Kifaru
Kifaru 44 Mag
Kifaru's flagship multiday hauler, redesigned in G2 form for the carbon-fiber ARK frame: 4,720 ci (77 L) split across a 3,670 ci clamshell main bag, 340 ci lid, and dual 355 ci side pockets, with a horseshoe front zip for fast access. The complete system is $850 ($350 bag + $500 25-inch ARK frame) and weighs 6 lb 6 oz. The G2 swaps sewn MOLLE for laser-cut laminate tracks, adds a built-in weapon-carry sleeve, and moves compression straps outside the zippers.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓Rokslide's official Gen 2 review (Tony Trietch, fall 2025) calls the redesign 'a winner' after multi-state testing — he ran the original 44 Mag for years and says the G2's changes are all real improvements.
- ✓The ARK frame under it earned its own glowing Rokslide review: a full boned-out mule deer plus day gear pushed triple-digit weight and the reviewer 'honestly can't remember packing out an entire old buck with less discomfort.'
- ✓Full clamshell main compartment plus a horseshoe front zipper beats the roll-top-only routine on a Stone Glacier Sky 5900 or Seek Outside when you're digging for layers or loading meat.
- ✓The dual 355 ci side pockets each swallow a full-size spotting scope — Rokslide's reviewer carries a Swarovski 95mm with lens adapter in one, carry that Exo and Stone Glacier need add-on pockets to match.
- ✓G2 adds a built-in weapon-carry sleeve and autolock strap at the base of the pack — bow or rifle carry that used to require the $50 Gun Bearer accessory is now stock.
- ✓Compression straps moved outside the main zippers on the G2, so you can grab a rain jacket without unbuckling anything — and the straps now release fully for easier load-shelf use than the sewn-in Gen 1 straps.
- ✓Laser-cut laminate tracks replace old-school MOLLE and cut just under 5 ounces from the Gen 1 bag; complete system weight is 6 lb 6 oz, lighter than a Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 system.
- ✓Kifaru.net owners rate it a perfect 5.0 — one packed an elk hind and front quarter 'cattywampus in the shelf' and said it held the weight comfortably and securely, another calls it the 'perfect for every situation' bag because it shrinks down for day setups.
Cons
- ✗At $850 complete ($350 bag + $500 ARK frame) it costs $150-250 more than a comparable Exo Mtn Gear K4 or Stone Glacier Sky 5900 system, before you touch Kifaru's accessory catalog.
- ✗500D Cordura is bombproof but behind the times — Stone Glacier and Seek Outside have moved to lighter, near-waterproof ultra-weave fabrics, and Kifaru relies on a DWR coating that wears off.
- ✗The review base is thin for a flagship: 8 reviews on kifaru.net and 2 at GOHUNT versus hundreds for the Exo K4 5000 or Mystery Ranch Metcalf, so most buyers order sight-unseen.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets aren't included — the laser-cut belt slots take Kifaru pouches at $45+ each, and the accessory ecosystem (Sherman pocket, belt pouches, Grab-It) inflates the real price fast.
- ✗The foam-and-carbon back panel has zero ventilation, and owners accept a sweaty back as the price of Kifaru's load transfer.
- ✗Only two frame heights (22 in and 25 in) with no micro torso adjustment — hunters between sizes get less dial-in than Exo's adjustable yoke offers.
- ✗Kifaru sells almost entirely direct with minimal retail presence, so trying one on before spending $850 is nearly impossible outside a Rokslide meetup or the Riverton, WY showroom.
- ✗Kifaru's Autolock buckles lock the strap so it can't slip, but Rokslide's own reviewer found them a genuine pain to release in the cold or with gloves on.
Compare the Kifaru 44 Mag
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