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Kifaru Zulu Pack

4/22/04 - The Zulu is Kifaru's newest pack (as of this date), and in my opinion, one of the most versatile. Its capacity is listed at 2800 cubic inches "plus" (more on this later). Like the other Kifaru packs, it is covered in PALS webbing (3 rows x 8 channels on the top lid, and 7 rows x 20 channels on the exterior of the pack) and will accept any of the Kifaru modular pockets or MOLLE compatible pouches. It is a top loader with detachable lid, and a storm collar that closes via drawcord. The Zulu is a departure from the top and panel loaders that Kifaru has offered up to now, and was designed as a completely new pack from the ground up, not a resize of any existing pack in the Kifaru line. It also doesn't have a single zipper on it to blow out or jam.

Overall front quarter. The pack has 4 horizontal compression straps and 2 vertical ones.

Side view

Back view showing removable Omni belt

Zulu with 2 side/long pockets and an E&E back pouch

Side pockets and E&E attached
The main compartment in the Zulu forms a large cylinder roughly a foot in diameter, and a foot and a half tall to the top of the stays. The rectangular/oval footprint of the bottom is roughly 16" x 9". There are 4 common loops for hanging pockets in the main compartment (it comes with the chamber pocket to store small items). The 1" aluminum stays are located behind the chamber pocket and are easily removed from their sleeves. The storm collar extends about 7" above the top of the pack (top of the stays). The detachable lid can be moved up or down to accomodate any expansion of the collar. When the collar's drawcord is cinched, a top compression strap runs from the front of the pack into a buckle at the top/back of the pack near the drag/carry handle. On the outside of the pack are 3 slot pockets, between the outer panel with PALS webbing and the main compartment. The top horizontal compression straps keep the openings of the slot pockets closed when tightened, and contents secure. The front slot pocket can hold a cargo chair, while the side slots can hold a 100 oz hydration bladder or pullouts. D-rings inside the top of each slot pocket serve as anchors for dummy cording or hanging the contents inside. On the back of the pack is a radio antenna/hydration tube port/opening which closes with velcro. There is no integral hydration bladder compartment in the Zulu, but one is on the design board that can be hung from the common loops inside.

View inside main compartment showing common loops and chamber pocket

Aluminum stay sleeves

Drawstring closure storm collar and top compression strap

Radio antenna velcro opening

Side and front slot pockets

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.


Pullout in side slot pocket and cargo chair in the front one

100 oz hydration bladder in side slot pocket

Belt attachment flap folded down


Back view with Omni belt removed

Back quarter view of Zulu without waist belt
How does it compare in size to the Marauder and Pointman?

Front view of packs. Zulu storm collar is not extended


Zulu with storm collar extended

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.





Zulu with BH STRIKE chest rig
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.

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).


 


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