Kifaru Zippy
1500ci 24.48L
$299


More info: http://store.kifaru.net/zippy-1500-c...ters-p122.aspx


The Kifaru Zippy is my most expensive backpack and it’s my favorite. The Zippy is almost overbuilt, that’s really the best way I can describe the quality of workmanship and materials, every edge is finished and every stitch is clean. It’s hard to describe (especially to my wife) why paying $300 for a pack is really worth it, there is something about quality that sometimes is hard to describe. If I had been planning ahead I should have done some side by side photos of the Zippy and a low end pack (Condor, Voodoo, etc.). Is it worth $300, to me: yes. Again it’s hard to quantify and really explain but the quality when in person really speaks for its self. Back to the Zippy its self: I use the zippy for most things, it’s great when I need a little more room than the Tarahumara (review above). Most recently I used it to go to a Rockies game and was able to haul: 4 bottles of water, 2 rootbeers, a pound of peanuts, 2 coats (winter), a blanket and my camera. If I wasn’t a gear whore it would be my one and only, it’s the right size for most jobs and is very comfortable.


Likes:
Organization – the Zippy lives up to its name, there are three ways into the main body of the pack: top lid, and two side access panels. Each of the side panels has a mesh pocket on the inside (with zipper) and the lid has an external pocket as well as mesh pocket (with zipper) on the underside. Inside there is also a small bag hanging (picture a pencil bag and sorry I didn’t think to take a picture till now), adding another zipper to the 7 zippers (thus Zippy). All of these make it easy to organize and access your stuff, which between camera gear and baby stuff is required for any bag I use on trips.
Size – as I said above the Zippy can fit a lot, and it has great access.
Quality – as I said above it’s hard to explain, especially when most packs are made up of the same stuff (500D cordura, ITW plastic hardware, and heavy duty zippers.) but the workmanship on Kifaru’s products is top notch.


Dislikes:
Price – like I said it’s worth it to me, but it still does feel silly to pay $300 for a backpack.
Water bottle pockets – I’m only including this because the day after I ordered my Zippy, Kifaru announced the Urban Zippy which has external water bottle pockets. I liked MOLLE to much to switch and the side access makes it easy enough to get my water bottle without too much effort.


Overall the Zippy is my favorite pack, it’s pricey but it’s well built, well organized, and fits my needs. I would recommend the Zippy to anyone who can afford a high end pack and is looking for a do it all pack.