Backpacks!!! Looking for some info

[Becker]

HuntJunkie mentioned this under the backpacking Arizona thread and I figured I would just start a new thread all about packs. I know there has been a few pack threads but I would like to get a more broad based over view of what everyone is using vs a brand specific thread.

 

I have used badlands and eberlestock and a few other hunting packs.

 

Currently I have an eberlestock dragon fly but it is finally falling apart. I know they have a warranty but my problem lately is the overall weight of these hunting packs. In order to get the size and options that I am looking for the packs are upwards of 9 lbs empty! Like others have mentioned I have, Well I wouldn't say a ton of gear, but my hunting gear is heavy. Binos, scopes, tripods, and guns add up fast!

 

I am currently looking at the Kifaru packs, specifically the timberline models. They have a 1, 2, and 3. I am interested in the middle version.

 

Now to my questions I guess. Have any of you dropped the money and tried these Kifarus. Every review I have read lately seems to either be, "I would never spend that money on a pack", or else "Best thing I ever spent money on". Also seems most of the reviews lean towards a guy that helped design the pack so obviously he is going to rant and rave about it. So anyone have a kifaru??? And what other brands are you using and what are your pros and cons.

 

My other thought was looking into so called "backpacking" packs, vs packs made for "hunting".

 

 

 

 

[Jcubed]

I havw two kifaru packs. They have a forum on their website that is good for information. Also look at the forum on rokslide info there too

 

The pack debate gets pretty heated at times but I will tell you that I love my packs. They are comfortable and really well built.

 

I would also look into the bikini supension system they just came out with. It makes their packs a lot lighter and I think you can put a timberline bag on that suapension system as well.

[huntjunkie]

Becker, thanks for starting this thread. My brother and I are looking at back country packs. For the past 5 yrs our set up is based off our pack frames. Which works really well. I looked at the Kifaru site. I kinda like the hunting cargo panel hauler. It appears to offer the ability to pack your gear and your kill. I like the concept of the badlands OX but some features im not crazy about.

Does any body use a pack that has a detachable frame? (Like the OX?)

[scoutm]

With back packs I'm almost as bad as my wife is with purses...I want to try them all and not shy about spending money on them.

 

My first true hunting pack was the Badlands Hypervent - I used it for about 3 seasons. It was a good pack but the internal frame had issues with squeaking. It was also a top loader so it wasn't the most convenient for accessing gear.

 

The last few seasons, I've been using the Badlands Diablo and like it a lot. It's light, comfortable and with the hyper vent structure your back stays comparatively dry. The dislikes are it's just a bit too small (1,900 ci - another 500 ci would be great), a few more compression straps for loading things on the outside and a better waist belt to support greater weight and it would be just about perfect.

 

I recently purchased a gently used Kuiu Icon 3000. I haven't used it in the field yet but I think it's going to turn out to be a great pack. I've loaded it up with all my gear including water and it feels very comfortable and doesn't move around on your back at all felt very stable. I like that it has the extra space I wanted, has a ton of compression straps - maybe too many. But, it's heavier because of the frame and it doent have the same air flow for your back that the Diablo does.

 

Another pack I looked at that falls between these two was the Sitka Bivy 30. It has the extra volume I wanted, a similar vented design that the Diablo has and a pretty good waist belt - better than the Diablo not as good as the Kuiu. I also think the design will pack gear a bit easier than the Kuiu but I believe the Kuiu will carry the weight better.

 

Never used or even seen in person a Kifarus pack so can't really comment on them.

 

I'm also in Tucson and be happy to meet you sometime if you would like to take a look at the Kuiu I have. Good luck with your search for the perfect pack.

 

Larry

[huntjunkie]

Jcubed, good info. Which Kifaru do you have? How many days can you get out of your pack? What does your pack weight loaded for a trip?

[Jcubed]

Huntjunkie

 

I will try to answer all your questions. I have a Marauder for day hikes, fishing, etc. This is a smaller pack, I think it is about 2500 cubic inches. I also have a longhunter guide which is a big pack at 7200 cubic inches. The longhunter is an older pack now but as much as I want that bikini frame, I just like the longhunter too much to move on.

 

As to how long I can get out of the pack, with the longhunter you can stuff more gear in there than you ever would want to carry. This is the reason I bought the pack as it allows for so much versatility. With the cargo chair attached you can lash elk quarters to the pack and comfortably pack them out, or you can just throw them inside the pack. The amount of days varies for me based on trip length, what I'm doing, etc.

 

As to pack weights all up, this also varies a lot due to what I'm doing. I was recently in the Grand Canyon with some friends and girlfriend and we did a three day trip. My pack all up for the trip weighed in at 30 lbs and 38ish with water (I was carrying all the cooking gear, food, etc for both of us). Her pack was just over 20 lbs.

 

My girlfriend's first camping trip ever was a backpacking trip into the West Clear Creek Wilderness and I can tell you that pack was heavy. I probably humped 80lbs of gear up that trail as I brought every creature comfort known to man to ensure she had a good time and wouldn't HATE backpacking and camping.

 

The thing I like the most about my pack is that it carries weight really well. The belt system transfers weight straight to my hips where it should be and I don't get fatigued like a lot of my friends in the shoulders etc.

 

Having said all that, the ONE piece of gear that I would never go without is the Kifaru Gunbearer. This attaches to most packs and will keep your firearm secured, yet quickly accessible, during hiking with a pack on. This also allows your hands to be free for scrambling or using hiking poles. I can't tell you how many times I've watched friends drop their expensive scopes and rifles off their shoulder and onto the ground while hiking with a pack on.

[huntjunkie]

Jcubed, Great info! Good to know. I will definitely look at that pack. Thanks!

 

Got to love backpacking! Always an adventure. Makes for great stories around the fire. Nothing funnier than watching your buddy fall down with a loaded pack! Except when it happens to you! Lol.

[azgutpile]

Another pack to consider is Stone Glacier...They are a minimalist back that would compare to the Kifaru High Camp.

[rcdinaz]

I keep going back to my Eberlestock Dragonfly. I have a Kuiu which is crazy light for a big pack but carrying a rifle is best done in the Eberlestock and nothing else compares that I have found. I use the Kifaru gun bearer on the Kuiu and have a buddy that has half a dozen badlands. You can run run with your gun in the Eberlestock which I can't say is possible with any other system short of lots of wrapping it up so you can't get to it. I also have an X1 for short trips and will probably be buying one of their other large packs in the near future.

 

All of that said if you are going with a bow there are other better choices.

[ScottAdams]

I've been using a Kifaru since 1995. I had the serial number 9 Longhunter. I eventually wore that one out and they sent me a new one several years ago. I bought my sons each a Kifaru when they were youngsters and we still use those also. Here's a picture of hunt with Amanda from last October showing the Kifaru. I do like Kifaru, I also have a 4 man Tipi and stove.

[Jcubed]

Scott

 

I have a six man and a couple stoves...gotta love that set up

[Jcubed]

I will also add that I'm in Tucson if anyone wants to see anything let me know

[azgutpile]

I've been using a Kifaru since 1995. I had the serial number 9 Longhunter. I eventually wore that one out and they sent me a new one several years ago. I bought my sons each a Kifaru when they were youngsters and we still use those also. Here's a picture of hunt with Amanda from last October showing the Kifaru. I do like Kifaru, I also have a 4 man Tipi and stove.[img=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/sadams/DSCF1042_zps07330726.jpg]

 

How do you like the tipi and stove and how much does the stove weigh?

[shanehamblin]

I have the mystery ranch crew cab. I love it. Tho the pack itself weighs a little over 7 pounds with the nice frame. I majority of this off season I have been packing 40 pounds of salt an my 3 yr old son with me into set my cameras. The pack rides great and can be broken down to Just a daypack as well. great pack that suffices all my needs.Just my two cents. All the packs mentioned are great packs. This is just what works for me.

[Jcubed]

I've been using a Kifaru since 1995. I had the serial number 9 Longhunter. I eventually wore that one out and they sent me a new one several years ago. I bought my sons each a Kifaru when they were youngsters and we still use those also. Here's a picture of hunt with Amanda from last October showing the Kifaru. I do like Kifaru, I also have a 4 man Tipi and stove.[img=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/sadams/DSCF1042_zps07330726.jpg]

How do you like the tipi and stove and how much does the stove weigh?

 

 

azgutpile

 

I will take a stab at this question as I have a 6 man tipi and stove combo as well. IMO this is one of the best set-ups for backpack hunting available. There is nothing like having the ability to heat a shelter to t-shirt weather while it is snowing outside. My girlfriend and I backpacked into a certain wilderness area and a storm moved in for a couple days...without this set up keeping us warm we would have been miserable.

 

I went the 6 man route because it allows me the ability to stand-up inside the shelter. Also, I like the extra room and could comfortably fit the wood pile, gear for 3 people and sleeping arrangement all inside the shelter. Stove and shelter weight all up is about 9 lbs.

 

Things to think about with this set-up:

 

The shelter is floorless. At first I did not know how I would enjoy this set-up but now I love it. This feature allows you to walk in and out of the tent without taking off your boots. A huge plus if the weather is bad or for camp chores where you are constantly in and out. No need to take off your boots every time!

 

The burn time on the stoves isn't that long. This isn't a stove that you can set and leave all night and expect to wake up in the morning with it burning strong. Quite the opposite. It needs to be fed pretty constantly, which isn't too complicated if you are up and eating or just lounging after a hard day of hiking. When it is bed time, fill it up and fall asleep. It will burn out but is easy to get going in the morning before you crawl out of the sleeping bad. Warm boots and clothes on a cold morning aren't too bad in the backcountry.