I think I've figured it out (kifaru)

[Graves14]

So I'm about to bite the bullet and order a kifaru setup. I'm in CT but hunt the white mountains in NH regularly as well as do a ton of camping/backpacking with my wife and drahthaars. I think I've finally figured out my "perfect" pack and I'd love some input from those with more experience.

I'm looking at a....
24" hunter frame
Tahr or Markhor pack
2 large belt pockets rigged up on the back
a guide lid
And a small belt pocket on the belt

I currently have an exo 3500 that isn't even close to full on my 5 day trips so I think I'll have plenty of space with either bag and when day hunting can squish the bag down and just use the guide lid and large belt pockets. Though I'm in the east now we are in the process of moving to Montana or Idaho so I could add a spotting scope pocket when having a spotter becomes relevant to my hunting.

What I'm not sure of is why I should choose either bag. They're super similar, the markhor being a bit deeper and the Tahr having the roll top and meat shelf.

What do you guys think?

 

[mfolch]

If your current bag is nowhere near fill with 3500 why increase by ~35% with a Markhor? Esp when you have a couple thousand extra cubic inches with the pouches and lid and meat shelf if necessary? 4800 cubic inches is surprisingly large. A grab it can be very handy.

 

[worx53]

I run a DT2-5200c.i. with 26" ulight frame for out west but back east am going with a 22 mag that can hold the belt pouches/organizer or spotting scope pocket on the panel and two small belt pouches on the belt. A 5 day overnight could still be done with a camp bag sandwiched in between the bag and frame and you have a really light compact daypack when emptied.

 

[N2TRKYS]

Just get the AMR with a standard lid.

 

[Graves14]

If your current bag is nowhere near fill with 3500 why increase by ~35% with a Markhor? Esp when you have a couple thousand extra cubic inches with the pouches and lid and meat shelf if necessary? 4800 cubic inches is surprisingly large. A grab it can be very handy.

This is where I am at too but strangely the Markhor is cheaper than the Tahr and the straps at the bottom will suffice as a "meat shelf" when called upon. I'm having trouble not getting more space for less money. Also to consider is that th Exo 3500 is in reality closer to 4800 cubic inches.

 

[oldgoat]

There is actually a gritty Bowmen podcast that covers those two packs and maybe one other pack. Im thinking the cheaper of the two bags is really bare bones and intended for the ultra light weight crowd. But I'm over fifty and my memory is sketchy sometimes. I didn't watch this video again to find out for sure, but I think from the show notes it's the one that talks about the two packs you mentioned.
EPISODE 103: Cook Stoves with Aron Snyder — Gritty Bowmen

 

[Titan_Bow]

So I'm about to bite the bullet and order a kifaru setup. I'm in CT but hunt the white mountains in NH regularly as well as do a ton of camping/backpacking with my wife and drahthaars. I think I've finally figured out my "perfect" pack and I'd love some input from those with more experience.

I'm looking at a....
24" hunter frame
Tahr or Markhor pack
2 large belt pockets rigged up on the back
a guide lid
And a small belt pocket on the belt

I currently have an exo 3500 that isn't even close to full on my 5 day trips so I think I'll have plenty of space with either bag and when day hunting can squish the bag down and just use the guide lid and large belt pockets. Though I'm in the east now we are in the process of moving to Montana or Idaho so I could add a spotting scope pocket when having a spotter becomes relevant to my hunting.

What I'm not sure of is why I should choose either bag. They're super similar, the markhor being a bit deeper and the Tahr having the roll top and meat shelf.

What do you guys think?

Just curious, what is it about the EXO 3500 that you don't like?

 

[tttoadman]

Go big. It is easier on the equipment to have a large bag that is lightly compressed rather than packing the crap of a smaller bag. There are always times when you need a bigger bag, such as when someone gets injured in the field. I started with a SG Solo at 3300. I then found a SG Terminus at 6000. I have the Mountain Warrior at about 6000+. When I add a lid, these get really big, yet they still compress down to nothing. The smaller Solo bag may not see too much action from here forward.

If you are looking for little ways to cinch up a Kifaru: I bought quick connect ladder locks and replaced all the buckles on the sides. this effectively compresses the empty bag about an extra 1 1/2" on each side.

 

[7mag.]

When in doubt, always go bigger. I've learned the hard way, that when your perfect plan doesn't go so perfect, it's nice to have options. Kifaru bags cinch down really well. I use an AMR, and I've never filled it, but if I need the space, I'll have it.

 

[Yakstone]

Go Bigger is the advice I live by. I started with a smaller bag but eventually moved up to the EMR ll. Now I have plenty of room but can still cinch the bag down when necessary. Then there is always the camp bag / cargo panel option.

 

[Titan_Bow]

One thing to keep in mind with a big pack though, it's easy to get the habit of using all the space. A 4500ci pack will force you to pack lighter and more compact gear.

 

[realunlucky]

Packing extra junk just punishes yourself you tend to only over pack once

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Graves14]

i don't count ounces or even weigh my pack but I tend to backpack to get away from stuff and clutter so I don't bring very much lol

 

[dangerousD]

I'm of the go big opinion if it's your main pack. I started with an EMR-II. It has been an awesome pack for both day hunting and hauling big volume loads. I have since picked up a Mountain Warrior, MMR, Highcamp 4800 and 7000. None of those bags are necessarily what I consider small but I always seem to fall back on the EMR-II when I head into the mountains. The others see use on some training hikes, camping, and deer or turkey hunts but I love the bigger packs for extended hunts. And I never pack more than I need just because I have the space. I'm always trying to reduce my gear to just essentials but I don't really count ounces either.

 

[luke moffat]

When looking to buy a backpack hunting backpack don't buy a pack based on how much gear you plan to carry in it. Buy it based on how much gear you can put in it, plus meat and a cape and a set of antlers/horns.

Mostly seasoned backpackers can do a week or more out of a 3500-4000 cubic inch pack....so what?

Its when you are successful that you'll fill up even a 6000-7000 cubic inch backpack. Either that you you'll have everything strapped to the outside like a yard sale.

People buy smaller backpacks cause they they they will be sleeker and more streamlined. Truth is small backpacks aren't nearly as streamlined when successful as a large pack. You have stuff strapped to the outside and accessing your gear can be a pain as your pack is at max capacity and packed tight.

The large packs compress down so well that the extra cubic inches are a non-issue. Buy once cry once IME. A big packbag can do it all from a day hunt to a 10 day sheep hunt. The same can't be said for a 4000 cubic inch pack.

 

[dangerousD]

When looking to buy a backpack hunting backpack don't buy a pack based on how much gear you plan to carry in it. Buy it based on how much gear you can put in it, plus meat and a cape and a set of antlers/horns.

Mostly seasoned backpackers can do a week or more out of a 3500-4000 cubic inch pack....so what?

Its when you are successful that you'll fill up even a 6000-7000 cubic inch backpack. Either that you you'll have everything strapped to the outside like a yard sale.

People buy smaller backpacks cause they they they will be sleeker and more streamlined. Truth is small backpacks aren't nearly as streamlined when successful as a large pack. You have stuff strapped to the outside and accessing your gear can be a pain as your pack is at max capacity and packed tight.

The large packs compress down so well that the extra cubic inches are a non-issue. Buy once cry once IME. A big packbag can do it all from a day hunt to a 10 day sheep hunt. The same can't be said for a 4000 cubic inch pack.

Superb advice from Luke and someone who probably has more experience than 95% of us on the forum. And the same thought pattern I used when I went right for the EMR-II for my first high end pack.

 

[dotman]

I agree Luke has great advice!

 

[chuckeglenn]

If you are eventually going to need to carry a spotting scope and tripod, I'd go with the timberline 2. It already has the pockets attached, so it'll save you money in the long run.