Kifaru, Osprey, others?

Pilot1

Pilot1

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Joined
Sep 24, 2005
Messages
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As I get older, I prefer a lighter, smaller pack for day hikes and overnighters, with the ability to carry a sleeping bag and pad, small tent, stove, etc. I have heard Kifaru's are excellent but pricey. Looking at the Kifaru Express, and XRay, and Osprey Kestrel 32, 38 and Talon 33. Any thoughts on these or others?
 
The Xray has been on my "If I won the lottery" wishlist for a while now. I had a Scout but it was a little small for me. Bulletproof construction though.
 
I think that a Mountainsmith Approach makes a nice smaller pack.

The capacity is just around 2000 cu in.

A nice feature is the space between the back pocket where you can stow your pack cover and rain gear for easy access.


I can actually fit my Lafuma Warm N Light 600 sleeping bag in one of the side pockets.

I'm sort of a disorganized type guy so all the pockets in the thing really help me.
approachdd2.jpg


The only caveat is that it is not that good for cold camping because it is too small.

I find I need at least 3000 cu in for camping when it gets down in the 30's at night.

Here are the specs

Breathable, molded foam back panel
Fully-adjustable padded shoulder straps
Sternum strap with hydration valve catch
Padded pivoting waist belt
Four compression straps
Vertical front zip pocket with elastic rigging
Zip side pockets with pass-through sleeves
Single ice axe loop
Trekking pole attachments
Hydration pocket with port
Fits torsos: 18-22”
Size (LxWxD): Approx. 22x18x12-½”
Capacity: 2044 cu.in.
Weight: 3 lb. 2 oz.
Material: Nylon with bar track and Hypalon® reinforcements
Click to expand...

They are $68 bucks at Sierra Trading Post

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Pr...tm_campaign=ADTRAILSPACE9&codesProcessed=true

The suspension is excellent and the shoulder straps have great padding. I find I don't even need the belt if I keep it under about 20 lbs.
approach2ck7.jpg
 
i am a long time fan/user of Osprey packs... they make great stuff... i have a Kestral that's about 10 years old now, i love it.. they're solid packs, buils to last...the newer ones look really nice...:thumbup:
 
If you want a pretty light pack that impressed the hell out of me for not too much money, there is a pack from MEC in Canada called the Gladerunner. I have been trying to find the review I poted on here but I haven't had any luck yet, maybe someone else will do better.

Anyway I paid $69 for mine (about half price on closeout) and I was in the shop yesterday and saw they had some left. I do know a couple of guys who bought them after my big review on another site, and they are happy with them.

They aren't Kifaru, but if the money is an object, well, I don't think you would do better than this pack.

Anyway MEC occasionally has products they don't ship outside of Canada...if you want the pack and that gets to be an issue let me know, I could pick one up and mail it to you.

Edit: here's a link to the same review, on a different site:

http://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=39279&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
 
Granite Gear makes some of the best ultralight packs from a major company, although you can find some lighter ones from cottage industry companies like Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs, Zpacks and others. I personally own a Granite Gear Vapor Trail and can attest to it's lightweight and strong design and it can comfortably carry 35+ pound loads. Typically ultralight packs carry ultralight loads, but the Granite Gears tend to carry slightly heavier loads better. Other popular ultralight packs are the Golite Jam2, Atmos series from Osprey, and Gregory Z55, amongst others. These tend to be tougher than some of the other ultralight packs made from specialized materials such as cuben fiber, etc.

Check out backpacking.net's ultralight forums for ideas for other lightweight packs and equipment.
 
I have a Kifaru EMR; the thing is built like a tank. Too big for what you're looking for, but as far as the construction goes...:thumbup:
 
If you're looking for light then you can scratch Kifaru off your list. The consensus is that they are excellent packs but they're far from light by any definition (Express 2300ci and 4lbs, XRay 1800ci and 4.2lbs).

In addition to the ones mentioned by kage I'll add ULA packs.
 
BlackHills said:
If you're looking for light then you can scratch Kifaru off your list. The consensus is that they are excellent packs but they're far from light by any definition (Express 2300ci and 4lbs, XRay 1800ci and 4.2lbs).

In addition to the ones mentioned by kage I'll add ULA packs.
Click to expand...


Not looking for necessarily and ultralight pack, but obviously less weight is better. Just looking for a smaller pack than my Gregory for day hikes and overnighters. Great suggestions so far guys. Thanks much.
 
My Madden Mountaineering packs are tops for me. Completely bombproof and elegantly simple. Unfortunately, they've been out of business for almost ten years so you'd be hard pressed to find one.

Lately I've been using a Tad Gear FAST pack for day hikes and I love it. It's comfortable, and the quality is very high. It's the opposite of Maddens simplicity with all it's pockets, lash points and molle strips, but that makes it almost infinately configurable.
 
Deuter makes a good pack for a good price. I have the Deuter Futura 32:

http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=futura32&sub=hiking&tert=futura

It's a great little pack. It has big pack features that you don't typically see in a daypack size. It's a top-loader w/ a sleeping bag compartment. The frame is off of your back, so air flow is great. Build quality is great.

I'm really surprised by the overall greatness of the Futura 32. I would love to see a head to head comparison between something like an Osprey Kestrel and the Deuter pack, just to see what others think.

Kifaru is a totally different animal. For a small, light daypack, I would go with a Kestrel or the Futura.
 
wulfshrunting said:
Kifaru is a totally different animal. For a small, light daypack, I would go with a Kestrel or the Futura.
Click to expand...

Looks like an interesting alternative. Right now leaning towards Granite Gear, Osprey Kestral or Futura. Thanks.
 
I've been looking at the Kifaru Xray too, it has some nice features in terms of organization and access. And it's easily expandable with Kifaru accessories. I'm not a fan of top-loaders because during my time in the woods I'm frequently taking or replacing pieces of gear. On a long hike in to a camp spot that's not a problem, but the more typical day hikes are usually stop and go.

Pilot1, if you do get one I'd love to hear a hands-on report.
 
Stickman said:
Pilot1, if you do get one I'd love to hear a hands-on report.
Click to expand...

Well, as others have said, they are a bit pricey, not that I am without impulse power :) to purchase something cool. I'dl like to handle one and some of the others, but that is difficult.

If I get one I'll let you know when I'm driving by the old Strohs brewery on I-78. :D
 
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Get yourself an Osprey. A better ultra-light pack system is not made. Well maybe excepting Gregory packs. Get an Osprey, I am sure you will be pleased! :)
 
Kifarus, are built like tanks, but they aren't that light. Especially the military. The hunting frame is very light as a hauler and you can choose your bag.
GoLite have some light packs: http://www.golite.com/product/ProductByCategory.aspx?mc=5&s=1
The lightest pack I have is a special light McHale, he makes custom packs and you can lighten it up as you wish. But it's been years since I spoke to him and the price is probably up there even for the ultralight stuff.
 
Pilot 1, I hear you on the impulse part...I have Gregory packs for years now and I guess I don't really need the Xray...but, for most of us on this forum, what does "need" really have to do with it? :-)

Good grief, you know the old brewery eh, it's changed hands so many times I don't know who owns it. Actually, I think it's a micro brewery now.
 
Osprey, Gregory, and Black Diamond are my favorite packs. I also have a Lowe Alpine that is on the heavy side, overbuilt and a tad too gadgety, but still is very comfortable and durable.
 
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