Kifaru vs Stone Glacier - Specifically fit and frame comparison

[geriggs]

HAHA I am going to SG this year. Mainly due to try their new frame....but the weight savings will be nice too!!!

Not selling my Kifaru yet though

please let us know how it compares. thanks

 

[Blackcow]

Great. You know what happens when the creeks are too high to get in to check cameras? You sit around and read crap like this. The next thing you know, you've ordered a new frame and bag. Now I just have to hope that my EMR2 doesn't find out, cause it's been lifting so much weight and eating so much protein the last year and a half, it's twice my size and liable to kick my ass. And if it tells my wife, I'm f$$cked, there goes my new Hilleberg.

 

[Benjblt]

I've got a little question, specifically regarding the Stone Glacier Sky Talus vs the Kifaru Reckoning. I've received a bit of a response to the question but was hoping to get feedback on both packs. . . If the bag is loaded and the load shelf, for either pack, and you've go the side compression straps cranked, will it "crush" or "smash" the stuff in the bag? I'm trying to get a feel for how much of an issue it might be. It appears that both packs side compression straps are somewhat independent from the straps as they go around the back (side away from the frame).

 

[Kotaman]

Great. You know what happens when the creeks are too high to get in to check cameras? You sit around and read crap like this. The next thing you know, you've ordered a new frame and bag. Now I just have to hope that my EMR2 doesn't find out, cause it's been lifting so much weight and eating so much protein the last year and a half, it's twice my size and liable to kick my ass. And if it tells my wife, I'm f$$cked, there goes my new Hilleberg.

Yep...

 

[NoWiser]

This thread just cost me a lot of money!

 

[jquarnberg]

I have noticed that both have compression straps on the side independent of the front straps. When I have used a bag designed like that it does help. But still the side straps are sewn to the front of the bag not the back of the bag if that makes sense... which means its complete side compression still, so it still compresses the bag as well as the load cell.

I've got a little question, specifically regarding the Stone Glacier Sky Talus vs the Kifaru Reckoning. I've received a bit of a response to the question but was hoping to get feedback on both packs. . . If the bag is loaded and the load shelf, for either pack, and you've go the side compression straps cranked, will it "crush" or "smash" the stuff in the bag? I'm trying to get a feel for how much of an issue it might be. It appears that both packs side compression straps are somewhat independent from the straps as they go around the back (side away from the frame).

 

[jquarnberg]

This thread just cost me a lot of money!

It costed me a lot of money too.

I have had my stone glacier order for a few days now. The avail is such a sweet little day pack and is on a great suspension, I am really happy with it and I am going to love it for what its for. I thought I would like the versatility of being able to pull the suspension and run the bag on the frame but I can see now that its just sort of not worth the hassle maybe and the bag doesn't fit on the frame as perfectly as the other bags do. So I just want to get a 3300 bag to keep on the frame.

The frame is also awesome, I like everything about it better than my duplex except for one thing... the belt. For me the kifaru belt is so perfect. Crazy thing is how simple it is, these other pack makers should make it easy on themselves and just do it the same way. Anyway, I really like the fit, I like the load shelf design and that its included. I like how easy it is to adjust. I like the materials and the webbing used and just some great small details on the design. I like the simplicity, there is far less useless straps buckles and anchors. I like the height of the frame it seems perfect, not to tall and not to short. I like the colors and look of it as well. Excited to get some more good miles under it.

 

[CrzyTrekker]

I love my Kifaru Hunting Frame. Great quality, comfortable. My main bag is a Markhor bag. Love it - it's just a simple bag you throw stuff in. Also have the Mountain Warrior bag for extended trips or cold weather trips.

I'll say this, I'm not a fan of some of the newfangled bag designs I'm seeing (from any manufacturer). When I wake up on the mountain I just want to shove my stuff in a bag and go.

 

[Halleywood]

I received the Xcurve and Avail on Monday. I'd say the quality is every bit as good as my Kifaru pack/frame. I like the layout, but was disappointed that the size of the Avail won't work for me. I thought it would be big enough for a good day pack/EDC type bag but it's just not quite enough for my day pack. I guess I just bring too much stuff. I have loaded up the frame with 40-45 #'s and did a couple hikes with it. It is very comfortable! I'm not done testing but so far I don't feel it is any more or less comfortable than my K Hunter frame. I am going take full advantage of SG's 30 day guarantee and test it way more. It sucks because I live in eastern ND where it's as flat as a pancake. I have been hiking up and down a sledding hill close to my house but it's just not the same as being in the mountains/badlands. It's the best I've got though.

 

[Tex68w]

I received the Xcurve and Avail on Monday. I'd say the quality is every bit as good as my Kifaru pack/frame. I like the layout, but was disappointed that the size of the Avail won't work for me. I thought it would be big enough for a good day pack/EDC type bag but it's just not quite enough for my day pack. I guess I just bring too much stuff. I have loaded up the frame with 40-45 #'s and did a couple hikes with it. It is very comfortable! I'm not done testing but so far I don't feel it is any more or less comfortable than my K Hunter frame. I am going take full advantage of SG's 30 day guarantee and test it way more. It sucks because I live in eastern ND where it's as flat as a pancake. I have been hiking up and down a sledding hill close to my house but it's just not the same as being in the mountains/badlands. It's the best I've got though.

I feel your pain, I live in South Texas, we are at 111 feet above sea level and as flat as a pancake. Work with what you have.

 

[eagle#eyes]

I received the Xcurve and Avail on Monday. I'd say the quality is every bit as good as my Kifaru pack/frame. I like the layout, but was disappointed that the size of the Avail won't work for me. I thought it would be big enough for a good day pack/EDC type bag but it's just not quite enough for my day pack. I guess I just bring too much stuff. I have loaded up the frame with 40-45 #'s and did a couple hikes with it. It is very comfortable! I'm not done testing but so far I don't feel it is any more or less comfortable than my K Hunter frame. I am going take full advantage of SG's 30 day guarantee and test it way more. It sucks because I live in eastern ND where it's as flat as a pancake. I have been hiking up and down a sledding hill close to my house but it's just not the same as being in the mountains/badlands. It's the best I've got though.

Just out of curiosity, how much do you put in a day pack/EDC?

 

[Halleywood]

Eagle,
I feel like I have basic gear. Food, baby wipes, tags, extra batteries, headlamp, kill kit, silnylon tarp, first aid, light gloves/hat, puffy, and rain coat are my basic items I always bring. That's not a problem fits easily. I then have a spotter and tripod most of the time which I prefer to put in the bag so I can strap my bow to my pack. That's when it gets tight. Throw in colder weather gear (puffy pants, winter hats, gloves, etc.) and it won't work. I think the SG 3300 would be perfect size. I have a woodsman right now that is perfect size in my eyes and that's 3400-4000ci. If I end up keeping the Xcurve I will probably get the Sky 5900 since it gets down to 4000ci or so in day mode.

 

[Halleywood]

I do think the Avail is the perfect EDC pack with a blend of pockets and suspension. I was just hoping it could pull double duty as EDC and my daypack.

 

[AK Troutbum]

Eagle,
I feel like I have basic gear. Food, baby wipes, tags, extra batteries, headlamp, kill kit, silnylon tarp, first aid, light gloves/hat, puffy, and rain coat are my basic items I always bring. That's not a problem fits easily. I then have a spotter and tripod most of the time which I prefer to put in the bag so I can strap my bow to my pack. That's when it gets tight. Throw in colder weather gear (puffy pants, winter hats, gloves, etc.) and it won't work. I think the SG 3300 would be perfect size. I have a woodsman right now that is perfect size in my eyes and that's 3400-4000ci. If I end up keeping the Xcurve I will probably get the Sky 5900 since it gets down to 4000ci or so in day mode.

I can't speak for the Avail but I can tell you that the Solo would easily fit all of your stuff without any issues whatsoever. My son and I did a 9 day goat hunt a couple years ago and he was able to put all of his gear into a solo bag. That being said, I really don't understand you not being able to fit your day gear into a 2200 in.³ bag, especially when coupled with the load shelf. Food, baby wipes, shelter, etc., should be able to easily fit in a game bag then put into the load shelf. That would leave your main bag virtually empty. This is what my son looked like, with his Solo loaded, prior to starting our hike in.

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[tipsntails7]

I can't speak for the Avail but I can tell you that the Solo would easily fit all of your stuff without any issues whatsoever. My son and I did a 9 day goat hunt a couple years ago and he was able to put all of his gear into a solo bag. That being said, I really don't understand you not being able to fit your day gear into a 2200 in.³ bag, especially when coupled with the load shelf. Food, baby wipes, shelter, etc., should be able to easily fit in a game bag then put into the load shelf. That would leave your main bag virtually empty. This is what my son looked like, with his Solo loaded, prior to starting our hike in.

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The real question is..... can he run that smoke wagon hes got there?

Great Photo.

 

[Halleywood]

AK,
you are 100% correct that I could use the load shelf no problem. I just prefer to have everything in the bag. I could fit everything for an early season day hunt in the bag, but come late season everything wouldn't fit inside due to bulk. I tested both scenarios.

 

[AK Troutbum]

The real question is..... can he run that smoke wagon hes got there?

Great Photo.

I don't know, but I was sure hoping that he could. I made him stay up all night guarding the camp against bears. I guess it worked because we never had any bears in camp.


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[Cant hit em]

I received the Xcurve and Avail on Monday. I'd say the quality is every bit as good as my Kifaru pack/frame. I like the layout, but was disappointed that the size of the Avail won't work for me. I thought it would be big enough for a good day pack/EDC type bag but it's just not quite enough for my day pack. I guess I just bring too much stuff. I have loaded up the frame with 40-45 #'s and did a couple hikes with it. It is very comfortable! I'm not done testing but so far I don't feel it is any more or less comfortable than my K Hunter frame. I am going take full advantage of SG's 30 day guarantee and test it way more. It sucks because I live in eastern ND where it's as flat as a pancake. I have been hiking up and down a sledding hill close to my house but it's just not the same as being in the mountains/badlands. It's the best I've got though.

Buy the loadcell and a sky lid , on that xcurve is perfect day pack, only downfall would be lack of pockets. I been using just the lid and spotter pocket on the Krux and its worked good for day hikes.


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[Firestone]

Has anyone ever tried mounting a kuiu 3200 bag to a xcurve?

 

[westrnwild]

I just bought the Avail with the load cell and the xcurve frame. After all the back and forth and so on i was originally leaning towards the 5900 but then when i figured out how i hunt and talking to the guys at SG, i went a different direction. The avail allows me to hike all summer light and fast and scout. Then when i pack in, attach it to the xcurve and add the load cell to carrry my tent and sleeping bag and food and so forth. all my clothes for the most part and day gear stays in the avail. When i make camp, just pop the load cell out and go...Most of my hunts are less then 5 days, most hovering around 3 as if im not in them, i usually bounce to a new location and reload up on food. My new set up is in the mail now, so hope to have it by this weekend, plus it was easier to sell to the wife when i told her she could wear the avail when i have the kid carrier on my back for family outings. The camelbak mule just doesn't carry enough snacks and baby dolls for my daughter. lol