Kifaru Reckoning in 2025

[Pr3ston]

I've just joined the forum after briefly lurking as there seems to be a rucking with rifles kinda vibe. I noticed that Kifaru has the Reckoning pack on closeout and was wondering if it holds up in 2025, or, whether there's a better competitive option. I'm looking to upgrade from an old Mystery Ranch 3DAP and looking for something bigger (>60L), with an external frame, and that I can hang my rifle (Sako TRG 42) or bow on. What do you guys reckon?

 

[adamm88]

The Kifaru is bomb proof and will hold the test of time. If you look at the new stuff they are putting out they are using lighter fabric and different material than the all cordura packs along with pockets and things of the sort.

What i have seen is Kifaru will design a pack and then bring out something similar to replace it. You can probably search when the reckoning(2017 or 18) came out on the forum and see the posts from the initial release.

 

[Evergreen_satori]

I don't have one, but every kifaru item I own is built to higher standards than most other producers. If it fits and feels well, I wouldn't hesitate

 

[neverquit]

I switch around several kifaru packs before I found the reckoning .

It fits my life quite well. And has held up great over the last few years. I used a universal gun bearer and it works perfectly

 

[Stache Attack]

Really enjoy the reckoning myself, can shrink it down with the straps for day hunts or make it massive by adding my guide lid. I like the zipper down the center and the big open side pockets.

Don’t have an arc frame but have a duplex lite and a duplex hunter. You won’t find a tougher frame.

 

[shoeshineman]

Ive been using the Reckoning for the past 7 years. It is perfect for me. I have no reason to desire anything else.

 

[Tman24]

I had a Reckoning when they first came out. Put it on the older duplex frame. Only thing I didn’t like about the bag was the water bladder Velcro strap thing they had to hold the water bladder in place between the frame and bag. Don’t know if the new ones are still like that. But that was pretty cheesy.
OP the duplex light frame is on close out too. You’d be into a great bag and frame for those prices.

 

[mrbillbrown]

My partner has several Kifaru bags for his frames and he always grabs his Reckoning for our Sept elk hunts. It's his primary bag. I'm a DT1 fan but bought the Reckoning as a backup or if something ever happens to my beloved DT1. It's an excellent pack bag design.

 

[Austink47]

If you told me I could only hunt with my reckoning for the rest of my life I would not be sad about it. It shrinks down small enough for day hunts, add a lid and you’re good for a week. It is a pretty simple old school design, to me that is the appeal.

The velcro bladder thing is silly. I cut a port and use a SG hydro sleeve hung from the chamber pocket for mine. I also use some third party clips for the lid.

feel free to PM. I am happy to answer any specific question

 

[JPD350]

I've had one for 6 or 7 years and I still like it a lot. Winter pack trips I am busting out the seams because of the extra gear, this pic was coming out with no food or water. Packing in, the winter jackets and pants get strapped on top or the back while food and water go inside. Sometimes I could use a bit more room but I really don't want to carry more crap, if I can't fit it it doesn't go. It's also super easy to hunt out of the pack plus loading meat is simple with the zippered back. I've been hanging my water between the frame and bag all these years and haven't had a single issue, it stays right where I put it, you just gotta remember to put it in before you load up or else you get to practice unloading and reloading.

 

[Jakeb]

Love my reckoning, I think Ive had it for 6 years now. It’s just a simple basic pack that gets the job done. Center zip is great and the side pockets are nice to stuff jackets, tripods and other items you need handy. I never really used the Velcro water bladder strap.

I used the meat shelf a few times, but if at all possible I just throw the meat in the bag.