Kifaru vs Stone Glacier: Most versatile

[thinhorn_AK]

Thanks for all the input guys, keep it coming!




I THINK I am a standard size and shape...I have yet to get an exact measurement of my torso but I am 6'2" with a "normal" back. I do like how Kifaru makes their frames precisely for one's individual dimensions, but I'm sure Stone Glacier frames would fit me well, I don't think I'm too much of an oddball.

A couple follow-up questions:

1)I was not aware that Kifaru was planning on releasing a new frame as well as some new bags soon. Does anyone have any more information on this or any links even? This certainly could affect my decision if its all ultra-light stuff (I think the weight of SG is a one of their huge selling points, at least in my eyes).

2)Do you guys who have owned bags from both companies notice any difference in toughness, craftsmanship, or overall durability? As I stated, this pack will be used frequently and for multiple applications, and if I'm going to spend $600+ on a pack, I want it to be able to handle my abuses.


Thanks again or the input guys, I appreciate how active these forums are.

In my opinion the weight IS THE thing stone glacier has going for them. But that being said, if I were you, I’d wait on the new kifaru frame, if it’s really awesome, I’ll likely buy one, I love my 28” tactical frame but if they make something that compares to stone glacier it will be hard not to buy it.

After owning both, I have not noticed any differences in durability but I haven’t used the SG as much as the kifaru, and even the kifaru only has about 40 days of use on it.

I honestly don’t know which one id keep if I was only going to keep one pack, I love the stone glacier in regards to weight and layout but the kifaru fulcrum just works so well for hauling heavy loads out. My main plan for the SG Solo is for shorter sheep and goat hunts lasting 3-4 days or less.

One cool thing about the new kifaru frame is that I could still us the fulcrum but drop 2lbs from the empty pack weight.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

The pictures I saw didn't actually fail in the field, but it was noticeably failing and tearing around the sew point enough to replace the belt. I agree, if it just broke without notice I'd be pissed; but from what I saw the fabric was tearing on the belt around the sew point.

Ahh got it.

 

[COlineman78]

In my opinion the weight IS THE thing stone glacier has going for them. But that being said, if I were you, I’d wait on the new kifaru frame, if it’s really awesome, I’ll likely buy one, I love my 28” tactical frame but if they make something that compares to stone glacier it will be hard not to buy it.

Just an FYI in case you didn't hear/watch, Aron said in the video that no 28" version of the new frame will be released right now, but didn't rule it out for the future. I plan on replacing my 26" for day hunting/light use, but I'll keep my 28" tactical for serious hauling and backpacking.

 

[JP100]

See if you can watch this Facebook
Will need face book I think. All the new frame/bags etc

I think for options you cannot beat Kifaru, there is endless options with bags,pockets,pouches,cargo net etc. and now a new light weight frame and water proof bags.
Whether you actually need that many options is another question

Honestly I think they have gone a little over board with options and it makes it confusing to choose a pack, but they sell lots of add ons so I see why they do it.

are you thinking of having multiple bags and swapping them out for different 'jobs' or just running one pack for everything?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Thanks, I hadn't heard that.

 

[bojangles808]

what i found is kifaru has a better belt and is more customizable with the frame and bag features but they are heavier and bulkier than the SG

stone glacier is more streamlined and lighter weight.

both have excellent customer service

as for fit and how they feel with weight thats probably more on your body type than anything. i ordered both, loaded them with 90lbs and walked around. ended up keeping the stone glacier. the x curve it fit my curved lumbar really well and i like how the load shelf keeps the weight higher on my back.

id strongly suggest seeing if anyone on the forum lives nearby you and would let you try either one out. or with this new kifaru frame coming out im sure a lot of kifarus will be popping up in the classifieds if you know what you are looking for as guys upgrade

 

[tttoadman]

I have had both, and still do to some extent. I combined my favorite pcs of both into one.
- Stone Glacier Krux Frame with curved stays I made myself
- Stone Glacier Terminus Bag. Simple, big, lightweight,
- Kifaru Belt. best fit for me and I like the webbing attachments. To qualify I have never tried an xcurve belt.
- Kifaru grabit, protects everything, and carries my butt pad and tripod.
- Kifaru std lid with LL#11 or large belt pouch. The pockets don't compress when you compress a load.
- SG lid. I find the SG lid a bit small, but I still use it because it is nice and streamlined.

Here is my take on it:
I like the SG frame because the crossbars seem to make it stiffer than the Kifaru when you really crank it down. I would have bought an Xcurve if they would have put molle connections on the belt. I think Kifaru hit a home run with the new frame, and I like the idea of having the option to run the center frame sheet or not. I like that it brings back the top bar like the Bikini that stops the rolling when compressed. I say home run loosely, because they really have only matched what SG has already been building. They are so even, there is no way to go wrong. Keep in mind that you can still swap these components around a little as everything uses the same 1" webbing in most cases. At some point, SG might make the single frame pocket on the top and allow people to easily swap SG bags right on any Kifaru frame. There is plenty of love to go around, and people are figuring out how to scabricate it anyway. Being a wet Oregon hunter, I think the xpac bags is a nice option. I would expect SG to follow suit, and then they will be even lighter weight than they are now.

 

[Pronghunter]

Just my opinion. You would be doing yourself a huge disservice if you didn’t consider the EXO 5500. Has everything both of those packs have and so many other features neither of them have.

 

[bmart2622]

Out of curiosity, what can the Exo do that a Kifaru or SG can't do?

 

[RAPTOR]

Kifaru on Instagram: “Here’s a quick video outlining the features of our new Ultralight Bags! We should have these up for sale in the next couple of weeks!…”

That's the link to the new X-Pac bags that come in three different sizes. I sold my 22 mag and duplex frame...it was awesome but I just liked the comfort/weight/layout of the SG xcurve and 5900 combo better. I think the bag compresses down better for shorter hunts and I don't have to worry about any pouches falling off or getting snagged on brush with it.

 

[bigeasygator]

I have both......

as others have said i would give the edge to versatility, durability and comfort to Kifaru

I find the SG just simplier and lighter and more streamlined

This is exactly how I feel. If versatility is what you're looking for, I think Kifaru is a bit more versatile and provides more options than Stone Glacier. That said, I exclusively ran SG last year on two mountain goat hunts and an elk hunt, largely because I prefer the layout and weight of the SG.

 

[bmart2622]

Gotcha, thats good insight. I have always liked the looks of thr Exo, I debated putting one of their bags on my Duplex frame until I found the Sky 5900, which is absolutely perfect for me. I wouldn't mind still oicking an Exo up but I already have a full Kifaru and SG set up so I dont really need it, but if I was buying a new pack it would be one I would definitely check out

 

[bmart2622]

I guess it depends on what a person considers versatile. Kifaru offerd more bags and more pockets and pouches to add on. Some see this as a plus, I personally don't and and cant stand having pockets and pouched hanging from pals webbing. Now my SG is versatile in the sense that I can throw a couple items in it and compress it down for a summer day hike and it is not floppy or strappy and I can get in it without undoing a bunch of buckles. I can laod it with a weeks worth of gear, drop camp and be right back to a sleek daypack very easily and quickly and at anytime in between I can separate the bag from the frame and haul some meat. For me the SG does everything I need while still staying very functional and sleek.

 

[snowcamoman]

I started with a SG and then went with a Kifaru, due to comfort of the belt. The only thing I liked more about the Kifaru was the belt comfort at heavier loads. I disliked adding pockets to the Kifaru bag to get what I had in the SG bags. Things just got sloppy and straps were everywhere it seemed like. I also found out why I don't like putting meat in my main bag. Meat shelf is the only way I'll load meat nowadays and it's worked extremely well with the SG design. I spoke with Kurt at SG after my Kifaru season and he set me up with their prototype Xcurve frame. There was a Night and day difference at big load hauling ability and the belt on the Xcurve exceeded the Kifaru for comfort. So at this point, I'm totally committed to the SG setup with a bag that has all of the pockets built into it. Last year I ran the XCurve and the new SG Sky Guide bag and to say that it's the cat's meow is an understatement. I love this setup more than anything out there. The layout of the Sky Guide bag for long trips with lots of food is phenomenal. Panel access and the huge mid and side spotter pockets allow for fast and easy access to everything.

 

[hammer0419]

Thanks for all the input guys, keep it coming!




I THINK I am a standard size and shape...I have yet to get an exact measurement of my torso but I am 6'2" with a "normal" back. I do like how Kifaru makes their frames precisely for one's individual dimensions, but I'm sure Stone Glacier frames would fit me well, I don't think I'm too much of an oddball.

A couple follow-up questions:

1)I was not aware that Kifaru was planning on releasing a new frame as well as some new bags soon. Does anyone have any more information on this or any links even? This certainly could affect my decision if its all ultra-light stuff (I think the weight of SG is a one of their huge selling points, at least in my eyes).

2)Do you guys who have owned bags from both companies notice any difference in toughness, craftsmanship, or overall durability? As I stated, this pack will be used frequently and for multiple applications, and if I'm going to spend $600+ on a pack, I want it to be able to handle my abuses.


Thanks again or the input guys, I appreciate how active these forums are.

Just to correct the one thing you wrote. Kifaru does NOT make each frame for each individual. That's is completely over blown bs. All frames are all the same! Especially if you get carbon stays. Aluminum stays can be bent for a custom fit, different size belt, torso adjustment. That's the extent of custom so don't get hung up on that!

 

[bmart2622]

They do come fairly close to being adjusted though, maybe thats what people refer to

 

[hammer0419]

They do come fairly close to being adjusted though, maybe thats what people refer to

Yes torso length and like I said aluminum stays can be bent. High end outdoor stores do the same thing with regular high end packs. They use a pegboard type thing to bend the stays for a great fit to your back. But again. My duplex and your duplex are no different. Just belt size and basic adjustments. Also remember that you may need to TWEEK your pack a few times to get that perfect carry. Best of luck

 

[bmart2622]

You're not telling me anything I don't know, I have owned 4 different frames and am not the one that said they are custom. They are made to order and then adjusted to your specs and I think that might be what gives people the impression that they are "custom".

 

[hammer0419]

My bad. Hastily read and replied. You are correct.

 

[Tradchef]

I’ve had both, really like both but stayed with SG. I’m 5’7 and run the 26” frame of the x curve. It took me a bit to get used to it but once I got the right fit I really like the way it handles weight. I hunt solo 99% of the time so I wanted something to carry lots of weight to help minimize trips when an animal was down. The x curve was comfortable and packed meat really well. I can’t say enough good things about it. Plus they are local for me and it’s nice having the shop right down the road. Two of the best companies out there, both with great customer service. As said before it’s just what fits you better and works for you.