Kifaru vs exo k4 vs stone glacier

[HouseCL]

I’ve used a MR metcalf and SG sky archer but just picked up an Exo K4. The MR is pretty comfortable and I liked the organization/function of the pack however the SG Xcurve frame carried heavy weight a lot better than the MR. At first the SG lumbar pad was somewhat uncomfortable (super firm and really dug into my back) but I spent a good amount of time watching the SG videos and got it dialed in so it was more comfortable. The SG is also tough as nails.

The things I didn’t like about the SG is that there is essentially no organization to the pack (not even a built-in hydro sleeve), the lid flops all over if the pack is not full, the side utility pockets are way too small and don’t have elastic cuffs, and the belt accessory attachments are very floppy. The most annoying part of it for me was the side utility pockets since I use those a lot. If they were a bit larger and elastic, it would be a lot better.

I like the MR lid better as it has multiple zippered pockets and has buckle attachments on both the front and back, so it’s easier/quicker to completely remove the lid if you want, vs the SG which attaches via buckles on the front and straps on the back. The MR also has attachment points for hydration tube stuff on the shoulder straps which is nice. I hate the MR buckles, they are unnecessarily complicated/annoying to adjust the strap length and seem like they would break easily. Overall the SG is kind of barebones, no frills but damn can it carry some weight and you know it’s tough as nails and won’t break on you. For me, the ability to carry weight with the SG won out over the other features of the MR.

However I picked up an Exo K4 which I think will be the best of both worlds as it is just super well-organized and thought out, and is similar to SG in that it carries weight very well. I haven’t taken it on any hunts yet but I have loaded it up. I still need to make some adjustments but I think it is the best pack money can buy currently.

 

[Wprinkle]

I've had the same issue with the Kifaru Duplex Lite. I just can't seem to get it to work for me. I end up waddling when I get to flat ground. It puts a ton of pressure on my lower back. I've tried the flat and the curved stays.

So since I posted that I took it to Kifaru. They immediately noticed the bottom of the pack was not attached to the frame. (no straps were sewn on) On the spot they made it right and now I absolutely love it. Picked up an Absaroka when they came out and man I really really like it. Hope things don't change now that Aron left.

 

[Benjblt]

So since I posted that I took it to Kifaru. They immediately noticed the bottom of the pack was not attached to the frame. (no straps were sewn on) On the spot they made it right and now I absolutely love it. Picked up an Absaroka when they came out and man I really really like it. Hope things don't change now that Aron left.

Aaron left?! I had no idea. Where'd he go? Glad you were able to make it work. I sold mine and just went with Exo.

 

[Benjblt]

Aaron left?! I had no idea. Where'd he go? Glad you were able to make it work. I sold mine and just went with Exo.

Alright, I see it. He went to Born Primitive.

 

[Wprinkle]

Alright, I see it. He went to Born Primitive.

Ya it was a weird deal. Kinda get the feeling he was pushed out.

 

[N_Steen]

I saw comments that the K4 crib load panel didnt carry the load high enough on the frame. I wonder if this is more personal preference and if they intend to change this with the K5?

 

[bojangles808]

I wouldn't give a dime to kifaru anymore, its just an extension of utard private equity now. They're skimping on customer service and pretty much anyone that's ever made them what they are today is now gone. Try to get your hands on an SG and Exo at a show or with other RS members, load it with weight and see which one fits you best.

 

[Benjblt]

I saw comments that the K4 crib load panel didnt carry the load high enough on the frame. I wonder if this is more personal preference and if they intend to change this with the K5?

It definitely falls short in that respect. The pack makers that don’t value a load shelf just don’t seem to give a strong effort with what they offer as a load shelf. They’re just afterthoughts. SG is the only one that I know of that does a load shelf right.

 

[Benjblt]

I wouldn't give a dime to kifaru anymore, it’s just an extension of utard private equity now. They're skimping on customer service and pretty much anyone that's ever made them what they are today is now gone. Try to get your hands on an SG and Exo at a show or with other RS members, load it with weight and see which one fits you best.

Customer service hasn’t been bad for me but it doesn’t seem like they offer much anymore. I also find it funny that they went to a carbon fiber frame after Aron trashed them for so long.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Customer service hasn’t been bad for me but it doesn’t seem like they offer much anymore. I also find it funny that they went to a carbon fiber frame after Aron trashed them for so long.

To Arron credit, there is a reason Kuiu went through some many frame remakes, I’m a Exo guy but I think Kifaru’s frame is well thought out and lacks the same design issue the kuiu first frames went through.

 

[Benjblt]

To Arron credit, there is a reason Kuiu went through some many frame remakes, I’m a Exo guy but I think Kifaru’s frame is well thought out and lacks the same design issue the kuiu first frames went through.

That may be but from what I remember he was very adamant that carbon frames, in general, don’t work and had been tried for years. He referenced manufactures that had tried before Kuiu. I know Kuiu had issues but it sounds like they are even a little better now.

 

[isleofGough]

I like the backpack design and customer service of Exo Mtn Gear better than Kifaru, but the Kifaru Ark frame is more comfortable in both shoulder straps and hip belt for me than the Exo K4. I don't need to pull the belt as tight to prevent slipping. The side holes on the ark are helpful for irregular loads and the load shelf is easier to access and is not just two pieces of webbing. The bag hangs on a much wider area than the two 1" protrusions on the K4 which I think is well thought out.

 

[prm]

It definitely falls short in that respect. The pack makers that don’t value a load shelf just don’t seem to give a strong effort with what they offer as a load shelf. They’re just afterthoughts. SG is the only one that I know of that does a load shelf right.

The Kifaru Stryker style packs allow the weight to be placed wherever you want, and do so quickly and easily. The other Kifaru packs are more difficult IMO. edit: The K4 is not quite as quick and easy as a Stryker, but not hard either. Meat is strapped to the frame in a similar manner as the Kifaru Stryker.

I like the backpack design and customer service of Exo Mtn Gear better than Kifaru, but the Kifaru Ark frame is more comfortable in both shoulder straps and hip belt for me than the Exo K4. I don't need to pull the belt as tight to prevent slipping. The side holes on the ark are helpful for irregular loads and the load shelf is easier to access and is not just two pieces of webbing. The bag hangs on a much wider area than the two 1" protrusions on the K4 which I think is well thought out.

I agree with all.

 

[cuerro viejo]

That may be but from what I remember he was very adamant that carbon frames, in general, don’t work and had been tried for years. He referenced manufactures that had tried before Kuiu. I know Kuiu had issues but it sounds like they are even a little better now.

Technology changes, carbon fiber especially. Just a matter of time before technology became affordable, and more durable.

It’s a much more efficient build process also

 

[MT_Wyatt]

It definitely falls short in that respect. The pack makers that don’t value a load shelf just don’t seem to give a strong effort with what they offer as a load shelf. They’re just afterthoughts. SG is the only one that I know of that does a load shelf right.

I don’t necessarily disagree on the actual shelf’s, SG has the best.

But one thing I’ve found using K4 this year, and shuttling a whole elk (so 12+ load/unloads over distance) is the exo dedicated frame straps in addition to the bag (so 4 for compression) actually works really well. With the bag pinching on the bottom of the frame, and being able compress meat bags to bias load up, I was actually happier with the exo system for both speed and weight distribution.

I look at that crib panel and kinda think the same, the bottom load point is kinda low, but haven’t used it personally.

 

[Benjblt]

Yes, I just purchased the K4 and haven’t put it to work but figured the dedicated frame straps may make it a non issue. I bought the load crib and now I’m not sure I should have. Did the K3 not have dedicated frame straps?