For those of you who have owned a Kifaru Gen 1 Stryker and succumbed to buying a new Stryker XL....was it worth it? I am considering this pack but seeing some really nice Gen 1 models for sale for half the price.
Your thoughts?
Blessings~
@Huntingfarandwide
I can’t speak to your exact question as I haven’t owned a Gen 1 Stryker, I have the Stryker XL.
Any answer to your question really depends on your use. I was very worried about the XL capacity not being big enough for later season hunting because of layers. After receiving, however, I was surprised about it’s overall volume which was more than anticipated. For colder weather it does fall a little short, but it’s doable. I’m not sure I’d feel the same with the Gen 1. But your typical weather and style may negate the slight difference in volume in terms of one over the other.
The Gen 2 does have a larger load sling. This makes camp bag and treestand hauling more comfortable than the Gen 1. That seems like a moderate nudge to the XL over the Gen 1. But I honestly don’t think it’s a huge difference at the end of the day.
The biggest difference between the two for me are the side pockets on the XL. That allows me to more easily take my tripod and spotter than it would be for Gen 1. I don’t have to change anything on the pack, I just drop in the tripod and spotter (85mm) and strap in. If you don’t use a tripod and spotter, much less difference between the two.
I do most times have a Sherman pocket on the Stryker XL, but you can do the exact same with Gen 1.
Had the Hellbender been available at the time, I almost certainly would have picked that pack over the Stryker XL due to 1) the larger main bag capacity and 2) no Molle webbing in the cargo area.
I first thought all the Molle was a little excessive. I don’t care about weight the way some of the weight weenies claim some of the Kifaru packs are pounds heavier due to Molle, I just didn’t think I’d use it. That stated, I do find myself I using the Molle way more than I thought! I sometimes carry portable waders in a Molle Sustainment pouch as they fit perfectly within; I attach that to the inside panel as I only use them at deeper stream crossings. I’ve also used Kifaru pouches in there, too, it keeps the pack more streamlined. I even leave a couple grimlocks in there for random strapping, so I’ve come to like the Molle and no difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2 Strykers there.
Can’t hurt to pick up a Gen 1 for a good deal. Depending on your use, you may find it entirely functional for your needs for about as affordable as you can get into a Kifaru pack. If not, a few pockets here and there can improve it, plus you’ll know more of what you want in any future bags for very little initial cost.
