Woodsman or Reckoning

satchamo

WKR
Joined
Jan 23, 2014
Messages
1,179
Location
Indiana
So I'm sold on moving to kifaru. I've been running a Metcalf for a few years but the 22" frame just wasn't giving me any load lift even with the lift kit (I'm 6'4"). Honestly though, other than the frame I loved the pack.

So anyways, my needs are going to be for 7 day Western hunts and the occasional backpacking trip. When hunting out west we typically base camp then day hunt from there but occasionally bivy in when needed.

So I guess my hang up is, get a woodsman knowing I'll be running day pack mode then just Beverly hillbilly it when I need to bivy out and lash everything on. Or get the reckoning, run it in day mode and have the expansion when needed.

I worry that the reckoning will be sloppy in day mode but the woodsman just not sufficient when I need the extra space. I ran my Metcalf in day mode alot and it was strappy to say the least.

Obviously I could pony up and get both bit it's not in the budget soooo if it were you guys and looking for a do all pack for MY needs, would you run a reckoning or woodsman?
 
I used a Reckoning this year primarily in day pack mode and it was not sloppy at all. Everything tightened down really well. I out an organizer guide lid with it just to keep things like my food, headlamp, etc a bit more handy, and the had my kill kit, puffy jacket, etc in the main bag with trekking poles in one of the side pockets. It worked better than I thought it would. I don't think you'll be disappointed with going that route as a do-all pack. I set mine up for day mode a lot like Jordan Budd described in her video about the pack that is on the Rokslide channel on YouTube, in case you're wondering.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
I switched to a kifaru set up this year as well and bought a Reckoning back in the early fall. My wife ended up running a woodsman. I think you would be better off with the reckoning if the longer pack ins are a possibility. Although it might be a little "strappy" in day mode, it does cinch down fairly well. I think the woodsman might be a bit tight for space on longer hunts (4 days and up). Especially if you plan to carry a spotter and tripod. Everybody will have their opinions of course, but my recommendation would be to get the slightly larger reckoning. Having the extra space when needed is worth it to me anyways. Im really liking the bag layout so far. Worked great on my 5 day elk hunt. The center zip is very handy. I also used the slot pockets for carrying rain gear and puffy coat most of the time. Easier than sticking them into the main bag. They were always readily available. I also added guide lid and side pockets. I mention that because for you...you may NOT want to add side pockets to the main bag. Not having them there will allow you to compress the bag a bit tighter in day mode. Putting a pocket in the center of the bag at the bottom comes in handy if you want to secure your rifle to the pack as well. Run the barrel up under the guide lid, put the butt stock into the pocket, and then 2 straps to hold the gun in place. Worked great for me. HOpe this info helps, and feel free to message back with any questions. I only have one season of use on my reckoning, but I REALLY did enjoy the layout. Not the lightest option out there, but very versatile.

For me the layout went something like this: one side pocket was for first aid, the othet side pocket held my water filtration set up. Kill kit and cook kit was in the main bag along with possibles kit and the days food items. When I don't want to wear the bino harness for whatever reason...it goes into the main bag. Jackets were stored in the slot pockets. I didn't bring a spotter and tripod in. For the hike in to set up camp...my sawtooth and poles were in the slot pockets. I was also able to store my medium box stove in the space between the bag and frame, along with my water bladder. That is the other thing I like about the bag....I don't like storing a water bladder inside a pack where leakage can be a big problem. Guide like held gloves, beanie, headlamp...stuff I needed to access easily. Hope that helps.
 
Last edited:
If you didn't get any lift out of a nice frame with a lift kit then your going to need to special order a 28" frame from kifaru to get lift. The old nice frame with the lift kit was about 26" high. It's higher than the guidelight frame I know that.
 
One thing to add....are you ok with a 9 pound empty pack? That is approximate weight of mine with a 24 inch frame, Guide lid, Nalgene bottle on one side of the belt, med belt pouch on the other side of the belt, gun bearer, and 3 medium belt pouches on the main bag with a chamber pocket on the inside of the main bag holding a pack cover. For me....its worth it. I just mention that so you are aware of the TOTAL empty pack weight.

For better packability in day mode, you can easily ditch the two med pockets on the side of the main bag. This will save some weight and make the day mode a bit more condensed.
 
If you are truly only going to Bivy for a few days, the Woodsman would be fine - plenty of room and you can always use the meat shelf for additional items. If you think you are going to pack in for more than three days, get the Reckoning. My hunting buddy had the Reckoning and went to the Woodsman, but he isn't going to backpack hunt any longer, only day hunts so it made sense for him. I have the Woodsman and a Mountain Warrior, I like have multiple bags, some like having one bag.
 
I'm not familiar with the MR packs you have used previously, but if the layout on the Reckoning gives you reservations for what your use will be, take a look at the Fulcrum too. Yes it's more money, but the day pack layout is very different and may work better for your purpose. Plus it has plenty of space for packing back in for several days. If I did that more often or for more than 3-4 days at a time, I would have gotten the Fulcrum in a heart beat.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
I have both. If I am using my pack primarily for dayhunting with maybe a 2 or 3 nighter thrown in occasionally, the Woodsman would be my choice, and that is what I took on a Wyoming moose hunt this past fall. With a dry bag, you can carry a lot of gear between the frame and the bag.

I got the Reckoning first and then the Woodsman. Had I started with the Woodsman, I might not have gotten the Reckoning.

BTW, I am 6’ 5” and the 26” frame works well for me.

Here is a small buck (antlers shed already) that I packed out with the tactical frame/Woodsman today.
59b964e784a35a03d8d83ff0b64511d8.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
One thing to add....are you ok with a 9 pound empty pack? That is approximate weight of mine with a 24 inch frame, Guide lid, Nalgene bottle on one side of the belt, med belt pouch on the other side of the belt, gun bearer, and 3 medium belt pouches on the main bag with a chamber pocket on the inside of the main bag holding a pack cover. For me....its worth it. I just mention that so you are aware of the TOTAL empty pack weight.

For better packability in day mode, you can easily ditch the two med pockets on the side of the main bag. This will save some weight and make the day mode a bit more condensed.

Mine weighs 7.04 lbs. 24" Hunting Frame, Reckoning, Guide Lid, 1 Belt pouch and 1 Nalgene pouch. But you can definitely load it out with pockets and accessories. I can fit 16 days worth of food and solo gear in it. For short spike outs, ditching the guide lid brings it down to 6.4lbs.

As you can see from on here it appears both bags may work well for you and what you plan on doing. I personally prefer having a little extra room.
 
If you didn't get any lift out of a nice frame with a lift kit then your going to need to special order a 28" frame from kifaru to get lift. The old nice frame with the lift kit was about 26" high. It's higher than the guidelight frame I know that.
I called Kifaru and was told by a guy that said he was 6'7" that the 26 in frame fit him so I'm thinking I'll be fine.

That lift kit is a bit of a joke as it flexes and bends way too much. Either way it's gone so no going back haha
 
I'm just saying your height has WAY less to do with it than your torso length. The 6'7" guy could have long ass legs and a torse of a 6'2" guy. I'm surprised kifaru just gave your an answer like that and didn't ask for your measurements.
 
I am 6-7 and have long legs and short torso. The 26” is marginal and you should definitely go by measurements not total height.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I'm just saying your height has WAY less to do with it than your torso length. The 6'7" guy could have long ass legs and a torse of a 6'2" guy. I'm surprised kifaru just gave your an answer like that and didn't ask for your measurements.
He asked for my height, weight and pant inseam which is 6'4", 210 lbs, 34 inseam
 
Last edited:
I am 6'2 210 and all torso. The 26" gives me a great angle with plenty of lift. My inseam is a 33. I think you'll be fine.
 
Agree with most comments. I have the reckoning, two seasons now. Great pack, but I will probably but a woodsman this year. If you working from a main basecamp/truck camp and are dayhunting or only bivy camping for 1-3 nights at a time, then the Woodsman is the bag to get. The reckoning will work fine for it, but you just have a bunch of extra pack to deal with that you just don’t need. If you are primarily spiking out for more than 4 nights then the reckoning is the way to go.


You can’t cheat the mountain
 
I have both. If I am using my pack primarily for dayhunting with maybe a 2 or 3 nighter thrown in occasionally, the Woodsman would be my choice, and that is what I took on a Wyoming moose hunt this past fall. With a dry bag, you can carry a lot of gear between the frame and the bag.

I have the Woodsman on order, and looking forward to it's arrival, not sure about belt pouches though. What size of belt pouches do you run on it, small on belt, and medium on the side?
 
Just be like me and buy both! :D Lol, both are great bags. I have no issues running the Reckoning in "day" mode, it packs down pretty tight. If I had to pick only one I'd guess it would be the Reckoning to cover all situations.
 
I have the Woodsman on order, and looking forward to it's arrival, not sure about belt pouches though. What size of belt pouches do you run on it, small on belt, and medium on the side?

During hunting season, I had a small pouch on the belt and a small pouch on the lower side position, both on the side opposite my gunbearer. I also had a medium pouch on the fold over top and a guide lid over that. All of my hunting gear could have easily fit in the main bag but I like to have some things handy.

Also, re questions above about sizing, I have a 22 inch torso and the 26 inch frame is comfortable for me, even with a heavier load.
 
I was in the same mind set as you three weeks ago. The Reckoning or the Woodsman? I watched as many videos as I could on reviews for both and got a lot of great feed back on here for both bags. I finally decided on the Woodsman. A Nalgene bottle and small pouch on the hip belt. I put two large pouches on the sides, one on each side, at the bottom.

I have packed the bag with everything I will need from two days to 10 days, except food. The collar will get used with the longer excursions for sure, but this was without even putting a guide lid on it or two medium pouches I was thinking about putting one on each side on the top. I don't think I will even need the medium pouches now.

I do have my tent strapped to the bottom of the bag though, it fits great under the pack on a 24" or 26" frame. The Woodsman sits up high on the frame. Works pretty good. If I go with my tarp, I will just put that in the main bag.

Good luck with the Woodsman, I don't think you will be disappointed.
 
Back
Top