Kifaru. Worth the money???

[Harry The Camper]

Hi guys, I have heard a great deal about Kifaru tactical rucksacks being the foremost of their kind. Do any of you guys own one??? They are very pricey even before you spec the tasty opions list up. Should I bother saving or just go for a Karrimor SF?? I was thinking about a ZXR or EMR. Their Zulu and Navigator look bombproof but they are quite expensive when you spec em up with waistbelts and their XTL lids...

Opinions please!!!

For those not in the know http://www.kifaru.net/militarypacks.htm

 

[Ahjno]

I've got a G1 Zulu (foliage).

It takes some fiddling getting it all adjusted, but indeed they are bombproof. The G2 version has more padding and is more comfortable when carrying heavy loads (I tried one on last year. It can be compressed very small (so you can take it as a carry-on on flights), but can also be loaded way above your shoulder by using the snow collar.

A Zulu really needs a waistbelt, as that's what the whole idea is about: carrying the weight on your hips, rather than on your shoulders.

XTL lids are cool for organising those small little things in your pack if you frequently carry a full Zulu, if not the lid tends to sag. There are plenty of other types of pouches / organziers to put on top of the lid (which unfortunately has no pockets).

I like the fact you can add more pockets and pouches on the exterieur, but take in mind it'll add more weight.

Another thing is to take in mind the import tax, though that's subject to the country you live in.

Kifaru also have their own forums, with a lot of info - all available by using the search function. Also alot of knowlegdeable chaps out there who can answer about any question you have.

On here there are some Kifaru owners, though not much, due to the fact the packs are indeed quite expensive - and the import taxes ...

As for Karrimor: I've had a Sabre 60-100, which I couldn't get along with. It never sat comfy on my back. Later on I moved to a Lowe Alpine Sting, which was a big leap forward. The Zulu is a different game as you wear it on the hip (lumbar), which I'm not quite yet used to.

Also love the slick Express (G2, coyote brown ...).

 

[Harry The Camper]

I was looking at a Lowe Alpine Stingray recently where I live second-hand for a good price. The seller pulled out though!!!! Malaysia has no import tax as such, and you can live on one kidney...Right???

 

[Tiley]

I have got one of their E&E packs with more padded shoulder straps and it is superb. Built to last, very well thought out and made. I used to have a Zulu but sold it. The reason for this rash (and sometimes regretted) action was the weight of the thing. Yes, it was comfortable; yes, it was beautifully made - but it weighed a ton before you put anything in it. Another persuader for its disposal was the overt 'militariness' of it. With all the bits and pieces of tape bar-tacked to the outside, there is no doubting its main user and I have no desire to be labelled as a wannabee commando.

The Karrimor/Berghaus/Lowe alternatives seem pretty good, weigh less, don't have quite the same military aura and are significantly cheaper. All this and they're more readily available in the U.K..

Kifaru are extraordinarily good - of that there is no doubt. I think that I probably would go for another one and keep it this time. But there remain those significant cost and weight hits to absorb.

Not much help really; just my humble opinions!

 

[trekkingnut]

i looked at the emr from the link you just gave me and thought, huh, that looks like a pretty decent bag i wonder how much it costs?

then i had a heart attack. i have never seen one of these bags but my personal opinion is no, they are not worth a re mortgage of your house!!!

i go on expeds for 8 months at a time and use a beghaus vulcan and have never had it break.

 

[mayfly]

Same observations really. Have a couple of pieces of their kit, going back to MountainSmith days. Robust, military looking, very heavy. Probably over-engineered for most uses. Worth the money? Too many variables to say outright - if money is not a major problem, you don't mind the weight and you want something that will last a lifetime, yes. They have some pretty nifty new lightweight stuff so that might be one issue they are addressing.

 

[sapper1]

I went on a 2 day walk recently with a mate who took his Kifaru.The sack alone weighed 6lbs.That was heavier than my whole sleep system including tarp,groundsheet,dossbag,bivi bag kipmat and 2 walking poles to hold up the tarp.
That's why I don't have one.They are extremely well made from excellent materials but overengineered for me and way too expensive for my pocket.
If you want one and can afford it then get one.

 

[johnboy]

Hi guys, I have heard a great deal about Kifaru tactical rucksacks being the foremost of their kind. Do any of you guys own one??? They are very pricey even before you spec the tasty opions list up. Should I bother saving or just go for a Karrimor SF?? I was thinking about a ZXR or EMR. Their Zulu and Navigator look bombproof but they are quite expensive when you spec em up with waistbelts and their XTL lids...

Opinions please!!!

For those not in the know http://www.kifaru.net/militarypacks.htm

Hi HTC,

What are you going to use the pack for?

 

[Dougster]

I have an Express with E&E and side pockets and a hunting Late Season which is the lighter version of the Pointman - this also has an E&E.

I love them, they are without a doubt the most comfortable bags I have carried. I snapped the buckle on the waistbelt of the Express recently, emailed Angie at Kifaru and they spent $28 getting another to me in a few days.

I'm moving towards the hunting gear rather than the military, my ZXR was very very heavy, but I'm sure it is still in top notch condition in it's new home.

Horses for courses but I love mine. I don't mind the extra weight for the peace of mind and the comfort.

 

[Harry The Camper]

Hi HTC,

What are you going to use the pack for?

3-7 day outings, jungle mostly. I would need 50-80liters.

I have an Express with E&E and side pockets and a hunting Late Season which is the lighter version of the Pointman - this also has an E&E.

I love them, they are without a doubt the most comfortable bags I have carried. I snapped the buckle on the waistbelt of the Express recently, emailed Angie at Kifaru and they spent $28 getting another to me in a few days.

I'm moving towards the hunting gear rather than the military, my ZXR was very very heavy, but I'm sure it is still in top notch condition in it's new home.

Horses for courses but I love mine. I don't mind the extra weight for the peace of mind and the comfort.

So, to some it up, bombproof but heavy and not cheap. Interesting how all owners seem to buy one, love it,come to terms with it, sell it! ha!

 

[johnboy]

3-7 day outings, jungle mostly. I would need 50-80liters.

TBH HTC there are a variety of Rucksacks that would fit your needs that would: Cost less, weigh less and be as durable as a Kifaru pack.

 

[trekkingnut]

3-7 day outings, jungle mostly. I would need 50-80liters.



So, to some it up, bombproof but heavy and not cheap. Interesting how all owners seem to buy one, love it,come to terms with it, sell it! ha!

seems to me that from what people have said, the berghaus vulcan weighs the same amount anyway....

 

[Harry The Camper]

TBH HTC there are a variety of Rucksacks that would fit your needs that would: Cost less, weigh less and be as durable as a Kifaru pack.

Suggestions?? PM me.

 

[Dougster]

3-7 day outings, jungle mostly. I would need 50-80liters.



So, to some it up, bombproof but heavy and not cheap. Interesting how all owners seem to buy one, love it,come to terms with it, sell it! ha!

Not at all.

Sold my ZXR because it wasn't right for me but these two are. Ask Stuart of this parish for his view. He has a frame he uses in the jungle (Kifaru) and straps dry bags to it, hangs the bags on a line when he sets up camp and uses the fame as a dry seat. He told me it was the best jungle set up for his type of situation.

 

[Ogden]

Is it correct, that Kifaru has thinner waistbelts? Originally made to wear the pack over the webbing.
This would be the main difference to MysteryRanch maybe.

 

[sandbender]

I have an X-Ray and a selection of extra bits and bobs. It is very well made, it is very well designed, it is quite heavy. If you can afford one and like what you see on the website then you probably won't be disappointed.

 

[StJon]

I have the Express with two long pockets. I love the flexibility, pockets can be mounted in a number of different ways, side, top, bottom, front. Belt can be removed. One thing that hasn't been mentioned Lifetime guarantee. Much more comfortable and stable than my Sabre 45, which is the one I got rid of. Have a look on their forum as they have a trading post area, they also have stuff on sale now and again especially pockets. I got mine when the exchange rate was in my favour so price was great for a top of the range sack.
jon

 

[Mikey P]

I have a Zulu G2 and E&E.

These are truly 'rugged' items: these are bits of kit that will last longer than you will. As mentioned above, the follow-up customer service is also excellent.

They are are exceptionally comfortable when carrying load and are well-designed and manufactured. The belt system in particular is very good indeed.

Yes, they are expensive and, yes, they are pretty heavy. Kifaru are a specialist provider with individually-tailored service and they build to order. It's like anything else on here - if you want to buy the best quality items, they will cost. This is a similar argument to the whole Woodlore Knife, SBT, Tentipi, etc, thing.

So, if you don't want to spend the money, buy something else. Simples.

 

[Mikey P]

Is it correct, that Kifaru has thinner waistbelts? Originally made to wear the pack over the webbing.
This would be the main difference to MysteryRanch maybe.

The Omni belt, even with the padding is quite soft and thin. It works, though, because of where the weight is supported and it seems to mould to the hips rather than sit rigidly on top.

 

[tetra_neon]

The expedition size packs are too heavy, unless you're actually in the military! I have a Sabre 75 and can't fault it.