New Packs from Kifaru 2024

[StopMakingSense]

Honestly, after giving more thought to it I think I'm going to give the 4300 a try for 10-day trips in BC

 

[ThorM465]

I'd like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the contributors here for all the vital information provide on the original topic. I came to the "New Packs from Kifaru 2024" thread for information on the new Kifaru ARK frame and new bags, After 14 pages and 90 minutes of my life I'll never get back I still know almost nothing about the new ARK frame or any new bags for it.

 

[ThorM465]

I don't think this thread needs to be modified in anyway. However, it does need a disclaimer in the OP. Such as "Be assured that you will find little to no information on the Kaifaru ARK or new bags in this thread. However, it may be an entertaining read"

 

[Wyo_hntr]

I'd like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the contributors here for all the vital information provide on the original topic. I came to the "New Packs from Kifaru 2024" thread for information on the new Kifaru ARK frame and new bags, After 14 pages and 90 minutes of my life I'll never get back I still know almost nothing about the new ARK frame or any new bags for it.

ARK Frame

With thousands of miles and hundreds of animals on our frames, we have rolled 30+ years of experience in the backcountry into our new ARK Frame. The ARK Frame is made with the best possible materials for the application. We use Carbon Fiber, high density nitrogen enriched foams, and laser cut...

kifaru.net

 

[bmart2622]

I'd like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the contributors here for all the vital information provide on the original topic. I came to the "New Packs from Kifaru 2024" thread for information on the new Kifaru ARK frame and new bags, After 14 pages and 90 minutes of my life I'll never get back I still know almost nothing about the new ARK frame or any new bags for it.

Its brand new!!! You cant even buy one yet, if you want info follow the links provided to the Kifaru website

 

[Wrongside]

Sub 5lbs without the lid.
i think they should have separate compression straps for side and back panel though View attachment 666408

I know this is a Kifaru thread, and I’m off topic- but I really hope SG starts offering some bags for the X-Curve in these, or similar, fabrics.

 

[Bearwhisky]

What did the haters try?

It says the unique “sailcloth” fabrics are made in NC/RI, and does not mention the word “sailcloth” when describing the products that are manufactured in China or Thailand. So considering that the fabric Kifaru lists is a “sailcloth” fabric, I would assume it is made where the “sailcloth” fabrics are made. Please explain what I am missing.


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[prm]

So, has anyone read, or heard from Kifaru, whether more bags will be released? I understand no specifics would be revealed yet. I just want to know whether to be patient or order a Stryker XL on or about the 15th.

 

[trophyhill]

Obviously Kifaru is going to have its detractors. I'm not one of them. It's the little things that keep me coming back for more. I'll give you one small example. I recently (last Friday or Saturday) ordered another Hoodlum in MC. It was on sale and couldn't resist because it fits my needs so well and with the new Ark frame coming out, wanted a bag I have tested over and over again and packed my gear and camps in and out, as well as countless animals and friends animals out.

But back to the little things. Things that most would just bat an eye at and disregard. Yesterday I drive 5 hours home from work. I'm working out of town and commute weekly. When I got home, my pack and 5 large belt pouches were already in my mail box up the road.

When I opened 1 of the packages and popped the air bags, a bag of Jack Links jerkey came flying at me. It just made me smile because ive been watching what I eat and working out on my quest to get back down to my hunting weight. The jerkey was the perfect snack because I was hungry from 5 hours on the road. The little things.

Then as I read the ticket, at the bottom of the page, 2 words were handwritten in as follows;

Thank You,

AH

I'm not sure who AH is, but sometimes it truly is the thought that counts. That alone just tells me that the people at Kifaru are a humble bunch who knows who pays their salaries and actually gives a darn about their customers. Great job Kifaru and can't wait to get my new Ark. You've earned my trust and respect since 2013 when I bought my first "real pack" 10 years ago!

 

[sndmn11]

It says the unique “sailcloth” fabrics are made in NC/RI, and does not mention the word “sailcloth” when describing the products that are manufactured in China or Thailand. So considering that the fabric Kifaru lists is a “sailcloth” fabric, I would assume it is made where the “sailcloth” fabrics are made. Please explain what I am missing.


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Here are your sailcloth fabrics that may be manufactured in the USAhttps://www.challengesailcloth.com/
...for sailing purposes. "Challenge Sailcloth" is the company name, UltraGrid and EPX400 are the textiles used opposed to "Sailcloth UltraGrid" or "Sailcloth EPX400" which are not things. Just like General Motors applies to a broad range of models.



Here is a screenshot from their FAQs regarding the manufacturing country of EPX400. https://www.challenge-outdoor.com/faq


Here is the link to the Ecopack line page for further clarification the EPX400 is a subcategory of Ecopak. https://www.challenge-outdoor.com/epx-collection

Here is a screen shot from their FAQs page regarding the manufacturing country of Ultra fabrics.


Here is a link to the UltraGrid line page for further clarification that UltraGrid is a subcategory of Ultra. https://www.challenge-outdoor.com/ultra-grid


I make a living in this world where textiles and the outdoor vertical cross paths for manufacturing and have for a very long time. This product release has been on my radar since late summer of last year, learned about through business meetings with material suppliers. I know you popped in on the "Does Cordura Suck" thread where @Ucsdryder was describing soliciting my advice on purchasing a used cordura pack. If you are bored, reread some of that thread through the lens of believing my background and "inside" knowledge, and it might click on a few levels but also on why I told him "no" to buying something then regardless of how great of a deal it was. Within this thread, I posed the question to gain insight on potential customer perception because I knew it was in the pipe. https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/new-packs-from-kifaru-2024.342589/post-3456595

 

[fatlander]

So where is the material sourced and made?


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[plebe]

So, has anyone read, or heard from Kifaru, whether more bags will be released? I understand no specifics would be revealed yet. I just want to know whether to be patient or order a Stryker XL on or about the 15th.

I’d be patient. I mean the Stryker XL is nice, but it seems there is more to come. We haven’t seen yet the stuff Aaron used on his Aoudad hunt. Looks like a bigger Sherman Pocket and a medium sized day pack for the ARK frame. Levi Morgan seemed to have it on one of his hunts too. So I have to think it’s coming to market.

 

[Bearwhisky]

Here are your sailcloth fabrics that may be manufactured in the USAhttps://www.challengesailcloth.com/
...for sailing purposes. "Challenge Sailcloth" is the company name, UltraGrid and EPX400 are the textiles used opposed to "Sailcloth UltraGrid" or "Sailcloth EPX400" which are not things. Just like General Motors applies to a broad range of models.

View attachment 666837

Here is a screenshot from their FAQs regarding the manufacturing country of EPX400. https://www.challenge-outdoor.com/faq

View attachment 666829
Here is the link to the Ecopack line page for further clarification the EPX400 is a subcategory of Ecopak. https://www.challenge-outdoor.com/epx-collection

Here is a screen shot from their FAQs page regarding the manufacturing country of Ultra fabrics.

View attachment 666832
Here is a link to the UltraGrid line page for further clarification that UltraGrid is a subcategory of Ultra. https://www.challenge-outdoor.com/ultra-grid


I make a living in this world where textiles and the outdoor vertical cross paths for manufacturing and have for a very long time. This product release has been on my radar since late summer of last year, learned about through business meetings with material suppliers. I know you popped in on the "Does Cordura Suck" thread where @Ucsdryder was describing soliciting my advice on purchasing a used cordura pack. If you are bored, reread some of that thread through the lens of believing my background and "inside" knowledge, and it might click on a few levels but also on why I told him "no" to buying something then regardless of how great of a deal it was. Within this thread, I posed the question to gain insight on potential customer perception because I knew it was in the pipe. https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/new-packs-from-kifaru-2024.342589/post-3456595

Haha dang, that was a smooth move on your advice. Touche. Thats rather confusing that they use the term “Challenge” and “Sailcloth” interchangeably (and independently) to describe their company name. I was under the assumption that Challenge was the company and Sailcloth was a line of products.


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[sndmn11]

Haha dang, that was a smooth move on your advice. Touche. Thats rather confusing that they use the term “Challenge” and “Sailcloth” interchangeably (and independently) to describe their company name. I was under the assumption that Challenge was the company and Sailcloth was a line of products.


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It is confusing. Sailcloth is a thing, but think of it like if someone said they had a metal spoon or a wooden bowl; it could be oodles of things and is broad.

I will still stand by this being a very good "advancement" for Kifaru, and I hope someone here is able to review one and use the heck of it. I believe doing so would open the eyes of a lot of folks that the result and performance of something isn't necessarily dictated by country of origin, and seeking to find better take an open mind with willingness to step out of the norm.

 

[Tman24]

So where is the material sourced and made?


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China

 

[roosiebull]

Well a Lanner 5400 is 3 oz lighter and has exterior pockets and zippered access.

The lanner is a great and versatile bag. SO didn’t work for me at all, but I really liked the peregrine and lanner bags, add grommets in the bottom to drain, and those are perfect bags for anything I’ll do.

 

[roosiebull]

New fabric looks nice but I don’t think it’s American sourced for what it’s worth. I also agree it looks like a waterproof sack with compression straps. Lacking the Kifaru modular and indestructible style.

They are trying to please the UL crowd, I’m sure there will be more bags that are more traditional, but there are plenty of people who want light/spartan bags, knowing anything else adds weight

It’s not for everyone, but there are people who wanted this exact type of bag from kifaru

 

[ljalberta]

I like it. Count me in the camp who wants a big, light and simple bag without a bunch of straps, attachments and pockets.

Looking forward to see what else comes down the pipe.

 

[Jordan]

Looking forward to more info, so far I like what I’ve seen. That bags just about perfect for my style of hunting.

 

[dlee56]

They are trying to please the UL crowd, I’m sure there will be more bags that are more traditional, but there are plenty of people who want light/spartan bags, knowing anything else adds weight

It’s not for everyone, but there are people who wanted this exact type of bag from kifaru

I do like the look of it, just wish it had a side zipper personally. And the USA Sourced aspect bugs me but isn’t the end of the world as long as the keep some products in that line.