Exo 5500 vs Kuiu Icon Pro 5200

[NMbackcountry]

So I'm looking at mixing up my pack choices this year. I've always been a fan of the Badlands line of packs, their warranty is awesome. I currently have the Superday and the Ox. I don't have many complaints about either. I was actually fortunate enough to pack out three animals in the Ox this year and it performed amazingly, all loads were over 100lbs and one load was around the 200lb mark. I'd just like to try a new line of packs this year. Has anyone been able to try out both the Exo Mountain 5500 and the Kuiu Icon 5200? And if so, how did they compare? Kuiu has the regular icon for $379 and the icon pro for about $425. The Exo is $500. Thanks in advance guys

 

[GFY]

Never have tried the EXO, have not heard anything but good things about them.

Packed out one hind (bone in) one front shoulder (bone out) and neck and rib meat in one trip in an ICON PRO, I would guess 125#'s ish. The pack was very comfortable and carried the weight well for me.

 

[Kotaman]

Yes, I've tried/used both. First of all, skip the regular Icon. The Icon Pro is a much better system.

For me, I would give a "slight" edge to the EXO, though I really like the Icon Pro as well. Both packs carry a load decent and both packs fit me pretty well. With that said, if money is not an object, (or even if it is, save up) buy a Kifaru T2 or the new Mountain pack and be done buying packs for a VERY long time. I guess in the three packs listed, you get what you pay for. The KUIU pack is a great pack for the money. The EXO is as well. The Kifaru costs twice as much but for me, worth every penny. You decide, they are all good choices

 

[NMbackcountry]

Thanks for the information. I've been thinking of biting the bullet and just purchasing a Kifaru. It might be time for me to just save up the extra cash and buy one and not worry about it in the future.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Wish I would've bought my Kifaru earlier. Coulda saved me a ton of money.

 

[Timberghost]

Hey guys. Not to hijack or cause a pissing match but I really want to know what makes the kifaru worth so much more money? Padding all looks the same, only thing that kifaru doesn't have is a load sling from what I have seen. Is it worth 500 more cause it doesn't have one.
I have packed heavy with my old icons and an old mad dog pack I had and never had much to bitch about.
Is there little winged creatures that help lift the weight of the pack off your back when packing with a kifaru?
Enlighten me please. Thanks, rob.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Beyond craftsmanship, fit, form, function, interoperability of many different accessories, and stellar customer service before and after the sale....I'm not sure why anyone would pay the difference between Kifaru gear and anything else.

Like Amiri King from YouTube said: If you want to haul a big load, use Kifaru. If you want to ....... use somebody else's gear. (Or something like that)

Seriously though Rob, there are a lot of great pack manufacturers out there today making very good products. And if you find a pack that works for you than you're in good shape. But until you get your hands on a Kifaru pack set up and put it through the paces you just can't understand what a difference there can be between a good to great pack and an incredible pack. There will always be a few body shapes, types, and carrying styles that don't lend themselves to utilizing the full potential that Kifaru packs have to offer. And that's why several pack makers are in business. But through R&D, customer feedback, and Patrick's years of experience you'd be doing yourself a favor to try a Kifaru pack set up. IMHO, of course

 

[Timberghost]

Mrbillbrown, thank you for your response. Maybe one day I will put together enough scratch to try one out. You guys sure do have rave comments on them.
For now my 340 dollar icon pro will have to do the deed.
Thanks again, keep it together, rob

 

[mrbillbrown]

Rob, I'm definitely a blessed guy. I spent thousands on different packs over the years and wish I'd taken the plunge years ago.

Would never ask a guy to overextend themselves but if you et a chance I'm sure you'd love it.

If you ever make it to central OK give me a shout. You're welcome to try out any and all of the stuff I've got on hand. My gear closet looks like a Kifaru outlet and Y3K cache. Lol

 

[Timberghost]

Mr bill, that's a generous offer. If I ever make it south of the border I will take you up on that. Love looking at and trying new gear out.
Keep it together, rob.