One Pack to Rule Them All... Nomad or EMR II?

[TheCougar]

I'm this close (fingers held really close together) to making myself buy once, cry once... probably on Kifaru.

I'm looking for one pack system that can do it all - <6lbs day pack, haul meat, and expand to a full size pack. There are so many quality options out there, but I think I have narrowed it to the Kifaru Nomad (with guide lid, grab-it, and camp bag) or the EMR II (with guide lid and grab it). The price, weight, and volume ends up roughly the same (with the exception of the Nomad being 1lb lighter in daypack mode, sans camp bag). I would estimate that 75% of the time I will be using the pack for daypacking and meat hauling.

So for you gents who have experience with the Nomad and EMR II, what say you? I've read previous threads and it seems to be an even mix between guys who love their nomad and guys who switch from the nomad to the EMR. Is there a significant difference or advantage on either? Am I missing any other options besides these two? When in daypack mode, I do access my pack a lot when moving from spot to spot. Not sure I love the top loading sleeves and all the strapping/unstrapping to grab gear... Thanks fellas.

 

[colonel00]

I had the Nomad, sold it and went back to my Highcamp 7000. Have plans to pick up an EMR II very soon add it is the one pack to rule them all.

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[TheCougar]

I had the Nomad, sold it and went back to my Highcamp 7000. Have plans to pick up an EMR II very soon add it is the one pack to rule them all.

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Why did you sell your nomad and why do you expect the EMR to be an improvement over the nomad?

 

[colonel00]

For me, the Nomad was more of a pain to use when just using the wings. That and a ton of straps to undo and redo any time you needed anything. For the EMR II, you do still have the wings but a dedicated bag and a few other additional things.

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[Kotaman]

I've had them both and preferred the EMR2 for the reasons colonel00 states.

 

[N2TRKYS]

If you don't want a batwing design, look at the AMR.

 

[zmoyer]

I am currently running a nomad and camp bag set up. I chose this over at EMRII because I use it for a daypack year round and can add the camp bag for any multi-day outings. I've also recently been using the camp bag alone for training hikes/workouts as well, which is pretty slick.
I've tried a number of Kifaru's offerings over the past few years (HC, DT1, DT3, cargo panel) and this is by far my favorite set up.
The straps aren't an issue for me at all. I keep anything i need fast access to in the guide lid and belt pouches and if i need to get into one of the wings, I loosen the straps just enough and then tighten them back up.

 

[toddb]

I just bought a modified nomad. Read about it on kifaru.net. type search in for modified nomad. He had a vertical zip bag added to it. Bunch of extra tabs also added and velcro closures added. Anxious to try out.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Used both a lot. Still have the EMR 2. Its the best pack they make IMO


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[worx53]

I like the AMR. Not fond of the nomad.

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[mrbillbrown]

Out of your two choices...EMRII. However, after owning both I prefer my AMR over both of those.


molon labe

 

[Violent Hippie]

Ive never used a nomad but used the T1 for 2 seasons . Liked the T1 . I bought an EMR 2 last year and its bye far is my favorite pack for multiple nights. REAL nice design .

 

[kodiakfly]

I have an EMRII and messed with a Nomad for just a few minutes once, so take that for what it's worth. I love the EMRII. It really does pack down to nothing, but it'll haul a load inside the nylon and easy to pack. It's my multi-night hike in pack.

 

[dangerousD]

Haven't use the Nomad but the EMR-II has been my favorite go-to pack. I also have an MMR, Highcamp 7000 and 4000 and Mountain Warrior but the EMR-II still gets the nod when going into the backcountry.

 

[murf45]

Used both a lot. Still have the EMR 2. Its the best pack they make IMO


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Completely agree. I don't know if they will be able to top the EMR2. Its the perfect bag.

 

[kodiakfly]

Completely agree. I don't know if they will be able to top the EMR2. Its the perfect bag.

Maybe a couple more strap holders/guides to keep them straight across the bag over an awkward load a bit better, but yes, I agree.

 

[welpro222]

Its a very tough choice, all of Kifaru's large packs will do the job. I have not tried the EMRII myself, but I'm hoping to use my Nomad this year. The nomad w/ camp bag looks like a good setup, detach and leave camp bag at camp and use the nomad as a day bag with maybe a guide lid and my new NTcolorado orange panel. This should give me plenty of CI room for packing meat out inside the campbag. I like the looks of the EMRII and I can see how people would love it, but having the detachable center bag with the nomad sold me on it.

I have spent the year collecting most of Kifaru's packs. I have the old EMR (gen2), nomad w/camp bag, tac warrior, DT1, custom argali, and soon a AMR. Now I haven't tested any of them except the EMR last year, and the EMR will not be used for hunting again. After playing with them in my gear room, I have decided that the Nomad will be tested first. I hope to get some backcountry camping in before the season starts, so I can load up and test a couple of these packs. Heck I'm still trying to test and play with what frame I'm gonna be taking, I have the tactical and hunting frame. For training I use my tactical frame with composite stays, this week I'm gonna try the hunting with arrows.

 

[Grumman]

I was torn on what to choose myself and went with an EMRII as my first Kifaru pack. More than I need really for an Eastern hunter, but I feel like I'm covered for whatever comes in the future. It really compacts small when needed. It also blows up huge if I'm being the pack mule for the kiddos. I've been really happy with it, though I do admit I would like to try an AMR at some point....


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[dreamingbig]

Nomad for me but it is certainly personal preference.


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[luke moffat]

Get the Emr 2 but you won't need the silly grab it once you own an Emr. While not perfect the EMR 2 in its current design is as close as Kifaru has gotten to a perfect bag design for my uses. The Nomad/camp bag is simply too gadgety and the weight difference between the two hardly warrants going to the nomad.