As with the rest of the Kifaru packs, the suspension system is fully adjustable. The shoulder straps can lengthened and shortened to suit the user and the aluminum stays bent to custom fit the back. The patented Delta straps allow you to adjust the amount of offload that the waistbelt provides. The Zulu does not come with a waist belt. Kifaru has introduced new Omni belts which are removable and will fit a number of their packs. The same belt can be used with the updated Marauder and Scout. There are 4 Omni belt options - plain/unpadded, unpadded/PALS, padded/plain, and padded/PALS. The padded/PALS belt is seen on this particular pack.

The Zulu's capacity is estimated at 2800 c.i. "plus". The "plus" is where the storm collar comes in. When compressed and cinched down to its minimum height (dictated by the top of the stays), the Zulu is about the size of a Marauder. When the collar is extended and the Zulu is 'stuffed out', it now becomes taller than the Pointman (at 3000 c.i.). This is where the versatility of the Zulu becomes apparent - it can hold a LOT of stuff, and yet be compressed down to a small package if needed. The extra length of the vertical compression straps and top compression strap will allow items to be lashed under the lid (like a sleeping pad), or at the bottom of the pack. The pics below show the Zulu with and without modular pockets, and also worn comfortably with a BH STRIKE chest rig (using the waist belt). For use with a belt rig, the Omni belt would have to be removed. For comfort, I'll have to give a slight edge to the Pointman, due to the drilex-covered lumbar padding. The Zulu carries more like the Marauder.

By itself, or coupled with the growing array of modular pockets and pouches, I think the Zulu is going to be a big hit with both civvies and military personnel, as it fits so many needs, from a daypack to patrol pack to one larger than a 3-day pack. For more info on this pack, visit the official Kifaru Zulu page.

Above: Inspired by adventure racers, the gun bearer strap makes a great water bottle holder in a convenient location which is easy to reach and out of the unobtrusive. Just make sure you get a bottle with a 'waist' (nalgene bottle from REI shown here). It's very secure (won't pop out like it can with a bungee) and a snap to retrieve and replace the bottle. Note that while the bottle will NOT come out when secured, I've only tested it while walking with the pack, not jogging or running. To prevent the bottom from flopping around, Mel from Kifaru recommends a bottom bungie strap to stabilize it.

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Below: Some people have asked what MultiCam pouches look like on a Coyote Brown pack. Well, here they are on a Zulu:

4/8/06 - Kifaru Hoodie. Not too bulky nor thin, Kifaru's Hoodie is perfect for lounging around and relaxing on a cool evening. 50/50 cotton/poly blend with a soft brushed fleece lining, It's available in light Khaki with a green Kifaru logo on the left breast and back. Drawstring hood and front handwarmer pocket. I'm wearing a size large (I'm normally a size medium but wanted a more relaxed fit). The Kifaru Rhino patch is also available (shown here on a HSGI Tactical Cap).