Kifaru Stryker XL Hunting Pack Review - The most Versatile backpack

[@brpnw4r94]

Love my Stryker XL. Added the Sherman Pocket and a couple accessory pouches to make it even more versatile. Their camp bag was crucial in getting my 5 days back country Utah Elk hunt gear to camp. This pack will be my go to until the end of my days

[@robertjr9844]

How do you pack out and leave camp with the camp bag + meat?

[@brpnw4r94]

@@robertjr9844 you don't. Unless you're a Mule. Multi trips/call in the posse is the only way.

[@owyheekid7186]

I have heard nothing but good about Kifaru. My family and I have been using the KUIU pack system teamed with the Pro 6000 pack. I have personally logged well over 2000 miles with this system over the past three years and am still amazed at how comfortable it is. I have utilized numerous packs/systems over a 40+ year period. This includes the USMC ILBE system and the army large ruck. Numerous frame packs from Sherpa, Kelty, Alpine, Cabela’s and a couple I can’t remember. None have even come close to the quality and/or comfort of the KUIU. Here in Idaho the hiking opportunities are endless and being retired we are able to hike a lot. For the past seven years we have been fortunate enough to log an average of 24 miles a week, year round. My pack ranges from 25 to 35 pounds on these hikes. I have carried loads of over 100 pounds packing elk out of the mountains here and aside from being heavy and the mountains being Idaho steep these have been comfortable experiences. I can not say that about any other pack I have used. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to test the Kifaru. Best wishes, God bless.

[@lanceschultz7132]

Hey, congratulations Clay. Kifaru has made great gear forever. Hopefully the move went well for them. Really enjoying your content.

[@PatrickSmeaton]

Great review, Clay! You've got me considering it. It sounds like it's exactly what I wish my Seek Outside Goshawk was. So quick and easy to open it up to put my waders in between there for duck hunting or stream fishing, or for the packrafts, etc...

[@PatrickSmeaton]

5 months later: I was just about to pull the trigger on a Stryker XL, but then Kifaru announced the Hellbender was coming out, so I waited for, and eventually bought one. I've had it for a week or so now, and have been able to use it a bit. In the short amount of time I've had it, it's clear to me that it's exactly what I've hoped for. The load sling and the ability to move the clips on the bag to add or avoid compression are the real game changers for me. Couldn't imagine a more perfectly designed pack. Before watching this review I knew next to nothing about Kifaru.

[@kanyinak]

Thanks for the great info. I have been eyeballing these packs and frames for a while now. Great to get an idea of how it all works.

[@Montblanc1986]

If you have a sheet of Tyvek or tarp, you can put that in the water bladder sleeve that is on that frame a great place to store stuff like that

[@OdegardOnline]

It's along the same lines as the Mystery Ranch Pop-up. Glad to see that more companies are embracing the "one pack to rule them all" concept. It's good to see so many good options for people to choose from. Kifaru does that well.

[@OdegardOnline]

No more hiking all the way back to the truck to get your frame pack!

[@kevinmartin2096]

Mystery ranch is not comparable to kifaru not by a long shot

[@brucedonovan4858]

There is also another pocket inside the bag. Behind the small pouch there is a velcro seam, open up the velcro it is another pocket that goes to the bottom of the bag

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’ll check that out

[@Art_Of_Stew]

@@clayhayeshunter Hey Clay, love your videos man. Is this the pack you used on alone? I’m guessing you used a much bigger one. What size do you recommend for 100 days in the wilderness?

[@outdoorsman9384]

Thanks Clay, looks like it would be a perfect pack, just picked up something simular the other day, seems like it will work great, thanks for making us realize this pack is great in pig video

[@jayonez137]

Great pack! Love the vortex USA shirt. Just ordered a pair of razor HD 10 x 42’s And when I opened it up and looked at the serial number it said made in China. $1000 binoculars made in China. Immediately returned them.

[@timwestberry5043]

Very nice pack. I don't usually need one, but may set it up as a survival pack.

[@journeyman7189]

Great review Clay. Looks like a great pack. Kifaru makes quality stuff. Nate

[@kevinorr6880]

HUGE fan of Kifaru! I have a bag that is near 15 years old. Bomb proof.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Awesome!

[@TheJaredolsen]

Clay I got to say man I really like you man I don’t watch a whole lot of tv but I’ve followed you for a while and when I knew you were going to do alone I told my wife that all I wanted for my birthday was to buy that season of alone and man did I enjoy it I had no doubt that you were going to win and it sure was emotional seeing you get that done so great job man and thanks for all the content and knowledge and inspiration

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much!

[@billyatwell8659]

I have the 22mag and Ma Deuce and love it. But the downside to putting gear between your frame and the bag (except for when it’s meat), is that the stuff you’d normally want to put there is super light weight (sleeping bag, pad, etc). So that puts your heavier gear, and the majority of your pack weight, further away from your back. That’s the downside. I’d rather the weight go up or sideways rather than backwards. The versatility is the upside. I’d prefer a bag that holds everything. But that’s up to the individual.

[@donaldploger5630]

Hey bud, First, Great video. 2nd. Can you remove the waist belt, but keep the lumbar pad?

[@Freedomrider355]

I use the Striker XL on Hill people Gear Frame. Its an amazing pack and very versatile like Clay has stated.

[@livefreeordie7368]

Not a bad review however there are some cons to this pack. I use the same pack and have packed out several Bulls, bucks, bears, antelope and mountain lions. Altogether I have easily packed out several dozen animals. I am able to pack very heavy loads at a time. My only complaint about this pack is a big one. After a few hunting seasons the suspension starts to squeak. Bad enough that when coming to full draw on a dandy bull, the pack squeaked loud enough to stop the bull and he took off. Other elk I’ve been close to would lift their heads and look around every time I would move it squeaks. This pack will still be a good rifle hunting pack but I will not use it as my everyday pack for bow hunting elk again.

[@Fender1031]

Ive had the Muskeg 7000 from their lineup and Ill never use any thing else. Its such a basic pack but once you learn all the straps and options you can take a 7000 ci bag and turn it into a daypack pretty easily. Im not big on pouches on the pack I prefer a one sack sorta pack with the option of internal organization and I love it for that. Its noisy though. Winter hunts it gets crinkly when its cold.

[@unit3edkarnage]

Perfect timing I’ve been debating the Stryker xl or the nomad 2

[@NDFlyFisher]

Good review. I’m looking for a pack for walk in deer hunts. Need to be able strap my three legged chair to a pack. Looks like this model would work.

[@duncancampbell4192]

How's heavy load feel on it vs the Seek? Seek synches down really well too over the hips for us rearless fellas, but feel like the waist belt pads could be a bit thicker, like exo packs run.

[@squirrelpunk9846]

Why did you switch from the seek outside pack to the kifaru? I have been torn between the two brands. Specifically the striker xl and the 5400 lanner.

[@kevinmartin2096]

Kifaru is a far superior product.

[@chrscmp214]

Loved ya on alone and glad I found your channel. Pack looks awesome but when I went to look it up it's a bit pricey to say the least. $4-500 for the frsme plus another $4-500 for the pack. Is that normal for something like this, seems excessive?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yeah, unfortunately. Top end packs and other gear are super speedy but they’ll last a lifetime.

[@MTwoodsrunner]

nice!...reminds me of MR Crew Cab...I like that the Stryker has a taller frame than the Crew Cab which would require the use of their Lift Kit...otherwise very similar in design...woods

[@therooster9273]

Clay, do you ever have issues with the fabric on the pack being noisy in brush?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Not too much where I hunt. I do tend to drop any pack I have on when making a final stalk though.

[@CPLBSS88]

Ive had many hunts with a Mystery Ranch Bearcreek 80, great pack too but id be interested to hear if you have experience with that pack vs this Kifaru?

[@caseysmith544]

I have thought that if I needed and decided to do Backpacking for longer trips, some of the hunting packs like this are what I would have to get though maybe not this one seeing the price. I have a 1980's external frame pack that is about a 4--5 day in summer and 3 day at best in winter. However this is due to all the non fully internal famed backpacking packs are now a Semi-internal frame where they have a ridged frame that is removable but makes the pack sit right on the body with no breathe spot for the back like older packs with only one model from Kelty that is really expensive at $300 and is only a 4--5 day in summer like I already have. Now I would also use the pack for hunting if it is built for that as well or at worst just the frame with an open sides style suing belt straps on sides stuff sack.

[@swampbiologist]

Somebody lost a few sleepless nights thinking about this pack!

[@Flexhunter308]

Apologies if I didn’t catch where you explained this- but where you put your sleeping bag etc that’s in the overflow between pack and frame if it’s full when you set out? when you pack meat out where you putting the other gear Cheers

[@clayhayeshunter]

The pack will expand a lot more.

[@F15Bluto]

Just can’t beat Kifaru stuff. Still running a bikini frame and high camp 4800 bag because…it just won’t wear out. That said, I really like that bag design with the (don’t call it a meat) shelf. Maybe I can supplement if the new bags fit the really old frames. Nice vid!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Ben

[@Funkymonk67]

Thanks for the review , mine is one the way Vancouver Island BC

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’re welcome

[@SylvainSybaris]

You said your frame is 26inch, but you didn't say how tall you are.... Looking at some of those scenes with your gear on, it looks like you could wear a western style brim hat without the hat hitting the backpack.... I'm 6 ft tall, so I'm wondering if I should get the same 26inch long frame or go with the 24inch frame, so the backpack doesn't hit my hat.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’m 6’

[@SylvainSybaris]

@@clayhayeshunter ... Ok, and I'm 6' even too.... So it looks like the 26inch frame will NOT interfere with wearing a western style hiking hat with a wide brim.... THANKS!!!

[@denniswells9340]

Great review Clay. I noticed the Trophyline bag, I’m assuming your trying out saddle hunting and wondered what your thoughts were.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I like the saddle but haven’t found a good light weight option for getting up the tree yet.

[@caseysmith544]

So When You Alligator hunt do you use a Bow Fishing rig on your bow but with a type of aluminum over arrow/wood arrow insert on the Bow Fishing arrow , a modified regular arrow that has the slider and stopper on it used for Bow Fishing or just regular arrows knowing they float?

[@clayhayeshunter]

It’s a modified fish arrow rigged with a bouey.

[@caseysmith544]

@@clayhayeshunter Ah cool, I have seen Bow Fishers use a Bouey or floater device on the arrow but they seem to for the fish type they were going for not make much sense, it was not a big fish like Gar or Sturgeon. If it was me I would use one of my screw in bow fishing arrows odd Chinese ones that uses an over arrow type aluminum insert made for Bow Fishing and for wood arrows but remove the Bow fishing tip for a broadhead but using a bow fishing line, I have a part to connect the real to the bow that wraps on my bows since they are both missing the screw in spot. I so want to use longer screws to hold the part onto my bow and away enough to fit reels but I feel that I would mess up the bow putting it on. Now these over arrow insert like parts I have only seen sold as a cheap Chinese part but they are that you would need in this situation for hunting Alligators to swap out on a fiberglass arrow.

[@ImmaculateRap]

How do you feel this compares to the stone glacier pack I had seen in one of your previous videos?

[@kevinmartin2096]

Stryker XL

[@JohnsonsOutdoorAdventures]

The only thing stopping me from getting this pack is that there isn't an external meat shelf coming off of the frame itself. Do you feel like this pack still supports a lot of weight on your lower back, or can you tell a difference between a metal shelf and the strap shelf?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’ve never used a pack with a metal shelf but I’ve carried a lot of weight on this one. You can use the straps and load lifters to put the weight wherever you want. More on the hips or on the shoulders.

[@JohnsonsOutdoorAdventures]

@@clayhayeshunter OK thanks!

[@nomadsurvival4952]

I have something similar but I was interested on how things are setup on these types of packs and what one can do with them thanks...

[@clayhayeshunter]

No problem

[@pemborsky]

Which stays did you go with, curved or semi-flat?

[@swampbiologist]

Great Analysis!

[@pauloduarte3095]

Do you think this is a good pack for multiple day backpacking and bushcraft. Specially during winter, when I take my hot tent with stove.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yeah, I’d use it for just about anything.

[@spaceman61]

How tall are you Clay? I'm 6'2" and 200#, I want to purchase the right size, thanks

[@owlrecon6263]

I'm 6' #190 and have the exact same setup w/small hip belt works perfectly

[@robertjr9844]

How do you pack out and leave camp with the camp bag + meat?

[@clayhayeshunter]

The meat goes in game bags, and that goes between the pack and frame.

[@robertjr9844]

@@clayhayeshunter I meant if you use a camp bag to extend the capabilities of the bag like you mentioned.

[@MiscMitz]

Great pack

[@lukebonagurio4503]

Cool I wanted this video thanks

[@angryshrub1]

Would you recommend using this pack with a tree stand and climbing sticks strapped to it?

[@dentonens9]

Yes

[@clayhayeshunter]

Absolutely. A lock on would it nicely between the bag and frame. The steps lash to the side.

[@angryshrub1]

@@clayhayeshunter thanks for your response. My kids and I loved watching your Alone season. I had you pegged to win from the beginning. My kids wanted Biko to win, obviously I haven’t taught them enough good sense yet. Loved your after the show videos as well. Good luck this season.

[@OHtard]

I use the same pack. Put the sticks, and stand between the frame and bag. Works perfect.

[@dustinlerch9272]

Awesome review. Any external frame pack is superior; this one looks pretty great but for 300 just to get a frame and another 300 for any decent pack; it’s way over priced.

[@CrossRootedForge]

Buy once cry once.

[@joshjspice]

Actually Dustin, it's not. I have a Mystery Ranch Metcalf and that is overpriced! I think it should be at least $100 less. It hurts to carry two small caribou quarters for two miles and I was barely even able to carry one moose quarter 100 yds with it because the pack has a limited design. The Kifaru packs are built leagues beyond my Metcalf and definitely justify the half again as much price, imo and experience.

[@dustinlerch9272]

@Josh Spice Touché

[@joshjspice]

@@dustinlerch9272 i initially thought the exact same until i used my Metcalf more. Mine is the previous model, but the new one does not seem to have more padding nor a stronger frame/design, just small convenience mods. I'd still use it for hauling smaller large game like deer, but not caribou, big muleys, elk, or moose, bear, etc.

[@ty6896]

They are expensive BUT built bombproof and very comfortable with heavy loads. The company is 100% made in the USA as well. Everything on this pack is USA made which you cannot say with other companies if that’s important to you, all the way down to the sewing threads they use on the pack. Customer service is out of this world as well. Like someone else said, I’ve learned to buy once, cry once. I used to be super frugal and buy cheaper things, but they break or are uncomfortable or I somehow wish I had spent the extra money to buy something better and I always regretted the purchase. I’ve learned through the years to save up and buy what is the best for certain things in my life and this is one of them for me. My pack in the backcountry is one of the most important things I have that cannot fail. This won’t. Love the versatility of the pack for day hunting to packing in for a 5 day hunt as well as the options you can buy to customize the pack for me. Sherman pocket, gun bearer, waist pockets, grab its, pull outs, etc. I got mine on sale so around $500 total.

[@BryceSnook]

hello clay i have a question for u i have watched u all though alone season 8 the dear kill and your victory and cograts on the victory i was wondering if u would ever do the challenge again for 1 million dollars and taken in the same place as alone season 8 and the contenders are all the champions of alone. would u attempt this challenge. yes or no

[@clayhayeshunter]

Id probably do it again if the location was better but I doubt id go back to Chilko.

[@BryceSnook]

@@clayhayeshunter if u had a choice where would u go ? and what were the challenges u mostly had to face off camera while trying to survive in chilko ? and sorry for asking all these questions im a big fan of u and the show

[@minecraft1726]

I don’t need it, certainly can’t afford it… but i want it

[@kevinmartin2096]

They do monthly payments on it. 0% financing and they ship it as soon as you place the order

[@Mikedenton541]

Thanks for the video, I've been using Seek outside packs and want to get away from Xpac due to durability. When you gonna get on the MeatEater Podcast?

[@lukebonagurio4503]

I was thinking of getting a seek outside pack you say the xpack material doesn't hold up? Any other negative you found?

[@Mikedenton541]

@@lukebonagurio4503 I have the Goshawk, it's an amazing pack and the most comfortable I've ever worn, even with 80+lbs on a packout. The Xpac is strong, and it's rip-stop but I have several holes in just two seasons of use due to rocks/abrasion. The flip side is it's lighter than cordura etc. AND it's not like the rips are getting worse, they just are there and I've had to sew patches.

[@Schmittywerben]

Same issue, mine has a small hole in the bottom after my first hunt with it. It's super comfy but i expected a little more

[@Laggyblkkout]

My grandpa lives near you

[@Laggyblkkout]

And I used to be friends with your son coye

[@Testforme100]

Review or advertisement?

[@Testforme100]

@Charles Morse it really isn't so clear when he refers to the company as a partner and they are listed with the other partners. Pretty important to make it clear.

[@kevinmartin2096]

Review

[@kevinw7441]

Curios what pack you used before this setup?