KUIU - Kifaru - MR or Other Pack For Bivy Hunting?

[Dan Adair]

Well howdy Brad  :D   I can't wait to see you in The Bob this fall, even if you don't have an Elk tag in your pocket.

Other Brother Ed's Sawtooth will be here in March.  Thank god for Sugar Daddies  

You find a takedown yet?  I might know where there's a 66 pound Silvertip Longbow for sale...


The pack tryouts was a real eye opener.  Enough so that I'm going to give up the Montana connection with the MR pack just as soon as funds allow.

[Milk River Stickman]

You can't go wrong with Kifaru.  Save up and spend the money.  

Another alternative, however, is looking for a used Dana Desings packs...you have to get the older one's from the 90's built in Bozeman.  They were built by the Mystery Ranch Dana, whom sold Dana Designs to...Marmot I think.  You can often get a steal on a Dana pack on fleabay in excellent condition under $200 but usually closer to $300....some "new" ones from a fella in Bozeman for a bit more.  Worth every penny.  My Arcflex Terraplane (internal frame) will hold my 80lbs pack in weight as comfortable as 80lbs can be...super solid and built like a rock.  Can pack out easily over 100lbs in this pack.  Look at the blue ones, if they are pretty colors, they are too new and not near the quality of the original.  These are size for waist and torso.  Basically, the fore-child of the mystery ranch at much less...just a thought.  good luck and get pack'n!

[Biathlonman]

Dan, new takedown should be here today.  I couldn't get a 66 lbs. Bow back with both hands and both feet!

[Elkrazy]

I have a Kifaru Longhunter 5200.  The first time that I went out it was for 7 days or so.  I had enough in the pack for probably 10 though.  It was very comfortable given the amount of weight in it.  It also seems like it will be extremely durable.  I could not forsee wearing a hole through or ripping that material.  I have no problem using it for a day pack.  It can be cinched down by the straps and you can throw the top inside the main compartment or leave it at camp if you want.  I live in Colorado so that definitely played into my decision to purchase.  I know nothing of the other pack manufacturers.  It is a lot of money but I am happy with the purchase.

[JJB2]

I had 95#'s in my NICE frame 6500 for an 8 day hunt in the CO wilderness, 7 miles in from the trail head.  It sucked but with the frame adjusted correctly to your torso, it rode well for almost 100#'s of gear and I only weigh 180 lb.  

I think the overriding theme is you get what you pay for.  When it comes to packs, if you can buy it at Cabelas or Bass Pro, keep looking.  If you shop around a little you can find some good deals on auction sites, classifieds, etc.

[Steve Chappell]

For those of you who use a tent without floor what is the advantage other then less weight because there is no floor?

[Steve O]

Steve, it is GREAT.  You wear your boots and don't have to worry about getting dirt all over the floor. You spill your drink on the floor, you pour a little water on it to clean it up.

[Tater]

As Steve said you don't track in dirt/mud, and less weight.

    No different than a wall tent when you think about it.