Kifaru divides the internet into two piles: The 'you can buy a perfectly good pack from Walmart' guys - these are the same chaps who'll tell you a dullard GF is as much fun as a smart one, all Scotch tastes the same, and that a Hand Made Suit is the same as one from the discout store, and in the other pile: those of us who know you've just got to suck it up, buy the best once, safe in the knowledge that you'll be remembering quality long after you've forgotten the price you paid while numb-nuts has had to buy and re-buy with what little money he has left after buying the chiropractor a Mercedes.
Size of a LateSeason, but from the Military/Tacticool range, I do like the weight saving of the hunting range, but for this size of pack I needed super robust, and no one does super-tuff like Patrick Smith and Kifaru Tactical. If you want to be able to fill your pack with tools and hoist it into a filthy crawl space in a loft, fill it with scrap copper tubing and chuck it into the back of a rubble filled truck, hose it down and take it on the plane to go gold prospecting - you'll see why I wanted something a little tougher than your average bear. 2kg is a fair old weight for a pack in the 50l class, but I'm not sure you could make one as tough weigh much less.
With the Kifaru Cargo Chair, small off-spring, dead deer, firewood, and big fuel drums carried with ease. I'd call them the most 'must have' of all the add-ons you can order.
Kifaru sell most of their packs with 'optional' hip belts, this is a bit like buying a car with 'optional' wheels; as the hip belt is so integral to Patrick Smith's vision for load carrying where 100% of the load is supported on your hips and the straps are just to stop the weight toppling backwards. An extra $50, I'll order mine this week.
More gear freakery/kit-tart-ism, books, food, and attempts to escape suburban life as they happen
Your pal
SBW
The “two piles” description couldn’t be more spot on. I believe you may have read of my annoyance with those who can only gauge things by the metrics of how much it costs, never seemingly able to grasp that some things cost a little more, but in the end up being of a far greater value in the long run. Yes, you can buy cheaper, but if you have to buy cheap repeatedly because it fails on a regular basis, is it really cheaper? Are there really people who can’t fathom that concept? And I really don’t get why people feel compelled to let everyone know that something is out of their price range. “And I’m supposed to care....why?”
ReplyDeleteLove my Kifaru goodness. I will be handing it off to grandkids. Quality, design, comfort, versatility, made in a first world country.
But....are those black rather than foliage Web Dominators I see. For shame.
Exploriment
ReplyDeleteI have indeed, and that's the way so many people roll on that forum, armchair bushcrafters who never stray from the car, suddenly know better than those with real experience in the harshest conditions [and me]. Personally I'd rather support a small artisan maker who makes stuff with a service life of forever, than add to the landfill.
Re your um er other point
'But....are those black rather than foliage Web Dominators I see. For shame.'
For shame indeed, my humiliation is complete.
SBW
I think I go to “that” forum just so I can make fun of the daft twits who ask if anyone knows of a pack that holds 85 liters, in medium lilac, that weighs less than 300 grams, is completely waterproof, really comfortable, very durable, oh and wait for it, costs less than $50.
ReplyDeleteJumping jesus on a pogostick. I just really have to wonder where some peoples heads are at. Sure some of those requests are possible, but can they really not grasp that the more demands they have, the more the price is going to go up in order to meet the realities of what those requirements cost to produce?
People who just can’t get over the fact that I spent $400 on a pair of Danner boots. “whoah dude, I got these “hikerlike” brand boots for $40. Total bargain.” Rrrriight and if you actually had to walk the distances I do you would quickly grasp that I got the better deal. I’m still wearing those Danners 11 years later. 11 months later were you still wearing your “bargains”?
Spot on SBW always buy the best you can afford, there are times when you can spend extra on some things just for the right logo or name but in most instances you gets what you pays for!. as my old Grandad used to say "buy cheap, buy twice".
ReplyDeleteExploriment
ReplyDeleteSo true, I think its improved a bit lately, but a couple years ago i pretty much gave up on it. Ray Mears fan boys, and sad angry middle aged men lecturing each other, and patronising anyone foolish enough to have the temerity to ask a question. One day I'll dig up the thread where a 15 year old tries to introduce himself and now sadly deleted bushcraft blog, they actually que up to be rude to him. Armchair warriors.
SBW
Artemis
ReplyDeleteIn our grandparents day it was "buy cheap, buy twice" now its more like buy cheap and buy again, and again, and again. They even had a better class of tat in those days. LOL
SBW
Nice - despite being a Walmart ammo person, it's cheap, I have to agree with your kit philosophy. Buy quality, every time. Especially suits. And guns. And optics. And horses + tack. And, of course, bergans. Jealous of your new purchase.
ReplyDeleteResult.
LSP
ReplyDeleteConsumables I agree with you can come from the pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap stores. But if you're going to use it more than once.....
For real Kifaru bargains check out the Kifaru forum or ebay - most of the sellers with the best prices are USA only. Bargins are for the patient.
SBW
Thanks for the tip, SBW.
ReplyDeletePatience? Key.
LSP
ReplyDeleteAs the sage said:
'If you sit by the forum long enough, your bargain will come floating by'
Having said that the Zulu was most of full price, unlike the longhunter which really was a squeeze coming up for sale just after your boss' birthday when everyone is skint.
SBW