Kuiu Icon Packs

[COlineman78]

Well I hope I don't regret it but I bought the 2012 Icon 5000 and 1850 out of the classifieds. I hope I don't have the same results with a broken frame. I won't have the warranty to get it fixed.

You have to remember that many people on here are a lot harder on their gear than the average person. I would've been fine with my Kuiu had it fit me correctly as I don't plan on hauling 100lb loads more than once a year, if that. I just have a very long torso and the load lifters could not be adjusted correctly to fit me so I had a lot of shoulder pain once I got up around 70lbs. And don't mind Shrek, he's the resident Kuiu troll. It's a good enough pack and will work perfectly for a lot of people, just know it's limitations. The old ones weakness was the stays, so try to avoid putting too much stress on them and you should be fine.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I try to stay out of these Kuiu debates but that frame can break with far less than 100# in it. I broke the 11 frame with 80# in it. Got the upgraded 12 frame, gave it to an older friend who would baby it and he broke off the stay with 40ish pounds in it. We need to call it what it is, a VERY bad design! I do think they have fix these issue with their newer frames. But the 11-12 ICON frame is junk!

 

[COlineman78]

I try to stay out of these Kuiu debates but that frame can break with far less than 100# in it. I broke the 11 frame with 80# in it. Got the upgraded 12 frame, gave it to an older friend who would baby it and he broke off the stay with 40ish pounds in it. We need to call it what it is, a VERY bad design! I do think they have fix these issue with their newer frames. But the 11-12 ICON frame is junk!

Ryan,
Not trying to make excuses because I do agree, but I often hear people say that it broke with very little weight in it. Like I said before it is often not the weight currently in it that actually did the damage but often the trip or 2 before it broke and you didn't notice the micro-fractures that formed in the resin. I know how touchy the cliff test subject is, but there is a video where Jason rolled an Ultra down a hill and the frame cracked, but was still able to put the pack on and it was still functional, but would've failed completely very soon. Knowing what I do about composite design and fabrication I was immediately disappointed as soon as I saw the frame in person that there was no reinforcement of high stress areas so I know it will break and due to the fact that there is no reinforcement most of the failures are going to be due to stress fractures that will develop over time. You could strap 150lbs on a new one and it'd be fine, but do it every day for a month and I can almost guarantee it will break.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I am only talking about the frames with the bottom stays. I have zero knowledge on the newer frames other than what Luke told me when he was writing his article. Kuiu makes truly great products overall but the lack of communication on the bad ones is why they get some much shit on this forum and others. If you make a lemon, admit it and move on.

 

[Obi-wanshinobi]

^^^
It all boils down to the original design wasn't a good design. Although there are probably still a ton of Icons out there that are doing well. If I were in the market for a lightweight heavy hauler I'd look at Stone Glacier.

I agree with Ryan. They should have owned up to the problem products and took care of those customers.

 

[xcutter]

So are the 2012 frames as susceptible to failing or cracking? Sounds like most of the issues were the 2011's.

 

[dotman]

Yup the 2012's are just as prone.

 

[xcutter]

View attachment 27364

What generation is this frame? Kind of looks like the 2013 version to me from studying picks online.

 

[xcutter]

View attachment 27365

 

[xcutter]

I can't get pics to load for some reason.

 

[xcutter]

How do you tell the frames apart? I know that mine is a 2012 with a 2012 suspension or maybe a 2013 frame with 2012 suspension. I can't seem to find anything online to make the distinction.

 

[str_8tup]

My pack was bought new and was on clearance. But with that being said it was a brand new pack from them and no where on their site does it say no warranty on those packs. From the little I used it there is no reason why it should have broke. If they break that easy man, they'll end up replacing every frame made.

 

[str_8tup]

This pack was bought last summer, 2014 brand new. I'm guessing the frame was the latest they made for the regular Icon. If they don't care of this pack this company isn't going to make it very long at all. Will have to try and get ahold of Mr. Jason Hairston himself. I work in the archery industry and their reputation will definitely be spread. The company I work for takes care of our customers and our business moto proves that!

 

[dotman]

Man Kuiu is the only company that could market dog shit and it would sell, this is old news and well known and nope it hasn't effected Kuiu, nor will it. Too many loyal customers with their clothing line and too many people still consider them a new young company with growing pains and they get a pass.

It amazes me, if any other company handled their business the same way it would of folded awhile ago, good products or not.

Here is my prediction, Toray will own Kuiu within 5 years and it will be in every box store plus expand to a outdoor nonhunting line of clothing.

 

[str_8tup]

Was this purchased from the clearance section when they were clearing them out? If so I believe that they sell all of that stuff as is without warranties. If that is the case it may be tough to get it fixed however I wouldnt be surprised if they took care of you anyway. If it was not a clearance item you should be golden.

I just looked on the website. They cover clearance but not the OUTLET purchases just FYI!

 

[dotman]

Isn't the outlet their clearance area?

 

[str_8tup]

No, the OUTLET was specified as no warranty. Clearance has warranty.

 

[tipsntails7]

Man Kuiu is the only company that could market dog shit and it would sell, this is old news and well known and nope it hasn't effected Kuiu, nor will it. Too many loyal customers with their clothing line and too many people still consider them a new young company with growing pains and they get a pass.

It amazes me, if any other company handled their business the same way it would of folded awhile ago, good products or not.

Here is my prediction, Toray will own Kuiu within 5 years and it will be in every box store plus expand to a outdoor nonhunting line of clothing.

If that happens Jason will start another company named after another Alaskan island and make an ass load of money again.

I personally think toray has zero interest in owning something like Kuiu, they are a massive textile corporation that serves some of the BEST euro mountain wear. Why would they want to touch small potatoes like Kuiu.

 

[xcutter]

How do you determine what generation frame is on a pack?

 

[Obi-wanshinobi]

If that happens Jason will start another company named after another Alaskan island and make an ass load of money again.

I personally think toray has zero interest in owning something like Kuiu, they are a massive textile corporation that serves some of the BEST euro mountain wear. Why would they want to touch small potatoes like Kuiu.

Know any place I could get some of the euro stuff using Toray Fabrics??? Kinda tired of buying everything in Major Brown lol.