Kuiu ICON 1850 Thoughts

[Racethesunset]

I pre-ordered and received two 1850's, one in verde with an ICON frame for hunting, one without for trekking and mountaineering. I have only had a chance to play with them for an hour or so, but will post more as time goes on.

Initial impressions would be that construction feels better than previous generations of ICON packs perhaps - not sure what's changed, just my first impression pulling it out of the box. I have had the 5k and have the 3k presently as well. Zippers don't snag, material is as typical a little noisy but is cut very well and overall feels a little more durable the ICON 3000 for comparison. Time will tell there. Initial fitting was relatively easy, and shoulder and hip belt support is excellent with or without the ICON frame. The aluminum stays are STRONG and supportive - you do not need the ICON unless you are packing meat out. The new lumbar support is a very stiff, so may need to break in still. For volume, I actually was able to fit my weekend backpacking gear with the exception of my tripod - so it could double as a weekend pack in theory.

Initial likes:
- Super comfortable without the ICON frame under 30lbs
- Multiple lumbar pad options out of box - I prefer less padding than the out of box one, so this helped with comfort
- Interior pockets are perfect simplifies things

Initial dislikes
- Pack + suspension + ICON frame weight = 4.72 lbs (advertised 3.92lbs)
- Pack + suspension weight = 3.42 lbs (advertised 3.125 lbs)
- It took a LONG time to remove and re-add the pack from the frame (30 minutes first try) - would never waste time in the field doing this - surely there's a better way

Feel free to post your reviews of the pack here as well.

 

[edg1967]

I'm looking forward to getting mine...hopefully this week as I already got confirmation that the order was processed, but haven't gotten a shipment notification. Originally I just ordered the pack with the shoulder straps and hip belt for a daypack, but since my hunting plans for this fall changed & I decided that I didn't need my Bikini Frame, so I sold it and ordered the Icon frame. I'm hoping that if I get a chance for a backpack hunt that I'll be able to get by with the 1850, Icon and a dry bag, but I'll have to see when I get it.

Thanks for the review.

 

[bmart2622]

I got mine a cou of days ago, I haven't gotten to test it out yet but I am extremely impressed with the initial handling. Mine is attached to the frame and will stay that way most of the time. I have already used the frame to haul out a goat last year so I think thd 1850 should really shine as a day hunt pack that can then haul a good load.

 

[Lawnboi]

looks like a good pack for mountain biking, and trail running!

 

[Racethesunset]

looks like a good pack for mountain biking, and trail running!

I would describe it as an all-day trekking, scouting, and hunting pack more than an adventure race one.

You could certainly use it it for running or cycling, but I think that the shoulder straps, while light in weight, are thicker than what you'd find on an active pursuit pack. They are the same straps and belt that are on the 2013 ICON's, which can support 100lb and change.