Eberlestock vs Kifaru vs Mystery Ranch Comparison

Here is a look at the Eberlestock Battleship $430, Kifaru Long Hunter with XL lid $700 and a Mystery Ranch Kodiac bag $600. We finally had an opportunity to bring all 3 packs together and check out each ones features. All three are top of the line and if you are looking for a 5-7 pack in pack that will carry 120 lbs, then all three can do it. The Eberlestock had more features then the other two, more pockets, extra molly webbing for attaching more, better breathable harness. The MR & Kifaru had extra padded hip belts which is critical on extremely heavy loads. The Kifaru has an extra large pad (compared to Eberlestock) that goes into the small of your back that to some it is great. All in all you won't go wrong with any of them, they are all awesome packs and we were impressed with the quality put into each of them. www.santanaoutd...

[@SantanaOutdoors]

Hi Jarad, appreciate your comment. Yes, we do sell Eberlestock. The point is we honestly didn't see any major advantage to the other two for hundreds of dollars more. We believe MR and Kifaru to be top of the line packs and by no way are cutting them down. I personally use Eberlestock, packed in 15 miles looking for Coues in rugged AZ and have not seen a better, more thought out pack yet! Thanks, Eric

[@CoyoteWorks01]

That was really helpful seeing all three of those packs side by side. I'm in the market for a new pack and all three of those are brands I have been looking at. The challenge is...It's hard to drop $500-$700 on a pack without ever actually putting it on my back first. But that's the price I pay for living in rural Central Oregon ;-)

[@rwandrw]

Coyote Works Note on the Kifaru support frame, At 85Lbs the waist belt will make your legs start to go num I though it was only me, but found others with the same issue

[@jessejesse5844]

excellent review. looking at the comments it is surprising so many are defensive of their opinion being more "correct" than yours and seemingly a little angry. Why? by all means do a review of your 3 favorite and post a video if you disagree. Don't demean someone just because he has, and offers a different opinion. I think a LOT of packs will get more comfortable the longer you hump them and your body adjusts to the configuration. Ok, so the kifaru might be more comfortable right off the bat, I bet the eberlestock can be adjusted and padded to be very comfortable the more time you spend with it. And, I think the point a lot of you are missing is how much better should the kifaru be to justify the couple extra hundred dollars? For a few hundred dollars more the kifaru needs to be a DEMONSTRABLY superior product, and it does not appear to be.

[@bobcasteel4789]

Well I personally think Kuiu is far better than all three

[@ascensionarms3283]

@@bobcasteel4789 well i sure hope so if your paying that much more for it.

[@SantanaPictures]

Thank you all for the comments. Everyone has an opinion. Don't get me wrong, Kifaru and Mystery Ranch are great packs, I still like the Eberlestock better. Appreciate you all checking this video out. God Bless and hope to see you all in the field!

[@rhettconnolly9123]

Hi Nate, thank you for watching our review. The battelship weighs in at 8lbs 8oz, obviously a little more than the Kelty or Osprey, but I do not know if they are as durable. I think a big difference between them is these packs were designed as survival packs and built for tactical/hunting purposes. These packs cater to those who carry weapons and are military type packs. Cu in. may be close, but the design and functional use for what you are looking for will be a big separating factor.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Thanks. This was a good review. When I started out, Kelty was one of the best pack makers. I still have mine with the full dimension frame. But at the time it was one of the lightest. I am not at all up to date, so I enjoyed your review and learned a lot. I think two of the most impressive things are the ability to open up the front of the pack too. And I like the simple strap across the chest. I won't be changing packs soon, but I like knowing more about what's available.

[@SantanaOutdoors]

Thank you, we appreciate you checking it out and leaving the feedback.

[@lesterwu4124]

How do you rate the bags without ever having used them in the field?

[@hisdesciples]

Bingo

[@29bpm]

Nice video, I like the background and great job going over all the packs. That said, Eberlestock packs are not even in the same league as Mystery Ranch or Kifaru which is why they cost less. They are decent packs for the money but I know of two people who have had failures with Eberlestock packs. Zero total for MR or Kifaru. I would also add that the Eberlestock packs both failed on weekend camping trips with less than 50 lbs loaded and I know guys that are humping MR or Kifaru bags through 2-3+ deployments.

[@jasonweiss2773]

Bullshit.

[@GeneralPreparedness1]

Jason Weiss Having been the owner of two Eberlestock packs and two Mystery Ranch packs, this is true. They have great build quality, but they just don't handle weight like MR's do. I loved my Eberlestock packs, but they're just subpar. Suspension, padding, and belts are IMO less comfortable than Kelty, let alone MR.

[@tyrfinn8067]

GeneralPreparedness1 But you realize: 1. Eberlestock packs are IMO a bit better adjustable to ones back. 2. Every back is different. What might work for you, doesn't need to work for other people.

[@GeneralPreparedness1]

Thonar Thorwalson Actually backs are almost all the same. 95% of all people have the same back shape and the other 5% combine for the two other shapes. But I've had many other people test packs as well and haven't heard a single one say their pack is better than a Kifaru. I've owned and extensively used everything from Maxpedition, GGG, Kelty, TAD, Camelbak, MR, Eberlestock, Kifaru, Karrimor, Agis, REI, GoLite, and Osprey. Eberlestock are definitely not better adjusted to one's back than a Kifaru, not by a long shot. They're not customizable, Kifaru are, they come in one size, Kifaru are built based upon your height, weight, and waist size, and they have frame stays of different types for different back profiles, and of different lengths. Eberlestock offers none of those features. Enjoy your Eberlestock if it works for you, I'm just saying there are better packs out there, a LOT of them.

[@macrip78]

+GeneralPreparedness1 100% agree eberlestock isn't even close to Kifaru, MR or Stone Glacier.

[@rhettconnolly9123]

Hi thanks for posting. Mystery Ranch does make an excellent well built pack, no doubt. We just thought it would be a great service to show them all side by side so customers could see and compare. Thanks again, appreciate the comments.

[@paulkysar6207]

Wow, does it really hurt that someone has a different opinion of gear than yours? It shouldn't surprise me.... but it does. I personally have the Blue Widow pack and could not be happier with the quality or performance of this pack. Out of the four of us on the trip 2 Eberlestock packs, not one complaint or poor quality issues as some here have stated.

[@john1972goh]

Thanks for the video, now I already knows which one I'll go for.

[@josephalbers3582]

Look at exo mountain gear packs. They aren’t cheap but they are better.

[@john1972goh]

@@josephalbers3582 thank you

[@rhettconnolly9123]

Thank you for watching the review and sharing your comments. There is no doubt that Mystery Ranch makes a sensational pack, that is why they are always in the top three in our opinion. We just simply wanted to compare the three giants side by side and let people know why we felt Eberlestock was best. Was never intended to insult anyone or any product. We really do appreciate all the feedback and opinions, so far it has been a great success and we thank you.

[@rhettconnolly9123]

Thank you for watching the review. No doubt there are huge differences between these packs, and they all vary drastically, including load lifters. We believe mystery ranch and kifaru make excellent packs, thats why they were in the top three. There was no intention to "avoid" load lifters, Im sure there were many aspects we did not touch on, it was just a quick video to show them all side by side and a quick comparison. We appreciate your comments and thank you for viewing the review.

[@-Chugwater-]

You can talk about the bells and whistles all you want but when if comes to fit and how it rides on your waist and back all day Mystery Ranch is hands down the best suspension. Dana has been making some of the best packs in the world for decades, almost all other pack use some kinda of design that Dana invented back in the 80's with Dana Design.

[@OVInnovations]

Heads up: That's a Mystery Ranch NICE 6500, not a Kodiak. Roughly the same layout and slightly smaller capacity, but the 6500 suspension is worlds ahead of the Kodiak's.

[@whosaidwhatwhen1]

Helpful vid, but it would be much better if you had used the packs for a few days to weed out what works versus what looks like it would work.

[@welpro21]

Eberlestock Battleship looks like a winner. We can barely make quality anything in the US anymore. Made in Vietnam is better then China. Not to bash brands but the Battleship does have a alot of options and features for less $. I own a MR SATL and I love it. But I want a Battleship now.

[@highonimmi]

the battleship and its little brother the destroyer are great backpacking packs. eberlestock received a number of requests by European militaries to build them a 4 season pack that could carry some weight, molle compatible and be carry skis/snow shoes...I have a j51 warhammer. great pack and a hardcore heavy load/bulky load carrier. I am less likely to pack out a deer than I am carrying tinder and wood to make a campfire or carrying sheds. mystery ranch, kifaru, granite gear, karrimor and bergans of Norway (check out the 130l Alpine pack) are the ones I have researched and deem more than acceptable as a tactical/hunting/survival/backcountry/expedition piece of kit. I am more in the tactical side of the road but, I like to have gear that can fit more than one genre of gear hauling. I got my warhammer for 200 on sale 2 years ago...totally dig it...but, I haven't tried to carry a Volkswagen beetle in her either. one of the major selling points of the hunting packs is the fact you can access your rifle without having to take your pack off to do so...another is the adaptability/flexibility to situations that may arise... if you get the eberlestock I recommend the dark earth color...that's what I have and it blends in with a lot of different environments. I like kifaru packs and more to the point their add on/accessory packs....in my opinion they have the best options for adding extra carrying space that I have seen. there are so many different ways to attach their "pockets" (pouches) and they have several kryptek patterns as well:) they have their hunting packs that look awesome...they just don't have the molle capability that I like. that's why I prefer the tactical packs. the Nomad is the closest to the j51 Warhammer I have.

[@highonimmi]

Locus yes...I am so used to saying dry earth...I will edit my earlier comment. thanks...

[@Thetinebroken]

highonimmi I think it is Dry Earth

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

doing a back pack review it would help viewers if you stuffed the packs with pillows or anything so people can view the pack better full and able to see the back pack clearer with pockets and straps and over all size of bag. just fill it all up so we can really see the bag. thank you it would make all the difference.

[@welpro21]

A year after my last comment and owning multiple models of each brand mentioned in the video, I only own a few a Kifaru pack now. Kifaru packs/frames are way better then any Mystery Ranch and/or Eberlestock.

[@rmargetts1981]

What's your thoughts on Eberlestock's Just One pack vs Kifaru's Nomad? I'm looking for a good comfortable meat pack/day pack. I am leaning toward the Eberlestock but I would like an expert's opinion who has experience with both products.

[@gurgshunter]

+Ryan Margetts Ive had one of these for years now and highly recomend them

[@jamesmatthews4151]

The guy wore an Eberlestock hat throughout the video. It should come as no surprise that he concluded the Eberlestock pack was the best choice.

[@TheDarkhorse386]

They sale Eberlestock

[@ghzt-kq7eh]

Sorry boys I just watched the eberlestock stress test video and the battleship failed at pfff SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY POUNDS of sacrete stacked feet above the lid. was a buckle that failed too not any stitching or straps either.

[@ghzt-kq7eh]

Sorry boys I just watched the eberlestock stress test video and the battleship failed at pfff SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY POUNDS of sacrete stacked feet above the lid. was a buckle that failed too not any stitching or straps either.

[@dereklecount7994]

I owe a team elk eberlestock and I hate it just doesn't fix me well. I bought a tenzing cf 13 pack at it is the best I've ever seen

[@milton152]

Too bad Eberlestock are made overseas now. Ill stick to my Kifaru. Good review anyway.

[@usnate1]

The weight of these packs is my question....I'm ex military(7yrs out) so I'm used to humping heavy packs with gear..I don't have any experience with civy packs..is the weight of the eberlestock an issue....is it negligible difference compared to Osprey or a Kelty, Acetryx(5 to 6lbs a piece w/ same capacity) ? Are they almost as durable as these Eberlestock tactical packs? It's going to be a bug out/ emergency bag.. I appreciate your expertise and advice. Thank you sir.

[@coltiscoolify]

Well... Its a hard tie for me.. I mean Eberles are really nice for almost 1/2 the price of a Mystery.. but Mystery is also outstanding.

[@a45456565]

I love eberlestock❤

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

Great video , Thank you for sharing.

[@herpderp1662]

Shit didnt know there were other options. I just bought a eberlestock F4 terminator.

[@ed-ou812]

I am just fine with an extremely lightweight marmot pack ... it’s not olive drab etc and doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but a great bag. Love the frame in the marmot. Not looking to carry over 90 or 100lbs or have military looking gear.

[@Stoic_hunter]

Question which backpack/brand would you recommend using as a day pack that will carry a coues deer quarter out comfortably through out steep terrain response is much appreciated

[@SantanaOutdoors]

The Team elk is one of the best all around packs. The rifle scabbard is great to put your rifle in when not in use. I'd never rifle hunt without one again! Check it out and email me if you have anymore questions. [e-mail] you for your post.

[@myles6038]

Adrian Haros

[@harrisonking8156]

What frame do people recommend for heavy use? I'm wanting to build a pack (local custom to me) around a frame, much like you would build a rifle around the stock for example :)

[@Thetinebroken]

Mr. SirKing BulPac

[@davezimmermann7369]

Very informative but annoying that over half the pack was off screen so you're talking about things you could be showing us better...like the waist belts lol

[@joshross8835]

Obviously you have not packed out and lived out of an eberlestock. Having used the Eberlestock terminator and MR 6500 there is no comparison. The Eberlestock is junk. The shoulder straps are not padded. The frame is a joke and if you pack it out 80-100 pounds then you will feel it and you will have a long walk. The MR has better padding and better and proven frame. You definitely pay for it but if you really are packing it out then an extra few hundred bucks is worth saving you pain. Can’t put a price on comfort.

[@BC9696]

Drop 110lbs of meat into these packs and carry em uphill. The guy wearing the Eberlestock will the last one up the hill. Jeez! I have 18 packs including the Eberlestock...nowhere near as comfortable, capable or adjustable as the Kifaru packs & belts. That's why the Kifaru cost so much more. You still get whatcha pay for,

[@gerrykline744]

BC9696 why do you have 18 packs...?

[@Thetinebroken]

BC9696 Bulpac....

[@sheeplord4976]

What is to be said of the skycrane, or warhammer.

[@willywinket]

gerry kline Who doesn’t have at least 18 packs? Gosh!

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

this is a feature review not a field review. Just sayin'.

[@Man0steel74]

How come you didn't review load lifters and whether or not they were functional and how the packs actually carried heavy loads. The reason why kifaru and MR are more costly are because of the way they handle heavy loads with relative comfort. Something every serious backcountry and mountain hunter looks for. Talking about pockets means nothing in the backcountry where most of us count ounces and organize our gear in light weight stuff sacks or pull outs.

[@anonymoussourcesofficial5375]

*_Mystery Ranch_*_ hands down._

[@MrJoeAmerica]

The Eberlestock is not even in the same league as the MR and Kifaru. It is an inferior pack.

[@ghzt-kq7eh]

Sorry boys I just watched the eberlestock stress test video and the battleship failed at pfff SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY POUNDS of sacrete stacked feet above the lid. was a buckle that failed too not any stitching or straps either.

[@ripnlip33]

Listening to a comparison from a guy wearing an Eberlestock Hat? Maybe some bias there? Pretty lame comparison.

[@anthonylee9842]

Cant really compare these pack like this... Eberlestock packs are for the non life threatening kind of pack where u dun really worry if the pack fails. Kifaru and mystery Ranch pack are the ones that professional use for going to dangerous locations. Mystery Ranch is for Lesser weight compared to Kifaru. on a 20kg pack, MR is better and lighter hull, Kifaru is for heavier weight at a longer range. So depending how what situation u expect urself in, just get the correct pack. There is no perfect pack.

[@johnt9810]

one of the least professional comparison videos I have seen. The presenter showed little knowledge in the packs other than possibly a 15 once over before presenting them.

[@Faelynfox]

Nope. USA MADE KIFARU PLEASE

[@europeancavebeast9100]

eberlestock is made in Vietnam and the quality shows this fact.

[@e55komp]

I know right? The Vietnamese people really know how to sew and work with fabric extremely well. I would have thought the US made packs would be better, but having owned all 3, i still pick up my Eberlestock every single time because those damn Viets know their way around a damn sewing machine.

[@MrJoeAmerica]

I have blown out the Eberlestock pack on hunts. It is an inferior pack.