Kifaru G2 Longhunter vs Mysery Ranch nice 6500

Travis77

I am not sure this is the section where I should post this or not. I am ready to purchase either a kifaru longhunter or mystery ranch nice 6500. I know its like comparing ford vs chevy. From what I have read:

Kifaru- fit is great due to wide thinner belt, lighter than MR, gun bearer is great, but loading shelf on the G2 is not as good as MR. But you could easily attach MR shelf to kifau frame.

MR - very durable but heavy, frame could have a steaper angle on load lifters to offer more comfortable hauls, has more options with bags for nice system

Which one is more confortable used as a day pack? What is better to carry a bow with? Which one offers more orginizationAre the top daypack lids large enough on either bag to use to fit daypack items? Do most of you guys hunt with the bag on frame, or do you remove it?

This is what I am considering

If the day lid is not bit enough I have thought of using a dry bag sinched to the frame along with another to hold my tripod and spotter. Then I am hoping to raise a loader sling to keep these in place along with my bow(when I need my hands free). Then I could build a quick release bucket and strap similar to eberlestock for fast bow retrieval. My intent is to have an all in one system. Something I could bivy out 3-5 days, hike with the family, but also has the ability to haul a moose quater. Am I asking for too much. Thanks

Whats your thougths on this

RosinBag · Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2010 12:54 pm Post subject:

Travis you are going to get recommendations that say both are great, which they are.

As far as organization goes, the MR is by far better. The Kifaru is like a duffle bag on a great suspension. It has a very small pocket inside the duffel at the top and the lid has one pocket, that is it. The MR has several pockets all over, including the waist belt if you choose that belt, several in the lid, several on the exterior. Kifaru does have pockets that attached to their packs, but that is just extra weight.

The load lifters on the 6500 are fine as the attachment for them on the bag and they are no problems with them so I wouldn't think this should be issue.

The MR lid can convert into a day pack and has shoulder straps that tuck away and can carry many items. I don't know how the Kifaru is set up in this regard.

Both of the packs will pack down small enough to to use while hunting without any issues.

If you head over to http://forums.bowsite.com/TF/bgforums/ there is a thread titled "2010 Pack Review Part 4." In there the MR 6500 is reviewed by Aron (ElkReaper) and it is very informative with close up pictures of some of the things you are asking about. Aron is on this site also so he may respond to your topic.

As far as the weight goes, you will be looking at about 2.5 pounds gross weight between the two at most. That spread will also get smaller if you use the gun bearer or their pockets for organization. I doubt there are to many people that could pick up a 54 pound pack and a 56 pound pack and tell you which one is heavier. At the heavier weights the pack weight is not an issue.

I can tell you both packs will last, hold up to the all the abuse you can throw at it and you will probably like both, so it will become which pack fits you best and has the specific options that you want for your style of hunting.

They both will also pack a bow or rifle without any issues.

Based on what your describing and asking about I would think the MR 6500 would suit your needs best, but you will have to make that decision.

Good luck....

Oak · Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2010 3:37 pm Post subject:

Great comparison by Rosinbag. I will add that the problem some have with the load lifters on the MR is with the Crewcab bag on the NICE frame. Not a problem with the 6500. Also, I use the Kifaru gunbearer on my MR pack with no issues.

HighCountry46 · Spike Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Posts: 11 Location: Indiana

Tuff call. I've got the LongHunter.Its lack of pockets will be a turn off for some. IMO the way the pack carries is SUPERB.Im not sure what the shrtcomings of the Kif load shelf are?The top lid can be used as a fanny pack if you choose or just attatch to the frame sans bag. I'm going to leave the bag on and compress down for day pack hunting. You cant go wrong with either pack.

hunting1 · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:29 pm Post subject:

They are both great, but my vote goes to the Kifaru after OWNING both. I say that bold so I do not get flamed. The Kifar is lighter and feels like it molds to your frame. The MR is built like a tank and is better organized, but pockets and pods can be used with the Kifaru. There is a few G1 LH's for sale right now. You can not loose with either, so it comes down to which one feels best to you. I still have a MR Nice Frame and CC trying to fall in love with it, but my Kifaru Siwash is my favorite. The new G2 Siwash is awsome with great lift if 4000Cui will work.