Kuiu Ultra vs Icon Pro

[rr.taylorjr]

Just looking for opinions on these two models. Whats the likes and dislikes of them. I know the material on the Icon is suppose to be better but is it? Is the Icon worth the extra money or will the Ultra be ok? Use will be humping into base camp, then hunting from there. Looking to purchase one of the 5k or 7k models here in the future. Thanks.

 

[bigbaddad71]

I like the organization ability of my Icon 7200. I also added the Apex harness and it adds a ton of comfort under load... And I'll be the first. "buy a Kifaru, brush"..

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[scp]

The Icon Pro series is tough to beat for the price. The Ultras cater to the very weight conscious and those that favor minimal design features, but the Icons are chock full of organizational features that make sense for packing. I have each Exo bag and K2 frame, a Kifaru Fulcrum, and have had three SG packs in the last three years. All have been great in their own right, and for their own function. I always look at my Icon Pros (I have each bag) first when weighing what to take for each trip into the backcountry.

 

[Sorry slinger]

I prefer the ultra as I feel it has more usable space, but I am the type of guy that "loses stuff" because I cant remember which of the 200 pockets I put stuff in. so to find one thing the entire pack gets emptied hahaha.

 

[ORhunter74]

I recently purchased the Icon Pro 5200 to replace a Kifaru reckoning.
I really like the Kuiu’s organization. If you like pockets and a bit of added weight doesn’t bother you- go with the Icon over the Ultra.
If you are looking to save ounces (24.7 oz lighter than the Icon) and don’t mind a big cavernous sack to chuck everything into and then go dumpster diving into later- the Ultra.
And the Apex harness definitely does make it more comfortable under heavy weight as bigbaddad noted above. Also 500D Cordura vs 330D “high tenacity “ Cordura. So durability SHOULD be higher on the Icon.

 

[madkaw284]

Also be aware that the ultra is cheaper for a reason. They really skimp on padding on the hip belt and the shoulder harness system. I have both the ultra and the icon pro and the ultra feels terrible after seeing the icon. The ultra also doesn’t have the power pulls on the hip belt.


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[willfrye027]

I’ve ran my ultra for about 5 years now, packed out over a dozen animals with no complaints. Pack out are gonna be painful, I prefer the lighter weight and sleek design of the ultra.

 

[CarWrestler]

I've run the ultra for 5 years now. I buy most my gear to double as backpacking/alpine climbing as well as hunting and have had no issues/complaints on the ultra. The weight savings are really nice after pairing my gear down to 20ish pounds. I got tired of adding nearly 40% more weight in the pack alone. I routinely add 50 lbs of plates and hike steep rocky trails with no comfort or ride issues. I just wish i Kuiu had offered the taller frames back when i got this pack. I packed out a hind quarter and the head from my bull last in one trip with no complaints. The pack does squeak a bit under load.

 

[BluMtn]

I have been using the Icon-Pro and like it. I found this winter while doing some upgrades to my pack that the belt was coming apart. Contacted KUIU and they said no problem replacing the belt, just had to prove that I bought it from them. It was a gift so no proof, so no warranty.

 

[doverpack12]

Best of both is an ultra bag with icon pro suspension and even better with the apex shoulder straps. My ultra 4000 has all the pockets my pro 3200 had. Not in the past ultra bags were minimal but anymore not nearly skimmed down on features

 

[Dos Perros]

I love my Ultra till I put some heavy weight in it, then the hip belt sags my hips and I'm constantly tightening the belt. I think the belt material they use is too slick and goes right through the buckles. This is the older Ultra where you pull out from the center buckle. They may have gone to the other design.

Like another poster said I'd prefer the Icon belt on mine, could live with the current shoulder pads or go Icon, whichever. I reall like the minimalist design of the bag. I can get 7 days in the 3000 by strapping food bag to the top. I really dislike bags with floppy lids and those drawcord cinch down main bags.

 

[cardiac5]

I prefer the icon pro. Also if it’s an older model I know a lot of ultras had buckle issues.


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[Sorry slinger]

I've run the ultra for 5 years now. I buy most my gear to double as backpacking/alpine climbing as well as hunting and have had no issues/complaints on the ultra. The weight savings are really nice after pairing my gear down to 20ish pounds. I got tired of adding nearly 40% more weight in the pack alone. I routinely add 50 lbs of plates and hike steep rocky trails with no comfort or ride issues. I just wish i Kuiu had offered the taller frames back when i got this pack. I packed out a hind quarter and the head from my bull last in one trip with no complaints. The pack does squeak a bit under load.

Spray some graphite lube on the bottom of the frame and a little inside the pocket the frame slides into on the belt. that squeak will go away.

 

[Cody McGonigal]

I have a buddy that runs the icon pro and he loves it.

 

[Clarence]

I have the ultra 3000 bag I use for day hunting in late season, and just got a new 7000 ultra bag. Running the icon pro suspension. I found it mildly finicky to get the suspension dialed in and properly fit, but I think it is a tough kit to beat at that price point. Mine has treated me right so far. Been running it for a year now.

 

[Jcberg]

I have the ultra 3000 bag I use for day hunting in late season, and just got a new 7000 ultra bag. Running the icon pro suspension. I found it mildly finicky to get the suspension dialed in and properly fit, but I think it is a tough kit to beat at that price point. Mine has treated me right so far. Been running it for a year now.

Had them both. I give the Ultra a 3/10 and the Icon Pro a 9/10.


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[RosinBag]

Your best bet in my opinion is you run the newer Ultra bags on the Icon Pro suspension with the upgraded shoulder harness. It is a good compromise for weight, cost and function.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I keep hearing how the apex straps help the load hauling. Maybe they do. But, I have never had a problem with weights in the stock icon system. Its a dang fine rig in my opinion. Doug probably has more experience using the Kuiu systems then most here. Take his advice to heart. But, Be realistic too. The Apex straps make carrying a slinged weapon harder. Its the main reasons I sometimes carry the Kuiu over my Kifaru systems while rifle hunting. I've had slightly over 83 pounds in mine and it did just fine. Shoulder straps on that king of load should be carrying around 25 pounds of that.

Anyways, I can't speak for the Ultra system. I've only owned the Icon's. And, for the money, they simply cannot be beat. It will serve you well once you fit it right. God Bless

 

[hikenhunt]

Another vote for the Apex shoulder harness for heavy loads, its awesome!

 

[ORhunter74]

Don’t know if this helps, but all the Icon bags and suspension are on a 25% off flash sale today. The apex harness is 50% off.