thoughts on the outdoorsman long range hunterpack vs Kifaru pack

[Ksbowguy]

Hi all,
I'm looking into packs that I can use for hunting trips that may last 5-7 days
seeing what peoples thoughts are on the two I listed on the title and which you would choose.
my price range is not the issue just want to buy it once and be done with it?
I like the fact that the outdoorsman long range pack has a carbon fiber frame included in the price vs the Kifaru would require you to purchase a frame in addition too. My goal like everyone else is to pack in light and come out heavy with elk/ moose meat

thanks in advance

 

[badkneesbro]

This has been brought up before. Go to the advanced search engine about 1/3 of the way down from the top of the page & type in "outdoorsmans pack?", then click the little magnifying glass symbol to the right. Personally, as someone who has carried heavy loads with packs that have no load lifters, if doesn't have loadlifters it doesn't have me! The pictures Ive seen of the "outdoorsmans packs", looks like they don't have load lifters, but there are people here that have actually seen & handled them that know more than me.

 

[hammer0419]

I personally do not believe it is even close in which to choose. There are a lot of nice packs out there. For me NOTHING exceeds Kifaru. Their quality and comfort are incredible. You can get set up with whichever pack you like mounted on a Bikini frame and go hunting. Down the road you want a bigger or smaller pack, just buy a different Kifaru bag and put it on your Bikini frame. ONE SUSPENSION.....ENDLESS SETUP CHOICES!!

 

[RosinBag]

Comparing a light duty truck to a tractor trailer. The Outdoorsmans bends and flexes terribly. I looked at them at their shop and everything about them felt flimsy. I handled the pack for about five minutes, carried it in their shop with some weight and never looked back. Not in the same class of packs.

 

[Andy Dana]

I used one this year it was an optics hunter..packed a goat and mule deer....I was not bothered by load lifters but the hip belt for me don't work over 80 or so pounds..just slips no matter how tight ..the frame handles weight fine that was not an issue...I like the pack but think it tops out at 80 or so pounds.

 

[gobbler1662]

I agree 100percent with rosinbag. A friend of mine has the optics pack which has the same frame and last year at spike camp I looked it over. The frame bends real easy, I don't think it would haul heavy weight to well. For the cost of these if I remember around 500.00. Like rosinbag said go with the Kifaru, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Beastmode]

Kifaru most comfortable pack I have owned.

 

[mtnwrunner]

I'm a Stone Glacier guy and I have had the outdoorsmans pack. Too heavy to start with and it just does not pack weight very well. And I don't think its an all carbon frame---I think it may be more like plastic with some carbon thrown it, at least that is what it looks and feels like. I think someone else said it but its really flexible. I don't have any personal experience with Kifaru but if it was between those two, I'd throw the outdoorsman out.

Randy

 

[Hardstalk]

Its all different strokes for different folks. I have always considered pack manufacturers as not having any competition. There is a niche for every pack company. Some want tank like mystery ranch, some want minimalist alpha bikini frame and high camp. Each pack, regardless of manufacturer was built for a purpose. I know several sheep guides who swear by and love the flexibility of an outdoorsman. Some guys hate the concept (regardless of experience.. Or lack there of..) I see both sides of the spectrum with an open mind. I have dealt Outdoorsman and there great folks who stand behind their product 100% and also are open to feedback. I would highly suggest trying to get your hands on all kinds of packs and finding what you like. Avoid basing your decision on opinions of others comfort level. Your hunting style may be completely different from others.

Good luck!

 

[Andy Dana]

I was also going to say it is the only external frame type pack I ever used that does not hang up in the brush...it sits low enough that you hardly know it is there.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

I had this same debate with myself when I was buying a pack. For versatility and customer satisfaction I went with Kifaru. I am so glad I did. I love my pack and for the same price of that outdoorsman I got a used duplex, and a High camp bag (7000 cu in). I am so glad I did.

 

[todd kelly]

I would highly suggest trying to get your hands on all kinds of packs and finding what you like. Avoid basing your decision on opinions of others comfort level. Your hunting style may be completely different from others.

Good luck!

Best advice on this thread.

I'm sure if you posted where you lived, guys that live close to you would have many different packs you could check out in person.

 

[jpolson]

It is a real individual choice.

The outdoorsmans frame will twist around a vertical axis. It is incredibly strong in the vertical plane (the direction that gravity is pulling on the weight in the pack).

I have packed out 3 elk in the last 14 months with my outdoorsmans optics hunter. Typically 100lb or so loads. This years bull was a little over 4 miles on the pack. We took a longer route to get in (about 6 miles) with a 70lb load for a 10 day camp.

Heck, if it's good enough for Nate Simmons...then it's good enough for me.

If you are in Utah I will let you crawl inside mine and run up the side of a local mountain.

 

[trdhunter]

jpolson, where in Utah do you live. I think im pretty sold on buying a Kifaru, but would like to see the pack if your close by.

 

[dotman]

It is a real individual choice.

The outdoorsmans frame will twist around a vertical axis. It is incredibly strong in the vertical plane (the direction that gravity is pulling on the weight in the pack).

I have packed out 3 elk in the last 14 months with my outdoorsmans optics hunter. Typically 100lb or so loads. This years bull was a little over 4 miles on the pack. We took a longer route to get in (about 6 miles) with a 70lb load for a 10 day camp.

Heck, if it's good enough for Nate Simmons...then it's good enough for me.

If you are in Utah I will let you crawl inside mine and run up the side of a local mountain.

FYI.. Not only does Outdoorsman sponsor Nate they own the magazine and show he works for, Elk Hunter and Western Hunter mags plus the show.

This isn't a knock on Nate or the pack just giving you more info as to why it may be his current pack used.

 

[jpolson]

jpolson, where in Utah do you live. I think im pretty sold on buying a Kifaru, but would like to see the pack if your close by.

Delta.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I could probably ship you my Outdoorsman pack as well. Let me know if you wanna try it, as I need to do it soon before show season starts and I won't be around to send it out....

jpolson, where in Utah do you live. I think im pretty sold on buying a Kifaru, but would like to see the pack if your close by.

 

[Jager]

FYI.. Not only does Outdoorsman sponsor Nate they own the magazine and show he works for, Elk Hunter and Western Hunter mags plus the show.

This isn't a knock on Nate or the pack just giving you more info as to why it may be his current pack used.

Very true.

Again not knocking the guy or the packs, but just because someone in the public eye uses a product, doesn't necessarily mean it will suit you.

The Outdoorsman packs all appear to hang low below the waist, anyone confirm this?

 

[jpolson]

The Outdoorsman packs all appear to hang low below the waist, anyone confirm this?

Best pic I have of it on the back.


View attachment 12783

 

[jpolson]

FYI.. Not only does Outdoorsman sponsor Nate they own the magazine and show he works for, Elk Hunter and Western Hunter mags plus the show.

This isn't a knock on Nate or the pack just giving you more info as to why it may be his current pack used.

The observation wasn't based on Nate's choice of pack, I don't know him or his decision making process. It was an observation on the capabilities of the equipment in the hands of what appears to be an amazing hunter.

But yes, I knew that. One of the best shows/publications out there.