Kifaru vs Mystery ranch

[Ynothunt41]

I am looking to upgrade from my Alps backpack. I will only be using this as a day pack. I want to get one of these to have the capability to haul meat or put a dry bag on the load shelf for more volume. I'm stuck between the MR sawtooth 45 and the Kifaru stryker XL with sherman pocket. The think that Kifaru pack would be the ultimate day pack but it is double the price. I know Kifaru is made in the USA and that's big plus. I am normally a buy once cry once but I have done a lot of research and my concern is some say some backpacks fit people better than others (that's what some say). I have no way to try either pack. I'm 6'3 215. Anybody have any advice for me? I do appreciate it!

 

[4rcgoat]

No useful info for you really,but i also upgraded from an Alps pack years ago to a then "made in America " Myself Ranch metcalf,the difference between the two truly is a night and day difference.

 

[dukeball33]

I would guess the Kifaru will be slightly more comfortable and is made in America.
If Kifaru stays high quality that will be my next pack, but just bought the sawtooth at 35% off so need to give it a try... already have the back strap and stick it as accessories.
You could buy both and return the other, or sell.

 

[slow reflection]

Kifaru

I have a MR pintler. If I had to do it again I would look harder at Kifaru. The reason being is Kifaru has way more options for adding or changing the backpack in the future. MR has almost no options. I am not saying I don't like MR, I just don't like that 2 years after I bought my pack I can't buy a different, bag, lid, belt, pockets, etc.

 

[stump06]

Cant go wrong with either but I prefer the modularity of Kifaru

 

[fatlander]

If you’re paying retail for MR, get the kifaru.


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[eaglemountainman]

For me, it's all about body shape and fit. The Guide Light MT frame is more comfortable to me than the Kifaru Duplex. If it felt even close to the MR, I would be a Kifaru customer. I hate the fact that MR is made offshore.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

Both are good options. Pack fit is the most important thing to get right, but unfortunately there's no good way to judge fit without actually trying them on. If you're willing to temporarily tie up additional money and eat some return shipping cost, consider buying both from a retailer that offers free returns then send back the one that doesn't fit as well. You could initially order a frame only to lower the upfront cost then add a bag later. Also, Mystery Ranch's retail network is getting large enough that you might be able to find a local outdoors store with some MR packs in stock.

 

[Ynothunt41]

If you’re paying retail for MR, get the kifaru.


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Mountain Archery has a 3 day sale (20% off) on the mystery ranch.

 

[kirmerw]

I have a MR Marshall and a Kifaru Stryker XL and Kifaru 44 Mag. They frames for Kifaru are stiffer and handle weights better. The MR have nice camo but not on the same level as Kifaru.

 

[Ynothunt41]

I have a MR Marshall and a Kifaru Stryker XL and Kifaru 44 Mag. They frames for Kifaru are stiffer and handle weights better. The MR have nice camo but not on the same level as Kifaru.

Do you think the MR hauls lighter loads (just hunting gear) better than the Kifaru? @kirmerw

 

[kirmerw]

No, unfortunately not. I even put the MR frame on my kids Osprey and Dueter packs and the issue is with the shoulder straps and bottom back support. It’s thin compared to a stiffer Kifaru. I’ve wanted to re-use the frame but it just doesn’t hold weight well. The guide lid that come on the MR is nice though.

 

[Ram94]

No, unfortunately not. I even put the MR frame on my kids Osprey and Dueter packs and the issue is with the shoulder straps and bottom back support. It’s thin compared to a stiffer Kifaru. I’ve wanted to re-use the frame but it just doesn’t hold weight well. The guide lid that come on the MR is nice though.

Assuming this is the older Guide Light frame?

 

[kirmerw]

Do you think the MR hauls lighter loads (just hunting gear) better than the Kifaru? @kirmerw

No, unfortunately not. I even put the MR frame on my kids Osprey and Dueter packs and the issue is with the shoulder straps and bottom back support. It’s thin compared to a stiffer Kifaru. I’ve wanted to re-use the frame but it just doesn’t hold weight well. The guide lid that come on the MR is nice though.

Assuming this is the older Guide Light frame?

2018 frame. Are the new ones much better?

 

[Ram94]

No, unfortunately not. I even put the MR frame on my kids Osprey and Dueter packs and the issue is with the shoulder straps and bottom back support. It’s thin compared to a stiffer Kifaru. I’ve wanted to re-use the frame but it just doesn’t hold weight well. The guide lid that come on the MR is nice though.

2018 frame. Are the new ones much better?

Not even comparable. The new MT frame is a huge upgrade in my opinion. The belt is a lot more hefty and doesn’t slip like the GL did.

 

[kirmerw]

Assuming this is the older Guide Light frame?

It’s a 2018 frame. Looks nice but the straps and

Not even comparable. The new MT frame is a huge upgrade in my opinion. The belt is a lot more hefty and doesn’

Not even comparable. The new MT frame is a huge upgrade in my opinion. The belt is a lot more hefty and doesn’t slip like the GL did.

That’s a bummer because the bag is awesome.

 

[Arbowhunter32]

I had the met calf for a while and finally got my hands on a Kifaru. I have carried a lot of weight in each and to me the Kifaru is hands down more comfortable

 

[Dtharvester]

Mountain Archery has a 3 day sale (20% off) on the mystery ranch.

That’s how they got me two years ago.

Was also a huge fan of Dana Designs, which is how I made it to MR, but also bummed they went overseas. I’d be happier and even pay a bit more (not wait for sales?) if we could see it all built in the US again.

 

[DRock1986]

Kifaru all the way! Muskeg is a keg it backpack that you can’t go wrong with! I made the move from EXO and haven’t looked back.

 

[IdahoAngler85]

I would guess the Kifaru will be slightly more comfortable and is made in America.
If Kifaru stays high quality that will be my next pack, but just bought the sawtooth at 35% off so need to give it a try... already have the back strap and stick it as accessories.
You could buy both and return the other, or sell.

Where did you find the sawtooth at 35% off? Thanks!