Turns out I'll be getting a hold of the Cavern to review, and I think Tony T is going to be getting the Crater.
I'm super interested to run it side by side with the Reckoning and just see how I'd pack this differently. Being able to get into the bag without taking my bow/rifle or tripod off the back will be super handy. But the big draw to the Reckoning was with the bag compressed, you could still get in the bag with the back zipper. On the Crater I see a potential "issue" with having the zipper on the side and wanting to get in the bag, you'll need to lose some compression unless you get in through the top. All just depends on how you pack, what you pack, what your hunting style is, etc.
It's impossible to make the "perfect" bag.. there has to be a give and take. Aron said on a podcast that if there's enough people wanting a specific idea of a pack, they're going to look into it and if the demand is there they will build it.. not just making new bags to make new bags. That's one of the most attractive things about Kifaru, they make a ton of bags to fit about every need and style of anyone, and every single one of them is built from practical and pretty strategic standpoints from everyone in the shop. I think they are doing a BA job!
Wheww.. I think I almost made my first rant on here! I just get a little tired of them getting bashed for making "too many" bags and a lot of bags that are "basically the same thing", or "just making bags to make them". Makes me turn into a crazy person....... alright I'm done.