New KUIU Icon 6

[GABowhunter]

What is everyone's thoughts on the new KUIU Icon 6 frame and packs? Just dropped on Inner Circle today. I figured there would already be some comments on here.

 

[doncarpenter]

I think Kuiu has always done a good job with bag design. These new bags look like they will be very functional especially for guys and girls who appreciate organization.

With that said, I don't understand the modular horizontal compression straps. To me, it's an unnecessary complication. The straps are attached via some sort of "T" buckle on a vertical webbing daisy chain, and then pulling in the perpendicular axis of the bar tacks. I'm sure it's secure enough, but it's another failure point, either the buckles or the webbing and bar tacks.

I am also a little surprised at the weight of the packs, at least the 3500. It seems a bit heavy compared to the other packs in this market. I'm not talking some wide disparity, just a little heavier than I anticipated.

The frame has me scratching my head. I had an original Icon pack and the lower carbon parts were always breaking. This frame seems to harken back to the OG frame a little. Now, I will withhold my opinion on the frame until I can actually get my hands on it, it could be way more robust than it appears in pictures. I like the frame lengths, 24.5" should fit most pretty well.

The price is probably the most appealing, since most of the top tier pack and frame combos are pushing north of $800 now.

Anyway, these are just my initial impressions based on absolutely zero real world information, but hey, this is the internet.

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[billysmals]

I used the Icon Pro for awhile. It doesn't appear the harness/suspension is all that different? Maybe I'm missing something. They say it's longer shoulder straps, wider shoulder straps, taller and wider waist belt, and softer but bigger lumbar pad. Does that change how well it handles the weight?? I guess that's my question really. The Icon Pro line I used felt great with like 30lbs or less, but then was not as good at heavier weights. The softer lumber foam can be problematic....the Exo K3 line had a soft lumbar foam and people said it slipped, so they made a firmer one you could change too and then made the K4 with firmer foam right from the start. Really I would want to know how it carries 60lbs...

The hip belt has a simple 1.5in strap for adding accessories, which probably helps some and hurts others. If you are invested in the molle world, this doesn't help. If you have belt attachment stuff, like your usual holster, and other belt pockets ect..., this is great. Also my guess is the Icon Pro hip pockets won't work...because the new hip belt is "wider and taller" soooo theres that.

The bag changes are also just minimal (to me) but they look more refined for sure compared to the Icon Pro line. I like them better than the Icon Pro line. I have always felt Kuiu makes arguably the best organized well thought out bag. I also felt the 2200/1800 cu size from the Icon Pro line was too small for a usable day pack (for me). I always seems to want just a little more room...I was running the 3000 before, and I like the idea of 3500 as the smallest bag size. As a one bag for almost all things, the 4500 cu seems about perfect.

I also think its' interesting the full kit includes The bag, frame, 2x hip belts, the load sling (that they say doubles as a glassing pad?), a rifle quick release, and a gear loop strap... They don't offer the option to buy just the bag and frame together without all the other things...so are you overpaying for some items you wouldn't use??? Like I don't need the rifle quick release, or the load sling, or the gear loop strap...

Time will tell if they separate all that out...

The rifle quick release- looks like it hangs off the back...soo not as user friendly for grabbing the gun on the move with the pack on.

Gear loop strap--also not sure what you would use for this???

Would it be worth the upgrade from an Icon Pro?? Not sure. I wouldn't do it just for the bag changes. If the harness/suspension can handle weight well then maybe. I would probably watch a used market for them if I still owned the Icon Pro...

FWIW I run an Exo now and sold the Icon Pro for it.

 

[hammer0419]

Most impressive thing to me being a bigger guy. Is that they FINALLY added a third size belt! Their pack system was a no-go for anyone over size 36 waist as far as fitting PROPERLY.

 

[Cahunter805]

The new frame looks like a big improvement and I like the new bag/zipper design as well.

 

[180ls1]

I guess it'll depend how it does in field and with weight. Given my 4000LT was $400 and is 2lbs lighter (then the 4500) I don't see myself getting one.

 

[Pramo]

Glad they went to 1 inch buckles, overall looks good. Be interesting to hear some reviews they price is right with a discount for putting in my email it's $509 for the 3500

 

[fngTony]

Most impressive thing to me being a bigger guy. Is that they added a third size belt! They're packed system was a no-go for anyone over size 36 waist as far as fitting PROPERLY.

I think that is/was a big reason why many felt the comfort took a dive between a day load and hauling meat. I went from a 34 to 36 waist while using mine and I notice it being less comfortable.

 

[hammer0419]

Glad they went to 1 inch buckles, overall looks good. Be interesting to hear some reviews they price is right with a discount for putting in my email it's $509 for the 3500

Where're you seeing the discount price? Received my email but no discount. Just called KUIU. They said there is no discount pricing the price you see is what it is???

 

[hammer0419]

I think that is/was a big reason why many felt the comfort took a dive between a day load and hauling meat. I went from a 34 to 36 waist while using mine and I notice it being less comfortable.

Companies like kuiu (until now). Just add more webbing and call it a bigger size. Belts don't work that way!! Fitting and Fitting CORRECTLY are two different things!

 

[Blk03shkr]

Where're you seeing the discount price? Received my email but no discount. Just called KUIU. They said there is no discount pricing the price you see is what it is???

If your logged into your account and cart is empty, add items to your cart but don’t check out, they will usually email you a 10% coupon for full priced items a day or so later that is good for one week on full priced items with a min $149 order, works about once a month or two for me appears, it takes some time between offers/orders to get it again

Basically it’s them trying to get you to buy what’s saved in your cart but didn’t ever checkout

Or if you don’t have an account you can sign up and they will send you a 10% code as well

 

[2ski]

When will the Rokslide cliff test occur on these?

 

[6.5x284]

Like the bags. Haven’t looked in detail yet to see if I could fit the bags in other frames with 1” buckles now.


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[Anthony_hunts]

I’ve had the Kuiu icon pro, and recently upgraded to a exo k4. The price on these packs is definitely lower than I was expecting, especially considering you get the pouches and all the accessories with the package right off the bat, but it will be interesting to see where these end up falling and if they have made them more comfortable on hauling the heavier loads


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[Arrow4Christ]

I ordered one of the 4500 models, so I guess I’ll be a guinea pig!

 

[doverpack12]

I had KUIU packs since the very first release in 2011. Moved away to SG 6-7 years ago for a little more comfort under super heavy loads. Bags are a compromise on SG.
Had an EXO in there also.
The icon 6 might pull me back. I really like the 6000 and 8200 bags.
If the suspension can be adjusted under load easier to move the weight around on heavy pack outs that would sell me to switch back.

 

[TheTone]

I’ve always liked the kuiu bag designs and the people I know with them have never had any real issues. If they come out with something between 1800-2500 I would really consider picking one up

 

[hammer0419]

Just bit on the 3500. Hopefully, late next week. Have always wanted to try one for the bags. However, the suspension has always been for the THINNER INDIVIDUALS. After a decade ++ they finally added a 3rd belt size.

 

[Blackcow]

Kurt Racicot designed or consulted on the original bags, and they’ve pretty much carried that forward. Great bags. I got one of the 1st packs they sent out, about 6 weeks before the website went up. I was using a DD terra and a Kifaru LH guide, and that KUIU was SUPER comfortable in comparison. I got it early to see if I could use it on the Commisioners tag, but that didn’t happen. It was just the client and the outfitter( those were the days) and they basically drove up to it.
The first animal in that 6000 was my friend’s son’s antelope. Now, this isn’t a dis! 3 buckles broke strapping that antelope down. Brendan sent slotted repair buckles out, and I packed two or three elk with it. The last bull was late rifle. I broke the bottom stay setting a full load down. I got a new frame, packed a few more animals the next year, and passed it on to one of my friends. That kid had beat the crap out of it, and packed a pile of animals without a hitch. I think that 1st gen was way more comfortable than the next, with the rounded bottom.

This is a 2nd gen, with half an elk in it. Who knows what it weighed. No stays on the bottom to break! Best I could say for it, other than the bag was/ is awesome. Nothing is comfortable with that much weight. I couldn’t tell you how many packs I’ve had. All of them maybe? The only pack that is different enough that I’ve kept it since I got it is my x curve, and that’s the frame (the important part), and particularly the belt. The narrow belt doesn’t beat up my lower ribs, and I can cinch the top strap just enough that it stays up above my bony hip bones when the weight goes up.
So all of this to say, seeing the email from KUIU and looking at the pics made smile. The return to the OG looking frame, the 6000( and previous gens) got better buckles and some updates but still has the horseshoe zip and dual zips on that and the side pockets. I hate not having dual zips almost as much as I hate auto lock buckles. I use them, but if I can switch all but one out I do.
So….. I’m gonna get one. Nostalgia if nothing else. Since I quit guiding, I don’t do super heavy pack outs if I can help it. I mostly backpack coues hunt for myself and I can throw one of them in a book bag if I had to. This morning I texted my friend to see if he wanted to trade that original 6000 back for one of my Stone glaciers, and he hasn’t messaged me back. Prick!

 

[billysmals]

I would appreciate any real world feedback from the rokslide community for sure. I would especially be interesting in if the bags can be added to other frames (Kifaru/Exo/SG). I really like the bag designs...