Kuiu Icon Pro 7200 vs. Kifaru EMR

[bizyrok]

Ok people, I've got the need to get one more all encompassing pack. Please weigh-in on which one and why. I am not interested in other brands as I have weeded them out from the final selection.
Thanks for your input.

 

[LJ Buck]

Well if you have weeded out other brands then i am curious on that process on how a KUIU pack made it down to your final 2.

Kifaru EMR hands down.

 

[gobbler1662]

I agree, My top three packs would be Kifaru, EXO, or Stone Glacier. Any one of those would be fine, KUIU would never make even my top 10.

 

[Snipershirt]

What gobbler said but in different order....out of the two you listed, Kifaru hands-down!

 

[MRidge]

I'd be curious as to your intended use of the packs, and as asked above how you narrowed it down to these two?
I have experience with the Kuiu Ultra series. After running for two months / one season, it will never be used for more than a day pack again.
I have yet to use a Kifaru, however I have not heard of a single quality issue or fitment concern from those around me using them. I'm confident in saying
You won't go wrong with a Kifaru. I'm just not sure both you've mentioned belong in the same category???? ( use dependent of course )

 

[mrbillbrown]

No clue about the Kuiu but love my emr2. Just yesterday my buddy and I were pulling cards and hanging a couple of stands. Carried the EMR in with minimal gear (day pack mode) and barely noticed it was there. Then, decided we needed a couple of bags of corn in a feeder. Opened up the pack, loaded 2- 50# bags and cruised back into the woods. The emr2 and bikini combo far exceeds my expectations for a "do it all" pack system.

 

[Jcberg]

I have never owned a Kifaru pack and I'm sure they are awesome so I can only speak to the Kuiu. I've owned Badlands packs, the Kuiu Ultra, and now the Kuiu Icon Pro 5200. The Ultra is a great pack for what it is intended for, lightweight and affordable. The Kuiu Icon Pro 5200, which I just received, is a completely different animal and I am extremely impressed with it. I have not had it in the mountains yet but can tell you it is night and day from the Ultra. The material is better, the pockets are better, the padding on shoulders is better, and the waist belt is WAY better. Again, I have zero input on the Kifaru but can tell you the Icon Pro seems to be an awesome pack for the money. I can't speak to the durability because I haven't run it for any extended time yet but initial impressions are good. Good luck to you in your search!

 

[dreamingbig]

I have never owned a Kuiu pack but have 3yrs experience now with a 26" duplex frame with dt2 bag, nomad bag and high camp bag. I sold the dt2 to buy the nomad. You can't go wrong with the emr2.

 

[LJ Buck]

I VOTE Stone Glacier as usual.

 

[snowcamoman]

I too would like to know how you weeded out all of the packs out there down to those two?

Why wasn't Stone Glacier on your list if don't mind sharing that info?

I'd say Kifaru of the two, but have not used and do not intend to use the Kuiu Pro at this time. A tried and true pack company with a good track record goes a long ways and Kifaru meets that mark of the two you listed. I'd look at the Stone Glacier packs though too over the Kuiu. All encompassing in my books is the SG Sky 7400 right now.

 

[elkeaterco]

I own the first SG and loved it besides being a top loader, no extra pockets, and smaller hip belt.
I have but am selling the Kuiu Ultra 6000 as the durability only lasted me a couple big trips before starting to fall apart and being very uncomfortable with loads over 60lbs.
I now am running the Kuiu Icon Pro and have to say is the best and most comfortable pack i have ever owned. I have packed out a small bear and large bull elk with it so far this year and it's night and day from the two above. The wider hip belt and reverse pull hip straps makes it a breeze to get heavy loads onto your hips. Hands down my favorite pack and expect it to last many long seasons.

jake

 

[Shrek]

I don't see how you could go wrong with the Icon Pro. I mean this what ?..the sixth redesign in four years ? I'm sure they got it right by now. Then there is the pride of ownership of that fine Vietnamese craftsmanship and the pride you get from propping up an authoritarian socialist government and knowing you helped exploit the powerless workers. Besides , you will be able to buy another generation pack just as soon as this container load is sold and all new accessories since the ones you just bought wont fit.
As compared to the pack that has been the definition of load hauling comfort and durability for years. The fact that accessories you bought years ago will work with your new addition and the pride of knowing that fellow Americans sewed your pack , the same Americans who are sewing packs for our service members going in harms way. The EMR is a newer design that went through a rigorous test regime so that you get what you pay for. The industry standard of comfort , well designed and tested pack bag , bombproof durability and unwavering customer support . I know I went with a Kifaru Duplex and DT1 bag and couldn't be happier with it. I don't see a different bag or frame in my future.

 

[adirondak5]

Ha ! Here we go again , the peace in Kuiu land was nice while it lasted .

 

[Weekender]

Watch out for Shrek the naked hiker cause we all know he won't wear nothing if it aint American made.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Well he let you "kuiuteers" be for awhile now, guess he didn't want you guys to get complacent. Lol

 

[gelton]

I actually had the first post written but deleted it:

On your marks. Ready. Get set. Go!

lets see how long this thread lasts

 

[adirondak5]

Well he let you "kuiuteers" be for awhile now, guess he didn't want you guys to get complacent. Lol

Ha , LMAO !

 

[fillthefreezer]

Watch out for Shrek the naked hiker cause we all know he won't wear nothing if it aint American made.

 

[chopchop]

Ok people, I've got the need to get one more all encompassing pack. Please weigh-in on which one and why. I am not interested in other brands as I have weeded them out from the final selection.
Thanks for your input.

I can't speak to Kuiu, as I don't own any of their stuff. I have a Kifaru bikini frame, an MMR, and various other accessories of theirs, and they are all very well made. I visited the shop in Golden when I was out there, and I like the idea of supporting quality products made in the USA.

Just curious, do you mean an EMR or an EMR2? The original EMR is a huge single compartment tactical pack that's pretty heavy. The EMR2 has the packbag and wings. The original EMR pack bag by itself (no frame) is about 5lbs.

 

[bizyrok]

I am not surprised of the comments. While I am happy with my earth tone Kuiu clothes, I think Jason should have stuck to that area - but I am not one to discourage capitalism! Anyway I have monitored other websites and certainly value everyones input - especially those from Alaska. I ruled out the Stone Glacier because I like smaller external pockets that help me compartmentalize my gear. The SG with the 4 internal pockets does not make sense. Even though my hunting is done for the year I will be ordering a Kifaru EMR2, standard frame in coyote brown with one of the top lids and a gun bearer attachment.

I have worn out one of the original Eberlestock packs, taking it to AK 6 times, CO 8 times and and NM 12 years in a row. I used my Barneys external this last season and it was ok, but I found it squeaky and the pins rattle. But all my buddies in AK swear by it.

So thanks to all for your time and comments.