Kuiu or MR

[tipsntails7]

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

 

[dreamingbig]

I really like the looks of the 1850 for a day pack but I have concerns over that carbon frame. I guess you could get it without the frame but then you give up any real hauling capabilities.

 

[Eagle]

Between those two, I'd go with neither, and buy a Stone Glacier Approach. Lighter pack, proven frame, functional load lifters and its an all around much better pack for dayhunts than the other two IMO.

 

[cmeier117]

I would choose the KUIU for the sole fact that the frame is taller on the KUIU. But I would choose neither and go with a Kifaru BT3,

 

[bbrown]

I have a MR Dragonslayer which is the same design as the Longbow except internal frame. It works great as a day pack and can even get a couple days out of it if you have light gear. Actually might be selling it here soon since I picked up a T3 - if you are interested shoot me a PM.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

If you go MR get the Metcalf, little bigger with functional shoulder lift. Put the lid on and expand its size even more.

Side zip use is a great feature as well.

Can't comment on the Kuiu, haven't used it.

 

[muleman]

Between those two, I'd go with neither, and buy a Stone Glacier Approach. Lighter pack, proven frame, functional load lifters and its an all around much better pack for dayhunts than the other two IMO.

I'm testing the approach right now. I like the scope pocket and dedicated tripod location. I couldn't go three days out of the Approach without using the load shelf. The approach has 1896 cubic inch main bag, 375 cubic inch scope pocket and 2700+ cubic inch load shelf.


Krux Frame, Approach Bag, 2500ci Roll Top

 

[Rucker61]

Between those two, I'd go with neither, and buy a Stone Glacier Approach. Lighter pack, proven frame, functional load lifters and its an all around much better pack for dayhunts than the other two IMO.

This.

 

[Wrongside]

I'm a big fan of MR's internals. Anything NICE, not so much. Personally, I'd look at the Bighorn, Dragonslayer or SG Approach. I've owned both of the MRs and they are great packs. The SG would have the advantage, if that is one, of the expandable meat shelf. I would really like to try a SG Terminus soon...

Some of KUIU's clothes are pretty nice. Their packs don't interest me in the least.

 

[tipsntails7]

I'm an internal pockets guy. Which is why I really like both these bags. How are the internals on the stone glacier and the kifaru? Another thing I don't own a spotting scope. Never really felt the need. Don't sheep hunt or trophy hunt. Just putting meat on the table.

 

[tipsntails7]

SHTF. I'm just saying a possible 3 day trip max.As in coming out the 3rd day. With the kuiu load sling you can turn it into ruffly a 4000cu pack. Maybe your right though. Although I've done 3 days out of an old Kelty bag rated at 4200

 

[blb078]

If you're a fan of simplicity and lightweight then take a look at this.

http://www.stoneglacier.com/minimalist.html

 

[jquarnberg]

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 was deciding between these exact two packs.

I previously was running the MR Dragonslayer with a couple rip zips and I was able to do multi day trips with it and liked the bag. LOVE that trizip and how bombproof MR is. However, as a day pack I felt like it was a lot of weight that did very little for me. Wasn't big enough to haul meat inside the bag unless you had zero gear and had no load sling option so lashing something on was the only option (not comfortable). Also I felt that the MR suspension (though very comfortable) was real hot compared to the other packs that allow for a little more air flow and less pack right against your back.

SO... I debated the Longbow and Icon 1850. I also added the Stone Glacier Approach and the new MR Metcalf to my list. Ended up going with the Icon 1850 because of the weight mostly and also cost. I also liked the internal pockets and set up of the Icon better. Also I liked that for a decent cost I could easily run a bigger bag on it if I needed. And finally because it was a cool new product and I get sucked in. I haven't used the 1850 enough yet to know if I made the right decision. I still get on and look at the long bow and wonder and ponder and make sure its still as heavy as it was a few months ago. I read any review I see on the approach and SG packs because I really do wonder if the SG approach isn't the best option its just a bit more pricey (accessories too) was my hold up. The Icon doesn't have that bomber feeling that the MR did, also I miss the tri zip and the rip zips. The 1850 also doesn't seem as simple to access the load sling as the SG looks to be.

I am pretty much a 3 day max guy as well. Getting multi day out of any of these packs isn't a concern for me I know I can do it fine cause I did it with the Dragonslayer. Although once I have my camp in the load sling that 1850 bag is VERY small. But I can get my 2-3 day kit in it fine. Im sure you will want to consider that based on your use for the pack as mentioned above. I will probably make a plan to pick up a cheap 5200 when the opportunity presents itself used or on a KUIU sale.

Just my thoughts. Good luck.

 

[tipsntails7]

SHTF thanks ill do that when I get off. As far as a minimalist or an Oz counter I would say I am not. 90 percent of the time I would be spiking or doing overnights. I just want the option to maybe push it to a 3 day bivy. Obviously using the load sling or strapping camp to the pack. I have a bit of OCD so I like organised pockets. It's a curse.

 

[cmeier117]

I think if you are looking for a small 2000 cu inch pack on a frame that you can detach to carry meat in the sling you need to look at a frame that can haul heavy loads. That eliminates the MR and I would look at the Bikini or the Krux frame.

 

[tipsntails7]

Really the only reason I have not pulled the trigger on the icon is the carbon fiber frame. I worry that with 100 plus pounds on that frame in an awkward position it could break. Then you are SOL. I have all confidence that the MR is bomb proof( buddy has a crew cab). Either way it will be an upgrade in comfort over my current eberlestock. Last year was the first and last time I will be packing an elk out with that.

 

[cmeier117]

If comfort is what your after, Kifaru is what you need.

 

[tipsntails7]

May need to bite the bullet and take a look at the kifaru and stone glacier. Just 500 bucks is really not a mountain I wanted to summit. More research here I come

 

[jquarnberg]

Really the only reason I have not pulled the trigger on the icon is the carbon fiber frame. I worry that with 100 plus pounds on that frame in an awkward position it could break. Then you are SOL. I have all confidence that the MR is bomb proof( buddy has a crew cab). Either way it will be an upgrade in comfort over my current eberlestock. Last year was the first and last time I will be packing an elk out with that.

I really don't see the frame breaking. I haven't packed any deer on it yet though so I don't know what thats worth but in my initial use of it I just couldn't imagine it breaking any more than any other frame or stay setup I have had experience with...

 

[tipsntails7]

Not the frame itself, but the load lifting attachments and the little tags that fit into the waist belt are my areas of concern. Imagine takin your pack of with 100 pounds on it and setting it right on one of those bits....