KUIU 5200 for Day Pack?

[iahunter]

Hey All -

I am planning my 1st western hunt for fall of 2015, so I am acquiring all the needed gear that I can this year. My question here is can I use the 5200 Icon pro as a day pack? I am not necessarily trying to skimp but would like to buy just 1 bag since I have a badlands for 2200 for my whitetail hunting here in IA.

Since we are cutting our teeth on this 1st hunt I don't believe we will be hiking 10 miles from the truck to set up camp. Rather maybe doing a few short spike camps once we set up main camp near the trail head.

Would like to go with the 5200 just in case I need the space but don't want to pack it around if it is not suitable for day hunts. Then potentially add the 1850 in the future. Tell me if I am crazy, all opinions are appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[hunt_or_bust]

That pack would work great for that depending on your gear. I would say the stone glacier solo would probably be a better choice as far as weight and simplicity goes, but the 5200 is a little cheaper and offers a little more organization and space for more extended trips. I have a couple buddies that run that pack, one uses it for spike camps and 3-4 day hunt and the other uses is for hunts up to a week. It compresses down nicely for day hunts out of a spike camp.

 

[weatherbow21]

Have you checked out the 3000 ultra yet? As far as a day pack that can do a little more I'd probably lean that way. But if your ultimate goal is multi day trips and you want to make the 5200 work for now then I think your on the right track. It's not that the 5200 is much heavier, it's just a little bulkier than you need for day trips, but it compresses down fairly well.

 

[iahunter]

I appreciate the insight guys, and you bring up a valid point with the 3000, I guess I hadn't looked that route. Are the Icon and the ultra on the same frames? As far as I can tell from the web they are. Is the only real difference in the bags the configuration or pockets/storage? I assume the load capabilities are the same.

Thanks again.

 

[weaver]

The icons belt/suspension system is better than the ultra.

 

[MuleyFever]

You said you wanted one bag. Get the Icon Pro 5200 if you want to stick with KUIU. The weight is not that much and it will be a much more comfortable pack when loaded. It will work great as a day pack or for week long hunts and has good organization.

 

[GFY]

The 5200 PRO and the ULTRA are on the same frames, but the suspension system/belt for the PRO are WAY better than the Ultra packs imo. I really like the different pockets in the 5200 as well because I like to have everything in its place or I loose it. I have both the 5200 pro and the 6000 ultra and have used both for 4 to 5 day trips as well as day packs, and have packed elk out with each. The only category that the ultra wins in my opinion is weight of the pack. The ultra does not carry loads above 65 lbs well for me and is loud as hell (very crinkly) when its cold. The Pro wins hands down in my opinion and the 5200 compress down into day pack mode very well. It is a great pack for the money in my opinion and would suit you well for what you are looking to do.

let me know if you have any questions and I would be happy to give you more info on what I have experienced while using wither pack.

 

[iahunter]

Thank you guys! You have helped understand a little further, and helped to reassure me that the 5200 would be a solid choice. Appreciate the quick help