Kifaru pack/frame choices

seven · Nov 13, 2013

I'm looking at getting a new pack and have been doing a lot of research and net surfing lately, reading and watching all the reviews I can. I initially thought I was sold with a Kuiu pack, but now I'm not so sure. I know they supposedly fixed the frame issue in going from their 2012 Icon frames to the 2013 models, but in all the reviews I've read and peoples experiences with them, there are still just a few more negative opinions than I'd like to hear if I'm going to drop that much $$ on a pack.

So, in my continued research I kept hearing people talk about Kifaru packs so I checked them out, and I really like them. I've narrowed my selection down to either the Timberline or DuplexTimberline 1 with either a duplex or bikini frame.

Does anyone have either of these Kifaru packs and could give their opinions/reviews of them? What about either of the frame choices? Why you went with what you did, and if you were doing it all over again, would you make the same choices? I've read some reviews that say that the bikini frame may feel like it's bobbing back and forth and shifting as you walk when loaded really heavy, no matter how hard you cinch everything down; can anyone attest to this? Any and all help is greatly appreciated!

jarheadhunter · Nov 13, 2013

I would go look at the Rokslide forum they really like the kifaru over there. They could help you I am sure.

SDR · Nov 15, 2013

I am running the Bikini with the DT1 frame. I got that set up so I can pack out anything I want and still have a pack that compresses down for a nice day pack. The bikini frame is very comfortable while loaded heavy. It does carry the heavy weight better than my Kuiu icon 6000. I don't notice rolling or shifting with it. I did use it on my stone sheep hunt this summer so you know I was using it in uneven terrain.
Stripped down I think the bikini and DT1 is under 6 pounds. The only problem with it is if you fill up the whole pack with gear, you better have giant quads. The pack can hold a hell of a lot more than I can carry.

seven · Nov 19, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Nov-19-13 AT 08:20AM (MST)[p]Thanks for the response SDR. One question that I have heard posed on several forums but have never seen a solid answer to: if you have the bikini frame loaded up with fresh meat and you put the meat closest to the frame to keep the weight near your back, would the meat get "pushed through" the stays in the frame by stuff behind it and would be riding right up against your back?

Also, why did you go with the bikini frame/DT1 over the Timberline1 pack? What made you choose that combo over other kifaru packs?

WapitiBob · Nov 19, 2013

A water bladder or loose meat can push past the frame. It won't go any further than the pads from my experience. I used some release rope and tied a criss cross panel between the stays on my Bikini because I was using a camelback and it fits perfect between the stays.

SDR · Nov 22, 2013

For the meat pushing through and jamming into my back I guess that could happen but I haven't experienced it. I packed out a couple mule deer this year with this pack and I don't remember ever having any discomfort from the load pushing into my back.

I picked that setup for the best weight to size. For my sheep hunting I really wanted the lightest pack that could carry everything I would need and still be tough enough to last me a while. I did get the first KUIU pack and after my second season it was destroyed. I don't think I can break the Kifaru. It is bulletproof and still under 6 pounds. The bag has several zippered pockets and side pockets that let me easily get to my scope and other smaller gear. I also have the longhunter lid which adds another 1000 cu/in.

What really surprised me about this pack is how nice it is as a day pack. For such a large pack it compresses way down and isn't too much to carry all day.

SDR · Nov 22, 2013

I don't know how to rotate the pic so turn your head to the side.

Here is my 7 year old daughter in the pack. As you can see there is a lot of room to pack whatever you need.

seven · Nov 25, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Nov-25-13 AT 08:24AM (MST)[p]Thanks for the response and pic SDR. I'm liking the thought of the bikini frame more and more. Since I haven't been able to handle one yet myself I was a little concerned about the load pushing through the stays, but I also envisioned doing what WapitiBob mentioned and tying some sort of criss-cross pattern with some light rope or cord to prevent anything coming through the stays. Good to know it is a viable option that people have tried and had success with.

Now all I think the only thing left to decide is if the weight savings on the bikini frame is worth it? I believe the weight difference between the bikini frame/DT1 bag vs. the T1 is something like 2 ounces... I just don't think I would be one to buy several different bags and switch them out on the bikini frame, so the modularity bonus would be pretty moot for me.

The frame in the T1 pack is the duplex frame right?

SDR · Nov 26, 2013

I would recommend calling Aron Snyder. His number is posted on the Kifaru site. He could explain the perfect setup for you. He also has videos posted on Rokslide and youtube that show the packs and how he sets them up.

hawkhunts · Mar 15, 2014

I have been far removed from needing a pack (other than a daypack) for quite a few years, but am planning for both dall sheep and mountain goat in the next few years (before i'm to old and it's too painful!).
That being said I have researched alot of packs and read a ton of reviews. I have settled on the Kifaru bikini frame and their new nomad pack system. I'll need to add a couple of extra's (gunbearer and grab it) and probably some pockets, but it seems like it could be the most adaptable pack on the market. You can haul monster loads (if you do, you may consider their duplex frame instead of the bikini), or you can strip it down and have an awesome daypack, and can still haul a ton of meat (if your lucky)!
They are expensive packs, but I have seen too many reviews from guy's who have tried multiple packs before finding the right one (many of which chose Kifaru). I'm a big believer in buying the best once, and not suffering buyers remorse. So I decided on Kifaru, it will be the best value for me, despite the high cost.
I am ordering mine pretty soon, and plan on taking it to both Quebec and Wyoming this fall as a daypack and meat hauler, so I'll know this fall that I made the right choice.

earlyriser · Mar 15, 2014

seven,
I bought the kifaru bikini with the T3 bag (smallest bag in that series). I bought the bikini for weight savings while still having the ability to carry heavy loads. It is still rated for 100+ pounds and if you think about it, how many 100+ pound loads can a person really carry? Unless you're Godzilla, you're not going to be able to haul an elk out by yourself in one or two trips. I used my set up this hunting season and have no regrets whatsoever. Comfortable while carrying a load, durable and easily collapses down to a nice daypack. One of the best hunting purchases I've ever made. +1 on buying the best once and calling aron over at rokslide. He actually met me at his place in Denver to give me the lowdown on a handful of kifaru packs. Nice of him to do.

kilowatt · Mar 15, 2014

Brian
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maxcarp · Mar 15, 2014

Thats great KW! I may have to get one if my granddaughter gets any heavier.

shaun · Mar 30, 2014

>I have been far removed from
>needing a pack (other than
>a daypack) for quite a
>few years, but am planning
>for both dall sheep and
>mountain goat in the next
>few years (before i'm to
>old and it's too painful!).
>
>That being said I have researched
>alot of packs and read
>a ton of reviews. I
>have settled on the Kifaru
>bikini frame and their new
>nomad pack system. I'll need
>to add a couple of
>extra's (gunbearer and grab it)
>and probably some pockets, but
>it seems like it could
>be the most adaptable pack
>on the market. You can
>haul monster loads (if you
>do, you may consider their
>duplex frame instead of the
>bikini), or you can strip
>it down and have an
>awesome daypack, and can still
>haul a ton of meat
>(if your lucky)!
>They are expensive packs, but I
>have seen too many reviews
>from guy's who have tried
>multiple packs before finding the
>right one (many of which
>chose Kifaru). I'm a big
>believer in buying the best
>once, and not suffering buyers
>remorse. So I decided on
>Kifaru, it will be the
>best value for me, despite
>the high cost.
>I am ordering mine pretty soon,
>and plan on taking it
>to both Quebec and Wyoming
>this fall as a daypack
>and meat hauler, so I'll
>know this fall that I
>made the right choice.

You cant go wrong with the Nomad it is really one of Kifaru's most versatile packs in the line up. You have the options to make it from a day pack to multi day hauler. If you you tube it there is a ton of videos of the options you can run with the Nomad. I will be adding the Nomad to my Kifaru arsenal this year for my day hunts

WapitiBob · Mar 31, 2014

I've had my nomad for a cpl months now and it's a nice pack. You guys will enjoy it.

On another note, I never felt any discomfort with anything pushing between the stays on the bikini frame. I never felt anything as it never came out past the pads. I just mentioned it because with lots of pressure in my highcamp my water bladder could get pushed in between the stays.

seven · Apr 3, 2014

Anyone order the EMR II? Looks like a sweet pack.

shaun · Apr 3, 2014

>Anyone order the EMR II?
>Looks like a sweet pack.
>

I have both EMRII coming and Nomad. The EMRII is unreal especially if you are able to get hands on with it. I will be trading my DT1 bag in for it this year

seven · Apr 10, 2014

You plan to run the EMR II on a duplex or bikini?

shaun · Apr 10, 2014

>You plan to run the EMR
>II on a duplex or
>bikini?

I will be juggling between the two frames depending on what I am doing. Mostly will be running bikini with nomad and duplex with EMR but that is to be seen

flyingbrass · Jun 21, 2014

I got the EMR2 and have to say I really like it. I won't sell my highcamp/bikini but I do really like the new EMR2
flyingbrass
cold dead hands
NRA Life Member