Pack Testing Kifaru, Stone Glacier & Kuiu Part 2

[MuleyFever]

One thing that you could try if you didn't is unhook the bottom straps from just under the bottom of the pack and attach them to the loops on the outside of the bottom of the bag

 

[DaveC]

Great post, very informative. Thanks for taking the time.

 

[todd kelly]

maybe he couldnt get it to stay up, i dont know...?

Am I the only one with my mind in the gutter?


Good review of the packs!

 

[Salmo-Priest]

There were really only two packs in the running here. But we all know the KUIU isn't even close to being in the same class.

Thanks a bunch for the time and effort put into your review.

 

[sojourner]

There were really only two packs in the running here. But we all know the KUIU isn't even close to being in the same class.

Thanks a bunch for the time and effort put into your review.

You know this from experience? Maybe you could share your findings after using the Ultra

 

[yama49]

Great review, i cant comment on the SG or kifu, but i agree with comments on the ultra about not secure the load.. I got to 75 with the ultra and wasnt pleased, tried using load sling no better for me.. Grabbed my icon 7000, loaded it up same load and added 20, and it was so much more comfortable.. I have sent my frame back for a small/reg frame, it is now my sons pack.. Works well under 50, with lots of good features for a pack that is 350. It just didnt seem to fit me right.. not saying it wont work for some else just my expernice..

 

[snowcamoman]

Just wanted to add some updates to this one. I borrowed a SG lumbar pad from another member on here and tested it out this weekend. With a single layer of foam in the lumbar pad, the comfort level at 80 and 100 pounds is excellent. It's a couple notches above just the plain belt for me, which is great. I can see the lumbar pad being very useful on a trip for guys who want to bump up lumbar support on a heavy pack out.

 

[16Bore]

There were really only two packs in the running here. But we all know the KUIU isn't even close to being in the same class.

Thanks a bunch for the time and effort put into your review.

My post K2 Dana slaps the U6K silly, and it's heading back to Cali. I think it was a pack built around a price not purpose. I'd like to get my mitts on a SG and maybe a Outdoorsman's Optics hunter.

 

[G-unit]

My kifaru is on the ups truck right now. Can't wait, I sold my icon to upgrade to a kifaru.
G

 

[rodney.black]

snowcamoman,

Have you tried using the extra compression straps on the bottom of the Ultra. For me it made a big difference with securing the load. I have carried 115 pounds in the ultra with no hotspots or discomfort. I got the weight secured really well, high and tight on my back with the compression straps and it did not slide down at all. Legs were sore after the hike though which I think is pretty common after hiking with that much weight. They do sell extra compression straps for the Ultra btw if you are looking for more compression.

 

[snowcamoman]

Rodney,
I did tinker around a little bit with moving the compression straps on the Ultra. It definitely helped minimize the bulging at the bottom of the pack. The only thing that helped minimize the pressure point in my lower back was a piece of 1/4" UHMW plastic that I slipped in between the frame and belt. For compression, that Stone Glacier system is simply awesome (and fast).

 

[strictlyRUM]

Securing the pack is easy. As stated above just use the extra compression straps and pull the bottom together. I would think if your going to do a writeup on pack that you would be smart/impartial enough to report it. The fabric is what would be expected from an ultralight pack. You just cant have it all just yet. If i could have carried the 70lbs I put in it without PAIN I would have kept it. But I couldnt, so I didnt. Its on its way back to Calipornia. I think if they molded in a bit of curvature to the frame it may solve the lumbar pain. But what do I know. All I know is if you want a three pound pack you will have to take a few minutes in care to pack your pack. If you dont want to take care of your crap then buy Kifaru. I will be using the Kifaru again this year. Not because I want stupid tuff. Because it fits like no other (to my back). I dont think the bikini is enough of a benefit to sell my T2. Soon I think someone will make "The perfect pack". For me anywho. I was hoping to have a daypack/bivi pack with enough nuts to bring out a boned out deer or quarter elk. Then if I had to grab the Kifaru to additional meet hauling trips. Im pretty sure if it was more than 70lbs or a mile from the truck I would rather leave the pack and jog back to get a different pack. I REALLY wanted it to work. No Go.

Jason

 

[wapitibob]

Shouldn't you be doing some internet scouting????

Stick with the Kifaru, we got meat n antlers to haul this year.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Shouldn't you be doing some internet scouting????

Bahahahaha

 

[strictlyRUM]

Most definately! If I dont quit drinking the coolaid, I will not only be too poor to road hunt, I may be to fat to get to the computer! Ill have to have you fill my tag for me, while I find a way to tell people how cool I am from my bed on my google glasses. Internet hunting is sooooo much easier. A bit expensive, but much easier.

 

[16Bore]

It would take 5 minutes and $3 in materials to have a load sling similar to SG on the U6k. Course that'd bump the price to $353...