Changing backpacks-KUIU to ???

[colby12]

I’ve been using a KUIU 3200 and 7200 for the past few years. They have served me just fine but looking for a change. Ive been looking at Stone Glacier and as of now plan on going with one of theirs. Question is which one do y’all prefer and why? If ya have other suggestions what is it you like? I’d use it for shorter trips, 3-5 days and then a lot as a day pack.

 

[Jfarrell13]

The solo or 5900 will be perfect. I run the solo most the time. You can get 5 days if you do it rite, 5900 will be great too. Good choices!!

 

[87TT]

Exo

 

[colby12]

The solo or 5900 will be perfect. I run the solo most the time. You can get 5 days if you do it rite, 5900 will be great too. Good choices!!

Thanks for the input, those are at the top of the list. Which frame do you use?

 

[colby12]

Exo

Why? I’m open to input

 

[87TT]

I sold my Kuiu Ultra 6000 after I tried and bought my K2 3500. Carried the load better and much more bullet proof.

 

[Jfarrell13]

I use the x-curve

Thanks for the input, those are at the top of the list. Which frame do you use?

Thanks for the input, those are at the top of the list. Which frame do you use?

 

[Jfarrell13]

I ran exo for years then my buddy convinced me to try a SG and I like the SG a lot better

 

[colby12]

I ran exo for years then my buddy convinced me to try a SG and I like the SG a lot better

What do you like about the SG better? If it’s an unexplainable deal, I get that as well some things are just better. What made you go with the x-curve frame?

 

[PredatorSlayer]

I’ve been using a KUIU 3200 and 7200 for the past few years. They have served me just fine but looking for a change. Ive been looking at Stone Glacier and as of now plan on going with one of theirs. Question is which one do y’all prefer and why? If ya have other suggestions what is it you like? I’d use it for shorter trips, 3-5 days and then a lot as a day pack.

KUIUs new suspension and bag layouts are awesome.

 

[colby12]

I’ll have to look at them. What did they change from the past couple years?

 

[swampthing]

I went from the kuiu 5200 to an exo 5500. I didnt mind the kuiu at all I just found it to be to "busy" I regularly lost stuff in it and I needed to print instructions on putting it in load sling mode! The exo pack was much easier to use but the big surprise was when I put weight in it. It just made the weight feel lighter than it was. That was worth the change right there.

 

[Jfarrell13]

The SG just feels a lot better especially packing meat. It’s lighter and more sleek in my opinion. Nothing more than a guy needs in a pack, which I like a lot. I went with the x-curve because I found a good deal on here for one and I love it. The krux is a bit lighter I believe but no curve to the frame. They are both legit

What do you like about the SG better? If it’s an unexplainable deal, I get that as well some things are just better. What made you go with the x-curve frame?

 

[BigT]

I would add another vote to EXO. I realize there are great packs from SG, and Kifaru, etc.. I went with EXO because as some of the other members mentioned, the pack is overly comfortable. I got the K3 4800, and this bag is great for a multi-day hunt, but it cinches down and can me made smaller. The EXO lid is a nice addition, along with other accessories available for it. It carries weight amazing. This last year, I hauled out I believe 4 deer in the pack, and an elk. The pack handled the weight awesome. Another reason, is the customer service of the EXO guys. If your pack has a flaw, they'll fix it, and do it quickly. As an example, the K3 was found to have a small flaw in about 1% of the K3 frames. EXO replaced everyone's frames regardless of whether they had an issue or not. They sent me one, and my other frame was just fine.

I know the SG, and Kifaru among others are awesome packs. Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. I just prefer EXO..

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’m a big stone glacier fan. This year I’ll be using the 7900 bag. I had the solo in the past and it was great but a bit small for me when I’d go for more than ~ 3 days or so. I like having larger bags, especially with the stone glacier because they strap down so well.

 

[mmac]

I love my kuiu pack but thinking about an exo now as well. I like a couple of features and legendary weight carrying status.

 

[rjsiii]

Kifaru 44mag or hoodlum is what I have run and like a lot. Not every hunt is the same and my needs change from what I bring. The ability to add pockets, lids, etc as I need works well. And everything Kifaru makes is tough as nails. I know Kifaru 500D cordura is not as high tech as the SG or EXO fabrics but it will last a lifetime and then some.

 

[Gobbler36]

I went from the kuiu 5200 to an exo 5500. I didnt mind the kuiu at all I just found it to be to "busy" I regularly lost stuff in it and I needed to print instructions on putting it in load sling mode! The exo pack was much easier to use but the big surprise was when I put weight in it. It just made the weight feel lighter than it was. That was worth the change right there.

I second this and it pains me to say it to but it was more comfy to than my SG and it just fit and rides better, but I love SG as a company and love there products and have a lot of what they make you simply cannot go wrong with a SG or Exo pack they are the two best IMO

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I second this and it pains me to say it to but it was more comfy to than my SG and it just fit and rides better, but I love SG as a company and love there products and have a lot of what they make you simply cannot go wrong with a SG or Exo pack they are the two best IMO

Shouldnt pain you at all. With all the options available there is no reason to use packs that don’t feel good to you. I’ve personally found that for heavy loads, stone glacier works better than kifaru, kuiu, exo and SO but that’s just me.

That being said, my favorite day pack is my kifaru 14er and my favorite packs for meat hauling are Barney’s frames.

 

[*zap*]

I have a krux 6200 for day hunt whitetail and a krux with an amr on it for anything more than an overnight or any winter camping. I also have a duplex with an mmr on it but I have not used that very much, maybe this spring I will use it more. My MR guide lite is also pretty good to me, I have a TAG recon ruck on that. Really need to slim down on packs....Used the SG 6200 for a training ruck yesterday.
I have a short torso so the x-curve did not work for me, SG sent me krux stays for it....best csr service I have had the pleasure to deal with.
Find what fits you best and you will do fine....SG is an awesome company to deal with.