New Kifaru 44 Mag Review-Member review

[GIS]

I am a big fan of the original 44 Mag and have used it since early 2020. I have tried several different bags over the years and find myself always coming back to the clamshell design of the 44 Mag, 357 Mag and Shape Charge. I was elated when Robby reached out asking if I'd be willing to do a review of the new 44 Mag. I have had the new bag for about six weeks and have 65 miles with it shed hunting and turkey hunting.



Weight
Original 44 Mag: 3 lbs 5.4 oz
New 44 Mag: 3 lbs 5.5 oz

New Features
Weapon Sleeve. I have used this more than I thought I would. It's great for strapping your rifle, bow or trekking poles to the back of your pack. I do wish the strap was adjustable so it could be moved up and down to better secure your rifle or bow but this isn't a deal breaker.





Laser-Cut MOLLE. I usually don't have belt pouches on the back of my pack but it's nice to have options.



Side Compression Strap Configuration. The main compartment can be fully accessed without needing to undo the side compression straps like you had to on the original 44 Mag. I rarely used the side access on the original because of this but find myself using the side access all the time now.



Internal Mesh Pocket Configuration. There is only one mesh pocket now that is on the back of the clamshell lid. The original had a mesh pocket on the back of the lid and going down the main compartment.

(place holder for picture of lid configurations)

Initial Impressions
The new/upgraded features are well designed and make for a better product. The bag is more functional for the way I use it and provides better access to the main compartment. I'm looking forward to hunting this fall with it!

Link to pack: https://kifaru.net/products/44-mag

Please let me know if you have any questions! I will be adding to this thread as I get more time with it.

 

[robby denning]

Thanks for taking this on man!

I'd seen all your posts over the years on the original 44 Mag and thought it'd be great to get an experienced member's unbiased feedback on this Gen 2.

Rokstaff writer @Tony Trietch is also reviewing one for all who'd like see multiple viewpoints on the 44 Mag

Thread 'KIFARU 44 MAG REVIEW by Tony Trietch ***Updated 9/28/25***'

Apr 15, 2025

Kifaru has redesigned the 44 Mag and I will be doing a review for Rokslide. I will be using it for training and spring bear so I should have a write up out before fall season begins. Let me know what questions you have.

New revised Kifaru 44 Mag

44 Mag

Purpose: Muli-Day Hunting PackThe 44 Mag is a high-capacity pack built for hunters who need serious hauling power without sacrificing access, durability, or layout. It’s constructed from 500D Cordura® and built to stay secure and balanced under load. With a clamshell main compartment, dual side...

kifaru.net

***Update 9/28/25***

Kifaru 44 Mag, Gen 2 Review

• Tony Trietch
• Replies: 8
• Forum: Backpacks

• 

 

[GIS]

Here are a couple of comparison pictures. Gen2 on the left and Gen1 on the right.

 

[MtMadewell]

Absolutely love my 44 mag. Looks like they made some solid improvements on the new ones. Nothing they do sucks.

 

[Trav138]

Thanks for the review! I love the idea of that design

 

[OFam02Ex]

Just got this pack! Looking forward to running it. Thanks for the review!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[robby denning]

Just got this pack! Looking forward to running it. Thanks for the review!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

let us know what you think when you get some time on it.

 

[GIS]

I just got back from a solo elk hunt and was able to put the 44 mag through the paces. I only day tripped it this time and didn't get any time backpacking with it but I continue to appreciate the new features such as the side zip access in to the main bag and the weapon sleeve (although I didn't use it for a weapon),



I was fortunate to harvest an elk and it was the first time I've used the ark frame to pack meat. It did great, actually surprised me that it carried the weight better than the duplex frame for me. I packed the elk out in three trips: 1) bone in rear quarter, one backstrap, both tenderloins and all my gear; 2) both bone in front quarters, other backstrap and neck meat; 3) bone in rear quarter and rack. All meat was packed in a contractor bag inside the main bag, I did not use the load shelf. The second load with both front quarters, one backstrap and neck meat filled the main bag to the max lol. For all trips I had to leave the top of the clamshell unzipped because the quarters were too tall but didn't have any issues with the bag trying to open up. I should have taken more pictures of how the bag was loaded carrying meat... hindsight.



The weapon sleeve strap was very convenient for strapping a stick across to help stabilize the rack!



I have a few deer tags up next and hoping to put it to more use.