KUIU vs Exo ?

[Hans]

I've never tried the EXO, but I went from an alpz commander external frame pack to KUIU and it is amazing how much better it feels with a load... and if you're looking for something to carry your bow, maybe look into the Montana bow sling. It's a pretty slick system if you're looking for something that keeps the bow somewhat readily accessible while hiking

 

[TradArcher]

If you are military/fire or leo then Mystery Ranch provides the largest discount if cost is a factor. After that then Eberlestock. Kifaru provides a discount too but it is less than those two. I mention this because kitting up is quite costly so if you need a high quality pack setup this info might be helpful to you.

I run Eberlestock F1 standard frame with an Exo hipbelt on it and it carries a ton of weight very comfortably, I have packed out animals with it here in Colorado's rough terrain. My pack measurement is 17" though so that is why I get load lifters working on that frame and your pack size measurement is a thing you should get properly done first before shopping for any pack as it will narrow your choices quite a bit. The F1 sucks badly with the stock belt but another high end belt changes that pack's performance dramatically *if* it fits your body (the length measurement a place like REI can do for you). Some guys that like that frame run the longer version and then put a Kifaru belt on it, it def needs a different belt (I don't advise their own upgraded belt as its just ok but nowhere near the EXO belts performance - huge difference).

I also own an older heavily modified Mystery Ranch Popup that now has a Granite Gear belt on it and Mystery Ranch's Expedition yoke which makes that very comfy - stock it absolutely sucked and was painful for me so I got mad and modded it and now it carries weight very well and I like it. Moral of that story is be bold about changing the belt and the straps/shoulder harness if you need to - don't hesitate on that.

Third pack is a Dwight Shuh pack I've had for decades that now has US Army Molle Straps and hipbelt and is comfy. I keep that as a backup hauler and a classmate of mine in the Wilderness First Responder course I took put another adult male in the sling, put the pack on and literally jogged around the class remarking about how incredibly comfortable the pack was! The guy in the sling was not comfortable to say the least and we had to stop him from running around to get that guy out. The pack frame is sturdy but has flex and now that I changed the Mystery Ranch to the Expedition yoke that is also slightly more flexible (I used the new plastic piece in the back for adjustment with it - more flex with that new one) - a slightly more flexible pack frame will be more comfortable under load as long as it is sturdy enough to bear the packout load so I would think that EXO would be a very comfortable pack. When I buy another pack it will likely be an EXO since their belt is insanely comfortable and their pack does have some flex in it.

Hope that all helps but at the least get your pack measurement done at an outdoor shop by a person that knows packs (ask them their backpacking experience before you let them fit you).
Then cut down that shopping list byt which packs actually fit your measurements. And don't be shy about changing the belt or straps - just figure that extra cost in from the start when you compare packs as modding that makes a huge difference.

Good Luck!

 

[Toolbox]

I've had a couple Kuiu packs and my general conclusion is that the bigger you go and heavier loads you apply, the less attractive they are. After all, it is and "ultralight" brand with sheep hunting (smaller animals) as their genesis.

 

[Zcmathews91]

I had the opportunity to test a MR and EXO K3 4800 side by side. As both were great and will get the job done. EXO was clearly a step ahead in quality, design, weight distribution and all-around general storage. The option of a built-in dry bag was awesome too. Although the EXO comes at a price, it is worth the lifetime investment. I also hunted elk in Montana last year with a kuiu and packed an elk out. Absolutely hated it. The bag kept sagging down, would not stay on frame. Would not recommend it.

 

[AnthonyGanz]

I have a Kuiu pro 3600 that I’ve used a few times and I like the pack don’t get me wrong. It is comfortable and does the job well. But I’ve been looking at SG and Kifaru.. when I bought the pack I figured I’d stick with Kuiu and just swap bags… but not sure I want to do that anymore and would rather put the money on a new system.. even though it would cost way more… there’s just something about the Kuiu pack… leaves me wanting more out of it.