Kifaru Fulcrum Backpack Review ***Updated 12/14/20***

[Howard Mee]

Kifaru is nothing new to Rokslide, but here’s a quick debrief on what I’ve been playing with.

***Update 12/14/20*** Full review available here. Kifaru Fulcrum Backpack Review

Kifaru offers 3 different categories of packs and a duffel bag.

After chatting with Frank at Kifaru, I decided to go with an Expedition pack.

I settled on the Fulcrum bag and the Duplex Lite Frame 1/8”. I added the Guide Lid, 4 Belt Pouches and a Water Bottle Pocket.
All said, it’s just shy of 10,000 cubic inches.

Guide Lid. 1000 ci. It has hidden straps and works as a back pack.

It was definitely too loose in this pic but you get the idea.

I shoved as many of the family’s sleeping bags into the pack as possible.

It obviously isn’t designed to be a “Day Pack”, but it works ok. It’s a little heavy for a day pack. Approx 8lbs.
I have it set up with... 11? different buckles (not including the waist belt) So it isn’t a fast pack. When you see something and need to move, it’s awkward. But that’s what I use the guide lid for.

Much much more to say. I’m working on a review. If you have questions, please ask!


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[Howard Mee]

We got caught in an early September snow storm. I don’t see where Kifaru claims that the pack is water resistant, but after the rain and snow and spending the night outside, it was still dry.


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[Salmon River Solutions]

I have the same pack and love it. I also look to have the same big agnes tent!

I run mine with the outer straps to the frame and use it to collapse the wings. Works great for me.

I'll probably be using all the space in the pack for the first time this year. Have to pack in all our gear, and water for 3 days for my 14 year old super skinny nephew and I.

 

[Howard Mee]

I run the outer straps to the frames to deflate the wings on day hunts.

I run them over everything when the pack is full.

Here’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed with the fulcrum: it doesn’t seem to matter how much weight you put in the pack my body feels good. Weight is weight. It’s heavy. It hurts. But it doesn’t damage my body!


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[pyrotechnic]

I have it set up with... 11? different buckles (not including the waist belt) So it isn’t a fast pack. When you see something and need to move, it’s awkward. But that’s what I use the guide lid for.

I really like my fulcrum, for a "one pack that does it all" I don't think you can beat it. I did end up getting tired of having to deal with all the straps when setting up and moving glassing spots. Since most of my hunts are day trips I snagged a Stryker. It like that setup much better as a daypack that I can haul an animal out with. If I could only keep one it would be the fulcrum.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I really like my Fulcrum also but mine is on a tactical frame. I've used it for a sheep hunt, several caribou hunts and an elk hunt, its done great.

 

[Ctitus25]

I took my Fulcrum out for its first real test this last week in NM hunting elk. My friends all made fun of the extra weight as they were all carrying Kuiu packs. I love it as a do all pack, however, in the situation I was in were there would have been three of us to carry out the elk and that all my trips were day trips, I am leaning on getting either a small Muskeg or a 22Mag for a second lighter bag. Still love my Fulcrum as a do all bag though.

 

[Howard Mee]

Thanks for the feedback and conversation.
I had great day yesterday with my son and I was able to test it with some intensity!

First trip was with a hind quarter

Second trip: front shoulder and head.

Third trip was front shoulder and extras: neck meat, brisket, etc.

I used the main bag. I used the load shelf. All worked well. Like I said before, the pack can’t make the weight any lighter, it’s still heavy but I’ve never had a pack carry the load in “comfort”. I think I’m becoming a Kifaru Convert.


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[SkunkCabbage]

They need to make this pack out of Xpac for 2021!

 

[5 shot group]

I love my fulcrum with a guide lid. Compresses down small enough to use as a day pack, large enough that when its dumping rain and it time to get out quick, I can just stuff everything in it and move. No need to pack everything small and tight.

 

[CPD]

Thanks for the info. I have the same pack on order.

 

[Rubben15]

Thanks for the review! I live in the one and am curious how good the dwr coating works for water resistance. Is the rain cover necessary for hours in light misty rain or only needed in a downpour?

 

[Howard Mee]

Thanks for the review! I live in the one and am curious how good the dwr coating works for water resistance. Is the rain cover necessary for hours in light misty rain or only needed in a downpour?

I had my pack in and out of snow and rain for a day to a day and a half. It’s stayed plenty dry but I’ve never had it in a downpour.

Totally dry on the inside.


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[thinhorn_AK]

I've had my fulcrum in a downpour or 2 but I cant really comment on how well it keeps things dry because I always use a pack cover. It just rains enough where I live that pack covers are something that I keep in every pack and never leave at home.

 

[Rubben15]

That helps, thanks guys. I'm debating whether I like the k3 dry bag setup or just go with the classic bag cover. Or really if I will need them. I just went on a sheep hunt with a buddy who seam sealed his SO and didn't need any other protection. It looked nice not having to fiddle with the extra gear

 

[Howard Mee]

Didn’t use the Kifaru to pack this one out, but it was with me on every hunt this year.

I think this was my heaviest load for 2020. Using the bathroom scale in the back of the pickup isn’t super precise, but 104-105 lbs.

This felt as heavy as an elk 1/4
Glad I didn’t have to carry it very far.


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[mavinwa2]

you could use some Cariboo type meat bags. Keep that pack & meat a lot cleaner.

 

[Howard Mee]

I do


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[Howard Mee]

you could use some Cariboo type meat bags. Keep that pack & meat a lot cleaner.

You’re right though, I didn’t use it for all the elk loads. We used it for the back straps and extra meat in my son’s pack.
And I didn’t use it with the wolf. I didn’t want the wolf hair on the meat sack.

 

[Rainierecycler]

Love my fulcrum I was able to put all 4 quarters from my caribou inside the bag for the short pack to the wheeler this summer.