Kifaru Stryker vs MR popup28

[roosiebull]

Man, I was all set to pull the trigger on an EXO then I found all this...decisions...

Can’t go wrong with EXO, it’s as versatile as the striker. It would be tough to decide between EXO and Kifaru, arguably the top 2 pack manufacturers. My EXO was my most comfortable pack I have had on.

I was set on kifaru until the whole covid thing, and looking at my different options I ended up on the seek outside site and I got so intrigued withwhat they offer I ordered one.
Getting a new windshield right now, then heading into the mountains for a few days and look forward to getting some time under my new pack.

My buddy has a bear tag over there, so I’m hoping to really test it out packing a big bear out of one of those big vertical canyons they will probably roll to the bottom of, haha.

we have some good options these days for packs! I still consider kifaru the company all are compared to

 

[roosiebull]

If my pop up ever does, I will probably replace it with a stryker on a 22” frame. I think that would be a sweet setup for thick country

 

[SnowPirate6120]

Narrowed my pack choices down to these two. Looking for a day pack that will also haul my lock on and sticks or some meat if I’m successful. I think both will do the job just trying to figure out if the Stryker is worth 300 more.

I've got a pop up 28 2019 in coyote tan I'm trying to sell. I used it on 1 mule deer hunt last year. I love it, I just want one in Subalpine.

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[dietter700]

I would love to see some more saddle guys and how they utilize the Stryker. I have the 22 mag now and its a little too big for my saddle hunting ventures. I do self film and need to carry a fair amount of stuff.

 

[22Jdub]

I would love to see some more saddle guys and how they utilize the Stryker. I have the 22 mag now and its a little too big for my saddle hunting ventures. I do self film and need to carry a fair amount of stuff.

Climb with it with two sticks and the predator platform attached with gear ties amd the bow on the back.

 

[dietter700]

Climb with it with two sticks and the predator platform attached with gear ties amd the bow on the back.

This is the stuff I wanted to see ! So do you also climb with your bow on your pack or do you still use a rope ?


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[22Jdub]

What I've practiced so far is with the bow on the pack. I prefer that as long as I don't have a crazy amount of weight in my pack which I usually don't. The bottom cam locks nicely in the bottom handle on the pack and then just one strap across the upper third of the bow.

 

[dietter700]

What I've practiced so far is with the bow on the pack. I prefer that as long as I don't have a crazy amount of weight in my pack which I usually don't. The bottom cam locks nicely in the bottom handle on the pack and then just one strap across the upper third of the bow.

Gotcha that’s cool. Do you have any trouble keeping the sticks at where they are on the meat shelf area?


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[22Jdub]

Gotcha that’s cool. Do you have any trouble keeping the sticks at where they are on the meat shelf area?


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One strap run across them and a gear tie keeps them as tight as you'd ever need them. Gear tie is to keep the platform from moving around on the sticks

 

[dietter700]

One strap run across them and a gear tie keeps them as tight as you'd ever need them. Gear tie is to keep the platform from moving around on the sticks

Yeah... I like this a lot. Something like this is what I was imaginal in my head. What frame are you running? Do you know overall empty weight of frame and pack?

 

[22Jdub]

It's an older 24" duplex hunting frame. Not sure on the weight. It's not light but not what I would consider heavy either.

 

[Mike gil]

So many options!

 

[Pezboat]

For my run and gun setup, I like to have my climbing sticks stick out the bottom. Full-sized LW sticks, with a Predator platform.

 

[WildernessLocals]

You can’t beat the versatility of the Stryker imo. I’ve had lots of packs but like the ability to go from full load to simple light daypack. It makes loading up anything super easy. Here’s 88lbs if salt in it.

 

[dietter700]

Climb with it with two sticks and the predator platform attached with gear ties amd the bow on the back.

Do you have any pics of how you hang it or strap it in the tree once you are up there. My 22mag always is pretty cumbersome up in the tree. My guess is the Stryker isn’t going to be a lot better since it rides on the same frame .


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[22Jdub]

Do you have any pics of how you hang it or strap it in the tree once you are up there. My 22mag always is pretty cumbersome up in the tree. My guess is the Stryker isn’t going to be a lot better since it rides on the same frame .


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Not in the tree but just took this. This is with a puffy jacket in the main bag, hat and gloves in the pouches. I have a paracord handle on the top, hang it on either a small hook strapped around the tree or a small hawk screw in hook. It all depends on how much is in the bag. Once I'm set up I normally don't have much in it so it's not bad. It's longer than most packs but the bag is very shallow so it doesn't stick out from.the tree more than any other pack I've used.

I have it set up with just male/female buckles attaching the bag to the frame instead of the compression straps. I can still fit everything I need in the cargo panel for whitetail and turkey like this. I have two compression straps keep inside the panel to attach sticks and platform.

 

[dietter700]

Nice that’s helpful.
Do you find that you need the belt pouches.
I essentially have the same set up as you. Predator platform but this year I’m running 17” shikar sticks . Also I self film so I have a shot gun mic, camera arm and base and little camcorder and go pro . I have plenty of room in my 22 mag. So I think I could squeeze it all in with out belt pouches ....


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[22Jdub]

The main bag on the Stryker is quite a bit smaller than the 22. I also do some filming and I want organization. I like the pouches for Calls, snacks, things I want to access on the stand without digging into the main bag.

 

[dietter700]

The main bag on the Stryker is quite a bit smaller than the 22. I also do some filming and I want organization. I like the pouches for Calls, snacks, things I want to access on the stand without digging into the main bag.

I am trying to decide if I should just get it in ranger green like my 22 mag and get some highlander belt pouches for it. Or if I should just get the whole pack in highlander. I hate to pay 30 bucks more for highlander then cover up with belt pouches for an other $60+. I would like a little more concealment/camo in the tree...
Just thinking outloud....

 

[22Jdub]

I am trying to decide if I should just get it in ranger green like my 22 mag and get some highlander belt pouches for it. Or if I should just get the whole pack in highlander. I hate to pay 30 bucks more for highlander then cover up with belt pouches for an other $60+. I would like a little more concealment/camo in the tree...
Just thinking outloud....

There is no need for a camouflage backpack. Camo on your body is one thing but a pack is not that large and it's not moving when it's hanging in a tree. To a deer it's just going to look like a knot on the side of a tree. I do prefer lighter colors as compared to Dark. Camo won't hurt but I don't feel it's going to help either.