Kifaru AMR or Mountain Warrior

[TacticoolMike]

Hello all, I'm definitely looking into picking up one of these packs in OD when available (AMR is now, MW is supposed to be at some point). I already have a guide lid. Both packs will more than have enough space for my needs (camping, hunting, load hauling for family, etc). It looks like both compress down very well when all that space isn't needed. Just looking for general opinions between the two. I really like the panel loading on the MW and that's what's leaning me towards it. I really like the Kifaru OD and since the AMR is currently available in that color, my lack of patience could possibly get the best of me. Thoughts?

 

[luke moffat]

If color is more important that the function of the pack get the AMR rather than wait for the MW to come in a pack color that may or may not happen anytime soon.

Personally if the MW is more than large enough space than what you need then I would go with the MW regardless of if its purple camo or not The ability to run it as a panel loader or a top loader is pretty darn handy and its the only other Kifaru packbag I own right now aside from the EMR 2. Just a handy packbag and I prefer its layout to that of the DT1 that I used so much and for general backpacking and non-packraft based hunts and such the MW is a great option. But if its not the right color its not tacticool right Mike.... I dig the name

 

[wasatchcomm]

good luck
im in same situation as well
trying to decide between MW,AMR,EMRII
I'm leaning toward the MW
like you said i like the panel loader

 

[TacticoolMike]

Hah, yeah, I need to look good for all the other hunters and campers I may come across. Nothing screams legit like being tacticool. I'm definitely leaning mountain warrior. The panel loading is looking pretty convenient to access my tacticool accessories. Decisions decisions......it has to match my man purse.

 

[jm1607]

I think the main difference besides the panel loading is the MW is a normal size pack and the AMR is a complete freakin beast size wise.. Just depends how big you want

 

[Muttly]

Think the world would be a better place if we could get a naugahyde AMR!!
Gotten real fond of the mtn warrior, panel loader makes things a lot easier. Was starting to think a much bigger version would be pretty handy, if the AMR was a panel loader, be hard to resist.

 

[TacticoolMike]

Between 4800cu in the main bag, 900cu for the outer pocket and 1200cu for the guide lid, plus anything else I could put it on the outside I can't see myself needing anything larger. The 3 compression straps on the amr vs the 2 horizontal and 1 vertical on the MW seem pretty comparable, I guess. I see so many rave reviews on the AMR though so I wanted to make sure I'm not missing out on something. The 2 back pockets of the Amr are pretty sweet though in daypack mode compared to the 1 large pocket on the MW. I know I couldn't go wrong with either one in the long run.

 

[aron]

The AMR and MW need to screw and have a baby. A panel loading pack , two back pockets, three horizontal compression straps, and the CI somewhere between the AMR and MW.

 

[yardwork]

The MW panel loader is so handy, I rarely open the top to access the bag. Also, here I go again, but buy the K-clip compression kit. You can use them for lashing bows, stands or other gear onto the pack but they also suck the bag down far smaller than just the side compression straps on either bag will.

https://store.kifaru.net/guide-lid-and-compression-kits-p32.aspx

 

[rhunter424]

Between the two I prefer the AMR. However I'd say go argali over AMR. I switch between the spotting scope pocket and two belt pouches on the front, depending on what I need. It's simple to switch out. Simple to run compressed. And I prefer top loading.

The argali is also avail in OD

 

[mrbillbrown]

I've had both and kept the AMR. The panel load of the MW is sweet but having the ability to load anything I want at any time and not worry about having enough room wins me over every time. The MW holds all my gear perfectly but doesn't allow for any unexpected items. I prefer the extra space of he AMR.


molon labe

 

[wasatchcomm]

Is their enough room on AMR to have a zipper sewn on around back pockets? Like the MW panel

 

[welpro222]

Is their enough room on AMR to have a zipper sewn on around back pockets? Like the MW panel

yeah, and add the timberline side sleeve pockets too. It would be the one and done do everything pack.

 

[welpro222]

I think the time involved to add that kind of zipper wouldn't be worth it. Why not just a Mountain Warrior with 2x side scope pockets? 4800ci, 900ci front pocket, 2x scope pockets at 1400ci, and a guide lid at 1200ci= 8300ci total. Not to mention a few belt pouches can be added too. I had a AMR for a short time, never used it. Realized it was too big for my needs, now have a DT1 and Warrior pack. I'll find out this season if I made the right choice.

 

[wasatchcomm]

That's my plan
I have two medium side pockets already
I have 2 medium pouches , 2 small pouches, and s grab it
Like u said add it all up 8000ci +
it would be a more difficult decision if I didn't have all the pouches pockets already.
I think if I didn't
I would go with the emr and be done!

 

[couesarizona]

I was undecided between the mw and emr ii because of the front loading capabilities. I went with the emr ii. I rather have to much room than not enough. I ordered it a week ago. The wait is killing me!

 

[tommymo]

Right on!!!!

 

[TacticoolMike]

Thanks to everyone for their input and advice. Much appreciated.

 

[209hunter]

The AMR and MW need to screw and have a baby. A panel loading pack , two back pockets, three horizontal compression straps, and the CI somewhere between the AMR and MW.

I would buy this in a heartbeat

 

[wasatchcomm]

I was undecided between the mw and emr ii because of the front loading capabilities. I went with the emr ii. I rather have to much room than not enough. I ordered it a week ago. The wait is killing me!

I would have done same thing
if i didn't have all the extra pouches and side pockets already i would have just bought the EMR and a belt pouch or two

i want to try a emr, maybe in the off season we could send around one bag of each like the movies being sent around and try them on.
seems like a good bunch of guys and I'm sure everyone would be respectful of the packs
anyone in portland,vancouver,tacoma seattle area with a emr they would let me strap to my frame and mess with for a hour?