Pack system comparison

[jhoweoutdoors]

I'm fairly new to western hunting. It's a little tough living in Nebraska. Either way, I'm going to be heading out west more often and am wanting to invest in a great pack system. I'm outfitted in all kuiu and am extremely satisfied with their products but haven't had the opportunity to try a pack. So all in all, who has used a kuiu pack and an exo. They are the two I'm most interested in I'm just looking for some feedback.

Thanks all.
Happy Thanksgiving

Jake

 

[Elkoholic87]

EXO over Kuiu. It's like comparing a Mercedes to a Kia.


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[Weekender]

EXO over Kuiu. It's like comparing a Mercedes to a Kia.


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Not sure I'd go that far. I run the Kia and it works just fine for me. I haven't ran the exo nor have I seen one in person but they do look like nice packs @ $200 more just isn't as appealing to me. Some guys are a little more sensitive to the lumbar area which if you are Kuiu pack probably not for you. If your not to soft in that area the Kuiu will probably carry more weight then you really want to. If cost doesn't matter then order both and find out what fits you. Good luck


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[LaHunter]

I've been running the Kuiu Icon Pro for the past 3 seasons and have been completely happy with it. I have hauled 2 mule deer out in mine and it has done well. I'm not gonna tell you that it makes 100# feel good, because it doesn't. 100+ lbs in the mountains is tough, especially in steep terrain and higher elevations. It does, however, carry the wt well and puts the wt on your hips and legs, as a quality pack should. I also use my pack for about 3-4 months every summer doing training hikes with about 70# and it does well. As long as the pack fits you correctly, I think you will be happy with it.

 

[xcutter]

I think the Kuiu packs are great. I have an Icon frame and the new Icon pro frame. Both are awesome and carry weight well. My only complaint is that mine squeaks sometimes where the frame and harness come together.

 

[justinspicher]

I didn't like the Kuiu frame as it felt stiff to me. Carried it on several training hikes and couldn't get used to it.

I used an Exo all summer carrying loads from 25-70lbs. I lived out of it for several week long trips with no issues.

I bought both used.

 

[TheCougar]

Exo. If you read previous posts, some guys love Kuiu packs and some guys don't. Exo packs are universally well-liked and highly regarded. They are great gear made in the USA.

 

[aclawrence]

Just as an observer in similar past threads Kuiu usually seems to receive the most negative comments out of the top pack brands. But is also the most affordable I think.

 

[Jimss]

I've used a bunch of packs over the years and quit looking after buying Kifaru. If you do web searches you'll likely hardly find a bad review on Kifarus. What I really like about Kifaru are their overall weight, their capacity to haul small to super large, bulky loads, their adaptability for different uses, and their ability to take abuse. The only downside to Kifaru that I see is price. Similar to binos you get what you pay for and it is definitely worth the investment! I found my almost new Kifaru frame, packs, and accessories in classified section of this website and craigslist. If you have a tight budget (like me!) that may be an option.

Once you purchase a Kifaru frame you have the option of purchasing several different bags and accessories for your particular use. Personally I have an oversized bag (EMR 2) for hauling hefty, bulky loads and a 2nd bag with quick, quiet, and easy access to gear while hunting. I use the EMR 2 for hauling out meat/capes and on extended trips into the back country. I even use it for hauling decoys and equipment when turkey hunting. I have a Timberline 2 that I use when I need less gear and are in stealth mode. Kifaru has a large selection of bags from ultralight to oversized.

If I wouldn't have bought Kifaru I would have gotten Stone Glacier, Similar to Kifaru...SG have rave reviews. The one thing I didn't like about SG is they didn't come in camo...which was a deal breaker for me. I also liked the fact that Kifaru had so many different options for bags/accessories.

 

[luke moffat]

Just as an observer in similar past threads Kuiu usually seems to receive the most negative comments out of the top pack brands. But is also the most affordable I think.

This is mostly cause its not a top brand pack.

 

[roadrunner]

Lots of packs out there as many have said. Don't over look Stone Glacier. They have many options of bags and accessories as well. Very light weight and handles heavy loads extremely well.

SG has a three piece belt also and camo patterns are the last thing I look for when buying quality gear.

 

[oldhorse]

Jmiss summed it up "You get what you pay for"! I wish that I had all of the $ that I have spent on lesser packs over the years! I run Kifaru frames; 22 in UL with Apollo and 22 mag for day packs, 24 in hunting platform/ Mountain Warrior combo for extended trips, and keep my original G2 Duplex set up with a cargo panel for load hauling when I get the call.." Hey Bud, wanna help pack an elk out of such and such canyon?". If I was't already hooked on Kifaru I wouldn't hesitate to go with either Exo or Stone Glacier. You just have to figure what works for you.

 

[fatrascal]

What matters is how the frame fits your back. I've used the Kuiu and liked it but thier frame fit my back. The Kuiu frame is not adjustable so if it does not fit your back then it will not be comfortable.
I have no experience with Exo or Stone Glacier but I don't think that thier frames are adjustable.
I do have experience with the Kifaru duplex frame. With this frame you can use lightweight arrow shafts as your stays or supports in your frame or you can get prebent carbon fiber stays that fit most common backs. But if these two options do not fit you comfortably then you can use prebent aluminum stays. And if the shape of the stays do not conform to your back then you can shape or bend them to custom fit your back. Fully adjustable system. The bag that you put on it is just personal preference. I've learned over the years that comfort in boots and packs are number one in my choice. Fatrascal.

 

[lkwoolsey]

I've used Tenzing, then Kuiu, then (finally) Kinard packs. I've used and tested just about every type of pack there is (I used to test gear while guiding many climbing trips.) Kifaru costs a lot of money. And you'll only need to buy one, ever. They are the most comfortable packs out there. They cost a lot because they are quality. I use kuiu clothing almost exclusively, and it's great stuff. And while the packs are good, they are not on the same level. The way Kifarus frames carry the weight, and the comfort with which they do, is on a different level. Many have said SG and Exo are on the same level, and they very well could be, I've never used them. But Kifaru is the best I personally have ever used. Quality, durability and customer service is the best out there.