Kuiu Ultra 3000

[Vector32]

I am kicking around the idea of trying this pack out. I have a Mystery Ranch MR6500. I am wanting something a little smaller for shorter trips but be able to pack something out if I get something. Does anyone have any experience with this pack? Just looking for general info pros and cons. Is there something better? Thanks!

 

[dotman]

Depends on budget, there are many better options. But at that price I would also checkout the backpacker options before deciding. If your pack has to have camo at that price I doubt there is better.

 

[Vector32]

Like?

I could spend more if I need too.

 

[cgippe]

Hey Vector....I highly recommend getting the icon pro frame with the utlra bag..the shoulder straps and hip belt are more comfortable. I am currently using an icon pro with 3200, its not as light as the 3000 but I have a few more compartments.

Also FYI to ALL KUIU now has a lot of their backorder clothing in stock.. mine shipped out today.

 

[dotman]

Then I would go EXO, Stone Glacier or Kifaru. The Kifaru bikini weighs about 5oz less then the ultra frame. The ultra bag easily attaches to the bikini frame, think I figured it out in less then 5 mins when I did it.

To save a little watch the classifies for a bikini and buy just the Kuiu bag new. Or get the new Kifaru UL duplex frame instead.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Yes I have experience with it. The ultra frame has what I would call a reduced suspension, the padding is a place they cut weight, and lost comfort at the same time. It is super easy to adjust and change bags on. I don't care for the strapping, the hardware and webbing are very reduced/small.

If you don't plan on heavy loads the ultras are great, but you'll suffer.compared.to other options with some mass in it. The Pro version is worth the extra coin if you really like their frame.

I'd consider waiting until the fall Kuiu sales, they are typically pretty good.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Depends on budget, there are many better options. But at that price I would also checkout the backpacker options before deciding. If your pack has to have camp at that price I doubt there is better.

Dotman I feel we're both on every thread like this

 

[dotman]

Dotman I feel we're both on every thread like this

Haha, I've had way too many options I've played with.

 

[dotman]

One of my favorite setups was a MR Longbow on my bikini frame.

 

[Vector32]

Ok.. Would the Kifaru Mountain warrior with the duplex frame be a better option? It's a little bigger

 

[dotman]

Ok.. Would the Kifaru Mountain warrior with the duplex frame be a better option? It's a little bigger

By a 1000% better warranty and resale as well.

 

[IdahoElk]

Hey Vector....I highly recommend getting the icon pro frame with the utlra bag..the shoulder straps and hip belt are more comfortable. I am currently using an icon pro with 3200, its not as light as the 3000 but I have a few more compartments.

Also FYI to ALL KUIU now has a lot of their backorder clothing in stock.. mine shipped out today.

Are you sure about that? I'm looking at both the ultra 3000 and pro3200 in front of me and they look exactly the same except for the speed waist belt pulls on the pro.

 

[PathFinder]

The Ultra is junk over 30ish pounds. I liked mine for day hunts (it's very light and compresses well) but despised it every time I had any kind of weight in it. Any of the other packs mentioned are light years better.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Are you sure about that? I'm looking at both the ultra 3000 and pro3200 in front of me and they look exactly the same except for the speed waist belt pulls on the pro.

I've handled them both and the pro is most definatly more robust for padding in the waist belt. Kuiu advertises it that way.

 

[IanF.]

Have you considered an different MR bag on your existing NICE? I have a met alf and it compresses quite well.

 

[jm1607]

Does anyone have any experience with this pack? Just looking for general info pros and cons.

Don't do it!

Poke around in the backpack section on this site.. There's quite a few good pack choices and the ultra is not one of them!

If price is an issue just throw in an extra $100 and get an Exo 3500

 

[IdahoElk]

I've handled them both and the pro is most definatly more robust for padding in the waist belt. Kuiu advertises it that way.

You're right,they are slightly different,I see that now.

 

[Cant hit em]

I wore my Ultra for 4 days straight with no issues two weeks ago. Im no pack expert but I never had a problem with it

 

[HighHunter1232]

I wonder if the guys that hate these packs couldn't get it adjusted correctly for their bodies? I have an Ultra 6000 and really like it. It took a little bit of moving the shoulder straps up and down on the frame, but when I found the correct spot I was able to comfortably carry my 50 lb load 5 miles into camp. I would recommend this pack to a friend.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I wonder if the guys that hate these packs couldn't get it adjusted correctly for their bodies? I have an Ultra 6000 and really like it. It took a little bit of moving the shoulder straps up and down on the frame, but when I found the correct spot I was able to comfortably carry my 50 lb load 5 miles into camp. I would recommend this pack to a friend.

Things start to change when you ramp that up to 80 lbs. For me, it wasn't the pack adjustment, the ultra is actually easy to adjust. I'd agree it's KUIU so some.folks are going to hate it. But there's legitimate criticism of this particular pack due to the areas they chose to save weight. For example, the bottom end of the 6000 bag has very small compression straps....this allows the middle of the bag to bulge out between the straps, so it's tough to get a heavy load from sagging in the bottom of the bag. Crossing them helped somewhat, but not completely.

For me, the waist belt simply didn't have enough foam the spread a load out over my hips.

They certainly did a good job with materials amd layout, I think the duraflex hardware, foam, etc are great. But in wouldn't want to pack an animal out with that bag compared to other options I've used (MR, Stone Glacier).

The adjustment on the frame is super easy, you've got torso length and lumbar profile to set, that's it.