Which Kifaru Pack to replace my current setup?

[Wiscat]

I am looking to upgrade my current pack setup. My primary usages will be the this:

-Each year I do a Whitetail hunt in northern Wisconsin that involves 3 days of hiking and tracking. My goal is to have a large pack capable of packing out a deer yet small enough to compress down into a reasonable day pack.

-I have recently started doing an annual western elk hunt. My goal is to have a pack for a 5-7 day backpack hunt. Again I like a pack that will compress well for day hunting.

Currently I am using a Kelty Freight Hauler gram pack(loaded Beverly Hillbillies style) with a Badlands Recon pack attached to it.
The Kelty is actually pretty comfortable for just hauling heavy things but it's definitely time to upgrade.

Right now I'm leaning Kifaru Moutain Warrior. Any advise or opinions would be appreciated!

 

[EasilyExcited]

emr ii is awesome. it will hold as much as you can carry and also compresses down for day mode

 

[mfolch]

Sounds like time for two packs and one frame: an emr2 or dt1 for the long trip, and a tahr or exo 2000 for the shorter trip, all of which will attach to a hunting platform frame.

 

[ljalberta]

Have a look at the new Reckoning pack when it's released at the beginning of November. It might just be the ticket you're looking for. I have a MW and absolutely love , but will giving the Reckoning a try.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Love my AMR for the exact reasons you've described. Cinched down it's a great day pack and when opened up carries anything you're man enough to put in it. The side straps control any size load well and I have no need for 2 bags to cover short or long trips.


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[Cory Arola]

My vote goes to the AMR also. love this pack.

Love my AMR for the exact reasons you've described. Cinched down it's a great day pack and when opened up carries anything you're man enough to put in it. The side straps control any size load well and I have no need for 2 bags to cover short or long trips.


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[marktole]

Accordingly to another thread on here, Kifaru is also set to release a few new bags Nov. 1st, one of which is supposed to be like 6,000cici with a center zip. Might be worthwhile to wait and check those out, see if they fit your needs.

 

[mtfallon]

AMR and Argali would work!

 

[crmiller84]

Accordingly to another thread on here, Kifaru is also set to release a few new bags Nov. 1st, one of which is supposed to be like 6,000cici with a center zip. Might be worthwhile to wait and check those out, see if they fit your needs.

This is a good idea, but also watch the classifieds after the new packs are released. There's a really good chance that people are going to dump off their packs to get the newest ones. FWIW, I'm from Indiana doing mostly day hunts, and I bought an EMR2 for all of my hunting. Compresses great, the straps don't bug me in day mode, and it will expand to do 7, 10, even 14 day hunts if I want.

 

[Wiscat]

Thanks for all the replies! Has anyone heard th Cubic inch specs for the Reckoning?

 

[mrbillbrown]

If I remember correctly, the Woodsman will be 3300ci and the Reckoning will be 6500ci.


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[Northernpiker]

PM sent

 

[Avid Hunter]

I still think the DT2 is one of Kifaru's best packs.. Don't overlook it with all the new packs they've released. Still haven't seen one that I would want to switch it out for.

 

[rhunter424]

I still think the DT2 is one of Kifaru's best packs.. Don't overlook it with all the new packs they've released. Still haven't seen one that I would want to switch it out for.

Yep. DT2 is pretty sweet especially with a third compression strap added.

 

[gelton]

If I remember correctly, the Woodsman will be 3300ci and the Reckoning will be 6500ci.


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Here is a video that goes over the reckoning:

[video=youtube;FTnRXh_D_Rs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTnRXh_D_Rs[/video]

 

[Brendan]

Another vote for EMRII - If I could only keep one of my bags, that'd be it. Compresses down to the size of the frame and expands HUGE. Never tried the AMR but have used the Mountain Warrior, Cargo Panel, Mountain Rambler.

What I'd do first (also mentioned above) is buy the bag(s) used here. You could pick up a couple, compare them, keep one, sell the others, and still be out less than a new bag. If you're not in a huge rush, bags will start coming up for sale as soon as hunting season winds down and people start swapping out gear for next year.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I've had damn near all of their packs. Once you have a full length zipper it hard to go back!

The new Ranger green is just "Savage" as the young kids say

 

[Wiscat]

I've had damn near all of their packs. Once you have a full length zipper it hard to go back!

The new Ranger green is just "Savage" as the young kids say

The Reckoning looks pretty awesome. I listened to the podcast when it first came out. I do love the Ranger green. Looks awesome without looking like I'm camoed up to invade Poland.

 

[Arbutusbucks]

I've only ever used and EMR2 so take this for what it's worth but I don't see myself ever needing another bag. I've used it for elk, whitetail, tree stand carry, and one TTH competition. Worked excellent in all applications. Personally I tie off the bottom 1/4 of the main bag with a piece of 550 cord and it makes the massive volume of the bag more manageable and it also keeps the weight high. If I ever need all the volume I can just loosen it. The side sleeves are super handy for a bladder. I don't know, I just love the thing.

Good luck, it's always fun shopping for new gear.

 

[wasatchcomm]

I'm with Avery, that ranger green is calling to me...
damn it.....