Upgrade Time. Kifaru, Exo or Stone Glacier

[*zap*]

How’s it holding up carrying a stand and rails, or steps on it?

no problems at all.

 

[Lambchop]

I have kifaru and stone glacier, both are great products with great customer service/support. My main gripe about my kifaru is that it is heavy (about 10lbs empty). And it just has an excessive amount of straps to deal with any tome you open it up or close it.

my stone glacier is 5lbs lighter and carries very comfortably. The kifaru is probably better with heavy loads, the stone glacier is More trim and simple.

What bag and frame are you running from Kifaru. I was thinking by the time I added a couple pouches and what not it would be heavier than a SG of similar volume. Also what SG bags have you used?

 

[Lambchop]

You won't find better customer service than Stone Glacier. I have an Xcurve frame with the sky 5900 bag, and a Krux frame with the Solo 3300 bag. Both packs are awesome, however the Xcurve fits me much better and I gave the Krux and Solo bag to my son. Any time I've had questions or wanted to add something to my setup the guys at Stone Glacier have been awesome to work with, and get things shipped out right away. I've never been around Exo or Kifaru, but both look like great packs, but I did have an Eberlestock X2. There is night and day difference between the Eberlestock and my SG packs. You won't regret going with either Stone Glacier, Exo, or Kifaru. I think they all make great packs and are worth the price tag.

Thanks much. I would never think about using a X2 besides to and from a tree stand. The torso length is so short and the load lifters non existent. Do you like the horseshoe zip and front pocket on the 5900, or do you think if you had the 6900 you would like that layout better?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What bag and frame are you running from Kifaru. I was thinking by the time I added a couple pouches and what not it would be heavier than a SG of similar volume. Also what SG bags have you used?

kifaru: tactical frame, fulcrum bag, 3x medium pockets, organizer guide lid.

SG: 40/56 w/lid, just got the 7900 guide as well.

 

[lkwoolsey]

After a couple weeks in the mountains thIs year I have come to the conclusion I am in need and want of a pack upgrade. I am looking for some input, pros and cons.

For the past few seasons I have been running a Eberlestock Big Top. The bag as a whole isn’t bad but has some cons in regards to comfort as well as zipper/pocket layout and the functionality of the design. I am looking to replace this bag with something that will handle 7-10 day trips.

Some bags I am interested in hearing about are Kifaru (Cavern, Crater, Muskeg and Hoodlum). Stone Glacier Sky Series (5900, 6200 or 6900) and whatever frame you prefer. The last pack, one I have seen the least information on the Exo K3 6400. Feel free to chime in with other recommendations as well. So those of you that may have used one or all of these let me know what you liked, didn’t like as well as anything else you want to add.

Thanks in advanced

Anything Kifaru is superb. They're heavier, but solid as they come, imo. Amazing customer service, fairly customizable, and carry weight like none other. I've been able

After a couple weeks in the mountains thIs year I have come to the conclusion I am in need and want of a pack upgrade. I am looking for some input, pros and cons.

For the past few seasons I have been running a Eberlestock Big Top. The bag as a whole isn’t bad but has some cons in regards to comfort as well as zipper/pocket layout and the functionality of the design. I am looking to replace this bag with something that will handle 7-10 day trips.

Some bags I am interested in hearing about are Kifaru (Cavern, Crater, Muskeg and Hoodlum). Stone Glacier Sky Series (5900, 6200 or 6900) and whatever frame you prefer. The last pack, one I have seen the least information on the Exo K3 6400. Feel free to chime in with other recommendations as well. So those of you that may have used one or all of these let me know what you liked, didn’t like as well as anything else you want to add.

Thanks in advanced

I think Kifaru are superb. Very customizable, depending on the pack you get, and they carry weight like none other. I've packed an entire black bear (deboned and broken down) plus gear for a week out in a single trip, and the pack didn't flinch (I certainly did, my legs were stupid sore for about a week.)
They are a bit heavier than others, but I'll take the tradeoff. They just plain feel soooo much more durable than any other packs I've had. And they have top-notch customer service. The simple fact that Aron is always giving out his number to help people make decisions on the packs is another serious plus for me.
And, I won't lie, I do like the fact that they're made in the US (sure, I have a lot of stuff thats not, but its always a plus when it is!)
I've used Kuiu packs too, nice packs for sure, but for me, there is no comparison with Kifaru.

 

[Lambchop]

kifaru: tactical frame, fulcrum bag, 3x medium pockets, organizer guide lid.

SG: 40/56 w/lid, just got the 7900 guide as well.

How many days could you get out of the 40/56 with a lid? No spotter and packing fairly conservative. Also how’s that 7900 pack down when empty? That pack is likely overkill for me.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

How many days could you get out of the 40/56 with a lid? No spotter and packing fairly conservative. Also how’s that 7900 pack down when empty? That pack is likely overkill for me.

Id say I could fairly easily get 3-4, maybe 5 dys out of the 40/56 with the lid.

I havnt messed with the guide yet, maybe this weekend.

 

[coyotecreek]

Thanks much. I would never think about using a X2 besides to and from a tree stand. The torso length is so short and the load lifters non existent. Do you like the horseshoe zip and front pocket on the 5900, or do you think if you had the 6900 you would like that layout better?

I can’t speak for the 6900, but I really like the horseshoe zipper. It allows me to zip down one side or the other to reach things inside. I don’t have to dig as much. I like that it collapses down to a smaller pack, but can expand if needed. I would call them and tell them what you are looking for and they will take care of you.

 

[Lambchop]

I can’t speak for the 6900, but I really like the horseshoe zipper. It allows me to zip down one side or the other to reach things inside. I don’t have to dig as much. I like that it collapses down to a smaller pack, but can expand if needed. I would call them and tell them what you are looking for and they will take care of you.

I talked to them the other day. They suggested the 6900 or the 6200. I wish one of the larger bags had the side zip like the 6200. I appreciate the input.

 

[Lionhound1975]

I started with an Eberlestock Blue Widow for a few years. It was OK but the non-functional load lifters limited how much i could carry comfortably. I was issued a Mystery Ranch 6500 by my agency and used it for a year in Afghanistan, it is a heavy pack but but is tough as nails and carried heavy loads (100+ lbs of ammo cans) very well. When i got home I bought a Kifaru Mountain Warrior with the Duplex frame for backpacking and hunting. The Kifaru is the most comfortable for me, especially the belt and the fact you can adjust the height of each shoulder strap in case one of your shoulders is slightly lower than the other. The MR i think is still a tougher pack and mine endured abuse that i think would have destroyed my Kifaru bag and frame. But for hunting/backpacking i would pick the Kifaru Mountain Warrior. I have not tried the new Kifaru frames so i can't comment on them.

 

[NoWiser]

My first pack was an X2. I HATED it, and I don’t use that term lightly. The pack itself was well built and the design worked well, but it was absolutely terrible for my body, loaded down. Everything hurt after packing any weight with it.

My next pack was a Kifaru Timberline on a bikini frame. It was a dream come true after the X2. I had that for a few years but it seemed so floppy and cumbersome with all the straps. It was also a tad heavy, but very comfortable. I really liked it but it left me wanting a bit so I sold it.

My next (and current) pack is a Stone Glacier 5900 on an X-Curve frame. I have no plans to upgrade. I absolutely love how tidy and streamline the pack itself is. The organization, ability to put in “bivy mode” and the load shelf are all exactly what I was looking for. Comfort with my standard day to day hunting gear in it is awesome. I’d say with 70+ pounds the Kifaru was slightly, but noticeably, more comfortable. If the Kifaru was a 9/10, the Stone Glacier is a 7.5/10 with heavy loads, mostly due to the waste belt. I’ll gladly give up that tiny bit of comfort the small percentage of time I’m carrying that much weight for everything else that I love about the Stone Glacier.

 

[wind gypsy]

The one thing really drawing me toward the Exo and SG is the organization built into the bag and the included lid as well as volume to weight ratio. My eberlestock is like a big duffle similar to what most Kifaru bags would be and I didn’t really enjoy it. Which SG bags have you used and did you prefer the layout of the Exo or SG more?

The only SG i've used is Sky Talus 6900. I had exo 3500 and 5500 bags. I don't have a strong preference for either but some of the high points:

Compression - the location of the primary compression with two straps on each side and two across the front is the same. I prefer that EXO only tightens in one direction for every buckle, makes it feel less “strappy”. My talus 6900 has more compression though with the additional side compression straps on the bottom (don’t find these necessary on exo bags) and the top. All of the various straps and connections on top of the SG were a little much to digest at first but I like them now.

main bag access- the center zip of SG is preferable to the side zip of exo, easier to access anything in the main bag. I find that I hardly ever use the top opening in the SG but I frequently did with exo. The trade off with center zip is you don’t get the nice stretch pocket in the front like the exo. I could go either way and be satisfied.

side pockets- exo side pockets are nice if you want a little more protection for items like tripods and trekking poles. SG zip pockets are nicer for being able to access numerous smaller items quickly. Advantage SG here IMO.

 

[Marble]

How many days could you get out of the 40/56 with a lid? No spotter and packing fairly conservative. Also how’s that 7900 pack down when empty? That pack is likely overkill for me.

I've never been up on the mountain and wished for a smaller pack. But I have had too small of a pack. If you think you are going to pack meat, plan accordingly.

My great big Cavern folds up into a medium size kitchen garbage bag and gets stored away.

 

[JohnB]

How many days could you get out of the 40/56 with a lid? No spotter and packing fairly conservative. Also how’s that 7900 pack down when empty? That pack is likely overkill for me.

I haven't held a 40/56, but if the #s are accurate for pack volume I could comfortably do at least a week in decent early season weather with 65 liters of space. That's with sharing cooking gear and a mid tent.

 

[Marble]

For me, I knew I would be carrying a 100 pound pack a couple times a year. That's why I chose the Kifaru. That's camp and the front half of a deboned bull, or the second load with the rest if the meat.

 

[Lambchop]

Thanks for all the information. I may just order a Kifaru and SG to compare. Seems like everyone agrees the Kifaru handles the heavy loads better and most guys like the SG bags a little more. Either route I go is sure to be a upgrade but I’m not wanting to have to buy again for a long long time.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

Prefer the bag options of EXO and SG. The included lids, side pockets, and bottom pouch on side pockets just works well with how I organize stuff without adding accessories. They tend to be lighter too. Also like that the EXO and SG frames come with load shelf provisions. You can rig something in to work similarly in a Kifaru.

Ultimately they all work. For some folks the Kifaru frames are more comfortable, especially with more weight and that might trump everything else as you can use other bags on a kifaru frame if you desire. For me, SG xcurve hauls weight the best. EXO hauls weight second best but is probably the most comfortable with light loads.

This is pretty much the same experience I've had. I am a huge Kifaru fan and tried hard to make a pack work, but at the end of day the Stone Glacier just fit me better. Best advice is to try them all and have your body chose the pack for you. For me the Xcurve hauled the heavy load the best for me. Exo, even the k3, just doesn't keep the loS high on your back like the xcurve.

I also think the SG loud shelf is highly underrated. for something so simple it really keeps the load centered and close to your back. Also, makes for training hikes easy. Just remove the bag and through a sand bag in the load shelf and go. Although Exo has ability to carry between frame and pack, you need to purchase their load shelf separately to have a true load shelf.

 

[crs_100]

Any suggestions on best fit for a long torso (22ish I think.)? I’m 6’7” and have a tough time finding a pack that fits.


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[jquarnberg]

I tried all 3 also mystery ranch and kuiu. On a pretty limited basis with each one, I am very far from hard core. Thee 3 you mentioned were clearly the top 3 and all 3 are great. Personal preference really, My favorite though, and the one I still have is SG.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Any suggestions on best fit for a long torso (22ish I think.)? I’m 6’7” and have a tough time finding a pack that fits.


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Kifaru makes the tactical frame in 28" as a special order, thats what mine is.