another pack ques kifaru/ kuiu etc

[skindaddy]

newbie here looking for some help after reading through lots of past post.
i will be on a trip in wy in oct. for a elk trip for my wife, we both need packs. possibly packing in for 2-6 days not sure.
it would be nice to buy/cry once but because of funds not sure i will do that, but would still like to know which route to go if was possible.
like the looks of the kuiu 7200 pro as in price but also function seems good.(not sure on hauling meat though)still trying to understand how to setup for that. never had anything like these.
also wife needs one to was thinking 5200 but for price diff might just go 7200 and keep load down. not sure on belt size or fit for her though about 5' 5" 110lbs

if i could afford a kifaru not even sure what to look at they have too many which is confusing for a newb. help on direction. would like a meat shelf of some kind.

i have looked at exo and stone glacier but for some reason i keep getting away from them. dont know if its looks of pics or what maybe its just not eye candy like others have.

sucks having to order a few diff one to try out , heck ups shipping back and forth would pay half of one trying out 2 0r 3 models.

 

[oldgoat]

From my experience with my wife and packs, I wouldn't skimp on hers! Buy her a Kifaru UL frame and talk to them and see what pack would work for what your planning on doing. Camofire.com had MR packs on closeout the other day, you could call them, if they still have them, they will sell you one.

 

[xziang]

FYI if you are thinking KUIU may want to pull the trigger on one soon due to their 25% off sale that they currently have on them. I have an OLDER kuiu pack which I like a lot and it works perfectly fine. I haven't hauled any meat out with it but when and if that occurs I'll take one small load out with my camping gear and then go back in with my framed pack. Framed packs can be bought on craigslist fairly cheap.

Kifaru is raved at on here and for good reason too. Eventually I may try and pick a used duplex frame up but right now my kuiu 7200 works perfectly fine for my intended purpose.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Call the guys at Kifaru and describe your situation. They will offer honest advice and lay out some options. Nobody over there is going to try to push you into a sale but they will spend the time needed to help you figure out what they can offer you.

 

[Cripler]

Always lots of good used pack up for sale in classifieds. Save a little money that route.

 

[bmart2622]

If you are considering the Kuiu, I would take a really hard look at both Exo and Stone Glacier, I have owned and used all of the brands you named and I would put Exo and SG a very very close 2nd behind Kifaru.

 

[COlineman78]

I would do the opposite of what oldgoat suggested, but then again I'm not married so take it as you will. Since you will be the one hauling as much weight as possible to try and make it easier on her I would go with a Kifaru for yourself and either a MR or Exo for her. The Kuiu wouldn't be terrible for her either, but not to go down that rabbit hole but it's not comfortable over 60-80lbs IMO. If you aren't tall I know of a deal on a practically brand new older model duplex frame available in OD that you could get for a really good price (assuming it doesn't sell before you read this). If you are tall (over 6') your options are limited to the new Kifaru frame or Seek Outside. Seek Outside is another good but gets expensive as you get up in size. As far as the load shelf goes you can make it work on any Kifaru, but Aron suggests just getting an oversized pack and putting it in the pack rather than trying to do a load shelf for the purposes of load distribution. Give Aron a call (720-937-1418) and discuss; he will suggest other options if a Kifaru isn't going to work. For what it's worth if you get something used on here they retain their value so well that you will probably only be out shipping after your trip to resell it, which you may end up doing with your wife's from what I've seen with others. Lastly, I agree about calling Camofire about the MR packs they had the other day because I think they still had some smaller sizes that may work for your wife.

 

[camping1601]

Here's my take on this. Decided to get my wife a pack that can at least haul around 40# that I can adjust or switch belts to double as a day pack for myself. After reading some threads on here I just bought a Kuiu 3200 while they're on sale. I tried my EXO frame on her before I sold it and it wouldn't come close to going small enough for her. Using a Kifaru UL Duplex myself now.

 

[skindaddy]

yeah i definitely will get her something nice, to keep it enjoyable,plus my son can use it also.
i seen kuiu has a big sale right now so the push in on to make decision.
what is a good brand of frame pack to research them? are they just for hauling meat out? not familar with frame pack,duplex frame
need help breaking down the exo and S glacier? one over another?
dont know if it helps i'm 6' 160lbs.

 

[bmart2622]

The Exo frame is a 25" frame and the SG frame is a 26" frame so you will get plenty of lift with either of those. Both packs are designed and built by hardcore hunters with hunters in mind. Both are awesome and you cant go wrong with either. The SG are more minimalistic with fewer pockets, the Exo is lightweight as well but offers more in the way of pockets and organization. As far as Kiafru goes the possibilies are endless, bags can be customized as much ir as little by adding pockets and pouches. There really is not a bad option.

 

[blackdog]

I've got an old Icon frame and a number of old bags to go with it (3000, 6000, and newer 1850). Unfortunately the load sling isn't compatible with my older system. That being said, I've had hind elk quarters (plus other boned out scraps) stuffed into the 6000 on numerous occasions making for a VERY full load and the pack seems to be holding up fine. And for me, it seems extremely comfortable. I'm not a 'pack guy' so don't have a ton of reference, but this is light years from comfortable than my old Bullpack frame I used to use and doesn't cause any sore spots even with heavy loads and longer distances. Just a little food for thought.

 

[doverpack12]

Any of the packs mentions will be great. Personally I don't have a dedicated hauler frame. If I am spending as much as these packs cost I'm not going to switch out for an uncomfortable frame when going back in for more meat. I just unload my pack and head back in for another load. Any of the packs mentioned above will do this very well if fitted properly.

 

[Deere83]

Look at mystery ranch my wife is about the same size and she really likes her crewcab. She has a small yoke and xs waist belt. I have a 26 inch duplex and a spike camp but she prefers the way the mystery ranch adjusts to her shorter torso.

 

[skindaddy]

the more i look kifaru is def. out of price range.
anyone have the size dimensions of the kuiu 5200 and 7200? or familar with sizing

 

[Cant hit em]

The Kuiu ultra has served me well this far

 

[huntaz31]

Had the Kuiu ultra 6000 and Icon pro 7200 and didn't handle loads well at all. I have a high pain tolerance and can deal with hunts that suck and are grueling but will not be comfortable for your wife. And elk you're gonna be hauling is gonna be around 300 pounds boned out and if you're gonna buy something but once and be done. Get a kifaru hands down the best pack I've worn! Both Kuiu packs didn't feel comfortable after 40 pounds. Don't sell yourself on a meat shelf pack because it just extends the weight of your pack farther on your back and the weight isn't close to your back and center of your body to make carrying the weight easier on yourself. This past November I deboned my entire deer and put it in my Kifaru Duplex Timberline 1 along with 7 days of gear weighing about 110 pounds and hauled it 4 miles and felt fine after! Never used a MR pack but heard they're better than Kuiu for sure. Good luck in your endeavors and know you'll have a great time with your wife and if it sucks it'll only make a better story in the future!

Tj

 

[COlineman78]

I had a similar experience with a Kuiu Icon Pro 7200 and from what I've seen they just aren't as adjustable to fit everyone. It's either going to fit you or it doesn't. The durability horse was beaten to death about 100 threads back so we won't get into that. Luke used the Ultra and Icon Pro frame for carrying pretty heavier weights and if I remember correctly it fit him pretty well, but he is a smaller guy. He is 5'9" and ran a tall frame, so someone like me at 6'5" with a 33" inseam had no chance.

Here is Luke's review: http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/backpacks/293-kuiu-ultra-6000 He also had some comments on the Icon Pro suspension, but I can't seem to find them.

The bag itself is good, but the frame just plain sucks IMO, but if you are only looking to carry light weight then it may be just fine for you. If you're going to spend that type of money you would be better off to look elsewhere. If you can't afford a Kifaru then there are other options like the Horn Hunter Full Curl, Exo 5500, SG Cirque, SO Revolution, or MR Marshall/Metcalf. All of these will fill your needs. I have heard MR and Exo don't work as well for tall folks and I know there was an issue with the old Kifaru frames where a buckle would dig into the shoulders of really tall folks. SO and the new Kifaru work well for very tall folks.

Another affordable option to consider are the older internal frame Kifaru Timberlines:

https://store.kifaru.net/timberline-1-7200ci-p4.aspx $506 in Foliage w/ Guide Lid

Add a Large pod and you will be able to carry all the meat you want. They have been discontinued, but a simple WTB post should turn one up.

 

[skindaddy]

anyone have any pics of how the carry rifle on any of these brands i have seen little to no pics or info, except one pics looked like a upper strap wrapped around scope- no thanks.
i suppose you could put it in a grab it or similar

 

[COlineman78]

This is the Kifaru Gun Bearer in forward carry mode which will work on anything with MOLLE/PALS, otherwise they have a universal one for other types of belts.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=TnNPUGM4MmNjRTdldEZ0OEh5ck81MmZ5N05MZHRn

 

[doverpack12]

Stone Glacier Weapon Sling works well also and keeps the rifle behind your shoulder out or the way but is only one strap pull away from being available.