How much better is K4 than Kuiu?

[plebe]

The K4 belt settles more on me, and the EXO bags seem much narrower, which I don’t prefer. But the K4 pulls away from my back a bit less.

Kuiu Pro seems to be built really well, but the K4 is boutique quality construction.

 

[Devinsssss]

I have both a KUIU PRO LT and K4. The KUIU carries weight 90% as good as the K4. The difference isn’t really noticeable until 60+ pounds for me, which is impressive considering it weighs like 1.5# less and considering it can be nearly half the cost when on sale, it’s a very solid choice. Can’t go wrong with either.

I tried stone glacier and didn't like the waist belt. I am looking at these two now your post has me leaning towards Kuiu...

 

[Beendare]

I just got done putting on many miles with my EXO and 70-90# meat loads. About the worst thing I can say is the strap breaks down on those heavy loads….but its the best all around pack I have ever used…..it is equal to my old custom McHale- its that good.

I have an old Dana Designs external frame pack ( I’ve only used it a few times) that carries those very heavy loads better than anything else....but it's way too stiff for the everyday light loads

 

[GunsAreFun]

I tried stone glacier and didn't like the waist belt. I am looking at these two now your post has me leaning towards Kuiu...

The K4 is what’s coming with me on the mountain this week if that helps at all.

If you absolutely can’t afford it, get a KUIU on sale. But if you can swing, just get the K4 and never wonder if you got the best pack possible or not.

 

[Devinsssss]

The K4 is what’s coming with me on the mountain this week if that helps at all.

If you absolutely can’t afford it, get a KUIU on sale. But if you can swing, just get the K4 and never wonder if you got the best pack possible or not.

What size did you go with?

 

[Devinsssss]

The K4 is what’s coming with me on the mountain this week if that helps at all.

If you absolutely can’t afford it, get a KUIU on sale. But if you can swing, just get the K4 and never wonder if you got the best pack possible or not.

The bronze and green Kuiu colors though... leaning towards exo but the lighter weight of the kuiu is enticing...

 

[mtnbound]

Sorry for the long post, I'm just hoping to pare down the questions I've read in similar threads... I'm in my mid 50s and hunt archery elk and deer as a resident in north Idaho. I've been using the Kuiu Pro 3600/5500LT for the past few seasons; 3600 for 80% of my hunting (from basecamp/ daytrips) and the 5500 for the 20% of my pack-in hunts. I have a pack on my back over 150 days per year between hunting and training. I love the layout of the bags and love the weight and fit of the Kuiu for most of my basecamp hunting and fast/light trips, but whenever I put over 30 lbs in the pack it is uncomfortable. Over 40lbs is not fun at all. Training hikes and pack in/out with weight are not fun, but not because of the exercise. I feel like the pack is shifting continually and just doesn't seem to carry weight well. Here is my question for those of you who have had both: Is the K4 really that much better? I know all heavy packs suck, but since 80% of my hunting is light, would I really get a huge benefit upgrading to the slightly heavier K4 3600/ 5000? In my 30s and 40s, and especially in my 20s right out of the USMC, I would just suck it up, but things tend to get a little more silly in my mid 50s, so I am looking for the best of both worlds. I'm really interested in opinions from those who have had both Kuiu and K4 (SG doesn't fit me well and I didn't like the Kifaru I tried, and I'm not interested in getting a K3). I am aware of Exo's return policy, I'm just trying to avoid the debate with my wife (aka "Knuckles") before I go down that road. Your thoughts?

I have both Kuiu and K4. I like the bag layout on the Kuiu, and it does a good all-around job, but the K4 is much better at hauling weight. I dislike the load sling set up on the Kuiu, as you have to remove your pack to use it for hauling, and I do not like hauling odd-shaped meat loads just sandwiched between the bag and fame. The hip belt on the K4 is more modular for mounting pockets, holsters, etc. If you want to try the K4 on, I'm also in N ID.

 

[GunsAreFun]

I have both Kuiu and K4. I like the bag layout on the Kuiu, and it does a good all-around job, but the K4 is much better at hauling weight. I dislike the load sling set up on the Kuiu, as you have to remove your pack to use it for hauling, and I do not like hauling odd-shaped meat loads just sandwiched between the bag and fame. The hip belt on the K4 is more modular for mounting pockets, holsters, etc. If you want to try the K4 on, I'm also in N ID.

I would agree that the KUIU bag sandwich system kind of sucks. Impossible to keep the load from sagging. It also doesn’t have the frame straps like EXO does.

 

[GunsAreFun]

What size did you go with?

I’m 6’, 188 with a 34” pant size. I got a tall frame and medium belt. With a heavy load, I nearly bottom out the hip belt strap so definitely could not fit a large.

Or, if you were asking about bag size lol, I got a 5000, but my gear is very dialed in. My friend bought a 5000 and had to exchange it for the bigger bag.

 

[Devinsssss]

I’m 6’, 188 with a 34” pant size. I got a tall frame and medium belt. With a heavy load, I nearly bottom out the hip belt strap so definitely could not fit a large.

Or, if you were asking about bag size lol, I got a 5000, but my gear is very dialed in. My friend bought a 5000 and had to exchange it for the bigger bag.

Thanks. I'm thinking I'll need a small belt for my 32 inch waist.

 

[Jon_G]

Thanks. I'm thinking I'll need a small belt for my 32 inch waist.

I haven't bought my k4 yet but I'm a size 32 or 33 waist and I called exo for advice and they said to measure my hip bones like it says on their website. My hip bones turned out to be 36 inches so I need a medium. I almost bought a small and they said it would have definitely been uncomfortable at 36 inches that I measure. That's why they very clearly tell you not to go off your pants size. Just FIY.

 

[fngTony]

I would agree that the KUIU bag sandwich system kind of sucks. Impossible to keep the load from sagging. It also doesn’t have the frame straps like EXO does.

I added frame straps to mine. The lower straps that connect the frame to bag (the hidden ones, not the ones on the very bottom) I replaced those buckles with a different type that have better grip on the strap. Those two things made a huge difference in load stability.

 

[Old-Cat]

I added frame straps to mine. The lower straps that connect the frame to bag (the hidden ones, not the ones on the very bottom) I replaced those buckles with a different type that have better grip on the strap. Those two things made a huge difference in load stability.

When you get a chance, would you mind taking a picture and posting it, please sir?

I had some meat sagging w mine last year.