Really Kifaru?

[Bushwhacker]

I own several packs from Kifaru: Duplex Ultra-Light, Duplex 2014, and Timberline 2 interior frame (discontinued) Spike Camp and Late Season. Accessories include cargo panel, 4800 HC bag (discontinued) and several of the small, med, large belt pouches and side pockets. Guide lid, XLT lid and regular lid, lock and docks. With that being said if the current White House Administration passed a law tomorrow called the Redistribution of Kifaru Pack Law; whereby Kifaru multiple pack owners would be forced to retain only one pack and all other packs would be redistributed to the less fortunate 30 year olds leaving in their parents basement it would be a tough choice. I would keep my Late Season and lie about my Spike Camp ownership. IMHO the Late Season and Spike Camp are two of the best Kifaru day + packs to date. Talk to anyone who owns either pack. I doubt you will find a negative response. Oh maybe one! “If I had to do it over I would have purchased the Late Season over the Spike Camp”. Discontinuing the Late Season and Spike Camp? Really Kifaru! I understand business, marketing and sales. But really Kifaru? That’s sad!

 

[5MilesBack]

Welcome to my world. Just about every product that I think is the cats meow eventually gets discontinued. That only works out well for me when I can find said discontinued product for ultra cheap and pick up enough to last me the rest of my life.

 

[AZ Vince]

The story of my life.
If I like a product it will get discontinued.

Vince

 

[ezmorningrebel]

Have they actually said its discontinued or is this based on them being on sale?

 

[topher89]

Where did you see/hear this announcement?

I know they are on sale but I have a hard time believing the Spike and Late Season may be discontinued but thank goodness I ordered a Spike Camp two weeks ago!

 

[dotman]

If you have been around Kifaru long enough you would realize that this is how they discontinue products, sale and no announcement. They will eventually be moved to the Rhino Den i bet.

 

[Shrek]

It looks like all internal framed packs are going away. Everything is going to hang on a frame it seems. I have no knowledge but that's my guess.

 

[hammer0419]

The Ultralight frame will be the basis of all packs and for great reason!!!!

 

[RCR]

The Ultralight frame will be the basis of all packs and for great reason!!!!

I don't have the new duplex YET, but I can see the logic. It will likely benefit us all in the long run. You have a great starting platform with the duplex and the ability to swap bags as you like to fit the hunt. You also end up with a bit more capability to haul heavy. The spike camp and late season are great packs, but you just can't carry as much as on the duplex. Do the math and an ultralight duplex and one of the new Tahr, Argali Markor bags come in about $80 less than the full price on the late season. I like those numbers.

 

[SHTF]

We have been asking for more bag options off the Frames for a while. it makes sense what they are doing if this is truely the case. Only thing Id add though is that they will probably continue to make the other Framed packs but for military contracts only and for 30+ count or more. They did the same thing for the Omni Frames back when I first started learned about Kifaru.

 

[dreamingbig]

Having one pack frame and 3 or bags that fit it is much preferred to an internal frame pack that only has one use. That is my opinion. FWIW

 

[justin davis]

Yea I agree the spike camp and late season are truely awesome packs! I use a late season for day hunts! It's my favorite pack for this by far. Carey's weight well but packs very small for day use! Bummer they are discontinuing them

 

[mrbillbrown]

I'm so torn. Loved my Late Season for day hunts and travel. But I really like having the ability to swap a 22Mag, Nomad, or Cargo Panel onto my UL 22" frame.

 

[doncarpenter]

I am looking at this two ways. Having the different frame sizes and the ability to attach any bag, accessory, or pocket to the frame that you want is really versatile and saves from having a closet full of packs(even though it wouldnt help me, but thats because I have a problem). If kifaru comes out with a couple more small or midsized bags to optimally fit the frames, I can see that being successful. The modular design really lets you create a pack thats perfect for you.

On the other hand I don't really see a point discontinuing packs, especially for kifaru who makes packs to order. It's not like the people making the packs just forget how to make them when they get discontinued. I have a timberline 3, which is now discontinued, and it is right up there along side my tactical duplex as far as comfort is concerned. I know the spike camp and late season are older designs, maybe just an update with new materials/foam from the new duplex frames could rejuvenate them. Just my thoughts.

 

[Shrek]

On the other hand I don't really see a point discontinuing packs, especially for kifaru who makes packs to order. It's not like the people making the packs just forget how to make them when they get discontinued. I have a timberline 3, which is now discontinued, and it is right up there along side my tactical duplex as far as comfort is concerned. I know the spike camp and late season are older designs, maybe just an update with new materials/foam from the new duplex frames could rejuvenate them. Just my thoughts.

It's not as easy as it sounds to keep making all the packs. Kifaru doesn't generally make single packs. They make small batches because they have to set up the paterns to cut and then sew. Setting up to cut each pack individually is too labor inefficient. Then there is the issue of keeping people trained on the quirks of each design. Having a couple frames and then the bags to hang is on them is more dynamic for the customer and simpler to build and inventory for Kifaru.

 

[American Grouch]

Late Season is one of the best packs I've used but I personally think it could be improved upon if they build it to hang on the Duplex, and provide a means for a meat shelf. It's a great size, but having that option gets it from the mid 3k ci range to mid 5k or even closer to 6kci. Great frame, great pack and would certainly be on my list to buy even though I have a LS now.

 

[rhunter424]

It's not as easy as it sounds to keep making all the packs. Kifaru doesn't generally make single packs. They make small batches because they have to set up the paterns to cut and then sew. Setting up to cut each pack individually is too labor inefficient. Then there is the issue of keeping people trained on the quirks of each design. Having a couple frames and then the bags to hang is on them is more dynamic for the customer and simpler to build and inventory for Kifaru.

Yep. And let's not forget that Kifaru is shipping out almost everything in less than 2 weeks. That is a unheard of in kifarus history. I'm sure that streamlining the pack inventory has something to do with that.

 

[justin davis]

Late Season is one of the best packs I've used but I personally think it could be improved upon if they build it to hang on the Duplex, and provide a means for a meat shelf. It's a great size, but having that option gets it from the mid 3k ci range to mid 5k or even closer to 6kci. Great frame, great pack and would certainly be on my list to buy even though I have a LS now.

What you describe sounds like a Longhunter?

 

[American Grouch]

What you describe sounds like a Longhunter?

In essence I suppose but not quite. the Longhunter wasn't/isn't on the latest UL Duplex frame. I'm running a MW on that frame now and love it. I also really like the late season, having the option of putting that on the new ULD with meat shelf capability is something I'd really like to see.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Wow! I feel a need to follow up on my OP. I am just saying the Late Season is a great pack and was sadden about it being discontinued. There is a difference between exterior and internal frame packs and their applications. I will always have both in my arsenal. I would not change a thing in the Late Season it is and always will be a classic. It is as iconic as my 1970’s Svea 123R stove that is still going strong. The Late Season is as Legendary as the man who designed it. Thank you Mr. Patrick Smith for giving us the Late Season.

It is the season Roksliders! So Merry Christmas to you and yours. Stay safe and stay gritty. God Bless the USA.