Kifaru Minikeg vs Stone Glacier Kiowa 3200?

[jbudz81]

Hey Guys,

Looking for a recommendation between a couple of packs. I am looking to get a new pack in the 50L-ish range and am primarily looking at these two. My main use cases are going to be weekend backpacking trips, day pack for hunting, and using at matches. I will usually carry stuff like a tripod, and 20-30lbs of gear at most. Unfortunately, I don't have anywhere local to me that I can check out these packs in person. The packs that I have mostly narrowed it down to are the:

- Stone Glacier Kiowa 3200 (or R2 3200)
- Kifaru Minikeg
- Possibly a Stone Glacier Solo 3600

I am open to other suggestions as well, these have just been the packs that have stood out to me.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Truaxdw]

I have the minikeg, it’s small enough to use on horses, big enough to pack out a white tail. Comfortable hip belt, full zip down the middle for easy access, side pockets for Nalgene bottle or whatever else you can stuff in there, straps on the outside for dumping clothes. It’s a versatile pack. I would buy it again.

 

[strongarm]

Can’t comment on the other two, but can vouch for the Kifaru Minikeg and it would handle your described use very well. It’ll carry any weight you can throw at it from a build standpoint. Depending on your torso length, it’ll do heavier weight with comfort (if shorter torso). Even if longer torso (I’m in that category), it’s still comfortable, though there’s no lift. Regardless it still does great as it’s basically the Duplex suspension. Full access center zip is outstanding for access. It’s a simple, fantastic pack.

 

[Brian.243]

I will third the minikeg
I never tried any stone glacier
The mini keg is perfect for what you are suggesting your use is

 

[Trial153]

mini keg

 

[JDZ3]

I've had both. I thought the Minikeg was best.

 

[NXTZ]

I got a Minikeg for day hunts/shorter overnight trips. I’m short af (5’6”) so I still get some decent lift out of it. I’ve been doing some shorter training hikes and it still feels good with 50-60 lbs. 20-30 pounds feels like nothing.

I had a SG x curve, and seriously debated getting a solo or col 4800 for it, but that just felt like overkill for me and my uses. That was a comfy frame, but I got fed up with the height and trying to negotiate thicker timber with it-if I was hunting more open country I probably would’ve kept it.

If you’re a smaller build like me and don’t want the frame sticking way up/catching everything I’d suggest the minikeg. I haven’t packed a critter with it, but with a small day load I feel like I could still fit a decent amount of boned out meat-I’m gonna be honest and say that 80lbs is pushing my limit in any kind of terrain so going for a way bigger pack just didn’t seem practical now.