Why buy a Stone Glacier?

[freebird134]

SHORT VERSION: Why did you (or why would you) chose a SG pack over a Kifaru?

I'm searching for a new pack, and have it narrowed down (for the moment) to a Stone Glacier or Kifaru. I've never worn either pack and don't have the opportunity to do so.

After years of listening to Kifaru fanboys flood every pack thread with "just buy a kifaru", I've developed a bit of a bias against them. But I've also realized that they must be pretty amazing packs to gather such a following. It's hard to ignore the overwhelmingly positive reviews of Kifaru frames, with virtually everyone saying they have the most comfortable belts (both frames, and especially the Duplex).

I really like the looks of a Stone Glacier, and am trying to convince myself to get one (Probably Sky Archer 6200). I'd love to hear why you chose Stone Glacier over Kifaru, what you prefer in the SG over Kifaru, etc?


My pro and con list of choosing a SG over Kifaru (Highcamp 7000):

Pros:
1. Lighter
2. Ships immediately
3. Support a newer, small MT company
4. Good looking and looks more streamlined
5. I have a flat back and don't have to mess around with specialized stays
6. Nice guys and reputation for great customer service
7. Allows me to continue my unfair bias against Kifaru without any actual experience with Kifaru products lol

Cons:
1. SG will cost >$100 more
2. Kifaru waist belt is claimed to be better than SG
3. Risk of buying from a small, new company (will they be around in 10 years for warranty work? I hope so, but who knows!)

What am I missing? Thanks!

 

[Shrek]

Kifaru has three different stay options , composite contoured , flat , and aluminum that is customizable so no matter what you can get the fit you need. The Cordura that Kifaru uses is proven super durable. Butload of bag and accessories choices if the minimalist highcamp turns out to be a GIF experience. Kifaru is Berry compliant not just cut and sewn here. I'm not sure where SG components are made. Kifaru coolaid is the best tasting coolaid .

 

[freebird134]

This:

Kifaru has three different stay options... Kifaru coolaid is the best tasting coolaid .

Is what I was talking about when I said this:

After years of listening to Kifaru fanboys flood every pack thread with "just buy a kifaru", I've developed a bit of a bias against them.

Just teasing Thanks for the response! I still do want to hear from SG guys on why they chose SG over Kifaru....

 

[charvey9]

Can't speak for Kifaru, but I own a SG Sky 7400 and love the pack. I have used several other decent packs from Eberlestock, Tenzing, North Face but the SG is by the lightest and best handling pack I've ever put on.

One thing to think about is the very minimalist design of the SG packs. They are basically a duffel bag attached to a pack frame, meaning there are not a bunch of little pockets, compartments, etc to organize your gear. It is one of the reasons they are so light. All the extra fabric and zippers for those pockets add up on other designs. Getting an SG may mean you'll need to change the way you pack. You will likely need to put your smaller items in pullouts and stuff stacks to keep it all organized, at least that is what I do. SG is by far the lightest pack with that type of load handling capability, and still very comfortable. When I compared all my options, the weight of the SG pack was what tipped the scales.

Kifaru will give you more customization and options for organization. You also have a better chance of finding one used if you want to that route.

Don't think you can go wrong with either option.

 

[MP.hunter]

I had this same dilemma a couple months ago. I talked to many people including Kurt at SG and Aron with Kifaru. I ended up going with the SG Sky Archer almost because of simplicity. I had so many options running through my head with Kifaru I could not decide and felt the archer would be the best "do everything" bag. So far it has been great, as it is super light, I really enjoy how small it shrinks down, and I love the meat shelf. I have been putting 50 # salt bag in the meat shelf and they ride great, nice and tight to your bag, allowing the bag to expand up, feels good to haul. I really can't talk about Kifaru at all as I have never worn their packs but am sure whatever you decide will be a good choice.

 

[freebird134]

One thing to think about is the very minimalist design of the SG packs. ...When I compared all my options, the weight of the SG pack was what tipped the scales.

Thanks for the response! Weight savings sounds nice to me too! I actually like the minimalist design and that's why I'd go with the HighCamp if I get Kifaru (I actually already got a good deal HC 7000).

You also have a better chance of finding one used if you want to that route

Yeah, that's what I thought. But I haven't found a single person selling a Kifaru with 26" flat back stays. I guess the flat back stays are more rare.

 

[SDC]

Just to throw another fly in the ointment, if you haven't checked out the Paradox Packs by SeekOutside, do so. Kevin makes a damned great pack.

There are NO flies on Kifaru or Stone Glacier, but I thought I'd toss in yet another one to consider that will have similar weight savings to the SG pack for you.

 

[freebird134]

Just to throw another fly in the ointment, if you haven't checked out the Paradox Packs by SeekOutside, do so. Kevin makes a damned great pack.

Thanks SDC. I did give them a look online, but for some reason they didn't excite me as much as SG. Maybe I'll give them another look!

 

[luke moffat]

Honestly I have used and carried out animals with Paradox, Stone Glacier, and Kifaru. The great thing is you can't really lose. They are all great packs and different enough that different ones appeal to different people. It really came down to Kifaru's waistbelt feel the best TO ME* with its 3 piece waistbelt and equally important I often carry large awkward loads and the packbag offered by Kifaru seems to accommodate that best for my needs.

That said everyone has different needs and if you want to try a Stone Glacier I have know you won't be disappointed. If you just want to be a little different go for it. Yes, atleast on this forum, there is less people using the SG packs but that doesn't mean the SG isn't as good. They are lightweight carry heavy loads well and are streamlined. I think the Kifaru Bikini frame with a Highcamp 7K packbag essentially at the same weight as the SG.

*I haven't tried the SG with its 3 piece waistbelt. The SG pack I used was the full wrap version, I feel a 3 piece waistbelt from SG would tighten if not close the comfort gap between the two frames.

 

[rodney482]

Used several packs.. Then got a T1... Was amazed at how it handled a load.

 

[freebird134]

The great thing is you can't really lose.

Thanks Luke. I really appreciate that response, especially about the new belt. I really wish I could try them on. I wish I still lived in the west where people have these packs for me to try out, and nearby stores sell them.

Used several packs.. Then got a T1... Was amazed at how it handled a load.

Score another point for Stone Glacier.

 

[COlineman78]

So without owning either I'll pitch in my impressions from when I was looking for a pack. The small company and customer service issue is moot as both are small and have supposedly great CS, one is a MT company and the other CO. My impression is that you will get a better custom fit from the factory with Kifaru as they take the time to ask your measurements rather than just offering you options and sending you what you ask for. Both are going to require some home custom fitting, but I'd assume the Kifaru's would come closer to what you actually need.

As for the packs themselves; I like the SG Krux system a lot better for my personal use cases, but wish they offered camo; at least in their day packs. I primarily day hunt so wanted the ability to save some money and have both a long distance and day pack for the same frame. I ended up with Kuiu in the long run to save some money and get the camo patterns. The problem I see with all of these packs is that being available only online you are expected to correctly adjust the packs yourselves without any validation other than comfort that you did so; so for the lesser experienced this can become an issue. One major advantage to the SG/Kuiu design over the Kifaru, in my opinion, is the ability to haul a load between the pack and the frame allowing you to pack out meat without needing extra room in your bag. Lastly, something worth considering is that due to the custom nature of the Kifaru system, resale may become difficult for the less common options. Personally, if I had to choose between the two I would probably choose SG, but a Kifaru EMR2 would be tempting especially since Kifaru is located only 45 min or so from my house.

 

[airlocksniffer]

I love these VS threads. I think with whatever you go with in the high end pack brands (Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Seek Outside, Exo) you'll be happy. The difference in a $300 pack and a $600 pack is huge. I just got the SG Solo. Why SG for me? Local MT company, great CS, packs in stock. I love this pack. I love the minimalist design (keeps me efficient in my packing) and really like the front access zipper. I just did a Bob Marshall trip from Holland Lake to Swift Reservoir last weekend with my Solo and it performed flawlessly. I also find the SG super easy to adjust (esp the shoulder straps). The 3 piece belt is super comfortable and has a bit of customization you can do with the lumbar pad (I didn't need to). I was looking hard at both Kifaru and Exo but I wanted to order a pack and get it a week later, not wait for 1+ months or more. I haven't even seen or tried on the Kifaru or Exo packs but I'm sure they are pretty awesome too. I also plan on adding some different bags for my Krux frame (first is the Serac for day trips). I would be happy that you have the coin to get any of these nice packs. I'm happy that I know I have the last pack I'll ever need. Good luck!!

 

[freebird134]

Thanks guys. These comments are really helpful!

 

[carlc]

Have a SG sky 5100 and krux frame. Absolutely love it. Meat shelf works amazing, lots of areas to strap or compress a load , super light, very durable, and getting to be more modular with the new bag options coming out. Three piece belt is light years ahead of the full wrap too. My vote is for SG. Can't go wrong with either though.

 

[Jeff Martin]

This will likely not help you but....

I have owned/or own the KIfaru T2, Bikini and Stone Glacier. What I have found is that each of these packs feel differently and ride differently on my body. It always amazes me when we talk brands, rather than pack. For example: I have never found anything more comfortable than a T2 but I HATED the Bikini. It was Horrible for me. I have been using the SG this off season. It is way better than the Bikini setup (for me) but not quite the T2. However, I am making a few adjustments with the 3 piece belt that will make up the difference in short order.

To be clear: I have packed animals in the T2. I have not packed animals in the SG - still testing. I still want to test the Duplex.

Why did I consider the SG when I loved the T2. The ability to change bags and the bags. I like the bag design of the SG much better. The SG would have never got a shot if the Bikini would have fit the like the T2. My eye is on the Duplex if the SG doesn't work out.

I love Kifaru and the customer service that Arron/team provides. Aron has gone above and beyond anytime I need him. I consider him a friend and we really don't even know each other that well...

Kurt with SG has been just as helpful although I have not needed to talk to him much. He sent me the 1 piece and the 3 piece belt to try both...great guy...

Bottom line: I know this sucks, but I think the pack is the key, not the brand when you are talking about these 2 companies...

 

[freebird134]

Bottom line: I know this sucks, but I think the pack is the key, not the brand when you are talking about these 2 companies...

You speak the truth for sure. I am scared to death that a quirk in my body will prevent me from loving whichever pack a buy. But buying both isn't an option, and I don't have folks around to try before I buy. Thank goodness they both have good resale value, just in case I really dislike the one I buy.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

You should attend a tradeshow or find someone who will let you try their pack on. Once you wear a pack (with a load in it) you will know. I'm loaning my DT1 to a buddy today so he can compare it to the SG. He's gonna load the SG with 70lbs of water bottles and strap my pack to the back of it and go for a hike...then empty the SG and place the water in the DT1 and strap the empty SG to it and hike some more. A reasonable test of both packs in real world conditions. I suspect the DT1 will will him over but we'll see.

 

[SDC]

You speak the truth for sure. I am scared to death that a quirk in my body will prevent me from loving whichever pack a buy. But buying both isn't an option, and I don't have folks around to try before I buy. Thank goodness they both have good resale value, just in case I really dislike the one I buy.

I believe that Paradox will do a "rental". Contact them and see. I don't know if the others do the same or similar.

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

I went with a Stone Glacier for the simplicity as well as the weight of the packs. All the zippers, bells and whistles of Kifaru were unnecessary weight to me and I felt nickel and dimed when pricing out a Kifaru High Camp. To me it seemed at every turn they were more than happy to add on another $20 for a color selection, buckles etc. Currently rocking a SG Solo/Approach setup but texting and playing with the Cirque.