Pack Advice: Barneys vs Kifaru vs Crossfire

[TheHammer]

I see you are of a larger frame. I usta be a little bit bigger until I changed my life to be successful in the back country and have slimmed down a little. Even so the exo k4 is a fantastic choice. You can turn the shoulder straps outward. It locks great on the hips with no slip, customer service is second to none. I did not have good luck with the sg, it would pinch my traps. Out of the packs you have suggested the kifaru will be the most versatile.

 

[double_barrel]

Crossfire does a couple of things better than EXO, Kifaru, and SG. Not saying it’s the best choice for OP’s application, or not. But 9.9999/10 here can hardly comment on Crossfire because they haven’t used anything Crossfire, yourself included.

Could you elaborate a bit on what the Crossfire does better? Also, what's your take on the DG16 frame?

This thread is the first time I've heard someone knock the comfort of it, which has me thinking now. I know in the service they typically haul anywhere from 50-150lbs.

What sort of differences does the 3" more frame height on the Kifaru make? I see it comes in 22" as well.

My apologies for all the questions. This will be my first framed pack. Ashamed to say it, but I run a 5.11 Rush 72 as it was best pack locally available at the time. I only recently started researching.

 

[plebe]

Could you elaborate a bit on what the Crossfire does better? Also, what's your take on the DG16 frame?

This thread is the first time I've heard someone knock the comfort of it, which has me thinking now. I know in the service they typically haul anywhere from 50-150lbs.

What sort of differences does the 3" more frame height on the Kifaru make? I see it comes in 22" as well.

My apologies for all the questions. This will be my first framed pack. Ashamed to say it, but I run a 5.11 Rush 72 as it was best pack locally available at the time. I only recently started researching.

Crossfire has a semi rigid shoulder harness with shaped plastic sewn in, which reduces pressurepoints and hotspots. Also the mesh stretched across the back provides a bit of nice spring, as well as transverse ventilation that is very good to best in class. The sewn hook and slot connection system is pretty brilliant for ease of use and lightweightness. I didn’t have the DG16, but an older model. I still have the Mule.

I don’t mean to suggest Crossfire is the right choice for you, but don’t think they should be thrown under a bus of misinformation. They were partners with Mystery Ranch and make good kit. (The NICE frame actually came from that I think).

Bear in mind these frames are purpose built for military use, and the design makes concessions to that purpose. Use with plate carriers or gear belts and while running and performing combat activities.

So while there actually are load lift straps, the Crossfire frame is short to reduce instability during agile operations. And pack design is probably geared towards a lower center of gravity than the others, like EXO that favor a tall narrow stack intended to reduce felt weight while rucking. I do believe, in conventional backpacking usage, probably most folks would prefer a higher load lift connection than the DG frameset offers, especially taller people. But can’t say for certain.

The Crossfire belt isn’t my favorite, it’s design having to conform to requirements of a full military kit. Whereas some of the others offer more complete cupping of the hips.

I don’t want to steer you away from or towards anything, only you can know what will be best for you. But note that performance is a combination of design and individual fit. For example, statements like the K4 “locks great on the hips with no slip” are not universally true. The K4 belt slips some on me and others have reported the same. Doesn’t mean it will on you.

Personal trial really is the best thing here. Hope you pick a winner.

 

[double_barrel]

Crossfire has a semi rigid shoulder harness with shaped plastic sewn in, which reduces pressurepoints and hotspots. Also the mesh stretched across the back provides a bit of nice spring, as well as transverse ventilation that is very good to best in class. The sewn hook and slot connection system is pretty brilliant for ease of use and lightweightness. I didn’t have the DG16, but an older model. I still have the Mule.

I don’t mean to suggest Crossfire is the right choice for you, but don’t think they should be thrown under a bus of misinformation. They were partners with Mystery Ranch and make good kit. (The NICE frame actually came from that I think).

Bear in mind these frames are purpose built for military use, and the design makes concessions to that purpose. Use with plate carriers or gear belts and while running and performing combat activities.

So while there actually are load lift straps, the Crossfire frame is short to reduce instability during agile operations. And pack design is probably geared towards a lower center of gravity than the others, like EXO that favor a tall narrow stack intended to reduce felt weight while rucking. I do believe, in conventional backpacking usage, probably most folks would prefer a higher load lift connection than the DG frameset offers, especially taller people. But can’t say for certain.

The Crossfire belt isn’t my favorite, it’s design having to conform to requirements of a full military kit. Whereas some of the others offer more complete cupping of the hips.

I don’t want to steer you away from or towards anything, only you can know what will be best for you. But note that performance is a combination of design and individual fit. For example, statements like the K4 “locks great on the hips with no slip” are not universally true. The K4 belt slips some on me and others have reported the same. Doesn’t mean it will on you.

Personal trial really is the best thing here. Hope you pick a winner.

Thanks for the input. Either way I think both would be a large upgrade over what I currently have. I'm going to stew on it a bit and make a decision this weekend.

I wish we had a dealer up here where I could see one of them in person and try it on, but alas.

 

[AK4570]

If you are truly going to live, hunt, and travel out of your pack, Barney's is the only option. There are many great options for internal frame packs (and I will usually be found wearing one of them most hunting days), but if true load carrying is on the agenda, there is no internal frame that will stand up to the task the way a Barney's freighter frame will.

Best of luck and best regards,
John

 

[rickyw]

I know Billy Mohls chucked his Barneys off a cliff with a brown bear hide in it, walked down and picked it up and it was fine. They are heavy because they are durable. There’s a reason Alaskan guides use them. I also have to echo what he says in the video - one of my favorite features is being able to loop my rifle sling over the frame. No gun bearer needed. With a leather sling there is no shift of the gun and it is always readily available.