Kifaru Lids

[Vitals]

I was wondering if there are any of you who ordered wither the long or xlt lid and wish you had gone with the other? I know the basic size differences but what else should I keep in mind when I order my pack next week.

 

[HJ Handy]

I don't have experience with he XTL lid but the Longhunter lid is like having one huge extra pocket to stuff immediately needed items like a puffy jacket, snacks and lightweight rain gear. It's big inside.

 

[HJ Handy]

There is a good discussion on it here http://www.kifaruforums.net/archive/index.php/t-31489.html

 

[ozyclint]

i went for a longhunter lid. more capacity, lighter, no brainer.

 

[2ski]

My reasoning for getting the longhunter was the price. If I decided to go with it later, I'm paying full price for it instead of an upgrade charge, if you will.

 

[Shrek]

In my limited experience I really like my trimmed longhunter lid. It was the most accessed part of my pack. All the smaller items I needed throughout the day went in it and made it very convenient. Pack hit the ground and zip , it was right there. Big enough to hold everything like rain gear and headlamps but not so big that they became hard to find. The pockets on my belt are going away and a binocular chest pack will replace those. I don't know about the xtl lid but I wouldn't have the plain lid. Without the lid storage you will just have to add something else to do the function. Side pockets , back pouch , belt pouch , ect.

 

[justinspicher]

I have a Zulu with an XLT lid and it is just too much lid for that pack in my opinion. I didn't realize how big it was and it is like having a entire other pack on top of my pack and I can't seem to get it to close up completely. It is a great lid, just not for me.

 

[dotman]

I have never used an xlt.

I hated my longhunter lid, I prefer a pocket or possibles pouch. Only reason I didn't like it was lack of organization for what it is intended to be used for, too big for all the little stuff and it is easy to stuff the big stuff in the pack.

I'm in the minority though as most really like it.

 

[gobbler1662]

I have the XTL lid on my high camp. For me it's just the right size for a quick run and gun or if I am hiking along and spot a deer or elk to stalk. I have the XTL set up for quick stalks. Now like you mentioned, when I got my high camp it was with the standard lid, I also paid full price if you will for the XTL. I haven't seen the long hunter lid but I had the XTL on a previous ZXRi had . I considered the long hunter but was afraid it was bigger than I needed.

 

[Rucker61]

I bought my T2 used with the standard lid and the XTL lid. I used the XTL for both elk hunts this fall and liked the easy access. Once I got the pack (over)loaded, the side pockets were full and the back pockets were inaccessible.

 

[fillthefreezer]

i have used the xtl and the longhunter. i use a trimmed longhunter now. its alot of CI for minimal weight. but honestly kifaru doesnt make a like that id really want. just a regular old lid. around 600ci that fits tight like the standard

 

[Vitals]

One feature that is appealing to me is the straps on top of the XTL where you could quickly lash a rain jacket or something that would be right on top. Have any of you found that to be a missing element to the Longhunter? I would love the extra CI of the Longhunter. It seems that other than size, and those straps, they can complete the same functions as a stand alone lumbar pack?

 

[Rizzy]

I have the standard lid on my Highcamp and when packing meat out I was wishing I had a pocket in my lid to put my water bladder in. I ended up putting the bladder in my KU possibles attached to the back of the pack when the pack was full of meat. It worked, but was less than ideal. I would rather go upwards than outwards with extra stuff.

 

[fillthefreezer]

I have the standard lid on my Highcamp and when packing meat out I was wishing I had a pocket in my lid to put my water bladder in. I ended up putting the bladder in my KU possibles attached to the back of the pack when the pack was full of meat. It worked, but was less than ideal. I would rather go upwards than outwards with extra stuff.

View attachment 11898

i ran my bladder in my lid once. bad idea! threw my balance way off! it was on a trip where my wife got badly dehydrated and i was humping both our gear off the mountain, and i only had a 2L bladder so i was refilling often.

 

[Browtine]

I have never used an xlt.

I hated my longhunter lid, I prefer a pocket or possibles pouch. Only reason I didn't like it was lack of organization for what it is intended to be used for, too big for all the little stuff and it is easy to stuff the big stuff in the pack.

I'm in the minority though as most really like it.

I shingle a L&L #8 and a standard chamber pocket in my LH lid to help with organization.

 

[dotman]

I shingle a L&L #8 and a standard chamber pocket in my LH lid to help with organization.

I set my e&e up as a lid and used ku pockets which probably isn't much heavier, 10oz or so and ended up just using the standard lid pullouts and pockets. Strap the bottom of the pack as tight as I can and keep needed items in pockets or in pullouts at the top of the pack.

It has been awhile since I had my LH lid but I don't remember many attachment points within it.

 

[Kotaman]

I've had both and prefer the XLT...Just personal preference as they are both nice and serve a purpose.

 

[Browtine]

It has been awhile since I had my LH lid but I don't remember many attachment points within it.

Correct, only two common loops in the LH lid for the chamber pocket. I hook the #8 up in place of the chamber pocket and then run the chamber pocket off the bottom of the #8. Gives me two different sized pockets inside the lid for the smaller stuff.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I really like the longhunter lid. I use the chamber pocket that came with it most the time and if I need more organization, I use granite gear or OR stuff sacks.

I also have a few cuben fiber stuff sacks that I really like.

The one thing I don't like is how the front straps can slide down the side of the pack if the pack isn't full. If the attach points were in between the stays instead of on the outside, this wouldn't happen and the lid would always stay up where it belongs. I can usually get it to ride where I want but it's a pain sometimes.

 

[a3dhunter]

I had the XTL and sold it.
The Longhunter is a better lid, but personally I don't use a lid at all 90% of the time. I have a T1 and there is plenty of room, don't need anything else.