Yup, Another Kifaru vs. Stone Glacier Thread

[tenth1]

Not sure what route to go.

Long time Terraplane user, but am tired of having to tie crap on the outside (feel like a clampet and the sheep agree).

I would love to try the new externals . I am primarily a mountain hunter in AK and have used Barneys with little success, it feels like a freight train trying to bust through brush.

Thinking about the SG Terminus or the Bikini with Highcamp.

One caveat, I need a 65mm scope pocket. Neither one of these packs offer an integrated pocket, but they both offer accessories to attach.


Opinions, other great ways to carry a spotting scope?

 

[Darren Best]

I am partial to the Stone Glacier, but Kifaru has a long proven track record.

You can't go wrong with either one, the SG does run lighter though, while the Kifaru has more add ons available. The SG does have a couple things you can add to it, but nothing like the K pack.

It's going to come down to the question, do you want a bare stripped down lighter pack or one with features that you can add on but a little heavier.

 

[DEW]

I've got BT2 and my 65mm spotter fits great in the side pocket. I like having a few exterior pockets and think this is a great combo. Duane

 

[boom]

I've got BT2 and my 65mm spotter fits great in the side pocket. I like having a few exterior pockets and think this is a great combo. Duane

i concur!! love that pocket. holds a camelback bladder nicely too! love my BT2.

i do want a SG pack as well..but that is just some sickness. i am pushing this pack for my brother, i think it would be awesome to have a kifaru and SG on the same trip for some real comparisons. i dont think you can go wrong with either sack.

 

[stephen b]

There is a lot of room in those terraplanes and they do have some outside pockets. They are about the same lay out as a MR 6500. Was there not enough room for you in the Terraplane? If not you may need a big bag like the Kifaru 7000 ci one.

Both the SG and the K packs are very nice. Both will get the job done. If it was me and I planned on having a pack for a long time I would get one of each in the size and style you want and really check them out. And then keep the one that suits you. I believe both companies will take back a pack that as only been checked out. You would only be out shipping- but would have what you want. I know it is tough to know what to do when you can't go in a store and check these out.

 

[Yellowknife]

I can't tell you which one to buy... but I can mention a alternative approach to the scope pocket. What we did this year was just put the scope (Swaro 65) in a small roll top dry bag and strap it to the side of the Stone Glacier Terminus using the compression straps.

It probably took a couple more seconds to get at (vs a zipper), but being under the compression straps kept everything nice and tight. Not seeing any reason to change the system at this point.

I had to really dig for a photo that wasn't all water blurred from the rain... but something like this:




When day hunting without a full bag, we just slid it into the main bag via the side zip I added. That worked really slick.



If I buy a pocket for the Terminus, it will likely be the "Access" pocket, which should be big enough for my spotter, as well as adding volume for other gear.

Yk

 

[Aron Snyder]

Where in Alaska are you located?

There's several Kifaru and Stone Glacier packs floating around up there

I can give you info on who has a Kifaru, and Kurt can do the same with SG.

Trying both on (if that's an option), is going to be your best bet. I wouldn't hesitate to call Kurt or myself and pick our brains a bit either.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Kurt]

There is a demo Terminus floating around the Anc area. I am not sure who has it right now, but I could do some calling to find out if you are interested. As Aron mentioned, feel free to contact me if there are any specific questions I can help with. Good luck!

 

[tenth1]

Thanks all

Before dropping that kind of cash, I would love to try them on and get a feel for the actual size. I am currently in Anchorage

I'm a big fan of a single big compartment (not a pocket guy), but I use the 65mm STM spotter ALOT and would love to have a single pocket just for it. I just don't know if I could strap it on the side....

I love the Dana, but would love a little more room for the long stays (10+ days) and I would like a little more rigidity when hauling the big loads. Being able to compress the pack for the shorter outings would be great.

 

[vegas hunter]

Not sure you know this tenth but you were just replied to by one of Kifarus paid reps (and a down right nice feller) and the owner/designer of Stone Glacier. Where else but on Rokslide?! Thanks guys.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Get your hands on both and try them with a load if possible. Both are excellent packs with unique strengths, and weaknesses.
The SG is a great lightweight option that functions around the load shelf concept.

If you like getting it all in the bag Kifaru is better there, but i have not used the terminus from SG to compare the big bags.

 

[Ray]

Tenth, if you want to try an "old school" Kifaru Longhunter G2 let me know. It's heavier than the bikini and high camp, but has similar fit and features to other Kifaru pack systems like the DT1.

The only issue is that my stays are bent all kinds of flat to fit my messed up back. I do have a set of flat back stays that can be installed, but no normal stays.

I am in east anchorage and work downtown so meeting up should not be a problem.

 

[hammer0419]

I have always used and like Kifaru. Wanted to try a Stone Glacier but they do not offer different size belts so they are not an option for me.

 

[Stid2677]

Another option would be the plain Kifaru Timberline. Only 2 more OZs than the High camp Bikini combo and has 2 scope pockets and 2 more small pockets in the front. I debated long and hard before I ordered my Timberline as the Bikini High Camp was out already. I'm very pleased with the pack and setup, I only wish they had bloused the scope pockets so they are easier to use when the pack is loaded. IMHO, the duplex style frames carry weight better than the Bikini frame. I also never use just the frame so the Timberline was a good choice for me. Plus I own a Duplex G2, if I ever need just the frame.

You can see the tripod sticking out under the sheep horns. I run a 65mm Swaro HD and I keep it on the tripod and stick them both into the scope sleeve.

 

[HellsCanyon]

If you're not a pocket guy and want more room than your current pack, and you mentioned "awkward loads"... I'd be leaning towards a 7k cu in. High camp bag and a duplex frame. Get a long pocket or 2 to stow your spotter/tripod and call it good. I am really wanting to try a SG pack in a bad way but I'm very very happy with my kifaru. Don't really haul awkward loads so I got the bikini frame instead of the duplex. And I love external pockets so I got a timberline bag and longhunter kid!

Mike