Which Big Kifaru Pack?

[Where's Bruce?]

I wish I could try on the different models to compare them side-by-side...I am looking at the Bikini frame w/ T1 or DT1 and XLT lid w/ some pockets for 3-14 day trips. My lower back can be a problem so I need a pack that is absolutely stable and not rolling around on my back. Gotta be weatherproof, versatile without requiring an engineering degree to adjust. Has anyone ever created a video comparing the Highcamp to the Timberline to the Duplex? Is the meat sack the way to go or is it better to strap the meat to the frame in a dry bag? I bow hunt so the Grab it is a given but should I consider the Cargo Panel as well? If so, why? My Bivy 45 from Sitka Gear is too small and gets uncomfortable on my shoulders when heavy (over 50lbs) and my average pack is 55-65lbs (with H2o). I'd rather have too much bag than not enough. I like outer pockets that are accessible for stuff like calls, Smoke in the Bottle, snacks, RF, gloves, bandit, etc. Need to be able to strap on a sidearn, knife and bear spray to the belt. So input from guys who literally live outta their packs for both spike and bivy hunts is helpful...what have you learned that will help me decide (shy of driving 2000 miles to the Kifaru shop)? As you can see...this bag ain't cuttin' it anymore.

 

[bowuntr]

DT1... Ed F

 

[Where's Bruce?]

DT1... Ed F

Thanks but what I hope to gain is better insight...knowledge on the pros and cons here, not merely a recommendation devoid of details. Perhaps input on all my questions?

 

[luke moffat]

I have hauled out quite a few animals in both the DT1 bag and the Highcamp bag both on long hunter and bikini frames. For me the highcamp/bikini frame strikes teh best balance for my uses as I can add/take away pockets as I need depending on the trip whereas with a DT1 bag you are stuck with all those pockets whether your want/need them or not. But my hunting style/needs likely differ from most so that does come into play. Either way I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[bowuntr]

Thanks but what I hope Gain is better insight...knowledge on the pros and cons here, not merely a recommendation devoid of details. Perhaps input on all my questions?

OK Bruce... I have the DT1 and spent 33 days in the field this season with it on my back.... 10 of those days was along side my buddy who was using the T1/Bikini. I prefer the Duplex frame for carrying heavier weight. It's stable and won't roll around on your back. I don't know if there is the comparison video you're talking about but if you search the Kifaru web site or you tube.. all your questions will be answered. I used a meat sack to carry out a mountain lion, two mule deer and a moose. I hunt with the bag on the frame. I bow hunt too and don't use the grab it or cargo panel. There are plenty of straps on the pack to strap my bow to it and I prefer to carry less weight if I can. Your Sitka 45 pack does not even compare to these two packs... a different class. I have belt pouches on my belt to carry small accessible items. I wouldn't carry a sidearm or bear spray on my pack belt. If you take your pack off... you'll be unarmed. I carry my handgun in a thigh holster. If you decide to get a Kifaru... it'll be an upgrade. Ed F

 

[Shrek]

Bruce , I don't have thousands of hours in the wilderness like Luke and Ed but I do have a terrible back. I have had two surgeries at L5-S1 and after you pack your first load you will be amazed. Both frames are pretty stiff but the Duplex hauler is more so. Even with a heavy load you can get most of the weight on your hips and mostly balance the load with your upper body held pretty strait by the frame. If I twist and bend much my back will lock up into painful knot and if I put too much weight pressing down my toes go numb. I have no problems with my Kifaru DT1 . Both of the frames will do what you want and both bags will do what you want. Just two different philosophies on how to go about it.

 

[justin davis]

I'm not a pocket guy. So I prefer a highcamp bag or a Longhunter bag. Paired with a bikini frame or a duplex whatever you choose.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Where do you live? There are probably some guys who live close to you that would be happy to let you check out the packs you are asking about.

Going from the pack that you are using right now, any of the three packs from Kifaru (Timberline, Bikini or Duplex) will be a day and night difference for you.

 

[MattB]

Just to clarify terms, I think of the frames in terms of duplex or bikini, the bags in terms of duplex Timberline (DT) or Highcamp (both of which need to be used in conjunction with one of the frames), and the Timberline (T) series as internal frame packs that have a built-in suspension.

After a bit of trial and error (bought/sold a T1), for my big pack I settled on the Highcamp 7000/stripped-down Longhunter lid/bikini frame combination. If I carried more really heavy loads I would go with the duplex frame. From a bag design perspective, I'd rather determine where to put things rather than having the pack design partially dictate that. When I pack in/out, I strap the bow to my pack with a grab-it/lash strap, and the front pockets on the timberline interfere with the bow if you put stuff in them. I use a belt pouch for small odds and ends. The hanging meat bag has multiple uses whereas I have never used my cargo panel in the field. You can attach a holster to the hip belt if that is how you chose to carry.

 

[SHTF]

Chiming in. I ran a Timberline 2 for over a year and a half about 20 days in the field. With Load from 20 lbs up to 55 lbs. I struggle a bit with keeping a belt above my waist so Ive recently switched out and tried the Late Season. I found the 21 inch stays to small for me and needed more lift with the Late season it was comfortable but again because no rear shelf and a bit of a spare It was still a bit of an issue keeping the pack up for me. I dont think there is anything I can do about this. But now I have a 24 inch Duplex MMR Frame coming in with the MMR tactical bag. I got a tactical load panel on Kifaru forums and I plan to run my own hodge podge system of Frame + Camelbak Trizip for main bag and add things to the load panel. One of the things i dont like about huge main bags is my gear has to be completely unloaded at times to get to things or I have to constantly repack the bag to get the load distributed. So with the Duplex Frame and the Load panel you can basically flay this completely open where everything is accessible Each bag is attached to the load panel or to the Frame. When you release the Panel from the top it opens like a book and you have everything organized in each separate bag. Check this post out for what I am going for: http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=25946

I want, need, complete love modularity. There are so many options to this system that the possibilities are limitless. This also allows me to put my bow within the load panel protecting it from anything and keeps the bow tight too me. Basically its a Sandwich of organization that you can configure for whatever your needs are. Im using the Trizip which is just like a MR longbow pack as my daypack so when I get to camp I can take it off the duplex frame and use it for my daypack. If I get something down I can pack it out with my Duplex and Load panel. Ive done a lot of research, trying out different packs. Spent some time with Aron and learned everything I can about Kifaru and IM still learning. I think this will give me the modularity I need to keep my gear organized and allow me to actually hang the load panel at camp with all my organization bags still attached. Everything is accessible and just a pouch zip away.

This made sense to me because I use the Kifaru Lock and loads and pullouts already to organize my gear in my big bag anyway. Now I can open it like a book at camp and not have to pull my stuff out to get to something.

Here is a nice photo of what I was going through. With my Timberline 2



Here is what Im looking to get too.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Chiming in. I ran a Timberline 2 for over a year and a half about 20 days in the field. With Load from 20 lbs up to 55 lbs. I struggle a bit with keeping a belt above my waist so Ive recently switched out and tried the Late Season. I found the 21 inch stays to small for me and needed more lift with the Late season it was comfortable but again because no rear shelf and a bit of a spare It was still a bit of an issue keeping the pack up for me. I dont think there is anything I can do about this. But now I have a 24 inch Duplex MMR Frame coming in with the MMR tactical bag. I got a tactical load panel on Kifaru forums and I plan to run my own hodge podge system of Frame + Camelbak Trizip for main bag and add things to the load panel. One of the things i dont like about huge main bags is my gear has to be completely unloaded at times to get to things or I have to constantly repack the bag to get the load distributed. So with the Duplex Frame and the Load panel you can basically flay this completely open where everything is accessible Each bag is attached to the load panel or to the Frame. When you release the Panel from the top it opens like a book and you have everything organized in each separate bag. Check this post out for what I am going for: http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=25946

I want, need, complete love modularity. There are so many options to this system that the possibilities are limitless. This also allows me to put my bow within the load panel protecting it from anything and keeps the bow tight too me. Basically its a Sandwich of organization that you can configure for whatever your needs are. Im using the Trizip which is just like a MR longbow pack as my daypack so when I get to camp I can take it off the duplex frame and use it for my daypack. If I get something down I can pack it out with my Duplex and Load panel. Ive done a lot of research, trying out different packs. Spent some time with Aron and learned everything I can about Kifaru and IM still learning. I think this will give me the modularity I need to keep my gear organized and allow me to actually hang the load panel at camp with all my organization bags still attached. Everything is accessible and just a pouch zip away.

This made sense to me because I use the Kifaru Lock and loads and pullouts already to organize my gear in my big bag anyway. Now I can open it like a book at camp and not have to pull my stuff out to get to something.

Here is a nice photo of what I was going through. With my Timberline 2



Here is what Im looking to get too.

Interesting Frankenpack idea...got anymore photos? How is it in nasty weather? One of my trips is a 10 day float trip, stopping along the riverbank to camp/hunt daily. I need a pack that handles water well. I prefer to wear my S&W 329PD crossdraw on my waist so it isn't taking a serious beating and I can draw it quickly. I have tried every type of holster and nothing works right. Tried drop down, shoulder and strong arm but they just don't work well with packs. I end up slipping my sidearm into a pocket for the final stalk and leaving my spray behind. Maybe I should have a holster made that can go over the waist strap....hmmmmm. The comment above about not being able to carry a bow with full pockets is exactly the type of info I need...thanks for this guys. I was leaning towards the lighter Bikini frame with 26" normal stays...if I bend and twist wrong I can pinch my sciatic nerves (stems from 6 motorcycles crashes in my youth). I can experience anything from mild discomfort to complete immobility depending on the severity of the pinch...it sucks. Trekking poles help (just started using em) but a decent pack will likely be a huge benefit. Lastly...I want to always have my neck obscured by my pack so if anything were to jump on my back, it bites pack, not my neck. Some of the places I am going to are loaded with lions. I am in So. Calif. and hunt multiple destinations in the west and south...all spot & stalk archery.

 

[Justin Crossley]

You can easily carry your bow with the back pockets full.

Here is a pic from a few weeks ago with half a boned out bull and all my day hunting gear in my T1 plus littlebuf's bow tied on top. This load was heavy (130 lbs.) but carried very well.

 

[bowuntr]

If you live in so cal and are a serious bow hunter... I probably know you... I live just outside Corona. You're welcome to use my pack anytime... And its less than 2000 miles to the Kifaru shop... Ed F

 

[MattB]

You can easily carry your bow with the back pockets full.

Here is a pic from a few weeks ago with half a boned out bull and all my day hunting gear in my T1 plus littlebuf's bow tied on top. This load was heavy (130 lbs.) but carried very well.

You certainly can, but when I tried that it pressed the launcher on my rest against bulging pocket and I decided not to risk that sort of pressure on a critical (and occasionally finicky) component. To each their own, but for me there was a better way to do it.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

If you live in so cal and are a serious bow hunter... I probably know you... I live just outside Corona. You're welcome to use my pack anytime... And its less than 2000 miles to the Kifaru shop... Ed F

There is no life east of the I-5. ROTF!!!! I don't hunt CA since the HSUS "partnered" with the DFG and went after that Marine who shot a lion with his bow in defense. I hunt everywhere else now...a one man boycott. Because of my unique physical limitations and age I want a custom made pack that is ideal for the hunting, fishing, and camping trips I take. If you stumbled across me in the woods, you'd remember my camp, I sleep in a Clark hammock.

I appreciate the offer, very generous of you but it is my intention to purchase one and hike with it 6 times a week (my routine) up and down the hills of San Clemente, upsetting PETA types at every step.

 

[bowuntr]

Hmmm... Ed F

 

[SHTF]

Interesting Frankenpack idea...got anymore photos? How is it in nasty weather? One of my trips is a 10 day float trip, stopping along the riverbank to camp/hunt daily. I need a pack that handles water well. I prefer to wear my S&W 329PD crossdraw on my waist so it isn't taking a serious beating and I can draw it quickly. I have tried every type of holster and nothing works right. Tried drop down, shoulder and strong arm but they just don't work well with packs. I end up slipping my sidearm into a pocket for the final stalk and leaving my spray behind. Maybe I should have a holster made that can go over the waist strap....hmmmmm. The comment above about not being able to carry a bow with full pockets is exactly the type of info I need...thanks for this guys. I was leaning towards the lighter Bikini frame with 26" normal stays...if I bend and twist wrong I can pinch my sciatic nerves (stems from 6 motorcycles crashes in my youth). I can experience anything from mild discomfort to complete immobility depending on the severity of the pinch...it sucks. Trekking poles help (just started using em) but a decent pack will likely be a huge benefit. Lastly...I want to always have my neck obscured by my pack so if anything were to jump on my back, it bites pack, not my neck. Some of the places I am going to are loaded with lions. I am in So. Calif. and hunt multiple destinations in the west and south...all spot & stalk archery.

I get my MMR Frame and Pack on Tuesday. But here is my load panel with the attached Lock and loads ready to attach. My Trizip and Medium KU pod will attach to the MMR frame then this folds up over those and then I sandwich it all together.



Far as wet Weather and such if your doing a float trip get a good dry bag and you can put that into the Load Panel and Duplex Frame.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Gotta pic of it all buttoned up and ready to carry? How much does it weigh empty? Now I'm even further from making a decision...so many options. May hafta go to CO after all (2000 miles RT) as this is one pack I wanna get right the first time.

 

[Jager]

Here is what Im looking to get too.

...u talking about the pack or Sasquatch?

 

[SHTF]

haha Jager Aron will resemble that remark =). Yes I am. Go this Post and start on page one youll see all the different options and how it looks when its all done up.

http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=25946

Youll see many many photos there with tons of configurations. Its pretty endless. Its weight isnt going to be the lightest but I already use all these pullouts and lock and docks in my pack now so really its not that much difference but for others that dont use these to organize gear then it maybe heavier. My Ripzip alone weighs in at 5lbs with resevoir The Duplex frame is I believe 5 lbs the Panel is another 1 lbs. All the Lock and docks are at least 3 to 4 lbs. But having this kind of modularity is pretty nice. I have really light weight gear anyway so that kind of makes this ok. IF your gear isnt ultralight this probably wont be the solution for you.
Examples 1 lbs sleeping bag (Western Mountaineering)
Mega Tarp 2 lbs
Sleeping Pad 1.5 lbs.