Kifaru 44 Mag users - couple of questions

[RAM190Hog]

Looking at possibly picking up a 44Mag. I have been using a SG Sky 5900 for last 2 seasons and been fairly happy with it; wish it had a bit more organization on it, but like how it carries under load. My wife is new to hunting and I will let her use that pack this year when we hunt together and I want to try a Kifaru for my backcountry hunt, so I am contemplating making the plunge.

A couple questions regarding using the meat shelf:

1) Does the meat shelf hold the meat up near center of the back or is it help near bottom of frame / belt? One reason I think the SG carries so well is that their design holds the meat higher up than some other bags I tried - Exo / Kuiu, etc. Wondering where the Kifaru meat shelf is anchored.

2) When you are hauling a quarter or boned out bag on the shelf -- do the compression straps run all the way around to the front of the bag? As in, can you fully access the main bag without letting up on the compression over the quarter / meat bag? I like how SG has this built in on the side of bags; kind of difficult to tell in the Kifaru pictures. I cant seem to find a video of someone using the Kifaru 44 Mag meat shelf.

TIA to anyone who has experience with this bag. Ive read most of the threads and it seems to be very popular. Any other pros/cons welcome.

 

[GIS]

1) It depends on what frame you have. I have a hunter duplex (previous gen) that has common loops 1/3 way up you can attach the meat shelf to.

I just got a new duplex lite frame and it only has common loops at the bottom of the frame to attach the meat shelf.

2) you can open the clamshell if that is what you are asking but would have to undo the top two compression straps to unzip all the way. Same with side pockets you can unzip the top for access but would have to undo the compression straps to open all the way.

*edit to add pics

 

[7mmDakotaHunter]

I would be curious to have some insight into this as well....trying to decide between 44 mag or Ma Deuce

 

[switchback7]

I am also looking at the 44 mag...following.

 

[LK1037]

1) It depends on what frame you have. I have a hunter duplex (previous gen) that has common loops 1/3 way up you can attach the meat shelf to.

I just got a new duplex lite frame and it only has common loops at the bottom of the frame to attach the meat shelf.

2) you can open the clamshell if that is what you are asking but would have to undo the top two compression straps to unzip all the way. Same with side pockets you can unzip the top for access but would have to undo the compression straps to open all the way.

*edit to add pics

What's the dimension of that "bladder" pocket?

 

[Bender]

LK, the bladder sleeve on the 44 is about 11" wide, and 12" tall. From the bottom of the bladder hanger to bottom of pocket it's about 17.5".

 

[LK1037]

LK, the bladder sleeve on the 44 is about 11" wide, and 12" tall. From the bottom of the bladder hanger to bottom of pocket it's about 17.5".

Thanks, sir.

 

[Aluminum Rain]

Bender,
What was the thought behind not having a bladder holder in the Duece?

 

[Bender]

The Deuce was developed with some ODA guys down at Ft. Carson. They wanted to have more pals panels back there so they could attach radio mounts and medical rip outs. That carried over into the civilian design. You guys would prefer a bladder sleeve instead?

 

[HighCountryHill33]

I'm running the 44 Mag with a Bane attached. loving it so far. I haven't hauled a quarter in it yet, as i just bought it in January, but it does haul a 50lb sandbag like a champ.

 

[Aluminum Rain]

I prefer the bladder in the traditional location when hiking, so I would have liked to see something to hold a bladder in the high middle where the pals is. I think a hanging model, like a bladder size version of a chamber pocket would work well rather than eliminating the pals. The pals panel may prove to be a great way to secure a meat bag high and tight to the inside. Then the bladder could temporarily be moved to a different spot to accomodate the meat bag. I ended up buying a kuiu bladder holder that looks like a big chamber and hanging it in there.

 

[unclericco]

I just received my 44 mag today. This is my first Kifaru and first impression is this is an awesome pack. Looking forward to getting it out in the field with a load in it

 

[switchback7]

What pockets or accessories are you guys attaching to your 44 mag? Sherman for carrying bow or whats the best way for that? Im looking at the Sherman and a claymore but might go sherman and orgnaizer pocket instead?

 

[Jayhawkhunter]

What pockets or accessories are you guys attaching to your 44 mag? Sherman for carrying bow or whats the best way for that? Im looking at the Sherman and a claymore but might go sherman and orgnaizer pocket instead?

Sherman and large pocket - had a Guide lid in the way in that I dropped at camp - I have recently picked up a Claymore which I really like

 

[Trevor73402]

I have a claymore on the bottom and now I also have a Sherman on top as well. I have a pretty full load in it as pictured. A long/wide slick bag, a SO 4 man tipi, my jet boil, water filtration, etc..... I have since moved some items to the claymore and the Sherman to make more room in the pack for food. The slick bag takes up alot of space. I may try attaching it to the bottom of the pack instead and move the thermo-rest Z-lite to a different location.

 

[switchback7]

Anyone running an organizer pocket on the inside webbing instead of the chamber pocket? or would that take up too much space ya think?

 

[switchback7]

Anyone running an organizer pocket on the inside webbing instead of the chamber pocket? or would that take up too much space ya think?

Now that I look more at it, it would not be ideal for the inside.

 

[Block]

LK, the bladder sleeve on the 44 is about 11" wide, and 12" tall. From the bottom of the bladder hanger to bottom of pocket it's about 17.5".

^ and is the reason I sold my 44.,, i always use a 3 liter and this was a buzzzzKill..,,
Love my old 22mag

 

[Trevor73402]

^ and is the reason I sold my 44.,, i always use a 3 liter and this was a buzzzzKill..,,
Love my old 22mag

Why?
Im using a 3L platypus big zip and no issues with size.

 

[GIS]

I'm also using a 3L bladder (camelback mil spec) in mine and it fits perfect.

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