Our camp on night one was about 4 miles and 2,000 vertical feet from the trailhead. Nothing epic, but at 12,000 feet, nothing to trifle with, either. Add about 50 pounds of gear, including a rifle, and it was a stout hike. That was day one of my 2024 Colorado elk rifle season and the first day of testing of the Kifaru Absaroka.
After 5 days of difficult hunting and a lot of miles covered, I came to appreciate the Absaroka’s versatility as much as its 6,580-cubic-inch (108L) capacity. This pack is big. But it’s still great for single-day hunts after camp is set. It compresses to a modest size to carry a kill kit, food, and water.
While this is still an early review, I’m impressed. The Kifaru Absaroka, combined with the Kifaru ARK Frame, is one of the better backpack systems I’ve used in many years of hunting and hiking.

In short: The Kifaru Absaroka is an external frame pack based on the ARK Frame system. It can carry a huge load of 6,580 cubic inches inside a highly water-resistant, USA-made bag with one large compartment and two smaller pockets. In my testing, I found the frame, hip belt, and shoulder straps reliably comfortable and capable of loads of well over 50 pounds.
The pack is durable and well-designed for simple organization with larger pockets and a huge main compartment. While expensive, it will be worth the investment for those who haul a lot of gear and potentially meat.
Shopping around? Check out our guide to the best backpacks for hunting here.
- Weight: 5.99-6.25 lbs.
- Volume: 6,580 cu. in. plus meat shelf
- Material: Carbon fiber, Ultragrid and EPX 400 fabric
Pros
- Large but compressible
- Simple three-compartment organization
- Compatible with exceptional ARK frame
- Very water resistant, durable
Cons
- Frame (not included) does not have water tube attachment
- Affordable bag requires expensive frame
Kifaru Absaroka Review: An Expedition-Worthy External Frame Pack
Kifaru Absaroka Pack: 3-Compartment Simplicity
As a Day-Hunting Pack
Kifaru ARK Frame


Kifaru Absaroka Review: Simple Yet Refined
