Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Kifaru Siwash

So I see Kifaru is having a deal on their older model Siwash and thinking about getting one. I have a few questions about the pack though.

Where do you guys put your spotting scope? Can you add a pocket to the side big enough to fit an angled Swaro 20-60X80? Any water bottle pockets or can you add that also? Are the compression straps on the bottom long enough to tuck a tent between them and the pack?

For the guys that have used them how does it haul a 130 pound load?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Pockets, including those from the Military side can be added. I'd bet that they have one to fit your spotter.

The compression straps are pretty long on the underside. I've carried things there before. If you would like I'll check tonight how much room is under them with the pack stuffed.

I've not had 130 in my Siwash yet, but it handles 50-60 lbs with ease.

Full line of pods and pockets.

Yes on the compression straps, the largest I have tried is my BA SH3.

I know the pack can do it, but not sure how far I would make it. I think I would want to keep it under a 80 to 100-lbs.

$310 ... looks to be a good deal ....

None of their pockets will fit that scope. I have the straight version and an MMR pack, and I use the horizontal compression straps to strap it against the pack (on the outside).

HTH,
Scott

I haven't carried over 70lbs in mine yet, but it does so very comfortably. If you pack light and smart, the Siwash will serve you well.

To give you a visual idea, here's a photo from last October. I used the cargo chair so I didn't have to pack quite so light and smart, and so I'd also have more options if hauling out meat. The bulky vest is just stuffed under the elastic tie-down and the OD stuffsack contained my down bag and bivy sack which weren't compressed. If I really wanted to, I could have made things a lot more compact. BTW, my spotter is a Nikon 82ED which was inside the pack.

I had 120-130 lbs of boned out elk in mine last season and it was actually pretty comfortable feeeling, not something I'd want to do often but it was doable. The straps didn't cut into my shoulders or hips at all.

I paid $275 for mine 3 years ago, used. $310, new, is a steal. Here are a couple pics to give you an idea. Bottom straps hold a tent no problem, I've got my 6 man tipi there in this pic. Military Longpockets fit on sides, as well as hunting version side pockets. I've packed up to 120lbs with no problems. Nice thing is the pack will compress very well for day hunting as well. This is my favorite pack.

Thanks guys for the input. The one thing I hate is not having a pocket for the spotting scope.

i have te straight model, it'll fit in the water bladder compartment inside. i would much rather have it protected inside then on the outside where it can take a hit. it doesn't take any longer to get out either

Sold my Siwash after a couple seasons primarily because I became unhappy with the lack of padding on the shoulder straps and the belt; which I see has been changed in/the G2 series. However, $310 is a great price.