Kuiu Pro Pack 6000

[Kalvert123]

Hey Guys,

I am going on a DIY archery moose hunt this fall in the Brooks Range, and I have a question about pack systems. I currently have a Kuiu Pro Pack 6000, and I’ve tested it with 100lbs of salt bags, and I was wondering if that would work for packing out a moose? I hiked 3 miles under 100lbs of load and while it wasn’t fun, it was manageable. I just have a hard time justifying buying a Barney’s for one moose hunt. Any information would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

 

[BRWNBR]

I have Barney’s packs and I have a kuiu pack. I’ve worn stone glacier and mystery ranch as well. They are all silly compared to the Barney pack. The amount of time it takes to load a kuiu pack with a 150lb moose hind quarter feels like half the time it takes to actually carry anything. Barney is so simple. So quick. So strong. Suspension is unmatched. But a used one. Sell it when your hunts over.

 

[Robinhood21]

Is it a "bone in" unit?

 

[Larry Bartlett]

Diddo BRWNBR's opinion. Being able to lash antlers, 100+lb qtrs, and sloppy sacks of neck meat to an external frame system keeps the load tighter against your core and way more secure whilst the terrain opposes you. Plus the Barney's pack has a generous hull and utilitarian features. I have two Barney's packs that are seasoned 20 years.

 

[TheRepeatOffender]

I packed out a bull shiras moose in CO a couple of years ago with my Kuiu Lt 5500 pack. It was about 4 miles one-way to the truck and had a friend help pack out as well. Think it took us 3 trips. The pack held up fine but I can't say it was super comfortable. Overall it was the hardest packout and one of the more physically exhausting things I've ever done (not really pack related though). Your moose will be bigger than what I packed out but I'd say it can definitely be done with the Kuiu. Just consider how far/long you are packing it out and the terrain. If I had an external frame pack like others suggest, I'd certainly use one instead but you can make the kuiu work. Just might be an extra trip or two to get it all out.

 

[Kalvert123]

Yes.

 

[Kalvert123]

Thanks Larry, is there a specific frame/pack set up from Barney’s you’d recommend?

Diddo BRWNBR's opinion. Being able to lash antlers, 100+lb qtrs, and sloppy sacks of neck meat to an external frame system keeps the load tighter against your core and way more secure whilst the terrain opposes you. Plus the Barney's pack has a generous hull and utilitarian features. I have two Barney's packs that are seasoned 20 years.

 

[cnelk]

We’ve used Kelly Cache Haulers for AK moose. Similar to Barney’s.

Simple. Rugged.

 

[roymunson]

I used my KUIU 7200 for a couple loads, and my guide let me use the barneys for a load. Barneys isn't as comfortable, but it'll handle the weight the best.

KUIU will handle the rest of the pack in and out comfortably, but won't do as well with the weight of loose meat and quarters.

You'll survive either. One answer is not significantly better than the other. Barneys is probably a better moose pack overall for the weight hauling. But, if you're also gonna go hunt elk or deer with the same pack next year, I'd get the KUIU unit.

 

[Robinhood21]

sloppy sacks of neck meat

no better way to describe loose moose meat bags lol!

 

[AKDoc]

The Barney's frame pack is a solid option for sure. That said...

Years ago I solo-humped the loads for a couple of moose with a KUIU ICON 5200 pack. I used it in "cargo mode" with added cargo strap extensions and an NRS strap or two. With careful/secure strapping of the loads it worked...but it also highly motivated me to seek a better alternative for hauling moose loads over tundra.

I finally found this gem five years ago...been using it every year since and it's still going strong after many moose loads.

LB Flex Sled

Pulk sled meets versatility in the LB Flex. This roll-up hauling system is designed to be a reliable, packable way to transport heavy loads.

pristineventures.com

If the topography of your hunt location fits this alternative, consider it and bring your 6000. With some advanced planning I suspect that you could resale the sled after your hunt before you leave Alaska.

...BTW, Thank you LB for designing and bringing it to us!!