Kifaru Flat Back Test Not Always Correct

[jmez]

It may be pretty good but I still don't like the idea of spending that kind of money for something you can't get your hands on first.

 

[Aron Snyder]

It may be pretty good but I still don't like the idea of spending that kind of money for something you can't get your hands on first.

What pack do you prefer?

 

[jmez]

That is the problem. I really don't know. I have an Eberlestock right now and am going to upgrade. I have never even seen a Kifaru other than pictures on the internet.

 

[HellsCanyon]

That is the problem. I really don't know. I have an Eberlestock right now and am going to upgrade. I have never even seen a Kifaru other than pictures on the internet.

Where are you located? Might be a few members on here close to you for you to check one out...

Mike

 

[justin davis]

That is the problem. I really don't know. I have an Eberlestock right now and am going to upgrade. I have never even seen a Kifaru other than pictures on the internet.

Kifaru packs are amazing. Trust me

 

[jmez]

I'm sure they are but again, $700-$800 is a lot of money to spend based on a random post on an internet message board from someone I don't know.

 

[afteamroper]

Jmez I live in Rapid Valley SD and have a bikini dt2 that I would be more than willing to let you check out just pm me if you want

 

[Carolina joe]

I'm sure they are but again, $700-$800 is a lot of money to spend based on a random post on an internet message board from someone I don't know.

I think the kifaru reputation goes a little farther than a random post. It's a lot of money for sure, but you can't argue with their reputation.

 

[luke moffat]

I'm sure they are but again, $700-$800 is a lot of money to spend based on a random post on an internet message board from someone I don't know.

If it helps you can get a duplex frame in Olive drab for $268 and a high camp 4800 in multcam for $192 for a total of $460 to get into a GREAT kifaru starter pack as they have listed on their forums that all packs in OD green are 20% off and all packs in Multicam are 15% off.....just something to think about....or even a Standard Timberline 2 in Olive Drab for $484 so doesn't HAVE to be an $800 Kifaru....especially right now...those prices are knocking on Arcteryx pack pricing for a MUCH better hauler.

 

[jmez]

Thanks for the info Luke.

Not sure how I would like the bulk of the Duplex frame when used as a daypack. Seems like it would be a little bulky and not well suited for that use.

Our group packs in spike camp and then we hunt out from there so whatever I get needs to be sort of double function. We have a Barney's frame at the pickup for use by anyone if needed or wanted after the first load comes out. This year I packed half a cow over 6 miles so didn't need to go back.

Had been looking at the Timberline and Stone Glacier when the Bikini came out. The Bikini is nice but offers little in weight saving over the Timberline series. Would offer the ability to haul meat outside the bag over the Timberline but other than that I don't see a whole lot of advantage with that system. Not sure that is worth the price difference. External frame vs internal frame, probably personal preference on that one. Looking at pictures I would guess the Timberline is a little more functional compressed as a day pack. Stone Glacier offers what the Bikini does but is lighter and cheaper.

Some of the reasons I would like to be able to look at the different models and handle them. Going to look at afteamropers setup and that will help. I had/played with a Stone Glacier Terminus for a month last summer so will be a good comparison with those two. Denver is a 6 hour drive and if I didn't have a family I would just head over there for a weekend and go right to the factory. I have 4 little boys, 4,2, and 6 month old twins so that really isn't an option.

I understand these things would be more expensive if they were farmed out to retailers but it also makes it a pretty frustrating process to try to decide what to buy. Now we have Paradox in the mix as well. Is the full wrap belt for me? Who knows and how do you know until you buy one of their packs and then compare it to another brand that you have already bought. Threads like this concern me as I have what I would consider an extremely "curvy back" and then a big a$$ on top of that. I'm not built like most people. You get a pack that the stays are not adjustable and it doesn't fit then you have just spent money as a consumer to figure out someone's product doesn't work for you. Not a big fan of beta testing.

 

[tipsntails7]

Luke how do you get the 20 percent off?? I've looked in the website and everything still comes in at regular price in the cart?

 

[jmez]

On the actual product page click on the pricing options and they will come up.

 

[luke moffat]

Jmez,

I really like the Stone Glacier, in fact aside from the Kifaru that happen to work well for me they are my next favorite hunting pack that I've used to haul out animals with. They are light, strong and well thought out. It sounds like you are built somewhat like me with a curvy back and ghetto booty . I hear on on the hesitation on buying a pack without trying it on.

For me that Barney's you guys have is a heck of a hauler. In fact if the waistbelt went small enough I'd likely use that to day hunt out of as I really don't care how large my day hunt pack is....haven't lost an animal I was chasing due to the size of the pack on my pack. Personally I don't understand the want for tiny sub 4000 cu in day packs when the large packs of most the top end pack companies compress down so well. Do you really want to do a half assed load to go get the Barney's or haul the first load just as heavy and not as comfortable?

I day hunt out of both my Bikini Highcamp and my Duplex Longhunter. Both work just fine. When compressed they are smaller than the Badlands 2800 I owned as well as being much more capable when needed. I just don't get the hike back to the truck to get the real pack thing....how much effort are you saving if you are making an extra trip to get a more capable pack vs. just having the pack with you from the get go. Just my thoughts. Honestly between Stone Glacier and Kifaru I don't' think you can really go too wrong with either of them.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Thanks for the info Luke.

Not sure how I would like the bulk of the Duplex frame when used as a daypack. Seems like it would be a little bulky and not well suited for that use.

Our group packs in spike camp and then we hunt out from there so whatever I get needs to be sort of double function. We have a Barney's frame at the pickup for use by anyone if needed or wanted after the first load comes out. This year I packed half a cow over 6 miles so didn't need to go back.

Had been looking at the Timberline and Stone Glacier when the Bikini came out. The Bikini is nice but offers little in weight saving over the Timberline series. Would offer the ability to haul meat outside the bag over the Timberline but other than that I don't see a whole lot of advantage with that system. Not sure that is worth the price difference. External frame vs internal frame, probably personal preference on that one. Looking at pictures I would guess the Timberline is a little more functional compressed as a day pack. Stone Glacier offers what the Bikini does but is lighter and cheaper.

Some of the reasons I would like to be able to look at the different models and handle them. Going to look at afteamropers setup and that will help. I had/played with a Stone Glacier Terminus for a month last summer so will be a good comparison with those two. Denver is a 6 hour drive and if I didn't have a family I would just head over there for a weekend and go right to the factory. I have 4 little boys, 4,2, and 6 month old twins so that really isn't an option.

I understand these things would be more expensive if they were farmed out to retailers but it also makes it a pretty frustrating process to try to decide what to buy. Now we have Paradox in the mix as well. Is the full wrap belt for me? Who knows and how do you know until you buy one of their packs and then compare it to another brand that you have already bought. Threads like this concern me as I have what I would consider an extremely "curvy back" and then a big a$$ on top of that. I'm not built like most people. You get a pack that the stays are not adjustable and it doesn't fit then you have just spent money as a consumer to figure out someone's product doesn't work for you. Not a big fan of beta testing.

If it doesn't fit, you send it back for a refund.....

 

[jmez]

Thinking I may just order a Timberline 1 on the special. I wouldn't carry a lighter load just to get to the real pack, so to speak. I packed out half a deboned cow over 6 miles in my Eberlestock this fall.

Is there really that much of an advantage of the Bikini over the Timberline series. I kind of like pockets so would prefer the Timberline bag over the Highcamp. If I got the big Timberline not sure I would ever stuff it full enough to have to worry about barreling. My Eberlestock has been big enough and it is smaller than the T2. Guess the question would be would I be better off with a Duplex frame or the Timberline.

 

[luke moffat]

Thinking I may just order a Timberline 1 on the special. I wouldn't carry a lighter load just to get to the real pack, so to speak. I packed out half a deboned cow over 6 miles in my Eberlestock this fall.

Is there really that much of an advantage of the Bikini over the Timberline series. I kind of like pockets so would prefer the Timberline bag over the Highcamp. If I got the big Timberline not sure I would ever stuff it full enough to have to worry about barreling. My Eberlestock has been big enough and it is smaller than the T2. Guess the question would be would I be better off with a Duplex frame or the Timberline.

One thing to consider is on the Kifaru site if you get one in OD...all sales are final...price you pay for getting $100+ dollars off retail if it doesn't fit.

For me I never plan to put anything on my Bikini frame up a 7K high camp so the fact that I can remove the packbag from the frame is lost on me. The weight difference between the Timberline 1 and Timberline 2 is so minimal and compressed you wouldn't know the difference between on and the other. I have crammed my T1 and DT1 both to the extreme was was glad to have all the cu in I could muster. For the extra cu in for hte minimal weight gain and a bit extra money I'd say the get the T1 over the T2. But if you plan on hauling a lot of elk quarters an doing 100+ pounds often I'd opt for the duplex with the highcamp 7K bag and accessorize as you sit fit down the road with pockets rather than pay Kifaru to sew on pockets to the DT1 or DT2 that you might not like the layout on anyways. Plus you'd save some coin with a standard highcamp over a DT1.

Like Aron says if it doesn't fit (so long as you don't by the ones on discount) after you've tried all the ways to make it fit...send it back. I have a feeling however that once you get it fitted to you and put 80 pounds in it for a mile long hike and quickly put the 80 pounds in the Eberlestock you'll quickly feel like you are going from a Cadillac to a Yugo in ride comfort.

 

[jmez]

Only reason I'd haul a quarter is if law required meat to come out on the bone. I'll debone it. Basically it is an elk hunting pack. Packing spike camp in and packing meat out. Not sure how often I'd do 100+ pounds.

 

[luke moffat]

If thats the case..get the Timberline over the duplex...more comfy with going in weight and especially day hunting....have had 100+ in the Timberline 1 several times and it does just fine!!

 

[jmez]

Thanks again.

In looking over their website I don't think the frames are on sale, only the packs. When you look at the Duplex frame pricing they don't show a discount.

 

[luke moffat]

yeah...the kifaru forum says "packs", but maybe they just means pack bags....might be worth a call to Kifaru on Monday if you wanted a duplex frame for 20% in OD green or a Bikini frame for 15% in multicam....in conjunction with either a DT or Highcamp pack....seems to me packs would include frame and packbag to be a whole pack....but what do I know. I'm just basing it on the fact that they want their OD green and Multicam stuff gone on all of it, not just the packbags and accessories so I figure pack frames in such colors would be included as well, and maybe some of the items in the website just aren't setup to reflect that even though they should be.

Of course to me it sounds like a Timberline 1 would do what you need.