Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting kifaru longhunter guide pack advice

Hi all,

Hey, looking for some feedback from some of you kifaru longhunter owners.

I have a J107 which has proven itself just fine for me. I like it because I can pack in with it and then also use it as a day pack (zips up and compresses to a smaller pack). I like having the entire pack with me during my day hunts in case I harvest an animal, I can pack the whole thing out in one trip (I don't like making multiple trips to get my animals out if I can avoid it since in many cases I am many miles from camp).

Anyhow, I'm looking at the Kifaru longhunter guide for my birthday (yes buying my own b-day presents).

1. Does the longhunter and/or rendezvous compress down enough to wear around as a day pack (as I do with my j107)? or is there a bunch of "loose pack" hanging off of my back?

2. My J107 is 5400 ci and It's pretty much full when heading in on a 4-5 day trip meaning not a ton of room for an animal and gear on the way out. We usually make multiple trips or share weight, but a little more would be nicer.

I know the guide is already larger than the J107, but does "the more, the merrier" apply here or is the rendezvous overkill in regards to size vs. the guide?

3. I really like the J107 that I use now. For those who have tried both, is the 600 bones worth the upgrade. One of my main reasons for looking is "comfort with a load"....any comparison comments?

4. and does the water bladder pouch(?) hold a 3 liter water bladder?

Thanks a ton for any responses.

-A

A-

I'm glad you asked these questions because I'm looking at the LHG also. From what I've researched on the boards so far, the biggest difference between the J packs and the Kifaru packs isn't construction quality, or design features (also very big), but the ability to comfortably haul really heavy loads. I do have a G1 Siwash, which I now find very comfortable (after figuring out the fit), and very well made. I can only imagine what the improved G2 series is like.

It appears that the LHG will compress down pretty well to use as a day pack, buy there is a lot of extra bag material you don't need. One approach for solving that (and one I'd use if I buy one), is to remove the main bag, and carry day supplies in the top lid. The frame with only the top lid and cargo chair is lighter and more compact, and allows a guy to head back to camp with the first load of meat. The bags on the new G2 packs come off even faster than before, so it's not a big deal to do this. There are also more tie-off points on the the G2 frame, so you've got the option of using the top lid, cargo chair and a dry bag or bags of your choice in a similar manner to how the Crewcab guys are using their packs.

Hopefully this gets the ball rolling a little.

1. I haven't had any issues with the bag being empty and using the LHG as a daypack. The compression straps and camo panels keep if from flopping around too bad. Here's a pic of me and the pack loaded for a day of hunting:


2. The LHG is definitely big enough for a week + if you don't have overly bulky gear/food. I like it because it is that big and any bigger and I probably wouldn't want to carry it loaded.

4. Not sure on the 3L. If the 3L are only longer than the 2L it'd work as mine has some up/down room, but if it's much wider it might not.

you guys,

those are awesome responses....thank you, just the type of info I am looking for.

Keep 'em comin....not that I need much more to sway me into making a purchase, but I like to hear as much as possible.

In your opinions, is this the most comfortable pack for heavy loads that you've experienced?

Since my Spike Camp, the latest version, will handle a 3L hydration bladder, I suspect the LH will. E

I have a Guide. To be honest, I haven't tried a lot of different packs for really heavy loads but I've carried some with this one, I use it for elk hunting. I've carried some loads that kicked my butt good, but throughout, the pack was comfortable and put all the weight on the hips where it belongs. It can carry more wieght comfortably than I can.

It is very comftorble and will work for a day pack. It will take a 3-liter and have room to spare. I traded mine for a Siwash ONLY because I do not like packs above my shouders. You will be happy compared to the Eberlstock when a load is in it. Like said before this is where Kifaru shines by putting the weight on your hips.

I was just checking out the MR website. Any comments on the Kifaru Longhunter vs. the MR Nice 6500?

Thanks for the info thus far....great stuff.

The Longhunter has a lighter empty weight, and a totally different suspension system. The NICE/6500 has more compartments for organization, is also very well built, and has a different fit and feel than the Kifaru packs. Two totally different design approaches. No correct answer, just personal choice.

I to had an Eberlestock pack before i got my longhunter and now the J107 is sitting in the closet. The Kifaru is so comfortable, 80lb in it feels like 40lb in the J107. The weird thing is that i have the regular 5200 cu inch long hunter and it feels like i can fit so much more in it than the J107.

For a day pack just do it like 222REM said and with the frame and top lid. Also the top lid makes a nice fanny pack with the shoulder strap. I use my longhunter for backpacking more than hunting and i use the top lid as a "summit pack" when i leave camp set up down the mountain.

Yes the kifaru is worth the money. If i just would of dropped the money in the first place then i would of saved the money from trying to go the cheap route with the J107.

Great info thank you Big_W!

I'm a big fan of the Guide and have used mine as a day pack for hunting once camp is set up. Like any big pack, it sticks up a bit farther than a true day pack which can sometimes be a hassle in thick brush, but you sure don't notice a day pack sized load in it and it's nice to know that you can put a full load of meat in it on that first trip out. Can't compare to the other packs you mentioned but can say that it is an awesome pack. I'm not looking for another.

I use a 3L Platypus res and it fits good. Also carried several 100+lb loads with it in relative comfort.I should mention I have had a reoccuring back issue over the last several years but since the LHG rides right where I need it I havent had a issue this season(First full season in the pack) it is actually therapy to pack heavy loads. If I purchase another pack it will be a G2 but I cant see the need for several years. I've used it a little on short day trips from camp and haven't had any issues with excess pack flopping around.

Thats 60lbs of bone strapped over 40lbs of camp, that sort of weight that far from the frame will test the strength of the frame but it performed better then I could imagine over 16 miles.

does the Longhunter have any pockets to orgainize gear other than the top portion? Any side access zippers?

Here:
http://kifaru.net/longhunter.html

I have been on their website but cannot seem to find if this pack has side zippers or any pockets...anyone?

It does not, but you can order pods and it does have a small pocket inside. Kifaru's shine in the suspension and well built, but it does not have all the fancy pockets like mass-built hunting packs. I have the side possible pouches and the large back pod for things I need handy. The rest goes in dry bags.

They are purposely designed to be as streamlined as possible but offer the modularity of side pockets and pods if you'd like more organization. The lid offers a lot of ready storage for things you need to get to as well as functioning as a fanny pack (really requires the included shoulder strap to work well).

I've found that being able to add or subtract side or back pouches to be one of their biggest assets. For instance, I usually hunt, in really cold weather, with just one side pouch on my left side. That way, I can access a Power or Cliff Bar w/o taking the pack off. E

I hope to give the LHG G2 a run in the next year or so.