Outdoorsman3830
Lil-Rokslider
Well I have had my new Kifaru Late Season for two weeks now. I have the 24" stays installed,but will get my hands on some 22" ones also. It definitely comes in like a custom fit. I've never purchased a pack with a perfect fitting hip-belt, proportional harness (for my slim build), and setup to almost fit me perfectly. I only had to raise my torso adjustment an inch. I may or may not have to add additional bend to the stays for a deeper arch.
I spent two hours with 60 lbs in it last night and was impressed. I have a 19" torso and feel the advertised maximum comfortable capacity of 70 lbs wis very accurate for the average torso when equipped with the 24" stays. I can't give an accurate comparison between the Late Season's comfort and the Mystery Ranch NICE Frame, due to the NICE Frame's insufficient adjustability to fit individuals with average to deeper than average arch's in the lower back, but can give an accurate comparison to the Eberlestock Blue Widow. I feel that I get a solid 10 to 15 lbs of additional maximum comfortable carrying capacity with the Late Season over the Blue Widow. With that said, I feel that I could realistically carry 80 to 90 lbs with moderate comfort before feeling hot spots on my shoulders.
Other noticeable differences between the Blue Widow and Late Season is the Late Seaon's load lifters maintain an 2" of height over the Blue Widow after settling into place. The Late Season will not rub your hips or shoulders raw like an Eberleztock. I always felt that my SkycrAne/Blue Widow was extremely versatilite, but the Late Season has it beat. The Late Season is setup to compress down to nothing, expand out to 3500 cubic inches, and effectively attach pods, pockets, etc to every side of the pack. Yes, the Blue Widow accepts accecories on every side, but it isn't as effective/secure. If its the spike duffel that makes the Eberlestock appealing, then you should know that the Late Season will fit a full Spike Duffel inside the main pocket and can be pulled out and strapped to the Late Season's exterior better with a grab-it, straps, and buckles. The Eberlestock does have a great scabbard setup for carrying rifles, but I bow hunt anyways.
As for durability, the Mystery Ranch is superior. The Kifaru is solid, but doesn't look or feel as durable as the NICE Frame. However, it is superior to Eberlestock easily. Where the Eberlestock shines is the price. There is a significant price difference and that is really the deciding factor between the Late Season and Blue Widow, which is directly related to what you intend to and actually use the pack for. The Late Season is better overall until you look at the "bang for your buck". Personally, I will stick with the Late Season. I feel that week long hunts in Idaho's rugged backcountry calls for top-notch performance, durability, and comfort. Not to mention, I can afford it. Otherwise, the Blue Widow would be my pack of choice.
I spent two hours with 60 lbs in it last night and was impressed. I have a 19" torso and feel the advertised maximum comfortable capacity of 70 lbs wis very accurate for the average torso when equipped with the 24" stays. I can't give an accurate comparison between the Late Season's comfort and the Mystery Ranch NICE Frame, due to the NICE Frame's insufficient adjustability to fit individuals with average to deeper than average arch's in the lower back, but can give an accurate comparison to the Eberlestock Blue Widow. I feel that I get a solid 10 to 15 lbs of additional maximum comfortable carrying capacity with the Late Season over the Blue Widow. With that said, I feel that I could realistically carry 80 to 90 lbs with moderate comfort before feeling hot spots on my shoulders.
Other noticeable differences between the Blue Widow and Late Season is the Late Seaon's load lifters maintain an 2" of height over the Blue Widow after settling into place. The Late Season will not rub your hips or shoulders raw like an Eberleztock. I always felt that my SkycrAne/Blue Widow was extremely versatilite, but the Late Season has it beat. The Late Season is setup to compress down to nothing, expand out to 3500 cubic inches, and effectively attach pods, pockets, etc to every side of the pack. Yes, the Blue Widow accepts accecories on every side, but it isn't as effective/secure. If its the spike duffel that makes the Eberlestock appealing, then you should know that the Late Season will fit a full Spike Duffel inside the main pocket and can be pulled out and strapped to the Late Season's exterior better with a grab-it, straps, and buckles. The Eberlestock does have a great scabbard setup for carrying rifles, but I bow hunt anyways.
As for durability, the Mystery Ranch is superior. The Kifaru is solid, but doesn't look or feel as durable as the NICE Frame. However, it is superior to Eberlestock easily. Where the Eberlestock shines is the price. There is a significant price difference and that is really the deciding factor between the Late Season and Blue Widow, which is directly related to what you intend to and actually use the pack for. The Late Season is better overall until you look at the "bang for your buck". Personally, I will stick with the Late Season. I feel that week long hunts in Idaho's rugged backcountry calls for top-notch performance, durability, and comfort. Not to mention, I can afford it. Otherwise, the Blue Widow would be my pack of choice.
