Kifaru DT1 or Kuiu Icon 7200

[SUMMIT75]

Hey fellas I know there are a ton of threads on this very subject but after sifting through them I would still like some info on these packs. Me and my hunting partner just got back from a 5 day scouting trip for this sept elk season and I was averaging 50lbs in my Exo Mountain 5500 at 12500ft and as well thought out as the Exo is and light. It's not my cup of tea, I'm a fairly small guy and was not pleased with how the pack did not "hold" to well on the hip belt nor the lack of pockets. So I'm selling it and going to something else. I'm all about comfort and fit in the frame. I can deal with a little extra weight from a pack but the fit of the frame and belt is my biggest pet peeve. I was impressed with my friends Kuiu Icon Pro 7200 with all the pouches.

Who here as experience with Kifaru or Kuiu as far as comfort and fit? Money is not an issue, both already have more pouches and features but mainly my concern is fit ,adjustability and comfort in the frame.Any advice?


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[camping1601]

I sold my Exo for those same reasons and have tried both Kifaru and Kuiu and can say the Kifaru is much better than the Kuiu. Kifaru will work with you get the perfect fit with all the options they have. I really like the Kuiu bags myself and put one on my Kifaru frame. If price is not a factoe call Aron Snyder at Kifaru and be honest about you body size, shape, and pack needs and be done with the whole thing.

 

[SUMMIT75]

Perfect!! I just called them and they really work with you. Think I'm going that direction.


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[Shrek]

A Kifaru frame is the gold standard for load carrying comfort. If the composite stays or arrows don't work for you the aluminum stays can be formed to whatever you need. Combined with their commitment to customer service they are far and away the best pack option. Made in the USA Berry compliant too. Some people cry about the price but every time I put mine on if feel like I got a steal of a deal.

 

[SUMMIT75]

Yeah after day three of sucking down that thin oxygen with that Exo sagging on me at 12500ft, it's well worth the extra cash.

That Exo makes a great pack and I'm sure as they make tweaks will be an insane pack in the future but I need something that is tried and true right now.


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[mfolch]

I went through some similar considerations a little over a year ago. I owned a DT1 and wanted to replace it with a Kuiu because Kuiu is (or was at the time) lighter, less expensive, and more sleek; had a better, more streamlined design, more useful organization, and smarter layout; and it seems more versatile. However much I loved Kifaru, I could never justify using such a huge, awkward pack and frame for hiking and shorter trips (too heavy, too strappy), and as I didn't want to have two packs, I thought a Kuiu could serve double duty. Long story short, I returned the Kuiu the day after it arrived and kept the DT1. I didn't like the plastic sheet Kuiu uses under the cushioning in the belt, and for me, the DT1 carried night and day better. Not that the Kuiu was uncomfortable exactly--it was fine--but 50lbs feels like 20 in a DT1. Every time I put it on season after season, I have the same reaction to my DT1, no matter the weight: this is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn. The only exception is Stone Glacier's Krux frame--the only pack-frame combo that for me equals Kifaru in terms of comfort and adjustability--and Kurt at Stone Glacier is extraordinarily helpful (as is Aron at Kifaru).