Kuiu Pro

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WKR
Joined
Mar 30, 2019
Messages
316
Hoping to get some feedback on this system. The good, bad and in between. I’ve watched a fair amount of YouTube reviews and they seem to land in the top most the time. Also seems to be a little disdain for them on forum reviews but it usually is comparing to the original packs and not the newest version. Anyhow looking forward to some opinions for those who would like to share.
 

Outwest

WKR
Joined
Dec 30, 2013
Messages
448
Location
New Mexico
Nothing bad to say about the pro pack system. It’s performed very well for me over the last few years and I have come to prefer it over others I’ve tried.
 
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
1,741
Have one and an Exo K2 with K3 belt. After using both this summer and fall for training, I decided to take the KUIU on my archery trip. Packed out a hind quarter, albeit a short pack out, and have no complaints.

They both have their positives and negatives compared to each other but that is no different with comparing features of OnX and Gaia. They both do things well but both have features the others don’t have.

I would recommend going with the LT bags and take advantage of the weight savings. They are still very durable.
 

Jr4

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 26, 2022
Messages
160
I have the pro and LT packs in complete systems and have nothing bad to say about them have packed plenty of animals, I will admit when you get to 70 pounds plus weight, I think mystery ranch packs are better for the heavier loads
 

68Plexi

WKR
Joined
Mar 4, 2020
Messages
425
Since we’re all shaped a little different (torso length, shoulder width, etc), different packs fit different people. Fortunately I only live a few hours away from the KUIU showroom so I was able to try the pack on with 50lbs in it before I decided to spent the money.

I’ve owned the 5200, 1850, 6000UL, and now use the 6000 pro and 2300 pro. As far as construction goes, I’ve never had one fail. They fit me well and make my heavy loads (75lbs+) manageable. I am happy with the fit and weight I’m able to carry. However, I will likely not push the pack beyond 100lbs.

I know they are on sale right now at 30% off which is a pretty good deal IMO. Would be best if you could try one on with weight in it to test the fit.

I will say, the current frame/waist belt is more customizable and fits me better than the first packs did.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Apr 27, 2022
Messages
52
Location
Denver, CO
I use the Kuiu Pro LT 5500 and have no complaints. I only use one pack system throughout the year so this was a good combination of capacity vs. weight. I have used it on multiple night trips and packed out everything from rabbits to moose with no issues (well, no backpack issues anyway). For me, pack weight was the focus. I narrowed it down to a Seek Outside vs. Kuiu. I really wanted to pull the trigger on a Seek as they are local to CO but the lead time didn't fit my schedule. I wish some accessories were standard with the Kuiu packs such as hip belt pockets, rain cover, and a few extra straps to attach gear to the outside of the pack but that seems pretty standard for these higher end hunting packs. No complaints at all with the quality or capacity to carry weight.
 
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
1,741
I use the Kuiu Pro LT 5500 and have no complaints. I only use one pack system throughout the year so this was a good combination of capacity vs. weight. I have used it on multiple night trips and packed out everything from rabbits to moose with no issues (well, no backpack issues anyway). For me, pack weight was the focus. I narrowed it down to a Seek Outside vs. Kuiu. I really wanted to pull the trigger on a Seek as they are local to CO but the lead time didn't fit my schedule. I wish some accessories were standard with the Kuiu packs such as hip belt pockets, rain cover, and a few extra straps to attach gear to the outside of the pack but that seems pretty standard for these higher end hunting packs. No complaints at all with the quality or capacity to carry weight.
Where do you carry your water bladder in the 5500 LT?…if you use one.
 
Joined
Apr 27, 2022
Messages
52
Location
Denver, CO
@GunsAreFun Yeah, I do use a bladder. There isn't a standalone sleeve for the bladder - although there is a specific opening for the tubing. I use a 2L bladder and initially I just used some paracord to hang it from loops inside the pack. I would often use other internal straps to keep it from moving around. Eventually I bought their Stalker 500 when they had a sale going. It can hang in the 5500 LT and serves as a bladder sleeve and I use it to organize a few other things. You could take it out and use it as a small day pack but I rarely do this. Sometimes I will use it when I'm scouting or fishing and just want a small pack to carry a bladder and some snacks. Not having a dedicated space for the bladder on the 5500 seems an odd design choice but wasn't a deal breaker.

As others have suggested, if you do go Kuiu and can wait a while they do have pretty good pack sales at various points throughout the year.
 

VinoVino

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 25, 2021
Messages
196
Location
Seattle
I just received my 3600 Pro yesterday, purchased on sale. I had ordered the regular frame, but tried to change it to tall after two hours, as I found my sewing tape measure (I’m 5’9”, but 17.75” torso), but it had shipped already. They offered to waive the shipping fee for the return, as it shipped so quickly. But I just threw 25 lbs in the pack and adjusted everything, and it seems just fine.

As others have stated, if you have time, you can wait for a sale. It seems pretty rugged, although not as adjustable as my friend’s SO Goshawk. The Kuiu seems more plug-n-play.
 
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
1,741
@GunsAreFun Yeah, I do use a bladder. There isn't a standalone sleeve for the bladder - although there is a specific opening for the tubing. I use a 2L bladder and initially I just used some paracord to hang it from loops inside the pack. I would often use other internal straps to keep it from moving around. Eventually I bought their Stalker 500 when they had a sale going. It can hang in the 5500 LT and serves as a bladder sleeve and I use it to organize a few other things. You could take it out and use it as a small day pack but I rarely do this. Sometimes I will use it when I'm scouting or fishing and just want a small pack to carry a bladder and some snacks. Not having a dedicated space for the bladder on the 5500 seems an odd design choice but wasn't a deal breaker.

As others have suggested, if you do go Kuiu and can wait a while they do have pretty good pack sales at various points throughout the year.
I have a 4000 LT and was considering getting a 5500 LT for winter trips as I pretty much max the 4000 for archery season with 3-5 days of food. I ultimately decided to get the 400 cu in accessory pouch instead of a bigger bag because I couldn’t think of a bladder fix that I liked.

Can fit an additional 3-4 days of food in that or some additional insulating layers.
 
OP
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WKR
Joined
Mar 30, 2019
Messages
316
Thanks for all the replies. I almost bought one during the sale but wasn’t sure. Was thinking of running a 2300 and buying a 6000 or 7800 to go with it. I think this is the route I’m going to take. Tagged out on Monday so I have some time to make up my mind.
 

thbrock07

FNG
Joined
Feb 20, 2021
Messages
79
Love the Pro LTs up to 4000 size but like the regular Pros in the bigger sizes. Wish the LTs in larger sizes had the full zipper to the main compartment like the regular Pros - would love to have the weight savings from the lighter fabric when backpacking. But i can't stand not having a full zipper to access everything easily.
 
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