Best Kifaru pack on a college budget

Joined
Aug 15, 2016
Messages
43
Location
PA
First time posting from a long time lurker here. But I wanted to ask what would be your guys' top three options for a pack that I might be able to pick up used that already has a bit of organization so I don't have to go broke to kit it out and make it functional? I always appreciate the advice.

Paul


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Felix40

WKR
Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
1,874
Location
New Mexico
I have a super tight budget and ended up with a bikini frame and highcamp 4800. Its not perfect but its light and very capable. Since then Ive bought a couple more bikini frames for less than $200. You can find a highcamp around $130. So bare bones you could make it happen for $320ish. Add a couple pockets and you are well under $400 and have an awesome setup. Seems like those deals dont come around every day but they happen regular enough if you look. Ive seen some bikinis in the $275 range too which seems very high
 

Jordan Budd

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Aug 8, 2012
Messages
2,743
Location
NW Nebraska
X2 on buying used from here. I'd say a DT2, Mtn warrior or reckoning on here. Good organization without needing pockets. Maybe look for the previous version of the frame, you can probably get a better deal with one of those instead of the updated version. And there is nothing wrong with those frames at all. If you've got some time just do one at a time.. frame first then wait for the right deal on a bag.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
OP
T
Joined
Aug 15, 2016
Messages
43
Location
PA
I am definitely going the used route, piece by piece. And will also be picking up a frame before any bag, I called Kifaru directly the other day and they said the same thing. I just wanted to get some feedback on a bag or few that might be good to keep my eye keen for down the road when the time (and funds) come.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Jordan Budd

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Aug 8, 2012
Messages
2,743
Location
NW Nebraska
I am definitely going the used route, piece by piece. And will also be picking up a frame before any bag, I called Kifaru directly the other day and they said the same thing. I just wanted to get some feedback on a bag or few that might be good to keep my eye keen for down the road when the time (and funds) come.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cool. I'd lean towards a reckoning, DT2, or mountain warrior. The EMR2 is gigantic and awesome as well, now that the Fulcrum is out you can probably find one a little cheaper.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
2,651
Location
West Virginia
I guess for me it'd come down to what bag. I just got a mountain rambler and love it. Plenty big. For internal organization, I bought nylon stuff sacks off eBay. I think I got 10 for $12. Rambler goes cheap. Your only real purchase is going to be the frame. For me, I'd save for a new one while being vigilant for a used one. No. Ikinninhere. I'd go duplex all the way. God Bless
 

Brendan

WKR
Joined
Aug 27, 2013
Messages
3,871
Location
Massachusetts
Used Duplex frame - older version if you can find one will be cheaper. Just make sure you know what size and back profile you're looking for. Used EMRII or Nomad as everyone is selling theirs to make way for the Nomad II or the Fulcrum. A smaller option - lots of Mountain Rambler's for sale right now - have a meat shelf, you can put a roll top pod on the bottom, and they have the rifle scabbard. I personally would pick up an EMRII out of those options if you can find one - but it will probably be more expensive than some other options...
 

Scoot

WKR
Joined
Nov 13, 2012
Messages
1,521
Used Bikini and Nomad or Highcamp would be inexpensive (relatively speaking) and a great buy.
 
OP
T
Joined
Aug 15, 2016
Messages
43
Location
PA
I keep seeing these highcamp bags pop up and are mentioned. Since Kifaru doesn't really keep an older model catalog, what are the features of them? They kind of look like a markor and argali...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

William Hanson (live2hunt)

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Nov 17, 2013
Messages
4,861
Location
Missouri
I keep seeing these highcamp bags pop up and are mentioned. Since Kifaru doesn't really keep an older model catalog, what are the features of them? They kind of look like a markor and argali...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They're basically a large plain ruck with a sleeping bag access zipper at the bottom.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
OP
T
Joined
Aug 15, 2016
Messages
43
Location
PA
Gotcha! Do you know what the pals layout is on them? Can you mount side pouches on the sides or is it more like the argali/markor in that you can only put belt pouches on the low sides and run bigger/more up the back panel?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

dotman

WKR
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
8,201
X2 on buying used from here. I'd say a DT2, Mtn warrior or reckoning on here. Good organization without needing pockets. Maybe look for the previous version of the frame, you can probably get a better deal with one of those instead of the updated version. And there is nothing wrong with those frames at all. If you've got some time just do one at a time.. frame first then wait for the right deal on a bag.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Completely agree!! Just remember the accessories can eat up $$$ fast. So the fewer pockets etc you need to buy the more you'll save.
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
5,824
I will go contrarian here and say that I think you could get more pack for your money buying a used mystery ranch due to .mil surplus. NICE frame she on eBay are $100 and pack bags can go cheap too. For $200-250 you can have a vary capable rig.

Just my $0.02. If you are die hard for Kifaru, go for it and buy used.
 

Felix40

WKR
Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
1,874
Location
New Mexico
Gotcha! Do you know what the pals layout is on them? Can you mount side pouches on the sides or is it more like the argali/markor in that you can only put belt pouches on the low sides and run bigger/more up the back panel?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The highcamp has the same attachment system as the markhor. Its almost the same bag but with a zipper at the bottom. I wouldnt call it a "sleeping bag access" zipper because there is no divider or anything for a sleeping bag. It works great in practice because when using it for day hunts most of your stuff is at the bottom of the bag and easy to access. Downside is no organization but considering you can get one for $100-$150 less than most bags you can easily add pockets if you want. I started with just the bag and over time have started buying a pocket here and there when I see a deal.

The compression straps could have used a little more r&d though imo.
 
Top