So again to reiterate... For me it's not the durability. Doubtful to happen anytime soon. Their first and for most client being war fighters they aren't likely as concerned with competing with more civvy or EDC based brands. Just sayin'
Totally stupid on so many levels. I'm not one to call for boycotts, but if I ever want to give that kind of company my money. But it is nice of them to make it easy for anyone behind the officer to identify the gun compartment zipper.
El Chupacabra- the Kifaru founder was recently quoted that they were considering it. But, to your point, no timeframe was shared.
I understand your frustration but a boycott on this issue alone is a bit extreme. All you'd be doing is depriving yourself the opportunity to sample a lot of quality product. To-date, I've been extremely impressed with their product line.
Tactical Tailor's Fight Light line reduced weight by 30% by going from 1000D to 500D. That's pretty significant. http://kitup.military.com/2011/05/tactical-tailor-intends-to-fight-light.html You're spot on about the rigidity. But, to me that's a selling point. It's all personal preference.
Even though I do not agree with Camelbak on this issue, you can always buy one of these packs from other sources; like Ebay. It's not like any pack can't be converted to a 'concealment' pack. If a pack has an area of internal velcro, all you need is a velcro-backed holster. And even if it doesn't have such a feature, Blue Force Gear (among others) make a velcro insert panel that will fit into virtually any bag/pack, thus converting it into a 'concealment' pack.
Yea I read the same article you did. I'm saying I highly doubt they'll ever cater to the EDC crowd. Too many people who gripe about things like the weight of the fabrics in that circle. ;-) Hmmm I dunno, the spike camp and the express are the same pack just made out of the two different fabrics... 500d is 2.5oz. Heavier... That's kifaru's numbers. Here's a link to one of Mel's posts on how little the weight difference is between the two fabrics. http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthread.php?t=25944&p=263217#post263217 Let me give you an example of what I mean by the rigidity I like in the current 1000d Kifaru offerings... I usually work out of a mollex or an x-ray. I like to flip the top pocket open which leaves the mouth of the bag open like a bucket. I feel the bag stays open due to the heavier material. I have some 500d pockets and such... They just don't hold their shape uless stuffed.
Remove or significantly reduce the amount of PALS on the outside of the Zippy and I think you'd have a good platform from which to start.
Cute. Everybody does except those that "don't have to like it, just have to do it". Yeah, so maybe you're right - Kifaru should stick to what they know.
I don't disagree. I've always thought the X-Ray would be a viable EDC option without all the external wall-to-wall molle.
Nah, I didn't take it the wrong way bud. I just think you're right. The EDC crowd is demanding and very particular. They probably wouldn't know what hit them.
Actually, let me recant that. Kifaru is a very capable company - obviously. If they set their minds to make an excellent EDC pack then I have no doubt they'd succeed. But, it would be a departure for them and hopefully they would tap into the EDC community to see what matters to them as consumers before embarking on it (much like Tom Bihn is doing here in the forum).
Kifaru don do magic, spike camp comes with belt included, reason for the "extra weight". It's lighter than express. Still splashing molle to fill up spaces, they should copyright that .
^^^^ All it takes is a sharp knife (or scissors) and a steady hand. But then you would be left with a bag with a bunch of little holes where the PALS once resided.
Yep, and Kifaru PALS webbing is on there to stay. There was a guy on a British forum who tried to take the PALS off a stash-it pocket (they have webbing both sides), and it wasn't pretty. I wouldn't do that to an expensive Kifaru ruck! I took the PALS of a maxped organizer once, and, as you say, just little holes left... different kettle o' the proverbial fish with big K gear! My X-ray (black) when fitted with the mini-long pockets on each side, and an organizer on the front panel, only shows any PALS on close inspection. If I leave the belt off, it's just another black book-bag, especially since I blacked out my Kifaru logos with a little black fabric dye (didn't want it to be a thief magnet in certain places I've taken it, no logos is best). For EDC my only slight negative is the amount of straps, but all are removable anyhow. I keep my compression straps (took the bottom ones off) to lash kneel mats and jackets to... again, hiding the PALS and making it very much look like any other bag. I agree on 1000d for the Xing... you'd have to use an X-ray to appreciate it, but the top lid 'folds back' in such a way that you have perfect access to the under-lid pocket, and a wide 'maw' to enter the main compartment. Any loss in rigidity would make this incredible design seem less useable. Kifaru even slant the external top pocket so that if you accidentally leave the zip open when you flop the lid back, nothing falls out... genius... but if you lose that stiffness, I can't see it having the same purposeful feel to the design. Don't get me wrong, I know Mel and Patrick are very much on the ball, and I'll be ordering a Xing as soon as they are released. I was about to by a Mystery Ranch Komodo Dragon, for times when my X-ray can't quite carry enough changes of clothes... now I'm waiting on the Xing, because all my ancillaries; belt, pockets, chambers etc will be directly transferable! Awesome.
There are a few soldiers on Kifaru forums who claim to have either witnessed or worn through 500d packs. I'd like 1000d for sure, personal choice thing.
