Upgrade to Kuiu Pro suspension, or EXO K2?

[bmassie8]

I've currently got a Kuiu Ultra 3000 pack with the Ultra suspension and Apex shoulder straps. I hauled out my bull this year with a pack weight of 100lbs and wasn't impressed at all. The compression straps wouldn't stay tight, frame was squeaking pretty bad and the belt felt like it was constantly sliding down. I have a limited budget and am debating between upgrading to the new Pro suspension for~$100 used, or sell it and buy a used Exo K2 2000 for $350.

My question is this: Is the Kuiu Pro suspension better or worse than the Exo K2? I like the bag layout on both so I'd be happy either way. Mainly looking for comfort under both light and heavy loads. However, pros and cons of both would be helpful. Appreciate any first hand experience!

 

[Jimss]

Do yourself and your body a favor and go with Kifaru or Stone Glacier! Lots and lots of Kifaru followers and worshipers out there. Definitely worth every penny if you ask me! If you are penny pinching pick one up a nearly new one in the classified section. I've used and abused mine for years and still performs incredibly well.

 

[Ariettabob]

I have no experience with Exo but I do with both Kuiu and Kifaru. While I love my Kuiu clothing, my 10 yr old Kifaru pack is just a pleasure to use. Strapped down in daypack mode or loaded heavy, I love it. Do yourself a favor and at least give them a look.

 

[11boo]

Same boat. My Kuiu ultra 3k has the upgraded pro suspension too. Awesome day pack. Not. So awesome with a load and a 6000 bag. Probably keeping it for day pack and sliding a front quarter in for the first trip out, but I’ll get a EXO or better for big loads.

 

[bmassie8]

I appreciate the feedback! I haven't discounted Kifaru or SG, but the pack review by Rokslide peaked my interest in the new Kuiu. I would only be out $100 to try the new Pro suspension so I figured it might be worth a shot. I realize that the "big 3" are all going to be solid choices, I'm just drawn to the Exo for some reason!

Same boat. My Kuiu ultra 3k has the upgraded pro suspension too. Awesome day pack. Not. So awesome with a load and a 6000 bag. Probably keeping it for day pack and sliding a front quarter in for the first trip out, but I’ll get a EXO or better for big loads.

View attachment 331963

What specifically didn't you like about the Pro suspension under load? Did you have a similar experience to the Rokslide review I mentioned?

 

[bmassie8]

Also, isn't that the Icon Pro suspension in the photo? Or have you upgraded since?

Not trying to shut down discussion on other packs, but I was hoping this thread would focus specifically on the two mentioned. There are gobs of reviews on the others but I couldn't find much between the Kuiu Pro and the Exo K2.

 

[Murph1]

I'm probably the oddball but I had no issues with my Kuiu pro suspension. Hauled meat and camp with it last year for 23 hours straight. The squeaking can be stopped by pouring water in the pockets where the frame goes into the belt.

 

[11boo]

Mine is one of the original ultra frames, I only changed to the more padded non ultra shoulder straps, not the pro suspension.
With that 55# camp on my back the load never seemed stable. Always shifting side to side. Still, a great pack for day use.

this pack photo is how it came, I only changed out the shoulder straps, the ones on now have heavier padding. Possibly Apex? Clearance deal from Kuiu on them.

pretty sure there have been big design changes since

 

[bmassie8]

Mine is one of the original ultra frames, I only changed to the more padded non ultra shoulder straps, not the pro suspension.
With that 55# camp on my back the load never seemed stable. Always shifting side to side. Still, a great pack for day use.

this pack photo is how it came, I only changed out the shoulder straps, the ones on now have heavier padding. Possibly Apex? Clearance deal from Kuiu on them.

pretty sure there have been big design changes since

View attachment 331968

Gotcha, that's very similar to my setup except I have the Ultra belt instead of the Icon Pro like yours. The thicker shoulder straps are the Apex straps, which I also picked up on clearance. They redesigned the suspension in 2019 I believe and I've seen some impressive reviews that made me reconsider drop-kicking Kuiu packs for good!

 

[11boo]

Well mine has held up very well for several seasons, but this might be my last. The pocket the frame rides in is coming apart a bit. I would like to keep it as a day pack, it fits like a glove. After rifle season I’ll see if I can get it repaired.

 

[BBob]

It’s nite and day between the older Ultra or Icon suspension and the new Pro with heavy loads. The newer handles heavy loads noticeably better. Most of the improvement comes from the hip belt. The shoulder straps are pretty good as well and hit a happy medium between comfort loaded light to loaded heavy. I prefer the older Ultra for lighter loads like 35ish lbs or less though. The old Ultra is slimmer and sleeker for a run and gun pack. I keep an 1850 setup with the Ultra and a frame with the new Pro with a couple sizes of bags for the rest.

 

[Highvoltage1]

I’m in the same boat. Bought a used icon pro 7200 and hauled an elk hind quarter plus gear on the first trip and 2 front shoulders on the 2nd trip. While the pack is excellent in every way, hauling heavy loads was terrible. The pack kept sliding down and rubbed me raw making things very uncomfortable. Maybe it’s not adjusted correctly but I’m definitely looking at something with better hauling capabilities. Something smaller as well as I don’t need much above 3500 cu in. Definitely following this one.

 

[lumis17]

I’ve been thinking of getting the newer suspension or trying out a new brand as well. Is the adjusting/fastener hardware for the belt the same on the newer suspension? My pack slides down too and I’m wondering if it’s because I’m always have to retighten it.

 

[BBob]

I’ve been thinking of getting the newer suspension or trying out a new brand as well. Is the adjusting/fastener hardware for the belt the same on the newer suspension? My pack slides down too and I’m wondering if it’s because I’m always have to retighten it.

The new lumbar pad seems to hold most of the magic in keeping it from slipping. It's softer, bigger and a better grippier surface than the old silicone dots. The new belt has the zig-zag z-pully design that's easier to tighten than the old.

 

[Agross]

I tried a couple mystery ranch packs and a kuiu before exo. I much prefer the exo. Just fit me better and is more comfortable to me. Really like the bag setup as well.

 

[bmassie8]

I’ve been thinking of getting the newer suspension or trying out a new brand as well. Is the adjusting/fastener hardware for the belt the same on the newer suspension? My pack slides down too and I’m wondering if it’s because I’m always have to retighten it.

As stated above, the belt is now a pulley design which you pull from back to front to tighten. I'm also curious how to adapt the older bags as the new bags all have buckles for compression straps, load lifters, etc. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[BBob]

I'm also curious how to adapt the older bags as the new bags all have buckles for compression straps, load lifters, etc. Anyone have experience with this?

They used to have adapter kits for some of the setups but I don't know if they still provide them. There isn't a reference to it on the website anymore. When they did have them they were free when you bought new bags or frame's. I'd call customer service and see what they say.

This is old archived info:

Pack System FAQs - KUIU​

https://www.kuiu.com › global › pack-faqs.html
Q: When do I need an adapter kit? Due to hardware updates to our 2017 packs you may need to contact customer service to acquire the appropriate adapter kit for your pack. If you purchase a new 2017 ICON Pro or ULTRA bag to put onto a pre-2017 suspension you will need to get an adapter kit #1.

Pack System FAQs - KUIU​

https://www.kuiu.com › global › pack-faqs.html
If you purchase a new 2017 ICON Pro or ULTRA suspension to use with a pre-2017 ICON Pro or ULTRA bag you will need to get an adapter kit #2. If you need further assistance on which adapter kit is appropriate for your current set up, please email pictures of the hardware that you have to [email protected] and we will make sure to get you the ...

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

The newest 2019? ish Pro Suspension is hands down much better than the previous Icon Pro. The issue I had with not really having much of an ass is with loads over 50 lbs, I had to keep the hip belt so tight it put a lot of pressure on my lower vertebrae and would give me a “pinched nerve” feeling after a couple hours.

The new lumbar pad and waist belt is so much better, no issues with substantially heavier loads. At 160 lbs though I’m never going to be one of those guys who carries out half an elk + camp in a single trip, so if that’s your goal there are probably better options.

I have two frames now, with 1850 and 5500 bags, as well as the load hauler. I use the older suspension with the small bag for whitetail/turkey hunting and with the load hauler for training. The bigger bag stays set up with the new suspension.

 

[bmassie8]

@Gatorgrizz27 Those are the exact issues I had. Sounds like I'm a similar build as well so that's a good point of reference. The wife might not like it, but maybe I should try to get both and provide some feedback for anyone else interested

 

[PA Hunter]

I just did a 13 day Alaskan Yukon moose hunt with my Kuiu Pro 7800 bag and absolutely loved it. I did deboned meat loads of 100 lbs all day long with no problems. We tagged two bulls in three days humping everything the bag & frame was flawless.