Packs-again...Kifaru or Mystery Ranch?

ikkyo

ikkyo

Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
809
sorry, if this theme is just too boring to you, but I'm seeking some info from more experienced forumites.
As my bag fetish grows on me, I slowly coming to a point to make my final choice...
so I'm after a pack which could be used as a day-pack, and could be used on a few day trips-or hikes. It would be used as a carry on pack, on my longer trips, too. expandability is a big plus. some molle or malice- thingies are great, but not want to look overly tactical...
anyway here're the contenders:

Kifaru Xray
Kifaru Express with E&E, and some added outer pockets (this could be probably the winner)
Mystery Ranch Three Day Assault pack
Mystery Ranch SnapDragon or Big Sky.

Is there anybody with experience about the 3D-zips of the MR?

uh....opinions?
 
Well, unfortunately the more webbing the pack has the more tactical it looks. but, dont like anything from Mapedition, I only have experience with their products, and they are made very well. Though Kifaru are probably better, max is a nice compromise.
 
If you are not hung up on a military style pack I can highly vouch for this model:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/...oach-30-Trekking-Backpack-Internal-Frame.html

I've had one since 2006 I think and have used it for weekend backpacking trips. The rear support is great. The padding is great. If I keep it under 20 lbs I dont' need to use the belt.

There are a great number of internal pockets and organizing features which help me, a disorganized person to have "a place for everything" also another good feature is it is front loading so if you have to rummage around in the main compartment you do not have to take everything out.

For a 4 day trip I have to stuff every place in the thing full but for day trips it would be super roomy.

Please if you check out the link read the reviews.
 
I have a Mystery Ranch Big Sky in Multicam and I love it. The Multican version has MOLLE/PAL webbing on the sides and the waist belt. The 3Zip system is great, because you have access to all your gear at once (no more digging down from the top). It is a extremely comfortable pack and very well built. I have a ATS Large Medical Pouch one one side and have a TAD Gear OP1 on order for the other side. Let me know if you have any more questions.


http://www.mysteryranch.com/packs/pack.php?ID=48
http://www.atstacticalgear.com/cgi/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=ST-5314
http://tadgear.com/x-treme gear/gear organizers main/tad_op1.htm
 
What environment will you be using it in? I find it useful to "blend in" with commercial style packs that have military durability if amongst the sheeple.

If not, I'd go for a Kifaru. I use a Scout with added pockets and it's wonderful.
 
Robert H said:
What environment will you be using it in? I find it useful to "blend in" with commercial style packs that have military durability if amongst the sheeple.
Click to expand...

Robert, the reason I bought MultiCam is it was the only one of that model with MOLLE/PAL, and I use it mostly for hiking/camping. The MR Big Sky comes in black, blue, green, international orange and MultiCam.

Sheeple friendly:)
 
if you want to use it as a carry on I would not recomend the MR, the belt is shaped and would make it difficult to use in a carry on capacity, where as the Kifaru UNPADDED belt stows out of the way

If you decide to go with Kifaru give them a few months as they are redoing most of thier line of packs and making some very interesting improvements
 
Thanks for the responses gentlemen,

If you are not hung up on a military style pack I can highly vouch for this model:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...nal-Frame.html

I've had one since 2006 I think and have used it for weekend backpacking trips.
Click to expand...

HD, thanks, I'll check this pack out, I have a similar one from Vaude, but this price is really good (a bit less good if i add the shipping, tho') I've done business with sierratradingpost before, and they are really fast and reliable.
The thing is, that I'm after a "lifetime" pack now...with a bit of "practical-tactical snobbish" attitude...:D

I have a Mystery Ranch Big Sky in Multicam and I love it. The Multican version has MOLLE/PAL webbing on the sides and the waist belt. The 3Zip system is great, because you have access to all your gear at once (no more digging down from the top). It is a extremely comfortable pack and very well built. I have a ATS Large Medical Pouch one one side and have a TAD Gear OP1 on order for the other side. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Click to expand...

BBT, thanks, probably I will come back to you with a few more Q's...
Maybe the Big Sky is a bit too big for what I need...hard to judge based on pics.

Robert H What environment will you be using it in? I find it useful to "blend in" with commercial style packs that have military durability if amongst the sheeple.

If not, I'd go for a Kifaru. I use a Scout with added pockets and it's wonderful.
Click to expand...

Robert, I'm planninng to use it in ANY kind of envinronment. we make month long trips to the ...let's say "3rd World", too, so on some of those parts of the world the overly military look isn't too clever. but I think the Express is not too "tactipackish".

gruntinhusaybah if you want to use it as a carry on I would not recomend the MR, the belt is shaped and would make it difficult to use in a carry on capacity, where as the Kifaru UNPADDED belt stows out of the way
If you decide to go with Kifaru give them a few months as they are redoing most of thier line of packs and making some very interesting improvements
Click to expand...

so the belts couldn't stow out on the MR's?!...the new features are up on the Kifaru site, already.

thanks all, Peter
 
gruntinhusaybah said:
well I wouldn't say couldn't stow, but at least with the NICE frame it would be difficult
Click to expand...

The NICE frame (especially with the crew cab) is awesome and on my wish list, but it is a beast (designed to carry up to a 6500 cubic inch and 120 pound pack). Gruntinhusaybah is correct that most/all MR packs have heavily padded and wide waist belts. I have not flown with my Big Sky yet, but I don't think it will be an issue for carry on. If you are thinking about a 3 Day Assault, Sweet Pea, Snapdragon or Big Sky, I think you would be fine. I would call MR and talk to their customer service (good people), tell them how you plan to use it, and get their input.
 
kifaru all the way. the add on pockets make these packs so versatile which almost makes a new pack depending on what pockets you are using at that time and where you put them. that makes a for a big plus imo. plus unlike some pack systems the add ons don't cause sway in the pack. it is like they are built into the pack if you know what i mean.

also the company goes out of its way to make its customers satisfied. Mel posts his phone # so people can call him 24-7 if they are having problems:eek: not many places do that i bet.
 
Mystery Ranch, no question about it. I have some Kifaru pieces and while their quality is about as good as MR, the Mystery Ranch carry system gives it the edge.
 
I just bit the bullet and started to replace my stuff with Mystery Ranch gear. My NICE frame is on the way and I'll be ordering the Crew Cab bag, daypack top, strap kit, and load sling next. After that, I'll probably start saving for one of the big bags to fit the NICE frame.

But if you're avoiding the military look, the NICE system might not be a good choice....

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
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