Kifaru Xing vs Frame/bag

[TacticoolMike]

Kifaru has recently added more color options for the Xing (Coyote!). I really like the layout and look to the Xing and I think it would be an excellent all rounder for camping, hiking, hunting (depends on what and if your hauling external loads), etc. However, it's priced about the same as a new Kifaru frame and pack bag. I would think that the frame/bag would be the winner simply due to cost. You can swap bags or compress more gear between the bag and frame. The Xing looks awesome but for about the same price, is it crazy to buy one? I'm guessing some people prefer internal frame vs an external? Thoughts?

 

[Gobbler]

I believe the internal frame/omni packs are all excellent. Layout of the Xing is great and assuming the 22" stays suit you well then you can't go wrong. With all the packs it's very easy to strap items to the outside and add on cubic inches with pockets etc. However when I think of an all around pack I personally prefer a larger bag, and a floating lid vs the zippered lid. Bags are easy to compress down when you're not using all the space. Think through your typical gear list for all occasions and let that guide you to the right size.

 

[doncarpenter]

I would go with the 22 mag and 22 inch frame over the xing. The ability to expand away from the frame would be great for what you describe. Don't be deceived by the numbers, it is a large daypack. Its a great size 3 day assault pack. Now that they offer it in 500d is killer. Just my opinon, since they are so close in price.

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[arthurvino]

See what terryall offers. Should be out this week. Slighter larger xing with side pockets and front pockets built in


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[TacticoolMike]

Thank you all for the replies. I did briefly have a 22" frame and 22mag. I never even got out with to use it but with a light load in it I had like 2-3" lift off my shoulders. I'm approx 5'11". I wonder how that would translate to 50lbs? Only reason I sold it was because I have a bad case of bag addiction and always swapping out bags for the "one". I'm going back and forth now between the xing (or tarryall once I learn more about it), the tactical frame 22 or 24" with the 22 mag (again) or the 24" tac frame with mountain warrior or just a cargo panel/lid. I'd like to say id be hunting with it but the reality is if I do, it will not be some hardcore elk hunt out west requiring me to carry a week worth of gear. Realistically, I want a good pack for travel, backpacking, emergency use, etc. I think any of the above would work out no problem......my concern is getting something too small. I have young kids and want to get them out camping but it will only be car camping for a long time but I'm thinkin I may end up having to haul all their stuff......just in case. Again, the reality probably would be just me using it for my gear alone in the off chance I get to go for a weekend trip sans kids. I know there are cheaper options but I prefer USA made and high quality. Ugh, decisions.

 

[TacticoolMike]

The more I think about it the more I think a 24" frame with cargo panel is the way to go. I already have an E&E and Large belt pouch (put both on the outside of the panel) and add a guide lid and camp bag I should be able to literally do anything I could ever imagine with a pack.

 

[Tuscor]

I have a Xing and I can guarantee you it does not have enough room if you are hiking with kids! It barely fits a day-hikes worth of picnic, jackets, nappies and water to be honest!

I've done a solo 4 day walk with it, and it carries all my gear no problems, but if you're carrying for more than yourself, you'll need more room.

I intend to get a 26in fram and an AMR - on our next hike my wife will carry the little fellow on her back in an osprey poco, and I will carry ALL our gear in the AMR...

 

[TacticoolMike]

Hey Tuscor, thanks for the input. Man, I love the look of the Xing. It really looks like the perfect pack for me (if only carrying my gear, of course). If I go the Xing route I was planning to mount the E&E on the front panel (door) and get 2 medium or large side pockets for the sides. That would put the pack at roughly 4700 Cu if I wanted to carry extra family Since you have one, any idea how it would carry with that amount of additional space?

 

[mrbillbrown]

I owned a Late Season as my day pack for a short while. Loved the size, lay out, and expansion capability. Sold it when the 22" UL frame and 22 Mag came out. Had decided I wanted the multi-use, multi-bag options of the 22" frame combo. After playing with it a while I realized the 22UL/22Mag combo was kind of a bastard size. It's too heavy duty for a simple day pack and too small and zero lift for heavy duty or large capacity work. Sold the 22 combo and went back to the LS. Currently running a 26"UL frame and AMR for training or big/long trips and the Late Season for short trips or training up to 75#. That combo works perfect for me and I don't miss the 22 combo at all.


molon labe

 

[Curtis C]

Hey Tuscor, thanks for the input. Man, I love the look of the Xing. It really looks like the perfect pack for me (if only carrying my gear, of course). If I go the Xing route I was planning to mount the E&E on the front panel (door) and get 2 medium or large side pockets for the sides. That would put the pack at roughly 4700 Cu if I wanted to carry extra family Since you have one, any idea how it would carry with that amount of additional space?

I dont think you will like the way the Xing carries with an E&E strapped to the panel. Thats quite a lot hanging that far off of the back. If you need more space Id suggest waiting for the Tarryall and adding side pockets to it.

Id like to see a bag like the Xing/Tarryall designed for use with the Duplex frames. The 22 mag was just a little to small for my liking.
I've heard the lumbar pad and shoulder straps can be removed from the Tarryall which may make it a prime candidate to mod a little so that it can be mounted to the duplex. I'm gonna grab one and see once they get them up for sale.

 

[TacticoolMike]

Thanks both for the input. Good food for thought. I'm curious if the side pockets on the Tarryall are similar to those of an Antero and can be used for water bottles. That would be a pretty slick setup if you can mount some Kifaru side pockets above it as well.

 

[TacticoolMike]

I have an Antero in bound that I'll be using for edc and day hikes. That would be a pretty interesting notion to hook the Tarryall up to the new frames. It looks like the Mountain Warrior would be PLENTY big for anything I'd want but still compressible to carry a few days gear without being overkill. Waiting for the new packs to come out is making this even more difficult as I keep going back and forth between 3 or 4 different options. I think whatever I end up with will work just fine......

 

[wasatchcomm]

i never even considered the 22mag until i spoke with aron
now that i have it i can't imagine the other options i was looking at
i was worried about the capacity, but i aded a few belt pouches and its capacity goes up quickly

my wife wants one now to due to the organization it is set up with

 

[Kotaman]

I've got the .22 Mag/Frame combo as well. I agree a little with MrBillBrown, but man, I love the pack. I will probably add a Tarryall (I did have a Late Season and liked it) to the arsenal just to compare. I recently added a modified EXO 3500 to my modified Bikini Frame and think I will like that set up as well. Just haven't had a chance to do much with it yet. I will more than likely give these three options a workout, settle on one and get rid of the other two.