New pack for my hunter duplex

[bowkill02]

I'm in the market for a new bag. I'm gona keep my hunter duplex frame but move away from the emr ii. I thought I had it figured out until it came time to click the "complete order" button. Can I hear some opinions please. My 2 options are the exo 5500 and the kifaru reckoning. They both seem like great options I just can't seem to pull the trigger.

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[MikeStrong]

I really like my Reckoning. It's very versatile and there are a lot of ways to "customize" it to fit your purpose. The vertical daisy chain gives a lot of options when it comes to adding any accessories you may need for a particular trip, along with being extremely useful for attaching a head and antlers to the pack for a pack out and having things secure. I carry a few extra compression straps in the chamber pocket just to help make sure everything is packed down the way I want when packing out an animal. The Exo seems like a great pack, but you're pretty much locked into what it is. I like the versatility of the Kifaru packs. But that's just my personal opinion.

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[bowkill02]

My main gripe with the emr ii is the strapping system. Do you find the strap system on the reckoning to be a hindrance at all. I feel that with all the straps working independently it would help. I also really like the large front pocket on the exo. Just worried about the costruction of the bag and will it hold up as well as the kifaru, I've never put my hands on a exo?

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[MikeStrong]

I don't have any issues with the strap system on the Reckoning. The independent systems make it very easy to access only what you need at the time without having to completely recompress the whole bag. This works while its loaded up, as well as for a daypack.

The Exo packs do seem to be well made. I can't speak to whether or not they will outlast a Kifaru, though. The Kifaru packs just feel tough as nails. If the long pocket on the outside is a big advantage, you may be able to attach the Kifaru spotting scope pocket to the front of the Reckoning. I haven't tried that, though.

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[Shane Gunnin]

I just orderd a woodsman I’d get a bag now while they have the 15% off goin on

 

[bowkill02]

I saw that.

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[Elkhunter777]

Go with the Reckoning.
I’ve run an exo and my Reckoning’s compression strap beat everything hands down.
Being able to open the center and keep side compression is a great feature.
.

 

[deerhunter628]

I have a Reckoning and a Woodsman. I really think im intrested in the Muskeg 5000.

 

[bowkill02]

I just purchased an exo 5500. In the end the layout just seems nice. I dont think it's a bad thing either. Even if the bag is not what I hoped for I can at least walk away with more knowledge about more than just one company and pack style. I'll check back in a few weeks with some feedback on the bag once I mount it up and get all my gear in it. Thanks guys for all the feedback

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[deerhunter628]

I just purchased an exo 5500. In the end the layout just seems nice. I dont think it's a bad thing either. Even if the bag is not what I hoped for I can at least walk away with more knowledge about more than just one company and pack style. I'll check back in a few weeks with some feedback on the bag once I mount it up and get all my gear in it. Thanks guys for all the feedback

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Nice. I hope it works out great for you

 

[bowkill02]

Thank you

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[mfllood3800]

I have 3 Kifaru frames and bags. I absolutely love them. I used the Fulcrum this year on my Idaho trip. It held everything and was a joy to day hunt with after camp was set. Prior years my extended hunts were out of my AMR, which is maybe my favorite Kifaru bag of all times. If it had a vert zipper it would be for sure. I normally day hunt with my Tahr. It is so versatile and can be configured from its normal 3400 up to well over 6000.

But I just ordered my first EXO. I don't need a big pack cause I have the 2 biggies from Kifaru already that I personally feel cant be beat. I got the EXO 2000. It seems super simple and can also haul meat so I want to feel it out. Plus it matches my Fusion camo which is most important of all. lol
I ordered some stuff from PODS8 to complete the pack and will test it out in Jan on my Az mule deer archery OTC hunt.

 

[jwooley]

Love my kifaru duplex with nomad bag, wished I would have bought one years ago. The Nomads batwings open up making strapping an elk quarter in quick and easy.. Without moving all your other gear around..