Top Hunting Packs: Kifaru vs. Exo Mtn Gear vs. Stone Glacier (Part 1/2)

[@SamongOutdoors]

For those interested about my experience after using these packs, part 2 is live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baDLlYaoeK12oJo

[@whateveryoulike7629]

Man, I just watched the whole hour and a half. These companies should be paying you a lot of money to demo their products. Well done great vid. On to part 2.

[@jefferystratton8093]

this has turned into one of the best channels.

[@behindthen0thing525]

What's a channel

[@coltadams8240]

Great video! FYI the extra tab loops on the side of Kifaru’s frame are for straps to secure meat onto the frame. You can leave the extra straps on the frame as well in hunt mode as well.

[@thatchanguy]

I absolutely appreciate your logical approach with time stamps, excellent videography, editing, comparison, and review points. Subscribed!

[@kongxiong6272]

@ 18:22- I believe you can secure the meat to the frame. Kifaru has straps that will allow you to do so. you just have to connect the straps to the loops on the frame.

[@jasonv9147]

Man, you do an excellent job explaining and showing these packs in awesome detail. They should pay you for showing their packs better than they do. You show each step with great camera angles to make it simple to understand. Freaking awesome job!! Thank you!!

[@jasonbrown8555]

Well done Samong! You are an endless source of info. I’m hooked. Your channel deserves success

[@sierraridgereaper]

Watched from start to finish. This was the best and most thorough review video I have ever seen. Thank you for such an excellent job explaining every detail along with likes and dislikes.

[@blaineparker8733]

Phenomenal Review Samong! Fantastic effort

[@somokantamoirangcha1078]

Nice close up details and very easy to undrestand and a simple honest review, good work hoping to see more in the future.

[@bradsnedeker3833]

Great video! I'm a Kifaru user and have a few comments. 1. You may want to check out the Muskeg series of packs. Based on your preferences I think you will like it a lot more than the 44 mag and compares better to the other two bags you are looking at. 2. The Kifaru frame has plenty of tab loops sewn to the frame. If you want to secure the meat just throw a couple of extra compression straps on there and keep them behind the bag until you need to load up your meat. I don't do this because the bag works well enough in my opinion. 3. I agree with you on the velcro strap things...they are horrible. Get some Web Dominators and you will never have that issue ever again. They work WAY better and are secure.

[@SamongOutdoors]

Thank you, Brad! Yes, my issue with Kifaru was trying to choose which bag was best because they just offered so many different bags! A good problem to have! I totally forgot to clarify my point regarding securing the meat to the frame. I originally meant to talk about the ability to secure meat with something that came with the frame, rather than needing additional accessories. However, the overall point (that I should have also made) is that you do still have the ability with the Kifaru to secure meat onto the frame. I will definitely be testing out the compression kit this upcoming fall! I will definitely have to take a look at the Web Dominators! Thanks for the reference!

[@vm859]

you can secure the meat to the frame first. The tab loops that you dont use on the bag are there for a reason as are the extra straps they give you with the pack.

[@paulsaechao3529]

Great, unbiased review. Thanks for taking a lot of time for this as it surely shows! Great job Samong

[@joelmcmahan7386]

Thanks again Samong, good information on these. This young man and his family know the great outdoors. Good shooting and gods speed to the YANG FAMILY. 👍🇺🇸🎥🏆💪🏽

[@davidhoward7691]

I own a Kifaru reckoning and duplex lite. The extra weight you carry with this system translates into comfort. Bottom line: if you carry 50# with a Kifaru vs. 48# with an EXO, you will be far more comfortable with the Kifaru translating to the weight you carry feeling better and lighter. My expertise in packs comes from 10 years of US Army Infantry and 75th Ranger Regiment service. Kifaru is the nicest pack I have ever used.

[@Gabriel-Akaisha]

I own the kifaru reckoning too with the tactical frame. I like having a beefier stronger frame for heavier loads. But I'm sure the duplex lite frame is amazing too. Every one loves it. Today I just ordered the kifaru ma deuce I've always wanted it and it's on close out sale for only 255$. Normally it's 425$. I got coyote brown. It's being discontinued. It's the big daddy to the 44 mag. I'm hoping to get the new ARK frame by kifaru as well but that's 500$. It looks gnarly.! I own 3 kifaru lids and just bought the bane pack to fit onto my reckoning or ma deuce. I love kifaru. My whole family is military. My parents were officers my dad was a major. I tried to be military but I ended up becoming disabled enough so I couldnt enlist. it devastated me. All I wanted was to show myself I cud pass navy seal training. Even disabled I wish I cud do it just to prove I cud stick it out and never ring the bell.. thankyou for your service. If you like molle or pals webbing check out the close out sale ma deuce. If u go on kifaru u have to search the name. Kifaru doesn't list their gear on sale unless you search for the exact name of the item your looking for. The ma deuce and bane pack check it out. Bane pack is 21 liters. It can act as a lid or just a pocket attachment. But it's a pack. The Closeout price is 150$ in coyote brown. Their xpac material looks great. The guide lid in xpac is awesome. I own it and two organizer lids. Enjoy your kifaru!! Thanks for listening!!

[@SCQT]

Damn, now that is an in depth look. Appreciate the effort Kifaru is the only one i have extensive experience with, but i absolutely love my Fulcrum. It is now the only bag i own, so versatile. All good choices, based on what owners have said

[@Gabriel-Akaisha]

Amazing video. U killed it bro. Great detail thank you for real.

[@timross7046]

Great reveiws . You really needed to go over how excellent there shoulder straps adjust your weight and distribution on the Stone Glacier. Thabks

[@babagum769]

With the kifaru, you can since the meat to the frame before putting the bag on. You need to buy since straps to do so but there are loops on the frame to run them through. They show you how in the kifaru meat bag video on their KZbin.

[@roughcountry5913]

I have the EXO k3 system and just did 12 miles at 10k elevation with 40lbs and it was like I didn't even have a pack on. Sooooo comfortable. Would highly recommend it.

[@reynoldscs]

I love my EXO K2! It packs up nice and tight. Great video and review process. I bought mine a few months before the K3 launch ( other wise I would have waited) , Im glad they offer the newer K3 belt/ waist belt for the K2 for a very reasonable price. One thing I have notice is, the larger the bag the more you will pack. I do also appreciate that Steve from EXO tested his bag really hard with the Born & Raised Outdoors guys on a hunting trip. He wanted to see how far it would go. That was a selling point for me, and of course that is just my opinion.

[@SamongOutdoors]

The K2 is a great system!

[@Chriis_Perry16]

Great thorough video in bag comparison!

[@henny113]

Great details on the Stone Glacier!

[@marlind8939]

Thanks for all the effort you put into sharing these details.

[@Mntnere]

I'm 56 and I have the kuiu Icon pro 3600. Would love to try a kifaru, but I'm too old to keep buying packs. I do love the kuiu. Been using kuiu for 6 years. And so far a great pack. Love your channel and video qualities. Keep up the great work

[@RockyMountainWest13]

You aren’t too old to keep doing what you love. There’s plenty guys who are well into their 70s who are still getting out there. Kifaru packs are great, you won’t be disappointed you bought it. And its also 100% American made.

[@j5long]

The effort and presentation of this review is on point. you got my sub and thx u

[@blakemcquinn2075]

This is a excellent video! What a great comparison! It would be cool to see a video comparing some "off the shelf" backpacking bags, to see what would do the best job in a hunting application.

[@derekturci]

Really great detail. Thanks for reviewing!

[@swaspc7618]

Great video! Better than the videos of the brands themselves, they should pay you for the great job you have done to demonstrate their products. Thank you! Know I will watch the second part :)

[@chrisstone1933]

Like you I went all three frames. Tan each one for a season and found the SG and Kifaru very close. Exo was out. Never could get it comfortable. I’m selling the SG sky 5900 as I prefer the shoulder and hip belt of Kifaru. The SG seems very strap heavy. Lots of straps to keep organized as well

[@toddshumaker2715]

You made me subscribe! Finally, somebody broke the Kifaru down and demonstrated how to use the load shelf! I have the 44 Mag, and while I absolutely love it (came from Mystery Ranch,) I was a bit confused on how to use the load shelf properly. Waist belt feels like it was carefully crafted just for me! Such a great video, best of luck!

[@SamongOutdoors]

Thank you, Todd! I'm really glad to hear the positive feedback. My original point of this video was to be as in depth as I could with each pack system which the loadshelf is a major part of it. I'm glad that this video helped you out with learning your Kifaru pack. Good luck this fall to you and your new Kifaru pack!

[@maxhunter953]

1:23:58 u CAN. There r extra extensions on the frame to use straps. Just need spent more money to buy straps

[@SamongOutdoors]

Yeah, I guess I should have clarified there. I wanted an option that just came with the frame like the Exo and Stone instead of having to put extra straps on there.

[@maxhunter953]

@@SamongOutdoors yes, I guess it’s good to clarify it. Cuz it will make misleading to someone. Should say Kifaru can but need spend some extra or buying the pockets/ accessories which come with free/extra strap

[@gcruishank9663]

Really great detailed walkthrough of all the features of these bags over 2 episodes. REALLY helps to narrow down although I'm still torn between the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 and the Exo K4 5000. The waterproof material on the Glacier looks like a real benefit, but love the simplicity and ease of use of the Exo, and it's a little lighter. Maybe better organization too.

[@chrisdolan4301]

Those lid straps are made for adding a lid to the 1800 there's attachment points inside the water bottle sleeves. FYI

[@toprun95]

I am really enjoying your review. Nice video

[@TheStupidMonkey007]

Thank you for the excellent review of those three packs. Looking forward to the in field use review of them in the future.

[@adamsz5759]

Great video, thanks for sharing this information 🙏

[@boonebrown]

Very well documented tutorial man! I just recently went with the SG Evo6900 so far phenomenal pack, looking forward to seeing how it runs this season! Keep up the great content and hope you have an epic season!🤙

[@brianbuchanan2402]

I have to agree on your choice of bag and frame. I love my SG and the water proof aspect of the bag to keep blood off your gear works. I can attest to that 100%. Great review and great KZbin channel.

[@gr8shoetr]

Very good reviews and video showing all the packs. My daughter has the Exo...i wanted to look at a different one...ur video showed me a lot. Keep it up man....enjoy ur vids

[@kavathass8156]

Great Video. Solid opinions. Thank you Samong

[@bhmong]

Keep up the good work brother.I love your videos very informative.

[@mikioioak]

Thank you Samong, amazing work!

[@MrOlarry72]

Well thought out reviews. Nicely done. All great packs. I run the Exo myself.

[@Stickbowsouth]

I feel like letting people know that the Kifaru packs are the only packs here that are actually 100% made in the USA. Even all the materials are sourced here.

[@RockyMountainWest13]

And that’s why I don’t mind paying top dollar for Kifaru

[@scott-vm1bu]

Great video, I already own a Kifaru frame/bag and an Exo K2 frame/bag, but after watching your review, I'm itching to pick up a Stone Glacier!

[@SamongOutdoors]

They're all so darn good! You won't be disappointed with the Stone Glacier.

[@Tymannosourus]

Awesome review

[@tylerrasmussen798]

Bro🔥 excellent job. Had to subscribe if all the content is this good. Seriously very well done👍

[@SamongOutdoors]

Thanks, Tyler! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CLee-qh3er]

For the Kifaru bag add K-clip compression buckles to the spare loops on the frame. I never had that issue as well as I always use contractor grade trash bags while packing out meat to prevent blood all over as well as if I know it will rain and I have clothes same thing but could be a mil habit.

[@curtisjensen6957]

you really ought to check out and review the seek outside packs as well

[@SylvainSybaris]

I actually recently looked into all those companies, and a few more, like Savotta Jaakari XL.... Mainly because I prefer the MOLLE Systems for additional attachments... I noticed Kifaru also has MOLLE too, but I prefer the Kifaru Ma Deuce because it's the largest size in the series and there are so many extra pouches of various sizes to add on, PLUS, they offer a Chest Rig for even more added storage.

[@GregVasquez777]

kewl brother! glad to your you're doing gear reviews! Great job!

[@thebeardedgorilla8596]

I have the Kifaru 357 mag and I love it. I use it for everything I do in the outdoors and it's so versatile. Comfortable when loaded out.

[@jasonerickson1033]

Great job and info appreciate what you do

[@Takheewins]

Love all your videos bro

[@reveriesimplex648]

Hey Samong, really good video plan you've made. You should check out Savotta's Jaakari XL, would be interested in a review from you to this depth compared to these other backpacks.

[@pemborsky]

If you think the EXO is easy for packing out meat, check out the Eberlestock J51 WarHammer. Strongest load shelf out there, too.

[@danc6402]

very thorough review. 👍

[@thegiantswordworkout]

SIR. Can you do a review on the Barney's Yukon with the Frieghter frame. It's 11,000 cu in. It's said to be the best pack in the world for carrying heavy weight. Love to see a 100 pound sandbag comparison for carry.

[@johncannady6105]

Very well done! Subscribed.

[@Tyanmax99]

I was interested in the Kifaru before seeing what a pain it is to use the meat shelf.

[@huntnnw]

Mystery Ranch should be included. New company out there called Initial ascent will give all these high end packs a run for their money

[@abbywaller6181]

After watching this, I encourage you to check out blacks creek guide gear packs out of Boise, I’d. Load shelf is way more accessible, and less complicated than any of these packs.

[@huntready1435]

Nice line up man! I've ran Kifaru and Kuiu. Kifaru gets the nod on overall build quality with the huge plus if being made right here. I sold off my kuiu and currently have 3 kifaru packs. I'd like to give exo a try.

[@traditionalbowhunter5862]

kifaru packs sucks b@lls lol they are way overpriced and wannabe military. kuiu packs are awesome and i know tons of hunters who use them every year on archery elk hunts without fail. Stone Glacier is king imo.

[@fireformprecision8935]

K2 3500 is the best bag Ive used. From rock climbing in central washington to chasing coastal bears and elk. Its the only bag that made me give up my external pack frame my grandpa gave me.

[@SamongOutdoors]

I love my K2 3500 as well!

[@dyong888]

Great video explaining the Kifaru system which the Kifaru site doesn't do as well. I find the "meat shelf" system on the Kifaru INFERIOR to the one found on the Guide Light MT Frame of Mystery Ranch. There are just far too many things to fiddle with on the Kifaru and which can wear down or break e.g. the Tri Glides. Also some say the hipbelt on the Kifarus tend to slide down when heavy and sweaty. I have a Mystery Ranch Marhshall on order and hope it will not have these problems. The only thing I like about the Kifarus is the pocket system which you can attach "all round" for many of their bags. I'm currently running three Kifaru pouches on a CamelBak Tri-Zip Bag. I do hiking and camping and do not hunt. Don't like killing.

[@paperpeng1]

Good review Brother.

[@xfighter1117]

Running an exo 3200. Had to support a company from my home state

[@EChunter]

The 44 mag doesn't have exterior pocket ? It's got the biggest exterior side pockets of all the packs tested .

[@josephbc1192]

Great video!!!

[@daveaz9962]

Just came across. I know these videos have been out for a year, but can anyone tell me how the Mystery Ranch, say the Metcalf, compares? Thanks for any input.

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

I like how you broke this video down great job awesome bags. Have you ever ran the Kuiu bags at all?

[@steveb6444]

Im torn between the 44 mag and kifaru hoodlum right now. Just can’t decide

[@nicklevine9442]

Loved this video and it really helped me a lot, thank you. Just curious if the 2nd video has come out yet?

[@SamongOutdoors]

Thanks, Nick. Second part won't be out until early 2021. I'm still running through the packs for now.

[@I_Count_Twice]

@@SamongOutdoors I'm sure you meant 2022. Easy to forget this year happened. 😄😄 Doing my gear research for idaho next year.

[@Longtrailside]

Moving on up Samong, finally getting notice by big company's. Well deserved! Hopefully more company's catch on. Been itching to get out and scout. Would love to get a new pack to break in, but these packs break my account,lol. Still using my alps pack.

[@danc6402]

As far as budget gear goes, Alps has FANTASTIC customer service.

[@timross7046]

Ps , were do you keep your Rifle.

[@ridesnowco]

Thanks for the review. Lots of great info. I've decided on Exo but I'm going back and forth between the 3200 and 4800. I do 1-2 day hunts 80% of the time but don't want to be limited if I stretch out into the 4-5 day hunt. My question is what are your thoughts on this pack for just a day hunt? Thanks for all the great content.

[@kduffin33]

Just had the same dilemma but ended up going with the 4800 as it is only about $30 more and from what I’ve heard from the guys at EXO 4800 collapses down pretty nicely and the weight difference is only six ounces. Worth the extra $30 and gives you the option to do longer hunts or solo back country trips you ever decide decide to do so!

[@ridesnowco]

@@kduffin33 I agree. I ended up ordering the 4800 after reviewing all the comments about it tightening down well for day hunts and being accessible with the horseshoe zipper.

[@mjoutdoorgear8134]

Good review!! I just sold my Kifaru Duplex lite frame and 22mag and picked up a Blacks Creek Guide Gear system with the Grip Frame and Alternative pack!! I’d personally say the Blacks Creek needs to be considered as a Top of the line Pack system!! 1000d Cordura on all there packs except 1 which is 500D which will compare with all those packs in your line up!! But there 7 other packs they offer have higher quality materials!!! There also 100% American materials and build in house in the USA

[@SamongOutdoors]

Absolutely. There are many other great options out there that will go toe-to-toe with these 3 packs. For this particular project, I just went with the "Big 3" so that I know what standard they set for other packs I try in the future. I also didn't have the $ to spend on any other packs after this lol.

[@toxophilite1953]

Great info. 👍🏻

[@crossmedhunt]

I have used the SG sky archer 6900 for one Colorado bear hunt. I like the pack! One small concern I have is the hip belt and shoulder pad mesh material seems to "fray" from busting through brush. I hope it doesn't become a problem. Anyone else have a comment on this?

[@SamongOutdoors]

Both the Stone Glacier packs I have fray as well. It has not affected the performance at all, but if ever does, I'm sure the guys at SG will take care of you. I've had nothing but good experiences with SG's customer service.

[@crossmedhunt]

@@SamongOutdoors that is kinda what I was suspecting. Thank you for the reply and the great video comparison! Thank you for the work you put into this!

[@johanolivier4424]

Thank you very informative 👍👍

[@kncnsm]

That's a lot of work reconfiguring the Kifaru to add the meat bag. Once you've unloaded the meat bag, it's another process to reconfigure back to backpack mode. If you had to make multiple trips back/forth for big game, this becomes a big hassle, right?

[@SamongOutdoors]

The Kifaru load shelf is definitely more time-consuming than the SG and Exo. I mean, it takes only a couple minutes longer to configure it, but it definitely adds up on time. It's especially annoying on those late-night packouts where you just want to start your trek instead of tinkering with your loadshelf.

[@kncnsm]

@@SamongOutdoors I'm not a hunter but I find it odd that hunters pack the meat between the frame/pack coz isn't that where most of your body heat will transfer directly/accelerate deterioration of the meat? Especially if you have to carry it for a couple of hours before you get to your camp/ride? I would have thought the meat should be strapped outside the pack to minimize heat transfer.

[@SamongOutdoors]

@@kncnsm Your body heat doesn't really have any significance of spoiling the meat. If it is so hot out that you have to worry about your body heat spoiling the meat, then the outside temperature itself is already very high itself. A loadshelf isn't about really about minimizing meat spoilage, but rather let you be comfortable hauling out the meat. The meat cooling step should have already occured while you were breaking down the animal.

[@kncnsm]

@@SamongOutdoors Thanks for the education!

[@grootvan692]

moin! I can't figure out if the 44 mag in ranger green is more green or grey ?

[@JohnWeik]

Great video brother! Love my 3500 it's the do-all bag. Except you will never see me using it for turkey hunting. 😆😆😆😁

[@LestatLee]

hi, how is MR crew cab doing during hunting

[@luwenmoodley8357]

Love ya vidz Sam,gr3at catch and cooks and shooting. Aim on and fish Brother 🤫

[@wyomtnhippie]

Love my SG 5900, but also love my Kifaru stryker XL

[@ximmoua8399]

What happened to your mystery ranch metcalf, 🤔

[@fisher1452]

Crew cab-----

[@ximmoua8399]

@@fisher1452 crew 🚖🚕is one of our favorite

[@tyedenshaw6721]

Great video bro. I got the Stone Glacier Sky Talus 6900, I love it, might be a little big for most, I just use it for deer & bear hunts here in Alaska. I think I should’ve went with the 5900, been thinking about switching to Exo, might just pick one up and use both!

[@SamongOutdoors]

Having more space is never an issue! I'd rather have more space and not need it, than need more space and not have it! I want to try out the Talus 6900 once I get done with this particular project. The Exo is awesome too! It doesn't hurt to have a backup pack!

[@tyedenshaw6721]

@@SamongOutdoors heck yeah man, I agree 100% I do camping trips out of my pack everytime I hunt so the extra space is great. I had a hard time picking between the SG and Exo at first but decided to go for the SG. But now I will be picking up an exo 4800 for my backup pack for sure. All my buddies use exo in Alaska and swear by them.

[@ogoe_joeoutdoors1088]

I'm not new to hunting but having recently lost my lifetime hunting buddy (miss you dad) I am going on my first solo backpack hunt. I lived your reviews, they're informative and we'll laid out. What I'm shocked by is the cost of the packs! I don't have it in me to shell out $600 for just a pack and frame, it doesn't make sense to my utilitarian mind. I prefer to put my money on other items like glass. Any suggestions for a starter pack that won't send me into a price shock?

[@reveriesimplex648]

Military surplus will probably do you just fine, friend.

[@ogoe_joeoutdoors1088]

@@reveriesimplex648 it's been years since I set foot in one. I had completely forgotten about it. Thank you

[@williamthomas7330]

Is there any reason why you cant just keep the meat shelf on Kifaru hooked up all the time?

[@SamongOutdoors]

I was just toying with it and you certainly can with some exceptions. I have the 24 inch frame, and it's difficult to pull the frame in and out of the bag flap with the loadshelf connected. Doable, but it's a pain (unless I suck). I would assume, it's impossible with the 26 inch frame as I already gave up leaving the loadshelf attached on the 24 inch frame. I could be wrong.

[@MNvikfan]

Sounds like you would like the new dall pack

[@Surfbogie07]

Curious are you going to cover kuiu packs? Not in the running at least? I ask because I have the kuiu 7800 and I am curious how it compares.

[@SamongOutdoors]

I won't be covering Kuiu for this particular project. Maybe I will in the future if I do another backpack project.

[@idaho2ndgens240]

Great Review on great packs. I have a Stone Glacier Sky Guide and a Kuiu 3000 and 6000. I use the Kuiu 3000 for day hunts and the SG and Kuiu 6000 for longer backpack trips. I have packed meat in both packs. I love the Kuiu carbon frame and design for day trips. The SG frame and meat shelf is awesome too. Kifaru makes good stuff, I have their teepee and stove. EXO looks like a tight package. One thing I wish pack makers would do would be to make quieter fabric for archery hunting. SG offers a great military discount.

[@jjcochran8599]

I use an Eberlestock F1 mainframe and a 5000 vapor pack. It’s pretty nice.

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

Anyone use Eberlestock anymore..??? Mystery Ranch seems to have fell off.

[@hellojasonmoon]

Samong! When are you going to have a meet and greet? Maybe you can put together a trip with some lucky fans to go hunting/fishing with you?

[@Russuscitate]

Where's part 2?

[@martinfreitas4164]

Hey Samong What about noises and squeaky Rubbing material noises when walking or stalking in on Animals ? Thanks

[@SamongOutdoors]

They're not dead quiet by any means, but they're plenty silent if you are just stalking. I haven't noticed much rubbing between fabrics that will blow a stalk.

[@martinfreitas4164]

@@SamongOutdoors ok I have an exo 2nd generation and it's been squeaky when the frame moves and twist ? Mark said it might be dirty and needs cleaned? But Hey Thanks for taking time to answer my questions I enjoy watching your channel✌