Kuiu icon or Stone Glacier

[Primal215]

I know there are lots of posts on this but they seem to be old like 2014 and I know Kuiu re made their pack systems in 2017 and I'm considering upgrading from my $100 alps commander pack to a real quality elk hauling multi day pack so my question is has Kuiu worked out all the bugs or is there pack still middle of the road like it was? Also if I dont go with Kuiu I'm thinking of getting a SG 3300 solo on the Xcurve frame, is this their most comfortable frame and lightest?

 

[EmbraceTheSuck]

I know there are lots of posts on this but they seem to be old like 2014 and I know Kuiu re made their pack systems in 2017 and I'm considering upgrading from my $100 alps commander pack to a real quality elk hauling multi day pack so my question is has Kuiu worked out all the bugs or is there pack still middle of the road like it was? Also if I dont go with Kuiu I'm thinking of getting a SG 3300 solo on the Xcurve frame, is this their most comfortable frame and lightest?

I have been very happy with Mystery Ranch but SG seems to have great quality packs as well. Never used Kuiu.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Why are you deciding between those 2? Not a lot of people have kuiu at the top of their list when it comes to packs...

 

[Primal215]

I'm new to Gucci-floge type hunting gear, I've been a walmart hunter but I now see the need for the high end stuff when packing in on foot for days and know that Kuiu makes great clothes but had issues in the pack area. They. Remade there packs sense they weren't top of the list as you say but maybe they are now, have you tried theres lately or are you still thinking of the old model? As for SG I know they make a great pack I just can't try them before I buy they are far away but I can try a kuiu.

 

[Crippledsledge64]

I tried the kuiu pack but it was the older model. Main issue for me was the straps were horrible. If you do go with the kuiu get the thicker straps even though they cost extra. That said my next pack will probably be an exo or maybe stone glacier over kuiu even with the upgrade.

 

[Outhunting]

Don't over look Exo. I have had Eberlestock, Kifaru, Kuiu, Exo and Stone Glacier. Exo is my number one pack and the Stone Glacier is my Backup. Sold the others.

 

[willfrye027]

Packs are like boots. People are gonna swear by what they’re using and write off the other brands. Really you need to see what fits you, or more importantly, get a pack that will adjust to fit you. The biggest issue with Kuiu packs is the nomenclature of the frame size. A “regular” size frame is really only good if you’re around 5’9 or shorter. So a lot of guys end up with a pack that’s too small and won’t offload on the shoulders. So they assume the packs suck. Also they try to compare a 3.5lb ultra pack with a 6lb (Kifaru, SG, MR, etc) when hauling elk quarters and decide the ultra has too small of a suspension. Well, it’s 3 pounds lighter what did you expect? Each pack is gonna have its ideal set of conditions and needs to fit. They’re all good for different purposes.

 

[Blindhunter]

My buddy and I both bought exo packs this year and they are amazing! I don’t have a lot of experience with other packs but the adjustments and comfort with the pack is great. I remember seeing Exo’s new pack frames will be made out of a different metal to cut weight. Maybe look at each brands website and compare sizes and weights, along with different options that can come with the pack. As someone else said, different body builds probably fit better with certain packs. Trying different ones on would be great but it would only be a test fit, I feel like each pack will change once weighted down.

 

[Primal215]

Packs are like boots. People are gonna swear by what they’re using and write off the other brands. Really you need to see what fits you, or more importantly, get a pack that will adjust to fit you. The biggest issue with Kuiu packs is the nomenclature of the frame size. A “regular” size frame is really only good if you’re around 5’9 or shorter. So a lot of guys end up with a pack that’s too small and won’t offload on the shoulders. So they assume the packs suck. Also they try to compare a 3.5lb ultra pack with a 6lb (Kifaru, SG, MR, etc) when hauling elk quarters and decide the ultra has too small of a suspension. Well, it’s 3 pounds lighter what did you expect? Each pack is gonna have its ideal set of conditions and needs to fit. They’re all good for different purposes.

Very true, packs are definitely like boots in that way. I'm going to have to figure out how to try some on but I'm leaning towards the Stone Glacier packs, after all they're from my favorite state Montana and they hold weight very well supposedly. The kifaru was definatly another I looked at but I'm not a fan of the old military look of their bags.

 

[FURMAN]

I have tried several different Kuiu packs. I loved every bag I owned but broke two frames. I have tried all the major players' packs. I personally prefer the SG packs the best but really liked my Seek Outside and EXO 5500. I did not like the way the Kifaru felt when loaded heavy. Like mentioned above packs are very personal.

 

[kopmantrey]

The xcurve frame is a little heavier than the other SG frames i believe. I have it and love it tried mystery ranch wasn't for me. have never tried kuiu

 

[willfrye027]

I have tried several different Kuiu packs. I loved every bag I owned but broke two frames. I have tried all the major players' packs. I personally prefer the SG packs the best but really liked my Seek Outside and EXO 5500. I did not like the way the Kifaru felt when loaded heavy. Like mentioned above packs are very personal.

Wow how did that happen?? Ive carried from 100-150lbs many times in mine and never worried about it but maybe I should be careful...would hate for that to happen far from the trailhead.

 

[FURMAN]

Wow how did that happen?? Ive carried from 100-150lbs many times in mine and never worried about it but maybe I should be careful...would hate for that to happen far from the trailhead.

I can't really answer that. I probably only had around 100 lbs in each. They both cracked in the same place at about the middle of the frame sheet. Thank god I was not in the backcountry when they broke.

 

[Bullitt338]

I have a icon 7200 and 2200. Bought an ultra 5500 to split the difference and it is my go to. Mystery Ranch didn’t work for me. I’d still like to try a pack from the big three to compare. Buying packs through the mail is not the best way to do it, though.

 

[Primal215]

Thanks for the input guys, I really like the Kuiu pack systems but sense I can’t figure out if they fixed the defective cracking frame I decided to go with the Stone Glacer Sky Archer 6200 on the Xcurve frame sense I can’t find a single bad review on it (that wasn’t caused by stupidity) it’s a lot more $ but I can’t afford any mishaps 8 miles in, or worse when I go to Alaska and get dropped in. I still love the Kuiu clothing line though so I’ll have the best of both worlds.

 

[The Ri Guy]

Thanks for the input guys, I really like the Kuiu pack systems but sense I can’t figure out if they fixed the defective cracking frame I decided to go with the Stone Glacer Sky Archer 6200 on the Xcurve frame sense I can’t find a single bad review on it (that wasn’t caused by stupidity) it’s a lot more $ but I can’t afford any mishaps 8 miles in, or worse when I go to Alaska and get dropped in. I still love the Kuiu clothing line though so I’ll have the best of both worlds.

SG guy myself, but my Dad has ~4 Kuiu bags and both the older and newer frames, the oldest being one of the original frames.

He's packed out a couple dozen animals in that time, no issues with the frames. He does 3 training hikes a week with a 70 lb sand bag on his newest frame, purchased last summer, again no issues.

Not sure that helps any, but...

 

[Pc5657]

Only experience I have is with kuiu and they are really well made.

 

[jhm2023]

I had a Kuiu icon pro 7200 (2016 model). The pack bag was great and I liked all of the organization features but didn't care for the frame much. No matter how much I would cinch it down it seemed to sway side to side to some degree. It did this regardless of the weight and bulk I had in it. The first sheep hunt I took it on I had one of the T brackets that hold the shoulder strap to the frame break, and that was on the way into the hunt with only 45 pounds in the pack. Kuiu replaced the shoulder straps. After installing the new straps I packed an entire caribou in one load and it was about as comfortable as that kind of weight can be and it held up fine.

I've since switched to a Stone Glacier sky talus and will never own another brand pack. It's comfort especially under heavy loads can't be beat. I do miss all the organization the Kuiu pack offered, but that's easily fixed with some swing out pockets and the access bag. One of my favorite features of SG packs are how well they convert to a day pack once you drop camp, so no need to purchase multiple bags. They also come with a load shelf already installed and the x-pac fabric really helps keep the blood off your back.