or the DT2, why did you choose it over the others? I'm pretty much ready to order in the next day or so and I cannot decide! The struggle is REAL! 

Also, I've got one other question:

I'd like to strap my bow to the back of the pack and drop one cam into the grab-it. Do I need to order the K-clip compression kit so that I can run a couple straps across the back to hold the bow down?

Thanks! 

Drew

 

[mrbillbrown]

Drew, your needs and style should dictate the bag. I've had all three bags you've mentioned and like the AMR the best. You've nailed it. Insanely large when you want yet packs down small and tight for day pack mode. Give Aron a shout and discuss your plans with him. He won't steer you wrong. Bill

 

[Steeliedrew]

I should call Aron. Haven't done that yet.

 

[Jimbo V]

Man it's hard to beat the spotter and tripod pockets on the DTs. Those pockets are so simple but make throwing up your spotter so much easier. I got the 1 simply because it was on sale and the 1 was cheaper than the 2 at the time. Glad I got the extra space it compresses very well. On the DT I just unzip the sleeping bag compartment a little slip the cam in there and then strap in on. It has worked well every time I have done it. All in all I'm extremely satisfied and Kifaru customer service is exceptional!

 

[Shackdaddy]

Drew, your needs and style should dictate the bag. Give Aron a shout and discuss your plans with him. He won't steer you wrong. Bill

Exactly what he said. All the Kifaru staff is extremely helpful and will work to make you happy as a customer. My new DT1 will be here tomorrow and I can't wait.

 

[justinspicher]

After you add pockets to the AMR it will be heavier than a DT1 with them already sewn on, but the ability to mix and match pockets by trip is also a bonus. Hell, it doesn't matter what you buy, you can always sell it and get a different one.

 

[Matt21418]

I have been through the same argument in my head and ended up with a AMR that should be here in a week. My plan was to not have it fully
Loaded with gear and then you can use the extra room to carry the meat out with. If the dt1 is loaded with gear might not have enough room for meat. Just have to be disciplined to not let the good idea fairy tell you that since you have room you need more gear to fill it.

Matt

 

[sr80]

I had a DT1, It was awesome. But Once I had it full of meat I was strapping gear to the outside. So I traded for an AMR. I would order a spotting scope pocket instead of the large and med pockets. The two pockets on the back of the AMR are huge, plus you'll have the lid for small stuff. With the spotter pocket you can have the ease of grabbing your spotter when you want, or just take it off.

 

[justin davis]

EMR II. I really like the center zip! Makes it pretty handy!

 

[jm1607]

I was in the same boat recently. Was also thinking about the MW hard.

The AMR got axed off the list pretty fast because it's a BEAST. The more I looked at pics of it, the more I realized it was way too big for my needs. Even if I filled it to the brim with meat I couldn't carry it lol.

I had decided on the DT1 until I started reading about the recent changes to the DT1 & DT2. Because they now have near identical bags (I think the DT1 is 1000-1500ci bigger) and they have larger pockets, I went with the DT2 because of the weight savings. Everything you read about on this side recommends the DT1 over the DT2, but that was before all the changes. I bet if those threads were made nowadays there would be alot more DT2 votes.

The MW was high on my list. It didn't make the final cut because I realized I would rather have the bottom zipper to pull my sleeping gear out than a mid zipper where I would have to take everything out to get to my sleep gear. Once you add a scope pocket it will also weigh about as much as the DT1.

I don't think you can truly go wrong with any of them, but for me the DT2 was the best all around and lightest option.

 

[rhunter424]

AMR is what I ended up with. 3 compression straps, very big front pockets (each AMR front pocket can fit a stuffed large pull out easily), and has the ability to run it like a DT1 if needed. (spotting scope pockets on the sides). Solid bag for sure.

 

[Justin Crossley]

EMR II. I really like the center zip! Makes it pretty handy!

^^This^^

Or the T1 (One of my favorites) if you run a spotter most the time. I didn't like the pockets on the side of the AMR when it was empty.

 

[Schism]

I was in the same boat recently. Was also thinking about the MW hard.

The AMR got axed off the list pretty fast because it's a BEAST. The more I looked at pics of it, the more I realized it was way too big for my needs. Even if I filled it to the brim with meat I couldn't carry it lol.

I had decided on the DT1 until I started reading about the recent changes to the DT1 & DT2. Because they now have near identical bags (I think the DT1 is 1000-1500ci bigger) and they have larger pockets, I went with the DT2 because of the weight savings. Everything you read about on this side recommends the DT1 over the DT2, but that was before all the changes. I bet if those threads were made nowadays there would be alot more DT2 votes.

The MW was high on my list. It didn't make the final cut because I realized I would rather have the bottom zipper to pull my sleeping gear out than a mid zipper where I would have to take everything out to get to my sleep gear. Once you add a scope pocket it will also weigh about as much as the DT1.

I don't think you can truly go wrong with any of them, but for me the DT2 was the best all around and lightest option.

This is almost exactly why I have a DT2 on order right now. I added a guide lid and feel this will be plenty of storage for my gear and hunting style. If I need a bit more room I can always add belt pouches but don't anticipate the need.

 

[BroodBuster]

At the time I was shopping Kifaru packs the decision was basically between what frame to put a Timberline pack on or just go with the internal frame.

I go on 5-10 weekend backpacking trips, one 5-7 day trip and one week long solo wilderness mule deer hunt a year. So in the very best scenario I would pack out one mule deer a year 6-10 miles. I wrote off the Duplex frame right away seeing it as best suited for guides and others who annually pack out several animals. At the time everyone was dinking around with their Bikini frames and not being a dinkerer that left the internal framed T1. All of the reviews calling it in incredibly comfortable helped too. Which is a decision I'm very happy with and am thrilled I picked one up before they no longer exist.

So I decided on the pack that would be perfect 90% of the time and will be not so perfect this year when I stick my first backcountry mule deer .

So I'd suggest going with the pack that best suits what you will actually be using it for most of the time. For those 10% of the time scenarios it will work but may as well have the perfect pack 90% of the time.

Don't you just love buying season !

 

[Steeliedrew]

I'm still really leaning towards the AMR. I've got a 9 day back country elk trip planned that I may very well be solo on. that being my most important hunt for me in 2016 is making me lean heavily towards the AMR. I can always buy another bag in the next year or so also for different types of trips. And Yes Broodbuster, the buying season is awesome. Makes the off season go a little quicker. Haha

 

[mrbillbrown]

I really love the new DT2 bag size and redesign. But I found that when I put 10days worth of gear and food in it I was full. There was little to no room left for anything else.

The overly prepared, ready for anything, take care of those around me fireman side couldn't take the "perfect fit". I need a little extra room for an extra item or two, additional gear for the kids or a partner in need, adding meat, etc... The AMR or DT1 gives me the extra space I want. Because I do more things more often without a tripod and spotter the AMR clearly wins for me. If or when I need to carry a tripod it can go inside or strapped outside without issue.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I'm still really leaning towards the AMR. I've got a 9 day back country elk trip planned that I may very well be solo on. that being my most important hunt for me in 2016 is making me lean heavily towards the AMR. I can always buy another bag in the next year or so also for different types of trips. And Yes Broodbuster, the buying season is awesome. Makes the off season go a little quicker. Haha

Just an fyi. The T1 and EMR II can both hold more than most people can carry.
This is a regular Timberline1 with over 150 lbs of boned out elk meat in it. My brother has a hind quarter in his BT3, with the head on top. He's 6'2" and 190 lbs for reference.

 

[COlineman78]

I sold my gen 2 DT1 and went to an EMRII for the extra room and will probably try the AMR or Argali eventually. You can always compress the bag, but you can't make it bigger. Really, this is more of a personal preference and is heavily determined by the gear that you have and how it packs. For the most part I could fit everything I wanted easily into a DT1, but on a fishing trip with my dad I ended up carrying a lot of his stuff and ran out of room ending up strapping his tent and bag to the bottom of my pack. It wasn't the most comfortable and I immediately scaled up after that trip. Strapping stuff to the outside of the pack will never be as comfortable as having a bigger pack.

 

[ozyclint]

I can't fathom how anyone could max out an AMR or DT1. How long are you going for, a month? I do 2 week tahr hunting pack in trips with a T2 no problems and like someone mentioned earlier if the AMR was full of meat or even all your gear and the balance was meat I'd never be able to carry it. It would weigh more than myself!

 

[Elkfitness]

I've had a high camp 7000 pack full of meat and camp more than once. I think with winter gear, it's not hard to max a pack when you start throwing meat in there. It's the combo of meat and camp that's takes space.