Opinions on best Kifaru pack frame

[IdahoElk]

Thinking of switching over to Kifaru and don't know which frame would be best for me?
Typically I have camps packed in pre season that I hunt out so I don't really need a huge pack to carry stuff for multiple days, just need a pack for day hunting that will bring game off the mountain comfortably.
Thanks for any help.

 

[welpro222]

Depending on your height and torso length, I would say the hunter frame or even the ultralight hunter frame with arrow stays should work just fine.

How many cubic inches would you need in a pack? The 22mag makes a great day pack on the frame and can expand away from frame to create a meat shelf.

 

[IdahoElk]

Welpro,thanks for the input,I'm 5"10" and my current icon pro 3200 is more than big enough for what I carry.

 

[welpro222]

I would say a 24inch hunting model frame for anything under 50lbs, if you plan on hauling over 50lbs the 26inch frame would be the way to go. I'm 5'11" and this setup works great for me. I have both length frames, the 24inch is used or training with 50lbs and the 26inch is used for 90lbs for training.

Again measure your torso, because some people with shorter torsos can use the 24 inch frame for all weights. If I remember correctly, the video below has a part about torso and frame sizes.

Backcountry seminar 2016 week 1- Aron Snyder part 1 - YouTube

 

[toddb]

I agree with what welpro says. Good advice. I am 5'10 tall, however I went with 22 inch ultralight frame. I primarily day hunt and do not see myself hauling more than 50 pounds out. I went 22 inch in hopes still able to get on airline carryon. Also I never bend far enough while walking and get hung up on every branch in woods. Here's hoping 2-4 inch shorter stays will get me thru woods easier and quieter. Frame rocks so far. Love it.

 

[IdahoElk]

I measured my torso and it's 21"
Thanks again for the info.

 

[HookUp]

Kurt,

When I made my pack decision this off season I wanted something that could do it all and carry it all. I ended up with the new hunter frame with 26" stays and medium belt. I went with a EMRII for a bag and standard lid. I am 5' 10 3/4. I had every intention of having a cargo panel and pockets for day hunts and my EMR II for back packing. In the end I decided there just wasn't enough savings in weight to bounce between two packs and I also considered the cost which is significant. The cargo panel seems to get really mixed reviews as well for a day pack.

I was highly skeptical I would like the 26' stays projecting up past my shoulders behind my head. My fear was I wouldn't be able to hear and sense whats behind me. With the off set I honestly cannot even tell there is a rise back there, the frame is very narrow and I'm glad I went 26" to maximize load lifting and weight carrying. The frame has been great packing a 50 lb sand bag around all summer. If I want to jog I tighten up the load lifters and shoulder straps holding the weight closer to my torso. If I want to hike I position the straps with just the amount of weight I want on each body part with nearly all the load on my hips moving just slightly as I walk. After biting the bullet I am happy with my purchase and I am more than happy to let you check out my pack.

 

[TheCougar]

Are you set on a Kifaru frame? No doubt they make great gear, but after a lot of back and forth I am going with Exo. 90% of my time is spent in day pack mode and I'm not hauling any massive amounts of weight (most of the time). The Exo frame seems better suited for daypack/run and gun. I'm getting a Exo K2 2000 and a 5500 to cover all my bases, which costs almost the same as a Kifaru Pack and Guide Lid. you could get a 3500 or 2000 and be set for day hunting and still pack out quarters.

 

[trapperjay]

The Krux frame from sg is 25" (i think) and is lightweight yet tough as nails. With the 1700 serac bag it's an ideal day pack that hauls huge loads in the shelf too.

 

[trapperjay]

Sorry OP, youre thread title is specific to kifaru, my bad!

 

[IdahoElk]

Thanks for the input guys,I'm going to stick with my Kuiu frame for this year and then check out a Exo since they are right by me and then decide either a Exo or Kifaru.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Thanks for the input guys,I'm going to stick with my Kuiu frame for this year and then check out a Exo since they are right by me and then decide either a Exo or Kifaru.

Kurt, I can let you borrow my exo after hunting season and you can give it a try. I get up that way every so often
so I could drop it off.
But first, it needs to pack a few more animals out in about a month......

Randy

 

[hammer0419]

Definitely get yourself a Kifaru frame. You then have tons of options on bags. Your icon pro 3200 works great on the frame. Exo Mountain packs work except on the frame. Besides all the Kifaru bags offered. Ultralight or Hunter for normal packing and hunting. Tactical if strictly a HAULER. The thinner frame sheet does have give so it seems to move a bit with your body. Very comfortable