Kuiu Ultra with Big Load Advice

[snowcamoman]

OK Kuiu Ultra users, please tell me how you're making heavy loads comfortable in this pack. I've loaded it up to 80 pounds with two, 40 pound bags of salt and the amount of pressure on my lower back is nasty. When I toss in two more 10 pound olympic plates, it's downright painful. I cannot see a way to adjust this pack to make a heavy load comfortable. I have not added any additional lumbar support and think that would only make it worse. I'm testing this pack out as well as a Stone Glacier and Kifaru Bikini with Highcamp 7000. The SG and Kifaru haul the big loads fine, but this Kuiu is simply killing me. I want to give a fair shake at every pack and figured I'd ask for advice. Thanks.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

Install a return label on a technologically advanced cardboard box.

 

[snowcamoman]

I'll let the guy I'm borrowing it from know.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

Sorry couldn't resist! You should try to get your hands on duplex, and give that a fair shake as well. I really prefer it to the Bikini for those heavy loads.

 

[snowcamoman]

The Bikini did just fine, but there was push-through in between the vertical frame opening. I'll work out a fix for that though. The Krux and Bikini did just fine with the different weights. Overall, the massive Kifaru hip belt and fine tuning on the Kifaru put it on top for me. The SG is a really nice setup though, I might add one next season to my gear list.

 

[SHTF]

Love to see some photos snow. Would be interested to see how it looks with the weight on you. By no means an expert here but more wanting to know for myself.

 

[snowcamoman]

I have a 10 page report put together with lots of photos and details. I have it out for review by a couple guys so I can get some feedback. I'll post it as soon as I hear from them.

edit: I don't have photos of the packs on me in the report, just loads in the packs and comparisons. I'll try to get a few of the me with the packs on tonight.

 

[SHTF]

That would be awesome. Jason sure didnt seem to have this issue when going up that mountain to launch it. Im curious does the pack have Delta straps and are they loosened all the way up for you? Almost sounds like the pack is trying to pull you backwards applying the pressure on your lower back. Like I said Im no Expert but Ive had that lower back pressure in the past with subpar packs so i know what you mean. Usually its because the weight of the pack is not squarely on my hips and its pulling me back applying the pressure like you said. Or because the adjustment in the Delta strap area of the lower back has the belt riding at a funny angle. Thats been my experiences when dealing with lower back pressure.

 

[snowcamoman]

SHTF,
Jason was toting 64 pounds I believe in that hike up the mountain. With 64 pounds in the pack, the pressure point doesn't present itself. When the weight hits the 75 pound mark is when I start feeling the pressure. It only gets worse as from there.

I tested more yesterday and tried a variety of Delta strap adjustments to no avail. The hip-belt is riding nice on my hips just as it should.

 

[BOW1144]

The Bikini did just fine, but there was push-through in between the vertical frame opening. I'll work out a fix for that though. The Krux and Bikini did just fine with the different weights. Overall, the massive Kifaru hip belt and fine tuning on the Kifaru put it on top for me. The SG is a really nice setup though, I might add one next season to my gear list.

Check out the thread on "Kifaru Bikini troubles" they have a really quick simple solution to fix the bikini from pushing through between the frame. It took me about five minutes last nigth to fix mine.

 

[SHTF]

man thats a tragic outcome. Makes me glad I have a Kifaru. Looking forward to reading your writeup though. I love pack reviews and it sounds like you are covering your basis with the testing.

Is the Ultra belt removable/replaceable? be interested to see if a aftermarket Belt would do it any better.

 

[snowcamoman]

Bow1144,
I've read that other thread on the bikini issues, thank you. I'll ponder exactly how I want to tackle that issue. I believe Aaron said that Kifaru might be working on soemthing for that issue too. That's the nature of the beast when wanting to go ultra light, not a massive deal breaker for me at the moment.

SHTF,
I have some more testing I want to do today and try to get some photos of the packs on my back to show fit...etc... I have zero interest in trying to prove one pack is better than the other, just my findings and observations.

 

[SHTF]

SHTF,
I have some more testing I want to do today and try to get some photos of the packs on my back to show fit...etc... I have zero interest in trying to prove one pack is better than the other, just my findings and observations.

Yep I got that from your original posts. Cool deal man looking forward to seeing them.