review: kifaru timberline 3 backpack.

[Daniel L]

JV3 - you rock!! I mean you take better pics and have more detailed descriptions than any "traditional" magazine review out there!!

Those are the sort of details I'm into, especially when I can't handle the pack before buying. A friend in Malaysia has the larger T2, which I haven't checked out yet... I'm still mostly happy with my Lowe Alpine Sting, but this is obviously a whole different class.

Thanks again for taking the time and effort - seriously appreciated!!

 

[olybears57]

Hey JV3... What justifies the price of a Kifaru? And the weight?

 

[JV3]

JV3 - you rock!! I mean you take better pics and have more detailed descriptions than any "traditional" magazine review out there!!

Those are the sort of details I'm into, especially when I can't handle the pack before buying. A friend in Malaysia has the larger T2, which I haven't checked out yet... I'm still mostly happy with my Lowe Alpine Sting, but this is obviously a whole different class.

Thanks again for taking the time and effort - seriously appreciated!!

daniel - thanks and you're welcome! i went through a lot of research and wondering what i'm getting so i'm glad if my review will save others the headache.

Hey JV3... What justifies the price of a Kifaru? And the weight?

it's the best suspension i've ever tried...the osprey atmos 50/65 comes close though at more than half the price. i wish they made the atmos series in a smaller size (top lid and drawstring closure) since it doesn't compress as well. i tried putting my day hike stuff in a 50 and 65 once and all the load sunked to the bottom because there are no bottom compression straps...and even if it did the material is soft so something else bulges out like a balloon. the osprey kestrel 28's suspension isn't anywhere near as good as the atmos series unfortunately so i don't use it for woods stuff anymore.

as far as weight, that's the trade off for having a more durable material - i hate stretchy materials on backpacks, for one. my osprey kestrel 28's side bottle holder already developed a tear after just some light use (my osprey kestrel 28 review, post #18: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/948254-review-osprey-kestrel-38-backpack).

most of the time i like to bring an axe or machete to play with (my esee lite machete with kydex sheath is already 2 lbs!) along with a belt knife and folding saw so that extra lb of empty pack weight of the t3 over the atmos 50/65 doesn't bother me. if i want to go lightweight then i can use my ku3700 anyway - at 2 lbs 9 oz and still with the kifaru suspension, i get the best from both worlds.

kifaru is berry amendment compliant - that means everything down to the threads/buttons/buckles are made in the usa...and their customer service is excellent so i try to buy their products if it fits what i'm looking for.

 

[olybears57]

All excellent points... I myself am a BIG fan of Osprey, and use an Aether 70 for multi day backpacking trips, and also for hauling in heavy loads during searches through heavy brush (I've been using the pack for search and rescue for 3 years now)... I have never tried on a Kifaru myself, so I can't really say... But it's hard for me to imagine paying $700 for a pack. I'm sure their quality is truly top notch, and the pack would probably outlast my Osprey... But for the heavier weight and having to buy the bag and frame separate I just can't seem to justify the price.. especially if Osprey's excellent warranty is considered. I personally have had no wear and tear issues on my Osprey after 3 years of hauling heavy search packs through some dense Pacific Northwest brush. I'm also sure that Kifaru's suspension is AMAZING, but my Osprey is pretty damn good too... And I can't imagine it being a $400 dollar difference.

 

[JV3]

But for the heavier weight and having to buy the bag and frame separate I just can't seem to justify the price.

there's a timberline and a duplex timberline models - my t3 has the frame permanently sewn in just like a normal backpack. the duplex cargo hauler & bikini frame is a different line and they have their own timberline bags that mount to it and other style bags too. those separate frames are designed mainly for hunters who want to haul their meat with their own meat bags and for the military guys.

also, what's nice about those separate frames though is the ability to have multiple-sized bags with just one frame to save money. i probably would've gone that route if they made bags that went down to the 20-30 liter range too.

And I can't imagine it being a $400 dollar difference.

osprey is made in vietnam (at least my kestrel 28 & 38, atmos 50 & 65 are) so if everything is made in the usa then i'm guessing that price difference will be smaller and you still have to factor in the cost difference in the materials...osprey really isn't a fair comparison with kifaru though since their competitors are tactical tailor, mystery ranch, etc. hill people gear makes backpacks with lightweight materials that are closer to osprey but i believe theirs are made in the usa too so you'll find that their prices are also much higher than osprey's.

regardless, what i advice my friends is for them to look at their existing gear/their future purchases and figure out the size pack they'll need and what their intentions are (a lot of trail miles, bring all the toys to the woods outings, day hike only or do-it-all pack, etc.). i think price range is 2nd to the last step and my review threads is for those people who are already at the last step - they've narrowed it down to this specific item and they want to see all the features to make sure it does meet what they're looking for.

you're at the 2nd to the last step so sorry this review thread won't be of much help to you. most, if not all, of my review threads focuses on the last step so you won't find a brand x vs. y vs. z comments

 

[amdmaxx]

nice review.. How about a conclusion? :thumbup:

 

[Flipincanadian]

Awesome review JV3. I really want to get a Duplex Timberline2, almost ordered one but it was too close to hunting season to be sure I got it in time. I ended up picking up an Eberlestock v69 Destroyer to hold me over until I can get the DT2.

 

[JV3]

nice review.. How about a conclusion? :thumbup:

thanks! suspension-wise no surprise that i'm very happy with it since it's the same design as my zxr and ku3700...the 24" stays really makes a huge difference too since the molle express i briefly had really sucked.

as for the t3's 500d fabric, all i can say is i'm a convert! everyone raves about the toughness of 1000d but for strictly woods use i'd really be hard-pressed to even begin to damage 500d short of deliberately dragging it across rocks and whatnot...i like it a lot, it's a good balance between toughness and lightweight. with my ku3700, every time i bushwack, my eyes are always wide open looking for that branch or thorn that's sticking out.

i like the outside pockets more than i thought i would too...i have a couple of minor mods (added quick-release buckles and paracord loops here and there) and i'll update this thread as soon as i find the time to take the pics.

Awesome review JV3. I really want to get a Duplex Timberline2, almost ordered one but it was too close to hunting season to be sure I got it in time. I ended up picking up an Eberlestock v69 Destroyer to hold me over until I can get the DT2.

thanks! i'm really liking this t3 that i'm now considering selling my zxr and buying a duplex t2 too. i think you'll be very happy with that dt2! i think if i could do it over again, i'd skip the ku3700 and zxr and go straight for a duplex/bikini t2 and my non-duplex t3.