Kifaru Stryker XL vs MR Pop-Up

[rarmitage915]

Looking for some opinions here, as this will be my first frame pack. I'm pretty set on the Stryker XL/Duplex Lite frame route, but curious if anyone prefers the Mystery Ranch Pop-Up series instead? This will be used mainly as a day hunt and treestand moving pack. Occasionally will use it to pack out whitetails when its too far to drag, as well as when I make it out west for elk and mule deer, but that's currently not on the horizon. I can get the Kifaru setup for $450-$500 used here in the classified, and I see the Pop-up's show up for sale locally and on here for $200-$250 (the 28 and 38, not the newer models).

For my use, is it worth it to pay the extra for the Kifaru setup? For the last few years I've been in the "buy once, cry one" mindset, so I'm totally fine with spending the extra $.

 

[Zdub02]

I use the Kifaru set up you mentioned but haven't tried the pop up. Having said that, the kifaru is a lot to pack into an elevated stand. It's great for hauling in a stand or saddle set up but actually bringing it up the tree can be a pain. If you're ground hunting it's just fine. I would also consider how much western hunting you're doing as your post makes it sound like you're not out west every year (makes me lean toward the pop up. )

 

[rarmitage915]

Thats a good point. With either setup I would probably leave it at the bottom of the tree, then just take up what I need. Maybe get Sherman pouch or something similar to unbuckle and take that up. Id imagine the pop up (even the 28) would also be a pain to take up into the tree. And you're correct, unfortunately im not going out west every year. So you're suggesting the pop up just due to the fact that its lighter and slightly less bulky?

 

[Zdub02]

yes seems to be a bit of a smaller profile and substantially more cost effective. I've debated selling my kifaru and grabbing the pop up to recoup some money. Also if you like to layer the stryker size is a pain for late season layers. I use the load shelf mostly for late season clothes.

 

[Eship]

The pop up will serve you as well as the Stryker xl unless you get a buck and are far out in which case the Kifaru will carry the meat much better. I saddle hunt and find the Kifaru set up perfect, although I switch to the maniml since I didn’t like how droopy the Stryker xl was. I disagree with the Kifaru being too much to bring into a tree though. I keep my sticks/platform strapped to the pack when hiking in, then at the tree, I strap my bow to the pack when I take off the sticks. Then just climb up with it on my back. No need to use a line to drag it up. Then, once I’m in my tree, I either hang the pack on my dominant side, or I place it in front of my knees and use it as a cushion. That’s with a 22” frame though. I’d imagine a 26” definitely would be annoying for that.

But, both will still work well. If you’ve already got the Kifaru frame, you might as well just put the Stryker xl on it and try it out this year.

 

[rarmitage915]

The pop up will serve you as well as the Stryker xl unless you get a buck and are far out in which case the Kifaru will carry the meat much better. I saddle hunt and find the Kifaru set up perfect, although I switch to the maniml since I didn’t like how droopy the Stryker xl was. I disagree with the Kifaru being too much to bring into a tree though. I keep my sticks/platform strapped to the pack when hiking in, then at the tree, I strap my bow to the pack when I take off the sticks. Then just climb up with it on my back. No need to use a line to drag it up. Then, once I’m in my tree, I either hang the pack on my dominant side, or I place it in front of my knees and use it as a cushion. That’s with a 22” frame though. I’d imagine a 26” definitely would be annoying for that.

But, both will still work well. If you’ve already got the Kifaru frame, you might as well just put the Stryker xl on it and try it out this year.

Thats good to hear. I dont have a frame yet. I was looking at getting the 24" Duplex Lite frame, You said you have the 22" frame, is that the Duplex Tactical frame? I see it is 22". And I have heard the same about load carrying between the two, that the Kifaru is more comfortable carrying a heavier load. That is actually why I was leaning towards this setup.

 

[Eship]

Thats good to hear. I dont have a frame yet. I was looking at getting the 24" Duplex Lite frame, You said you have the 22" frame, is that the Duplex Tactical frame? I see it is 22". And I have heard the same about load carrying between the two, that the Kifaru is more comfortable carrying a heavier load. That is actually why I was leaning towards this setup.

I have an ark, but I’m 5’7, so the 22” works for me. If you’re over 5’8, they generally recommend the 24” frame cause it has better load carrying.

 

[prm]

I have a MR Mule which is very similar to the pop-up, and have a Stryker XL. Stryker is currently on an Ark frame but I had the Duplex previously. The Kifaru is a significant upgrade in performance when the weight increases. The MR will work for what you describe, if you never plan to haul heavier, bulky, or odd weights. The frame gets pretty flexible if you try to load it up heavy. The Kifaru will be significantly more capable and even hauls ladder stands or odd loads quite well. I did pack out a deboned mule deer buck with the MR and was not particularly comfortable. But it worked.