I have no experience with the exo, IA, or stone glacier. I’ve owned multiple Kuiu packs. I currently own 2 Kifaru frames and a seek outside.
Hers my advice on Kifaru. If you know the laminated stays fit, you simply will not be disappointed. You must know which one to choose as well. And, when I say fit I mean like a glove. If that’s the case you can put the load anywhere you want. On the lite or duplex frame and it’s going to be comfy.
I’ve owned 5 Kifaru frames over the last 10 years. 3 of them had the aluminum stays and the rest had their laminated stays. I’ve sold every frame that didn’t have the aluminum stays. And kept all three that had aluminum. I give one to my brother and I still have a lite frame and a tactical frame with them installed.
I didn’t realize that till last year. And, I’ve packed quite a bit of meat on the laminated stays through that. But, neither the normal or curved fits perfect. It worked and was fine comfort wise but, paled in comparison to the frames with aluminum stays.
I tell you all that to tell you this. Kifaru no longer offers the aluminum stays. It took me a year to find a set for my lite frame. Had in it found a set I’d done sold it. So, don’t buy a Kifaru setup thinking you’ll just replace the stays if they aren’t the perfect fit. You are going to have a hard time finding them.
The seek outside is a phenomenal pack as well. I’ve let quite a few buddies borrow mine and across all the different bodies, it is without a doubt the easiest frame to get to work for everyone. It is ultra comfortable at all weights. It won’t pack as much as the Kifaru but, you won’t be packing more then it can handle by a long shot.
This would be a great choice if you can stomach giving money to a company owned by a leftist loon. Had I known that when I bought the pack I’d never bought it. But, it’s so good I can’t stomach selling it since i already gave them the money.
The problem you had with the Kuiu to make you want to try something else is it’s only so capable of adjusting to fit your back like a glove. You’ll have the same problem with a Kifaru if there stays aren't a perfect fit. Unless you find a set of aluminum stays. And, the seek outside belt might require a pad to keep from slipping at heavy weights.
Good luck on your search. I hope this info helps you out. It took a long time to type on my phone. lol
