Kifaru Woodsman Setup

[DangerDunn]

Just got a shipping confirmation email from Kifaru, my new Woodsman pack should be at my door by Friday THIS week.

 

[DangerDunn]

Just received a delivery notification email from UPS, my Woodsman was delivered. Now to convince my boss to let me leave work early...

 

[crazywednesday]

Mine got delivered today, but it's late buck and I'm in the woods. Decisions decisions

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[TubbsTru]

I received my Woodsman today. This is a great little pack. I had a Tahr previously, but this is superior. The center zip is great; all the straps are k-clip and so are removable (on the Tahr some are sewn in); the "chain" feature is nice for keeping the straps from falling all over; the grab handles are actually pretty helpful.

One thing I'm not so sure about is the water bladder strap on the back of the bag. It is literally just a strap. An actual sleeve would've been nice.

The Ranger Green with Coyote I think is a grand slam.

Just a note about the pics- I replaced the autolock buckles on the three center straps with regular buckles.

 

[92xj]

What an awesome pack so far.
I knew I wanted to carry the gun on the back, so I rigged up a nomad cradle on the lower handle and added a gun only compression strap. I also wanted a compression strap for the tripod that didn't compress the bag, added one there. I have a rolltop pod that will fit perfectly under the pack to hold a sleeping bag. Will try and get that added on and take some pictures. If you want more pictures of different angles, let me know. As of right this second, this setup seems like it's going to work great on 1-4 day trips. I'm sure I will play around with it over the weekend and see what else I come up with.

 

[geriggs]

Nice please take pic with bag if u get a chance. Thanks

 

[92xj]

5'10" fat 220lbs (working on that, down 48 so far, come spring bear my goal is 190, anyhow...)
I will be adjusting the gun cradle up a little bit. I did not have any issues walking around the yard or stepping up steps, but maybe a fast pace jog or climbing I could possible tap it with my heel so I'll be playing with it's fit this weekend.

 

[92xj]

And thats a 24" 2016 frame.

 

[aclawrence]

Nice pics. Thanks

 

[Lockster]

Thanks for posting the pics, always helps to get some size perspective

 

[dwilde13]

I ordered the new Kifaru Woodsman pack and been thinking about how to setup it up for my needs with what I currently have for pockets and accessories. I think I settled on this layout.

• Guide Lid
• Medium Pockets on both sides of the bag
• Nalgene and Mini Pocket on left belt
• GPS Pouch on Left shoulder Strap
• Small Pod on Bottom of the Frame
• Gun Bearer on Right belt/shoulder strap

View attachment 42348

Nice. I'm looking to get the woodsman with a guide lid and pockets later on if i need them.

 

[Gumbo]

I would absolutely buy this pack IF it had the same side pockets as the Reckoning. I know you can run spotter pockets (which I already have) but I would like them permanently attached. Maybe I will still buy this pack...

Is anyone running a Woodsman on a 26" hunting platform frame? I already have and AMR and that frame...

 

[Raccoon]

Hi, I was wondering if someone had a Woodsman on a 26'' frame. If indeed the best way is to mount it up and leaving empty space in the lumbar region, I was wondering if it even made any sense to buy a Woodsman and put it on a 26'' frame. Any input on that?

 

[DangerDunn]

Is anyone running a Woodsman on a 26" hunting platform frame? I already have and AMR and that frame...

Hi, I was wondering if someone had a Woodsman on a 26'' frame.

Yes, I have it on a 26" frame. My old camera broke so I was never able to get good pictures to post up. Luckily I got a new camera over the holidays and can snap some Friday and post them this weekend.

If indeed the best way is to mount it up and leaving empty space in the lumbar region, I was wondering if it even made any sense to buy a Woodsman and put it on a 26'' frame. Any input on that?

Yes, there is an empty space in the lumbar region on the bottom of the frame. It is no different the mounting a Nomad, Tahr, or any other of the smaller packs on the 26" frame. You have options with what you can do with that space. You can attach gear to that empty space like a sleeping pad or a dry bag with your sleep system.

You are the one who is going to be using it so you have to decide if it makes any sense for how you hunt and what you plan on using it for. If you don't like the looks of the bag/frame with that empty space. You can either get the 24" frame with the woodsman or you can go with the larger version and get the Reckoning. For my needs the Reckoning is just too much volume for the kind of hunting and applications I plan of using.

 

[Raccoon]

Here's my problem: With my height (6-1') I'm supposed to get a 26 for optimal load hauling capability. I won't ever need the volume of more than roughly 75L but if that means there's empty space in the lumbar region, shouldn't I just get the bigger pack anyway? Or is it better to have the load up higher no matter how much I carry with me?

I'm not a hunter by the way, I want a good pack for hiking/trekking.

 

[mmccolloch]

Here's my problem: With my height (6-1') I'm supposed to get a 26 for optimal load hauling capability. I won't ever need the volume of more than roughly 75L but if that means there's empty space in the lumbar region, shouldn't I just get the bigger pack anyway? Or is it better to have the load up higher no matter how much I carry with me?

I'm not a hunter by the way, I want a good pack for hiking/trekking.

Having the load higher is a good thing no matter what, so that shouldn't be an issue. Also, having some extra space in the lumbar region is not that big of a deal, in my opinion. If you haven't already, you should have somebody measure your torso length, that will get you really close on what you need for frame height. After that, I would call Kifaru & ask them what they think, but here's my two cents.

The fact that you are going to use the pack for hiking/trekking instead of hunting makes a huge difference in pack selection. I'm sure you know already if you've poked around this site for awhile that most guys on here have a few issues:

1. having a pack large enough for all of their gear AND meat in the event of a successful hunt, but not so large that they are carrying around extra weight & bunched up fabric that can be a pain in the but for organization.
2. Most are also concerned with having a pack that compresses down very well for use during day hunt mode.
3. Having a pack that carrys loads of 75-100lbs (or whatever the weight of their gear + meat is) very comfortably.

For backpacking, all 3 of those are pretty much moot points, and getting something that holds all your gear at the trail head is all you really need, so if that will fit in the Woodsman, why even bother with a larger pack like the Reckoning?

One question would be, how much weight are you planning on carrying on average?

I'm 6'0 and have 2 pack setups: A 22mag on a 22" ultralight frame & a Reckoning on a 26" duplex frame. I get a little bit of lift with the 22" frame, & a TON of lift with the 26" frame, I would tell you that with the 22" frame, I could comfortably carry at least 40-50lbs all day with no issues. With the 26" frame, I could comfortably carry 75lbs all day with no issues. If I was backpacking on a longer 2-3 day trip, I would probably want something taller than the 22" frame to add some additional comfort, so I would either opt for a 24" or 26" frame.

I think the Woodsman would be a great pack for standard backpacking purposes. The one thing it lacks is organization, so for me at a minimum I'd have to add a guide lid, & most likely a couple of side pockets for easy access to essential gear. Adding these pockets would also get you just a little North of your 75L number for capacity, with some space to spare.

The other thing that hasn't been discussed is how ultralight are you trying to be? That could make a pretty big difference in pack/frame selections.

Sorry for the long winded response, but I love these pack threads!

 

[DangerDunn]

Here's my problem: With my height (6-1') I'm supposed to get a 26 for optimal load hauling capability.

Yes, for your size the 26" kifaru frame would give you the most load lifting capabilities.

I won't ever need the volume of more than roughly 75L but if that means there's empty space in the lumbar region, shouldn't I just get the bigger pack anyway? Or is it better to have the load up higher no matter how much I carry with me?

How much weight do you normal carry while hiking/trekking? Also how far do you normally carry that weight?

When it comes to loading up my pack, I try to keep the heaviest items as close to my spine in between my shoulder blades as best as possible. These two pictures help visualize the load distribution and what goes where:

View attachment 45241


View attachment 45240



Not to discourage you away from Kifaru packs but they are a high end, premium hunting pack that are designed for hauling a large amount of weight (meat) comfortably from out of the backcountry. IMHO a kifaru pack is total overkill for any hiking or trekking application as their frames are more rigid. The trend in backpacking is to be ultra lightweight and carry less weight to be able to go farther and enjoy it more. That idea is pretty much 100% the opposite design approach that Kifaru takes for their packs. You will find better packs that are more comfortable with lighter loads for cheaper. For the cost of a kifaru frame you could buy one of the fanciest, ultra lightweight cuben fiber packs on the market. Outdoor retailers like REI have a great selection of packs that would seem to fit your needs better and for a cheaper price. With that said, Kifaru's are freakin' awesome.

 

[Raccoon]

Thanks for those thoughts!

I usually carry between 20 to 40lbs, but would take more/stay out longer if I had a better pack.

I hike in alpine environment, between 1500 and 3000 meters above see (5000 to 10'000 feet). I have tried going with normal hiking packs, but my problem is that most packs are not that great, either carry not too well even at 20lbs or just don't offer the few things I've gotten accustomed too using tactical packs, like configurable belt pouches, which leads me to having to stop less and reducing the times I need to take off the pack, allowing me to keep the rhythm and saving energy. Or being able to mount pouches on the exterior of the pack wherever I like.

 

[Desk Jockey]

While I agree that load lifting is a good thing I run my woodsman on a 22 inch frame.

It spends most of its time as a day pack for hunting trips but I have used it once as a general hiking pack. I wanted something that can hold day pack needs but also can haul meat or a heavy load when needed. Mine handles a 40 lbs load very easily. I have bigger packs on taller frames that I use for longer trips and heavier loads and I concede that load lifters and tall frames are nice to have for most big load hauling. It might not be as much of an issue for non hunters but I prefer the 22 inch frame from a perspective of compactness. That preference is partly driven by the fact that I mostly hunt in wooded forests where I bust some brush. If I were hunting in open areas or just hiking I would probably be indifferent but for me and my uses the 22 inch frame is good.

For reference I am 6'2".

 

[Raccoon]

That's interesting, 22'' frame on a 6'2'' guy, does it sit fine on you?