Kuiu v kifaru

[aussiehunter]

Icon pro 7200 or Kifaru AMR? I do have a feeling i will have to cry once but only once as the kifaru seems to be the winner reading all the reviews on here and other Forums.

Interested in input from peole who have used both packs.

 

[dirtytough]

I haven't used the Kuiu frame, but I can't imagine it being better then the new Kifaru hunting frame. I wasn't super impressed with some of Kifarus previous frames but the new one is extremely nice. As for the bag you can attach either so I would get the one with the layout you like the best.

Regards, Branden

 

[dunner543]

I had the Kuiu 7200 which I used attached to a kifaru duplex frame. It worked just fine but I felt that the 7200 bag itself had a lot of things that initially attracted me to the bag but turned out to not be desirable for me. Even the horseshoe zipper which I thought was going to be awesome turned out to be more of a pain because the zippers both start at the bottom so you cant just open a little part of it to grab something say out of the top. I switched to a Kifaru Argali and haven't regretted it for a second, although I do like the look of the coming reckoning... As far as the frame, I don't think its a discussion as to which one is better.

 

[wasatchcomm]

a friend of mine has the kuiu setup, he has the 1800 and the 6000 , not sure exactly what they are called, he is head to toe kuiu.
his system is a few years old and he has packed out a few animals, but he did say he loves it, BUT, it squeaks a lot, it is very noisy
we were sneaking in on some elk and i could even hear it.
not sure if this is common or not
i have been training with my kifaru setup since march with 40-60lbs regularly 4x's per week, and once a week with 80lbs
my pack has been soaking wet, i have used it for backpacking in and camping few times, no squeaks as of yet
I'm sure its a good system, but he was not happy how loud it has become over the past couple years
maybe something to consider, or a good question to ask other kuiu owners.
lots of good stuff out their, i would buy what appeals greatest to you and your wallet!

 

[Bulldawg]

The Kuiu is ok, but it doesn't match the comfort of a Kifaru, and with the number of bag options out there there seems to be a bag for everyone and everything you might need. I sold my kuiu and I do not ever see myself selling the kifaru ever. The attachment points for straps to strap awkward items to the pack is really nice too.

Both are good packs, but the Kifaru, to me, is a good deal better.

 

[Stwrt9]

I would first look into what your budget is and how often you will be packing heavy loads. if you have an unlimited budget and will be packing heavy alot then i would go with Kifaru. But if your budget conscious and only going on a couple hunts a year where you will pack heavy loads i wouldn't hesitate to get a kuiu pack. I currently run the Kuiu Icon Pro 5200/1850 and really like it. i know you will get lots of people chime in on here that will push Kifaru as they are a very good pack it just depends what your looking for. i also would look into Exo MOuntain Packs as they seem to be somewhere in between. Best of luck I doubt you'll be dissapointed with either choice.

 

[justin davis]

Kifaru packs all the way!

 

[gobbler1662]

Yeah I've owned both. Not much of a comparison. Save some money and buy a kifaru. You won't be happy till you do.

 

[Shrek]

Kifaru !!! And a new hunting partner

 

[hardcorehunter5]

I used the KUIU icon pro 5200 this season for the first time after my partners recommended it as a reasonably priced pack for the hunting we do. Things that I didn't like were the copious amounts of buckles, zippers and pockets. When unloaded and compressed a lot of buckles had to be undone just to get large enough access for my hand in the main compartment or even some exterior pockets which added more noise. When I sit to take a break, glass or have a snack I like to get to some items quietly. The design seemed to hinder this. What I did like is the adjustments seemed very simple and effective, easily accessed while the pack is on you back. Meaning you could adjust it on the fly, without a buddy. If I continue to enjoy hunting with a pack And extending my range I will be looking for something else. I will agree with another post above if you do a few hunts a year and dont haul a ton of weight regularly it should be a great pack for you. Im just at the age that little design idiosyncrasies that I don't like causes me more frustration then the money i "saved". I also use gear for a long time so I do my best to buy top notch gear to suit my needs and don't run out and buy the new model. Right the ICON suits my needs.


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[aussiehunter]

Thanks for your input guys i still have not decided what to go for. Seeing i hunt Australia mainly as that is where i reside and every year i do go to new Zealand to hunt tahr and chamois. In the state where i hunt in Australia we have 3 deer species ranging from 180lb to 550 lb and these get packed out on a regular basis with my SAS Military backpack which does not even have a proper suspension and frame.

I am wanting a new backpack for sheep hunting which i will be starting from 2018 but wanted to buy something now so i get accustomed to the pack. When we are talking on the money side of things i am not to worried what i will be paying as long as i am getting the right back that is the best for the job.

Considering getting a kuiu first to test out with the loads and see how it holds up if its no god i can always sell it. Plenty of time left till i do a sheep hunt but appreciate all of your comments.

Also i was thinking to run the kuiu bags on a Kifaru Ultralight Platform Frame And Suspension if the kuiu frame and suspensions is not as good.

 

[Mtslackcountry]

Stone Glacier packs...

 

[AK Troutbum]

Stone Glacier packs...

^^^^This. At least that's what works for me. I've never tried the Kuiu packs, and probably never will after all the negative stuff that I've heard and read about them. I have owned a couple Kifaru packs and they are very nice packs, and I'll venture to say that I'm pretty sure Kuiu doesn't come close. But again, SG seems to work the best for me.

 

[fisherman983]

I had the 7200...I now have the amr..I'd would also look at the new rekoning coming out soon...hands down kifaru is better.

 

[hunt&fish]

I have never owned a kuiu but have three good buddies who have all broken theirs on sheep or elk hunts. I never worry about breaking my kifaru. They are worth the money! All of my buddies are now saving for kifaru packs!


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[mavmskyb8]

I have the Kuiu 1850, 3000, and 6000. I like the bags, easy to switch on/off the suspension frame. I'm kind of a throw it in and go for day trips. Don't need/ want 20 compartments. The frame has handled many heavy loads, never a problem. I will say however, that I have replaced the main 2" buckle every year for the last three years. I've never bought replacement buckles from Kuiu, I went to REI. Still looking for a solid 2" buckle.

 

[camelcluch]

I have both and like both. However, I do think that the Kifaru is a bit more comfortable. There is a weight penalty with Kifaru but I don't think it's even really worth worrying about when the comfort is that much more. I would buy the Kifaru unless SG or Exo fits you better.

 

[cgippe]

What packs do you guys recommend for a day pack, possibly slightly longer? I am looking at the mag and woodsman. Only thing i dont like about the woodsman is the hydration bladder location.

Anyone have experience with these bags or recommend another? Would be switching from KUIU to Kifaru.

Much appreciated.

 

[dunner543]

I just got a 22 mag over the woodsman for a daypack and think I'm going to be really happy with it. Between the side pouches, internal pockets, integrated top pocket and molle on the front to add more pockets if needed I don't see why the woodsman would be better. The load shelf on the woodsman seems nice but you can just use the straps on the bottom of the mag for the same thing or use a grab it. Plus they just put 1000d 22 mags in the rhino den so it's cheaper!

FWIW, I got a reckoning too and love it but even though the woodsman is its little bother it doesn't have a lot of the same features like the separate compression and side pouches which is what I love about the reckoning.

 

[JP100]

I have used the Kuiu 6000 for the last 3-4 years of guiding/hunting with no issues at all. Was a big step up in comfort from what I was used to. Very simple design and works well.

I did try on a Kifaru frame and harness when I was at their shop and it was really nice. Id get one if I could afford it but to me at the moment the cost is hard to justify