Opinions on EXO packs and Kifaru Bedlem pack

[HuntHarder]

As a long time Kifaru user, 15ish years, 4 different frames and probably 10-15 different bags, if I were buying today I would go with EXO.  Kifaru's customer service was one of their main attractions beside their durability.  Seems like direction the company has gone over the last couple years is away from those qualities.  EXO has good leadership, great customer service and a desire to innovate based on customer needs.  I still use my kifaru Stryker XL on a duplex lite frame and it works great.  Just packed out a Mule deer 4 days ago a couple miles and the pack handled the load no problem.  Me on the other hand, got my butt kicked.  

[oz31p]

28 minutes ago, HuntHarder said:

As a long time Kifaru user, 15ish years, 4 different frames and probably 10-15 different bags, if I were buying today I would go with EXO.  Kifaru's customer service was one of their main attractions beside their durability.  Seems like direction the company has gone over the last couple years is away from those qualities.  EXO has good leadership, great customer service and a desire to innovate based on customer needs.  I still use my kifaru Stryker XL on a duplex lite frame and it works great.  Just packed out a Mule deer 4 days ago a couple miles and the pack handled the load no problem.  Me on the other hand, got my butt kicked.  

I’m right there with you . My first kifaru was issued in the military

. There a 5month thread on rockslide about warranty / customer service issues . Not a single kifaru employee has chimed in. 

kinda sad with out Aaron, frank or Ken 
 

 

[HuntHarder]

19 minutes ago, oz31p said:

I’m right there with you . My first kifaru was issued in the military

. There a 5month thread on rockslide about warranty / customer service issues . Not a single kifaru employee has chimed in. 

kinda sad with out Aaron, frank or Ken 
 

 

Crazy to think the company has gone so far from their roots.  I remember when I got my first Kifaru, Aron himself told me to call him.  He was on the side of the mountain glassing and talked me thru what would work best for me.  He even pushed me over the edge by giving me his DT2 pack if I bought a frame.  As you mentioned, that big thread on Rokslide sure is eye opening as to where the company has gone.  A bunch of my buddies use EXO with no complaints.  I am kind of a gear junky, so I know I will get a new pack in the next couple years and I am leaning very hard towards EXO.