Upgrade Time. Kifaru, Exo or Stone Glacier

[thinhorn_AK]

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.

Im one of those people. You summed it up perfectly for me. The kifaru has the edge carrying really heavy loads, I like the stone glacier bags better. Keep in mind though, its not like the kifaru is THAT much better at hauling heavy loads, it is better though.

 

[nbisson1984]

Stone glacier has worked well for me


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[Lambchop]

Anyone else have anything to chime in with? I checked out the review of the new KUIU suspension and bags. Anyone here used them? I’m leaning towards a Muskeg 7000 on UL Duplex with OGL or a SKY 6900 on a XCurve. I’m pretty sure I will have to order both and compare. Wish there was more of a used market for these packs as well.

 

[303TrophyHusband]

I have the Muskeg 7000 on the Duplex lite frame, I like it and it'll handle the heavy loads, it's handled in the 150lbs+ range no problem. The frame is comfortable for me, rides well, but I know several guys that don't like how the hip belt rides, they have trouble with it slipping on them. I don't personally have that experience unless it's a super heavy load, then I have to readjust every so often but I've had that experience with almost every pack I've used under extreme loads.
The bag is a great concept BUT the Xpac is noisier going through the brush than your typical Cordura bag, and when it get super cold the bag almost sounds like you're rustling through plastic Walmart sacks when you're digging through it. BUT it's virtually waterproof, pretty light, and much more durable than I expected. I have a lot of miles with that thing loaded from summer backpack fly fishing trips to late season backpack rifle hunts and I haven't been disappointed.
I've tried SG and MR frames under load, both are great, MR not quite as good but have hunted with a couple guys using the Sky Talus bags and they had absolutely no problem handling super heavy loads with their SG bag/frame combos. It's very much personal preference, right now I just prefer my Duplex Lite frame.

 

[Tradchef]

I’ve owned and run the SG R3 3300, kifaru woodsman on 24” lite frame and now a quarter panel with guide lid for day hunts. I think for me the SG was more comfortable and stabilized on you back better with side to side movements. The 26” frame was a little long for my short torso in day mode but when I was packing meat you know why 26” comes in handy. It felt really good. My Kifaru fits better overall. A little less comfy but it’s like splitting hairs. It’s a bit heavier but I don’t really care about that so much. I like to pack meat in the bag and really like the centerzip for that. SG has nicely laid out bags too. As for meat hauling.....the kifaru is great for that like everyone says. I give that to kifaru but again it’s like splitting hairs. Both have great customer service and have great products. I’ve haven’t run or seen an exo in person yet but I hear the same for them.

 

[Ryan_1129]

I have an exo k2 and love it. The other two guys I usually hunt with have kifarus(not sure what model) and they’re just as nice.

I haven’t looked at the price on exo packs are they comparable to Kifaru and SG, I will have to check out their website

 

[david2duck]

To me packs are like boots. Everyone is completely different. I know it costs a lot but I bought a used frame from stone glacier, mystery ranch, and kifaru. Once I made my decision I sold the others for almost equal to what I paid. I ended up going with kifaru. I hear people commenting on them being heavy and that just isn’t true. You can run the numbers and it comes out to 8-16oz more depending. Obviously, if you have a 28” tactical frame, the largest bag they make, 3 pockets, and a guide lid then you will be a good amount heavier. Most guys just need a frame, a bag that fits their needs, and a pocket or maybe two. The kifaru frame carried almost all loads better, light or heavy, for me. It’s also way more customizable.

I tried an EXO (k2) and just couldn’t get it to fit me correctly. It did feel like it would carry weight very well if I could’ve figured out my fit issue. Hope that helps. Maybe see if you can find a couple guys in your area that would be willing to let you test there frames with a sandbag or two.

 

[Lambchop]

Anyone else have any input? I’m close to pulling the trigger on a pack but still up in the air. The Kifaru just looks like it’s going to come out relatively heavy.

 

[RCB]

Search the forum and you will find dozens of posts just like this. Not intending to be rude, just pointing out there’s a lot of information available.
The general consensus is that all the premium hunting packs are good. Try one (or many) and see what you like.

 

[Lambchop]

Not rude at all. You get a lot of similar post here. I looked and found a bunch of this is better than that and so on. I know you have fanboys everywhere and I was looking for more specific likes and dislikes. Plus the majority seemed to be initial impressions. Like you said I’m sure they are all good I was just thinking maybe some new people would chime in with thoughts and what not before I put the coin out for a premium pack.