Kifaru vs Kuiu

[Goodelife]

I’m looking at a Kifaru Tactical frame pack or a Kuiu frame pack. Anyone have experience with them and how they perform? Probably 50 pound max loads.


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[Jake Larsen]

I would not get a Kifaru Tactical frame for 50lb loads. They’re are very stiff, designed to carry very heavy and awkward loads, which means they’re not as comfortable with light/moderate loads.

There’s also far better frames on the market than Kuiu. I’ve had some terrible experiences with those.

If you won’t be packing much meat, I’d consider one of the Kifaru internal frame packs like the Kutthroat or 357 mag. Those are the most comfortable packs I’ve ever used at 60lb and under loads. Exo frames are also petty comforable with light loads, as well as the Kifaru ARK frame.


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[fatlander]

I had a tactical frame from kiffy many moons ago. It was awesome with huge, awkward, heavy loads. It wasn’t so great at day pack loads. For your application, I’d go with something that’s going to move with your body more at lighter loads.


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[Goodelife]

I had a tactical frame from kiffy many moons ago. It was awesome with huge, awkward, heavy loads. It wasn’t so great at day pack loads. For your application, I’d go with something that’s going to move with your body more at lighter loads.


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Thank you for the reply! Any suggestions on which ones to look at? Meat hauling is a possibility but 3-4 day camping trips will be more the norm lol


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[Goodelife]

I would not get a Kifaru Tactical frame for 50lb loads. They’re are very stiff, designed to carry very heavy and awkward loads, which means they’re not as comfortable with light/moderate loads.

There’s also far better frames on the market than Kuiu. I’ve had some terrible experiences with those.

If you won’t be packing much meat, I’d consider one of the Kifaru internal frame packs like the Kutthroat or 357 mag. Those are the most comfortable packs I’ve ever used at 60lb and under loads. Exo frames are also petty comforable with light loads, as well as the Kifaru ARK frame.


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Thank you for the reply! What were the cons on the Kuiu you experienced?


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[fatlander]

Thank you for the reply! Any suggestions on which ones to look at? Meat hauling is a possibility but 3-4 day camping trips will be more the norm lol


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The EXO k4 system is the most dialed in of everything I’ve had (kifaru tactical and duplex, EXO k3 and k4, stone glacier 5900). It strikes the balance of daypack comfort with serious load hauling comfort, and the Nalgene hip belt attachment is the most well executed part of any pack I’ve ever owned. I know a water bottle pocket sounds silly to call a game changer, but it really is.

For 3-4 days you’re probably fine with the 3600. The 5000 would work too.


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[WeiserBucks]

K4 works best all around for me, if I never had over 50 lbs in my pack I'd be looking at SG too. I really liked the SG I had but it didn't handle heavy weight as well as a K4 for me.

 

[Lawnboi]

Exo has been the most comfortable for me with and without weight. I’d recommend a k4 for your use as well having owned kifaru and stone glacier.

 

[rclouse79]

Although I prefer Exo, I don't think Kuiu is even in the same league as Kifaru. The Kifaru gear I have owned has held up much better and the customer service has been exponentially better. I act like a scorned woman when it comes to Kuiu, but they are one of the few brands out there I actively dislike.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Although I prefer Exo, I don't think Kuiu is even in the same league as Kifaru. The Kifaru gear I have owned has held up much better and the customer service has been exponentially better. I act like a scorned woman when it comes to Kuiu, but they are one of the few brands out there I actively dislike.

KUIU is the only pack that I've had a genuine bad experience with, I use a pile of their other gear though.

 

[Jake Larsen]

Thank you for the reply! What were the cons on the Kuiu you experienced?


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They are hands down the most uncomfortable pack under load marketed to hunters that I’ve had on my back. I’ve owned mystery ranch, 2 different stone glacier frames, Exo K4, a Kifaru internal frame, Duplex, Duplex Lite, and Ark frames. I’ve got a lot to compare it with, and it’s not good. Oh also they have a bad habit of breaking…I’ve personally seen two of them break during packouts, and heard of many others having similar experiences


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[Eastonsgrandpa]

You’ve been given great advice. I love Kifaru packs. But like said, the tactical is not great for light loads.

The EXO K4 is bar none the most comfortable light load pack I’ve worn.

Kuiu makes great clothing. Sitka makes great clothing. Etc. it doesn’t translate to packs. A pack is something you should get from a company that specializes in them.

 

[WeiserBucks]

They are hands down the most uncomfortable pack under load marketed to hunters that I’ve had on my back. I’ve owned mystery ranch, 2 different stone glacier frames, Exo K4, a Kifaru internal frame, Duplex, Duplex Lite, and Ark frames. I’ve got a lot to compare it with, and it’s not good. Oh also they have a bad habit of breaking…I’ve personally seen two of them break during packouts, and heard of many others having similar experiences


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This basically describes my exact pack experience.

 

[TheTone]

Kuiu has some new packs coming this summer

 

[WeiserBucks]

Kuiu has some new packs coming this summer

They better get it right, they're really falling behind and it's not even close in my opinion. This will be gen 3 or 4?

 

[Goodelife]

I truly appreciate everyone sharing their advice and real life experiences. believe I’m going to invest in the K4.


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[Jake Larsen]

I truly appreciate everyone sharing their advice and real life experiences. believe I’m going to invest in the K4.


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They’re great frames. I personally am not a fan of the pack layout/design on them, but that’s just based on how I like things layed out. The ARK frame has been amazing for me (best waist belt and lumbar pad on the market IMO), and a variety of bag options to choose from. You can’t go wrong here really, just personal preference and some individual body fit preferences. If at all possible, I’d try to find a way to test a few setups out before purchasing.


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