KUIU Pro LT 5500 vs 4000 (top loader vs horseshoe zip)

[kahunter]

Hi guys, I picked up a KUIU Icon Pro combo off the classifieds a while back with a 2200 and a 7200. I may end up upgrading to the new suspension at some point, but I am loving the pack system so far. I think I will probably end up selling the 7200 bag because it is just way bigger than I will ever use unless I win a free Alaska hunting expedition or something, lol.
I want to get a mid-size bag for 3-4 day hunts and backpacking trips. I think the 4000 might be a tad small for longer trips, but figure I could probably add a lid somehow and there is always the overload shelf. I was zeroed in on the 5500 LT, but then realized it was a top loader instead of the horseshoe zip. That is one thing I really love about these Icon Pro bags. I haven't been able to find a video or anything on the 5500 to see how everything functions on it.

What are you guys thoughts about top loaders vs horseshoe zip style in general?

 

[Rossi]

I had the same internal conversation when I was choosing between the 2 bags. I went with 4000 because I like the horseshoe zipper. The side zip on the 5500 probably makes the differences minute, but it is nice to be able to lay open the entire bag with the 4000. The horseshoe zipper also gives you the ability of having a side zip similar to the 5500 but on either side. I might look at a way to add an EXO lid to make up the volume difference, since Kuiu doesn't offer their lid as a stand alone item. I already have a Frankenpack (SO frame and kuiu bag), so adding more DNA to the monster can't hurt.

 

[Elkobsessed]

I prefer the horseshoe zip, just easier access. I have the LT4000 and really like it so far....I can definitely get 3-4 nights out of it...

 

[Baron528]

I was in the same boat and opted for the 5500. It compresses well for day hunts also.

I would have preferred a horseshoe zip but the access on the 5500 is good. The side zipper is almost 20" long and runs nearly to the bottom.

An Exo lid wouldn't be too difficult to attach to a 4000. 3/4" or 1" gatekeepers, some webbing, or some repair buckles.

Edit: Forgot Exo uses SJ buckles for the lid and Rock Locksters on the rest of the pack

 

[kahunter]

I played around with the 7200 today and figured out it will actually compress down pretty well if you leave the side pockets empty and use the internal compression straps to manage the load. i think I will end up just keeping it because it might be nice to have to have extra room for bulky “family camping” gear, or if I ever do have to live out of a backpack for some reason, lol. I figure it is probably around 5000 ci when compressed like that.

I think I will try to get a 4000 at some point because I could drop almost 2 pounds in pack weight. Plus if needed I can attach the 7200 lid for extra space. That lid is kind of floppy and not really a great design, but it works okay I guess.

 

[kahunter]

Just picked up a Kifaru organizer lid and Sitka pack cover off of Camofire! That should pretty well set me up for my 2200 and the 4000 whenever I feel the "need" for it.

 

[Rossi]

An Exo lid wouldn't be too difficult to attach to a 4000. 3/4" or 1" gatekeepers, some webbing, or some repair buckles.

Edit: Forgot Exo uses SJ buckles for the lid and Rock Locksters on the rest of the pack

EXO has a strap set for adding a lid to their smaller bag. It has gatekeepers and the compatible buckles, so I figured I could just go that route.

 

[kahunter]

Yeah, I actually think that Exo lid is more what I am looking for. I might try that out first since it is cheaper anyway.

 

[Baron528]

EXO has a strap set for adding a lid to their smaller bag. It has gatekeepers and the compatible buckles, so I figured I could just go that route.

The Exo lid has two female buckles on the frame side. The face side is a male and a female. This is for the roll top to connect into if you are running an Exo bag without the lid.

The strap set Exo sells has one male and one female buckle. So you will need additional hardware to connect the frame side of the lid.

 

[kahunter]

I was wondering about that. I was trying to figure out from the pictures how it attached

 

[JRMiller]

I prefer the side zip.
Using a 4000 currently. Some could consider it too small but there are a lot of attachment options both internal and external that Kuiu doesnt even advertise.
As well , you can clip on thier accessory pouch directly right on the back and have the additonal volume of a lid but not be in way.
Can expand the pack to 72ltres that way.

 

[kahunter]

Does anyone know if the 5500 has the internal strap system like the horseshoe zip?

 

[Baron528]

Does anyone know if the 5500 has the internal strap system like the horseshoe zip?

Yes it does. It comes with 4 straps I believe. Two are for the external face compression.

There isn't a built in bladder sleeve, but there are attachment points for a stalker or add-on sleeve.

 

[kahunter]

Cool thanks. I love that internal compression. I don’t know why all pack makers don’t have that.

I use bottles instead of a bladder anyhow, so that wouldn’t be a big deal.

I may have to just get both bags and see which one I like best, lol.

 

[j33]

I prefer the side zip.
Using a 4000 currently. Some could consider it too small but there are a lot of attachment options both internal and external that Kuiu doesnt even advertise.
As well , you can clip on thier accessory pouch directly right on the back and have the additonal volume of a lid but not be in way.
Can expand the pack to 72ltres that way.

Or you clipping it on the exterior towards the top of the bag or near the bottom? I see there's a pair of hoops on the top and 4 on the bottom, so assuming towards the bottom?

 

[Nick_G]

Is the 4000 big enough for 3 day hunts?

 

[Cahunter805]

Is the 4000 big enough for 3 day hunts?

I’ve used the 3200 for 3 days. The 4000 should be plenty for 3 days especially if you utilize the load sling for meat/gear.

 

[Dos Perros]

I can get a week of September archery hunting in a 3000 by strapping food to the top like a lid. That’s with a spotter and tripod too.

 

[Nick_G]

Right on, thank you. My concern was that it doesn’t have a meat shelf like some of the other packs I’ve been looking at. Maybe that isn’t a big deal?

 

[Cahunter805]

Right on, thank you. My concern was that it doesn’t have a meat shelf like some of the other packs I’ve been looking at. Maybe that isn’t a big deal?

All Kuiu packs can be put into load sling mode. Basically the bag is removed from the frame on the top stays and you can put meat/gear between the frame/bag and then cinch it all down.