Looking for a 3-5 day pack for $350- reccommendations??

[machinethomas]

This year if I draw the tag I'm expecting I'm planning on trying out the backpack style hunt. Nothing real extensive but I like the idea of it all. I have a good somewhat light tent. Good bag and pad. I'm looking for recommendations for a good pack for a 3, possibly 5, day hunt? I've read a ton of the kifaru threads, but can't afford $650+ for a pack. Same with Mystery Ranch. What are my best options for around $350, and what kinda cubic inches should I be looking for? Also a pack that compresses down well is a big plus. Any input is appreciated!

 

[weaver]

I'd pick up one of the used exos in the classifieds.

 

[NJDiverDan]

PM sent on used pack possibilities.

 

[209hunter]

People hate on Kuiu packs here but I think FOR THE MONEY its a good pack. I used the ultra 6000 last year and it worked fine helping a buddy pack out his deer. Bought it new last year for about $350 i think, havent checked this years prices.

Eventually when I can afford it I'll try a Kifaru but for now the Kuiu suites my needs well. I only pack one or two animals a year if im lucky and most of my pack trips are 3-5 days with less than 50 lbs of gear/food.

 

[SHTF]

I train with a ILBE marine pack added a Hill people gear prairie belt to it and it's working great. For 200$ you can't beat it 100 for a new pack 100 for the belt it's made out of 1000d built a lot like the MMR from Kifaru

 

[Rucker61]

It's a little outside of your budget though: http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?27247-Kifaru-Timberline-2-And-Accessories

 

[Jon Boy]

My buddy runs a Kelty red cloud I believe. He's packed out 5 bulls, a bear and several deer with it and looks practically new besides some blood stains. It works for him.

 

[Joshmarquez]

The exo 3500 would be right in that price range, and is a great pack! But expect a long delay for it to arrive! I would get on the waiting list ASAP if you decide on it!

 

[doncarpenter]

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27475

This fella is selling a kuiu icon pro 3200 for $350. I just picked up one of these myself and i have to say kuiu did a nice job on this pack. I had one of the original icon 3000 from 2011 and the differences are great. The icon pro frame is very robust compared to the 2011 frame. If this pack is your correct dimensions(tall frame,L/XL belt), im not sure there is a better value. Like was said previously, kuiu doesnt get a lot of respect around here and one might say that its warranted but this is a good pack for that price.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I would hate to see you spend your hard earned $350 on a Kuiu and have it fail on you. For that price I would recommend a couple options.

1. Get a Kifaru frame and strap a dry sack to it until you can afford the pack bag you want.
2. Find a used Dana designs Terra frame and use it until you want to upgrade, and then sell it.
3. Get a used Arc'Teryx Bora 80 or 95 and do the same as number two.
4. Work an extra weekend and find a used Kifaru setup of your liking and never look back.

Edit to add:
Both the Terra frame and the Bora are much better packs than anything Kuiu makes and you can find them for half the price.

 

[bbrown]

Solid advice right there ^^^. I do think a used exo would be a solid choice as well

 

[Beastmode]

The altra is the new bora. Look at those as well.

 

[MRidge]

I ran a KUIU Ultra 6000 last year & wouldn't recommend any Ultra series if you're also wanting that reliable feeling.

They stood behind their product however I downsized it to a daypack. If you're spending days back in & in need of carrying a decent amount of weight, I'd take the others advice.

 

[AZ Vince]

I'm running a Kuiu Icon 5200 and find it perfect for those 5 day hunts.

 

[hammer0419]

Save some more for an Exo or a used one off classifieds. YOU WILL THANK YOURSELF!!

 

[mauidiver]

Hey guys, I'm in the same boat as the machinethomas, except Idon't even have a trip nor have I ever been on one....yet!! With that said, I just moved to Austin Tx from Maui and really getting into the hunting thang!! Had a lease here for a couple years and can't sit in a box another day...nore will my son. So I didn't renew my hunting lease and plan on hunting public land and hopefully make a couple trips (depending on cash flow) I'm a full time student and never bought a pack before. I've been reading everything on this site and kifaru and have learned tons. But as Thomas said, I only have limited funding. I purchased some......ok guys, here it comes...KUIU clothing this last season and have really loved the quality. I know they are trying to gain an entire line of quality hunting gear and I solute them for trying so. But know they are not a backpack specialty as of yet. With that said, I've seen them year after year improve their product and have tried to keep the price range affordable. I can't believe the prices of quality gear these days!! It's crazy, but if you pack out a friggin elk, or these big Animals a few times a year, I would save up for a proven quality pack such as kifaru and others named above. Why all the haters on KUIU packs. Yes, a few of the older styles have had issues, cracked carbon frames, uncomfortable, and just not up to par when carrying weight. Our deer here in Texas are he size of dogs, unless you pay thousands and thousands of dollars to get some real good size animals. But your going to be constantly worrying about age, and catching smack from other lease members which ruins the whole thing for me. I'm not going for Bambi, but don't want to be paranoid.
Now if you experienced hunters/packers were most likely just day hunting and packing out one animal(if your real lucky) would an icon pro 1850 be a good investment? Please be objective here, not wanting to hear smack talked and dissing on KUIU. With that said, I would like to eventually start trips, and also like the idea of buying a kifaru bikini and compress a meat sack to carry out and get a pack later on. Also the cargo thing is pretty sweet. Now the EXO has nothing but great reviews especially since they are so new, and have modified this next batch for 2015. But now I'm spending $500!bucks which I can't do yet. Yes I can get used, but have not found one yet, and really don't want a blood stained pack either. So, Im still stuck on what to do. I can get a KUIU 1850, new model, and also use bag for school. The exo is too big for school and overkill unless I'm hitting the mountains. I love the looks of the pack and seems to be top notch. Objectively, would the KUIU be the best for my needs? I also have to explaine to the wife, and the ability to use for school is a bonus. So what you think?

 

[IAHNTR]

I have a Bozeman made Dana Design terraplane in black that I'd be willing to sell. PM me if interested.

 

[ssliger]

My advice is to see if anyone near you has packs you are interested. Look at as many as possible. Things I would look for. Does the pack have functional load lifters? Do you want to haul the meat in the bag itself, or use a meat shelf design? What is the weight of the base pack? Where are you hunting? Is the material of the pack important for where you hunt? Do you care about camo, or a certain pattern?

 

[Justin Crossley]

Hey guys, I'm in the same boat as the machinethomas, except Idon't even have a trip nor have I ever been on one....yet!! With that said, I just moved to Austin Tx from Maui and really getting into the hunting thang!! Had a lease here for a couple years and can't sit in a box another day...nore will my son. So I didn't renew my hunting lease and plan on hunting public land and hopefully make a couple trips (depending on cash flow) I'm a full time student and never bought a pack before. I've been reading everything on this site and kifaru and have learned tons. But as Thomas said, I only have limited funding. I purchased some......ok guys, here it comes...KUIU clothing this last season and have really loved the quality. I know they are trying to gain an entire line of quality hunting gear and I solute them for trying so. But know they are not a backpack specialty as of yet. With that said, I've seen them year after year improve their product and have tried to keep the price range affordable. I can't believe the prices of quality gear these days!! It's crazy, but if you pack out a friggin elk, or these big Animals a few times a year, I would save up for a proven quality pack such as kifaru and others named above. Why all the haters on KUIU packs. Yes, a few of the older styles have had issues, cracked carbon frames, uncomfortable, and just not up to par when carrying weight. Our deer here in Texas are he size of dogs, unless you pay thousands and thousands of dollars to get some real good size animals. But your going to be constantly worrying about age, and catching smack from other lease members which ruins the whole thing for me. I'm not going for Bambi, but don't want to be paranoid.
Now if you experienced hunters/packers were most likely just day hunting and packing out one animal(if your real lucky) would an icon pro 1850 be a good investment? Please be objective here, not wanting to hear smack talked and dissing on KUIU. With that said, I would like to eventually start trips, and also like the idea of buying a kifaru bikini and compress a meat sack to carry out and get a pack later on. Also the cargo thing is pretty sweet. Now the EXO has nothing but great reviews especially since they are so new, and have modified this next batch for 2015. But now I'm spending $500!bucks which I can't do yet. Yes I can get used, but have not found one yet, and really don't want a blood stained pack either. So, Im still stuck on what to do. I can get a KUIU 1850, new model, and also use bag for school. The exo is too big for school and overkill unless I'm hitting the mountains. I love the looks of the pack and seems to be top notch. Objectively, would the KUIU be the best for my needs? I also have to explaine to the wife, and the ability to use for school is a bonus. So what you think?

I will tell you that I'm not a Kuiu basher at all. They make good quality clothes and their packs seem to be improving. I just won't recommend for someone who says they are on a tight budget to take the chance on a Kuiu pack when I know from experience that there are packs out there for less money that you can count on when you're 5 miles into the wilderness and have an elk to pack out.

Side note: The Exo is also probably a good choice but I don't have experience packing weight with it, so I didn't mention it above.

 

[Jcberg]

I had a Kuiu Ultra and didn't love it. It's good for what it is, a super light pack. Then I bought the Kuiu Icon Pro 5200 and can tell you it's an awesome pack. Certain people here tend to tell you the Kuiu packs are inferior and maybe they deserve it from earlier packs I don't know. What I can tell you is that the Icon Pro is an awesome pack that hauled out two elk, is super comfortable, great materials, and doesn't break the bank.