KUIU Icon 6000 user's... where did you all go?

[cmeier117]

So who is still using this pack? It seemed like every other person I talked to that tried it either loved it or didn't. Anyone using one? I know they had them at a HUGE discount like under $300 for awhile. Which seemed like a good deal. Any input from people after a season of use?

 

[Matt Cashell]

I have one. I like it a lot for backpack hunts. Excellent suspension.

 

[Ironman]

I would like to hear of reviews between the Icon and T2 myself.

Anyone?

 

[Aron Snyder]

The next Extreme Elk gear review has and in depth comparison of the Timberline and Icon packs.

I had to keep it somewhat short, but it does pick apart both packs and give good insight on what you will be getting from each.

I would copy and paste the article, but Corey may shoot me if I do that

 

[ohhiitznik]

We need a like button on this forum to like posts. haha

 

[ohhiitznik]

So who is still using this pack? It seemed like every other person I talked to that tried it either loved it or didn't. Anyone using one? I know they had them at a HUGE discount like under $300 for awhile. Which seemed like a good deal. Any input from people after a season of use?

I heard a lot of guys had the bags tearing where it attaches to the suspension under heavy loads. I believe kuiu pulled them to fix the problem? Not sure.

 

[cmeier117]

Oh come on... Lets see if he actually does! I look forward to reading it... Not that I need a pack.

 

[cmeier117]

I heard a lot of guys had the bags tearing where it attaches to the suspension under heavy loads. I believe kuiu pulled them to fix the problem? Not sure.

I heard that was only with the 3000's

 

[ohhiitznik]

I heard that was only with the 3000's

You may be right. It might only be the 3000's.

 

[larryschwartz]

And they repaired the ones that they found out had the problem. Pretty good customer service.

 

[RosinBag]

They didn't pull or recall either the 6000 or 3000. They had some issues on a couple of packs that were repaired. They do have great customer service though. They have had some minor issues as to be expected with a new company and pack. Every issue I have heard of or seen has been addressed for the most part. If the pack is something that fits your type of hunting you will probably be happy with it.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The design of the Icon does not lend itself to carrying heavy loads. To compare it to the T2 I think would be a disservice to the pack.

 

[Matt Cashell]

The design of the Icon does not lend itself to carrying heavy loads. To compare it to the T2 I think would be a disservice to the pack.

Interesting,

You had trouble carrying heavy loads in your Icon? I have experienced exactly the opposite with mine. It is the most comfortable heavy loaded pack I have used. Much more comfortable than my Eberlestock J104. Other haulers I have used included the BC Canadian, and several external frames (Cabelas, etc.). I love how the meat cell holds heavy items right along the frame, without letting it all roll to the bottom. I can't comment on the T2, as I haven't used it. Does it have a similar feature to keep the load tight? Did you get rid of your Icon?

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Yes I sent mine back. The carbon frame had quite a bit of flex, and the wraparound waist belt (borrowed heavily from the Arcteryx Altra) are not conducive to heavy loads, although the side wands did help a little. No offense, but there is a reason this design was mostly phased out by the early '80's. I do agree that it was more comfortable than the J104 though.

I don't have the T2, I have the T1 but there is no real difference besides size. Yes, it has a meat shelf to keep everything out of the bottom of the pack.

Don't get me wrong I think the Icon is a good well constructed pack that is backed by a good company dedicated to customer service. Its just not one that is designed for carrying heavy loads.

 

[ohhiitznik]

Kuiu customer service is awesome, that I will attest to!

 

[Matt Cashell]

Worry not, BH!

I didn't take any offense at all. I don't work for Kuiu, and I don't have any brand loyalty. I only care for stuff that works. The Kuiu Icon has worked for me so far. We will see how durable it is, I plan on it getting plenty of use.

The frame on mine seems super stiff. I havent' gone over 100 pounds with it yet, but I plan to this year.

Did you talk to Kuiu about your concerns? I think they would want to know.

I would love to get my hands on a T2, and check it out.

 

[cmeier117]

I'll second the customer service, Jason and his staff are top notch and care about us hunters!!

 

[Evan Williams]

Thumbs up to Jason and all his KUIU guys and gals. I have had a few phone calls with them discussing products and sizes, etc. I want to play with the Icon, T2, and the Tenzing 5000 side by side. Those are going to be my top 3 right now. I have played with 27 packs in 2 years and guess what...I am still looking.

 

[BMB]

Thumbs up to Jason and all his KUIU guys and gals. I have had a few phone calls with them discussing products and sizes, etc. I want to play with the Icon, T2, and the Tenzing 5000 side by side. Those are going to be my top 3 right now. I have played with 27 packs in 2 years and guess what...I am still looking.

you sound like me...haha i spent entirely too much money on packs over the last 4 years. After talking with Aron and hearing others high praise the Timberline is gonna be the route i go. I wouldn't mind trying a Tenzing out against it. I know the J107 is getting thrown in the free pile though....

 

[luke moffat]

I've gone thru just 16 in the past two years, but have carried meat in 7 of the 16. Anyways, perfection is rarely found in anything but I am getting pretty close with the Longhunter with cargo panel for some uses and the Timberline for others, and the KU 5200 for others. Keefarooo all the way!!!