Kifaru Rampart and Kenosha Duffels
Those who travel frequently know how tough it can be to find a quality travel duffel. Busting zippers and tearing off handles has been normal for the duffel bags I’ve owned. With the weight of cameras, optics, and hunting gear, the typical travel bags can’t handle the abuse. I’ve been using Kifaru backpacks for a while now. They are well known for their durability so I was excited to see their recent release of two duffel bags, the Rampart and Kenosha.
The duffels vary in size and features, but both use 1000d Cordura for the main bag with a 400d interior packcloth lining. One exception is the Ranger Green color which is 500d Cordura instead of 1000d. The primary zippers of each are water resistant YKK #10 with secondary pocket zippers being water resistant YKK #8 zippers. Click here for more info.
They each have a removable and adjustable padded shoulder strap with some grippy non-slip material. The two carry handles on the bag Velcro together for a solid handle. A single grab handle can be found on each end of the duffels. Multiple one-inch tab loops are found on the sides of each bag allowing attachment to a frame if needed. A quarter-inch closed cell foam padding at the bottom of both duffels gives the bag some shape and adds protection to optics or other equipment.
Kifaru Rampart Duffel
The Rampart duffel is the smaller of the two at 2,000 cubic inches. It is a traditional center zip style duffel bag with two smaller accessory pockets on each side. There is a key lanyard inside the side pocket with the Kifaru label. Opening up the bag there are two removable compression straps running width-wise across the bottom, used to secure the contents. The Rampart measures 19 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches, well within carry on spec for airlines. For me, this bag works great as a light travel and gym bag. I can comfortably fit three days worth of clothing, a pair of sweatpants, change of shoes, and my small hygiene kit inside. Multiple accessories like phone chargers and cables can fit in the side pockets. Order here.
Kifaru Kenosha Duffel
The Kenosha duffel is 2,850 cubic inches with a little more flair. This duffel features a full panel zipper with two smaller mesh pockets on the inside of the panel. Like the Rampart there are two additional outside pockets on both sides, one with a key lanyard inside. Two removable straps running width-wise are located inside the back for lashing down clothing or equipment. The Kenosha is 22 x 14 x 10 inches at its fullest capacity. While that is one inch outside of airline carry-on spec, I wouldn’t hesitate to use as a carry-on. But use at your own discretion.
I packed up the Kenosha for an early season whitetail hunt. Inside I fit a set of hunting clothes, including a puffy jacket and a rain jacket, a change of street clothes, my hygiene kit, a pair of lightweight hiking boots, plus a pair of Muck waterproof boots. The mesh pockets on the panel made a great place for socks, underwear, and phone chargers. With the combination of a backpack like the Antero, you could potentially get all of your gear on an airplane as carry-on items instead of a checked bag. Order here.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
After using these bags for various things, I very much appreciate the designs and durability. I now have a couple of duffels I can rely on while away from home. As with all Kifaru products, these duffels are 100% made in the USA including all of the components used. Pair that with the best customer service in the industry and you’ll have a product for life. The Rampart duffel is available in solid colors for $175 and in camouflage options for $200. The Kenosha duffel is available for $250 in solid colors and $285 for camouflage. You can find them at Kifaru.
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