MR/Kifaru/KUIU ect vs Molle 2 Frame w/mods

[gooseblitz]

So how big a difference is there in the top of the line packs vs my Molle 2 frame with the endless add on options.
Do I need once of these purpose built packs or will my Molle2 with Ruck get me in with gear and if lucky out with an heavier road sufficiently....or will I regret the extra pain of not having a great pack.

 

[Wapiti1]

The Molle 2 setup will work fine if you like it. They carried weight OK for me the couple of times I used them. I carried about 60lbs in it moving water back to a high county cabin. That was with a rigid water can, I'm not sure how the frames flex with less rigid cargo.

My advice is to put two bags of softener salt, or similar in it and go for a hike. 80lbs is a typical load for an elk. If it carries fine for you, you're good. Hike hills with it for about 2 miles to get a really good idea what you are in for.

Jeremy

 

[Wrench]

I've carried 100 plus pounds in a MR, kifaru and badlands as well as rigid frames. For me...the order I listed them is the order of how they took the weight. I like the badlands because it's fabric doesn't announce my presence like the others. The MR is shorter and more nimble albeit heavier. The Kifaru gets a lot of miles because it's ingenuity and modular design.

They all do something better than the other and worse as well. A kifaru with quiet waterproof materials would probably make me sell my old nice MR.....but not until then.

 

[gooseblitz]

I've carried 100 plus pounds in a MR, kifaru and badlands as well as rigid frames. For me...the order I listed them is the order of how they took the weight. I like the badlands because it's fabric doesn't announce my presence like the others. The MR is shorter and more nimble albeit heavier. The Kifaru gets a lot of miles because it's ingenuity and modular design.

They all do something better than the other and worse as well. A kifaru with quiet waterproof materials would probably make me sell my old nice MR.....but not until then.

Thanks...Good idea!. I will give that a try and see how it handles the load.

 

[SemperHunter]

I've got a Marine ILBE and was kind of wondering the same thing, if that would work or if having a pack with a shelf specifically designed for packing out meat would be necessary.

 

[Wrench]

I've got a Marine ILBE and was kind of wondering the same thing, if that would work or if having a pack with a shelf specifically designed for packing out meat would be necessary.

I've hauled plenty of them out in the bag.....bring a garbage bag and rock on.

 

[GunsAreFun]

I've got a Marine ILBE and was kind of wondering the same thing, if that would work or if having a pack with a shelf specifically designed for packing out meat would be necessary.

It will absolutely work. Many have done it. This guy went 11 miles and I can tell his ILBE wasn’t even properly adjusted.

If you can afford a nicer pack, by all means you should buy one. If you’re on a budget or just not sure you want to invest in the new hobby, the surplus packs will get you hunting and that’s what matters. The reality is that most first time hunters won’t kill anything so the odds of actually hauling meat aren’t that great anyway. These packs, when adjusted properly, can handle 40# of gear easily. If you can only buy one high end item, get good boots or good clothing layers.

 

[*zap*]

many things will work but.....

 

[Wapiti1]

Like I suggested, you have to test it with some real weight over some miles. Anything will work. Will you hate life is the question.

I've used MR, EXO, Kifaru, Stone Glacier and Seek to haul big loads. I still own a Seek and two MR packs. Each has had 130-150lbs in it and NO pack makes that an awesome experience. That said, these were tolerable for me. Others like the fit of other brands better and that is important. I only used the MOLLE for water hauling and it was fine.

Now, the thrifty hunter might troll Ebay for an older model of any of the other pack brands and come up with a great deal.

Jeremy

 

[gooseblitz]

Like I suggested, you have to test it with some real weight over some miles. Anything will work. Will you hate life is the question.

I've used MR, EXO, Kifaru, Stone Glacier and Seek to haul big loads. I still own a Seek and two MR packs. Each has had 130-150lbs in it and NO pack makes that an awesome experience. That said, these were tolerable for me. Others like the fit of other brands better and that is important. I only used the MOLLE for water hauling and it was fine.

Now, the thrifty hunter might troll Ebay for an older model of any of the other pack brands and come up with a great deal.

Jeremy

I do plan to keep my eyes out for lightly used top end gear....I am a confessed gear junkie! I just happen to have a Molle Frame that I used to strap trees stands and ladder sections to here in the east and carry deep into the woods. Difference is big load is 50 lbs maybe 60 and only going a mile or 1.5 miles.

 

[Fatcamp]

Priorities. Tags, gas, time off work all matter waaaay more than a fancy pack.

That said, it will work.

 

[wytx]

Been using one for years, works just fine.

 

[Dave0317]

Fatcamp, what is that you have strapped your load down with?

 

[Fatcamp]

Fatcamp, what is that you have strapped your load down with?

It's a Kifaru cargo panel. One of the original ones that was made to go on these frames. Works really well and I now have a mixture of original and Kifaru pockets that strap to it. It's just flat when hunting.

 

[Fatcamp]

Here is how it sits now.



I have two packs. Or ten, but two that are capable of carrying very heavy loads. This one and a Cabela's Minimalist pack(someone needs to explain that word to the guy who designed that wreck) that's been cut down and lightened. I only used the Cabela's pack last season and I think I'm going to use this one for archery this year. It's not the lightest, but it is very compact and absolutely silent. Early on I don't need as much room, and this one works well.

 

[Fatcamp]

Cabela's frame
Molle II
MR Pintler