HuntHarder Report post Posted December 24, 2024 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oz31p Report post Posted December 24, 2024 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 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HuntHarder Report post Posted December 24, 2024 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. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ewurtz Report post Posted January 25 On 12/24/2024 at 11:49 AM, Chef said: Curious as to what you feel the biggest K4 upgrades are. The way the pack caries under weight is definitely better. The hip belt and back pad are more comfortable also. The k3 tends to sag when really heavy vs the k4 staying put. The different size options help with the fit a lot. I’m a smaller guy 5’7” and 145lbs. The overall bag layout is very similar though. I really like the water bottle holder too. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever buy another pack unless this one wears out. Then I’ll probably just try to repair it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tempe.243 Report post Posted 20 hours ago K2 3500 for a long time. Looking at picking up a used K2 5500 if that tells you anything. It has been a great pack. Super sturdy and comfy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjl2010 Report post Posted 15 hours ago Blew a shoulder strap packing two hinds from a cow in October. Messaged Aron and got an immediate response. Pack was fixed in a week. I’m a decade in with kifaru and I know Aron isn’t there anymore but I wouldn’t bail on a company that took care of me for a decade. Couple frames and multiple bags in, if you are gonna haul weight kifaru has been awesome. If you want your pack to squeak like no other get an outdoorsman’s. Pretty sure it’s a built in safety feature for them! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted 6 hours ago 9 hours ago, cjl2010 said: If you want your pack to squeak like no other get an outdoorsman’s. Pretty sure it’s a built in safety feature for them! I used to dunk my Outdoorsman in the bathtub after every season to get rid of the dust creating the squeaks! Drove me nuts. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
archery bank Report post Posted 5 hours ago The K4 has an improved lumbar pad and it has helped the pack from sliding down on your rear end Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
