Kuiu or MR

[Eagle]

tnt, I can understand the desire for organization, and that's why I've always used stuff sacks in several different colors to organize my gear. I like that better than a pack with pockets, because the pockets add weight with material and zippers where the stuff sacks are very light. 5 stuff sacks is less than 2 oz total, and that's generally all I need to keep my pack very organized. This also allows me to not worry about whether or not a pack has pockets, if it does I won't likely use them and they'll just waist CI that could go towards something more important.

 

[tipsntails7]

tnt, I can understand the desire for organization, and that's why I've always used stuff sacks in several different colors to organize my gear. I like that better than a pack with pockets, because the pockets add weight with material and zippers where the stuff sacks are very light. 5 stuff sacks is less than 2 oz total, and that's generally all I need to keep my pack very organized. This also allows me to not worry about whether or not a pack has pockets, if it does I won't likely use them and they'll just waist CI that could go towards something more important.

Any type of recreational backpacking that's what I do. Just when I bowhunt I have all kinds of little things that I feel are not conducive to throw in a stuff sack, Allen keys, calls, flashlights, d loop material, compass, bone saw, knives release, extra release, wind check. The list goes on. But I guess I could throw them in small sacks. It would just seem to be a pain in the butt that way

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Any type of recreational backpacking that's what I do. Just when I bowhunt I have all kinds of little things that I feel are not conducive to throw in a stuff sack, Allen keys, calls, flashlights, d loop material, compass, bone saw, knives release, extra release, wind check. The list goes on. But I guess I could throw them in small sacks. It would just seem to be a pain in the butt that way

Think about this on the Metcalf, there are two major pockets if you use the top lid. There is one pocket on the inside, and you can add two small pockets with the belt upgrade. Happy medium on that front.

If it wouldn't hurt my resale value I would cut a few pockets out of my Dragon slayer, just a few too many there.

 

[Eagle]

Any type of recreational backpacking that's what I do. Just when I bowhunt I have all kinds of little things that I feel are not conducive to throw in a stuff sack, Allen keys, calls, flashlights, d loop material, compass, bone saw, knives release, extra release, wind check. The list goes on. But I guess I could throw them in small sacks. It would just seem to be a pain in the butt that way

Allen keys, d loop material, bone saw, knives, extra release can all go in the pack for me, never had an issue with needing them in a split second. Wind check, compass, gps, camera, rangefinder; all that stuff goes in either my pants pockets or in my hip belt pockets. Kill kit, toiletries/first aid, cook kit, clothing, food, survival/electronics; all of those things are in separate stuff sacks in my pack. Different strokes for different folks of course, but that's my preferred method of organization.

 

[tipsntails7]

Yes but if you just throw them in the pack dont they all go either to the bottom or are willy nilly in there? I know that I've had it happen and have to unpack sang near the whole bag( top loader) to get to my skinning knife I originally put on top. Clothes, food/cooking first aid/survival I agree go into individual sacks. That's why I really like the options the two packs present. Kuiu has good pockets for things and has the ability to expand to add a large dry sack with stuff sacks in it. Longbow has good pockets as well but fold flat to the bag so admit to waste cubes when not needed. And honestly the weight is a moot point with me. I'm running an eberlestock as we speak. Now that is a heavy bag

 

[Outdoorsman3830]

Now, don't overlook the Mystery Ranch NICE Frame simply because the frame is 21 inches long. Oneiros Valley offers an adjustable frame extension accessory for the MR that will allow you to add either 1 or 2 inches all the way up to 6 inches of adjustable frame height. 27 inches of frame height is a bit more than most of us need, but it is available. The downside is there doesn't seem to be too many reviews yet to determine the LLP's quality.

With that said, I'm sure the Kuiu would be a solid pack for you. I have no first hand experience with Kuiu packs, but Mystery Ranch and Kifaru are both top notch pack companies that are tough to contend with.

 

[Jtelarkin08]

great now i have to decide all over again after reading this thread lol

 

[todd kelly]

Looking at picking up a new pack and I have It narrowed down to the MR longbow or the new kuiu 1850. I'm lookin for a day pack that has the ability to haul and elk quarter. Longest I will be living out of the bag is 3 days max. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks guys

I'm a bit bias here but the MR Metcalf would be my first choice for the needs you have listed. MR has a proven history on quality and customer service to add to the package. Kuiu is still new to the pack game and from the few reviews I have read, guys that use their gear hard have had many issues with the various Kuiu frames and bags. The zipper issue alone would be a deal breaker for me on a $400 pack.

Your best bet in the long run is to try out some different frames first before you make your decision. I'm sure some guys on here that live close to you would let you try on their various packs. Don't overlook SG or Kifaru. Not every frame system is going to feel right to everyone.

 

[tipsntails7]

I gotta say I've been on this forum less then a day and you guys have been nothing but kind and informative. Thank you.

 

[tipsntails7]

And I'm definatly not overlooking kifaru or SG just don't think I can make their price point work right now.

 

[Wrongside]

Kifaru wins hands down on adjustability, comfort, toughness and just the absolute cool factor of Kifaru. =).

So, I take it you've worn out at least one each of MR and Kifaru? The rest is all subjective and personal preference. Rock what works for ya and what ya like, but don't pretend it's the only thing going. The guys I know who 'getter done' the most, don't use any of the packs mentioned in this thread...

 

[todd kelly]

If your set on having internal pockets and organization, the longbow can also be used in a "load sling" mode to increase the ci/in of the system. Then with the NICE frame you can always upgrade the bag if you find the need down the road. I'll try to find a pick of the Longbow like this...


I'm sure you have seen this on the MR site, but if you havn't guys have been doing the "load sling" thing with MR packs for a few years now.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40542035@N08/tags/nice-longbow-pack/show/with/4889256626

 

[Jtelarkin08]

Hey Tips thats what we are all about over here. Hunters helping hunters. I got a video for you that Im uploading now just going over my gear and how its organized so you can kind of see how I do it. Organizing your gear is a personal preference. really no one way to do it. Soon as the video is done I will make a separate post and link it her on this one.

James

awesome!! I cant wait to see this video too!!

 

[Wrongside]

My Kifaru is getting pretty worn down. I should of added that its my opinion and a personal preference. Yes Im a die hard Kifaru Fan But you are right I should of mentioned its my opinion and may not be others. Yes Ive used both. I had a Mystery Ranch for a few years till I found Kifaru then I made the switch. Now my opinion on this site is worth just about as much as anyone else's. If your a MR Fan or a Stone Glacier or Nimrod or any of the other packs out there. Your perfectly welcome to throw down your opinion. =-)

Its worth noting that Mystery Ranch and Kifaru and a few others out there are also used by our armed forces and have both seen many years. They must be doing something right.

One pack is going to fit a person differently then the other. So go with what you feel is going work best for you. For me its Kifaru. Comfort, durability and usability. Definitely not knocking the other companies out there So if you took it that way I am sorry =-) Again its all my opinion and what works best for me =-)

Ha! I'm a fan of all of it and did put my 2 bits in earlier! We are pretty fortunate, in this day, to have all the options we do. Lots of good ones and some of them rarely get mentioned on these boards.

Cheers! It's all good...

 

[Jager]

Tips you will get 3 days out of either choice pretty easily, especially with a bit of experience using them. Many people these days won't go with packs that have heaps of pockets, internal and/or external, they seem freaked out by the supposed weight it adds, but then they add 4000 pull outs for organisation...

To answer your original question, the MR is far superior. A mate had a 3 day in Afghanistan and joked that it had that many internal pockets he lost his sunglasses for 3 days in the pack.

 

[Eagle]

Yes but if you just throw them in the pack dont they all go either to the bottom or are willy nilly in there? I know that I've had it happen and have to unpack sang near the whole bag( top loader) to get to my skinning knife I originally put on top. Clothes, food/cooking first aid/survival I agree go into individual sacks. That's why I really like the options the two packs present. Kuiu has good pockets for things and has the ability to expand to add a large dry sack with stuff sacks in it. Longbow has good pockets as well but fold flat to the bag so admit to waste cubes when not needed. And honestly the weight is a moot point with me. I'm running an eberlestock as we speak. Now that is a heavy bag

I've never had an issue with items going anywhere other than where I place them. I put my sleeping bag and pad in the very bottom, insulating jacket on one side of them, tarp on the other to give me a solid bottom. Then my bladder goes in, followed by my food bag and then I put my clothes bag in front of that. On the sides of that are my cook kit and toiletries bag. On top of that I'll put my camp shoes, rain gear and anything else left that's light like my electronics bag. I try and use every inch of space in my pack and fill up any nook with one of my stuff sacks. That keeps everything in place and keeps my load even from side to side for me. Stuff sacks are a great way to keep things from falling into any void you may have left in your pack.