I have used SO, Kuiu (every version from the beginning), Stone Glacier, Kifaru (tactical and newest ultralite), MR, EXO, and many other backpacking brands. It’s an expensive habit I do each winter and spring to test drive the packs. I have done it the last two years and will probably stop this next year. With that being said the only pack I hold onto is a SO Divide 4500. It can carry a week of gear for me and have packed out bull elk quarters in it as well. I will never carry more than 80lbs and even that is only on a pack out. I used to do more in the younger days but not wearing out my body is more important to me than carrying crazy loads 10+ miles and up 1000s of vertical feet. I am not the biggest guy and pretty normal for the American male ~ 160lbs and 5’9”. Most packs fit me pretty well within my parameters. I didn’t test with 100lbs and was normally 40-60lbs. I view my packs as what’s best for me 90% of the time and that’s hiking and hunting in the mountains of Colorado. I am not in the field 50+ days a year as I am a dad and small business owner. Wish I had more time to get out but more truly a weekend warrior. Just not limited to hunting season as I enjoy backpacking just as much. I don’t like or use bladders and really don’t use Nalgenes either. I like smart water bottles as my bottle of choice. I personally think it’s dumb to buy a water bottle pocket that only fits a Nalgene and that bags should have functional pockets for water bottles built in This is a big determining factor for me personally with my water. I have played with making the Frankenstein set ups with exo and Kuiu on Kifaru frames. I don’t carry a spotter or tripod for the most part.
My take on each:
Kuiu- The newest suspension is very comfortable. It was as comfortable as any frame I have tried. I have had the 4000, 3200, 3600, 1850, 2200, and 5200 bags. I like the Kuiu bags more than any other bag out there with the pockets built in and side pockets for a water bottle where I can reach it without taking off my pack. The simple organization is great and on sale it’s a great deal IMO. I much prefer the L/XL belt vs the S/M with a 32” waist.
Stone Glacier- had the Sky 5900 and it carried well. For me, it felt like a normal pack and nothing special. Used the least of all my packs. Didn’t like the shallower pockets on the side. Color is cool though and chicks probably dig it.
Seek Outside- bought one I found on the classifieds (Divide 4500) and had buyers remorse based on the eye test alone. Then I used it and fell in love. It’s crazy comfortable for me. I like the frame extension option, side pockets are big and deep enough for water while being accessible with the pack on. The xpac material is awesome and doesn’t require a pack cover. Had the breakaway frame as well but sold it as I didn’t really use it as I just stuffed whatever in the bag. I like how light it is as well and it has held up for me with no issues. The little buckles have never broke with cranking down loads or attaching things.
Kifaru- the belt is probably the most comfortable but not enough to convince me to get over their bag layouts for my uses. I don’t need to explain it carries weight well as everyone knows that. If they had a bag that had side pockets like Kuiu or other bags that would carry water bottles I would make it my go to. I just don’t like the layout or having to buy 7 other pockets to attack for organization. I know it sounds dumb but I am basing it on my uses for 90% of the time. I just can’t get over having to use a bladder or buy a Nalgene pocket.
EXO- I have only used the K2 and the 3500 and 2000. Really liked the pack and the 2000 was about perfect minus the side pockets. Too deep for me.
MR- Sawtooth 45 and Selway. I really liked the belt and pack. Just picked up a Terraframe 65 with the new frame. Excited to try it out. For me was pretty similar to Kuiu.
1- SO
2- Kuiu/MR
3- Exo
4- Kifaru
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
