Which pack?? SG, MR, Exo, Kifaru, Kuiu?

[afdiamond1]

I had an older model EXO and it was OK. Never seemed to really fit me right especially with a heavy load. I've got the new Kifaru light frame now and the 44 mag bag. I've carried up to 80 pounds with it and it carries the weight great. One thing I like about it compared to the EXO and my old Kifaru Longhunter is with a heavy load, the hip belt stays in place and don't have to re-adjust like I did with my previous packs. It all depends on what fits you best. Both companies have great customer service in my opinion.

 

[hammer0419]

SG X-CURVE is incredibly comfortable and carries like a dream. I tried the original Krux and new Evo and both were beyond painful for me. I have previously owned 15 kifarus, 3 Exos, and 2 Seek Outside.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I have owned Kifaru, KUIU, Exo and Stone Glacier. I currently am using the SG on a X curve frame. There are many things I love about the Kifaru and Exo packs, but I cannot deny that the Xcurve frame from SG fits and holds heavy weight like a champ. Literally keeps the weight off of your shoulders and on your hips and lumbar where 70% of the weight should be.

 

[IdahoGoat]

Thanks for the input guys. I am watching the classifieds as well.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

SG X-CURVE is incredibly comfortable and carries like a dream. I tried the original Krux and new Evo and both were beyond painful for me. I have previously owned 15 kifarus, 3 Exos, and 2 Seek Outside.

Looked at the SG Xcurve when doing research earlier this year. The SG looks to use a lot of the same features as the Kuiu carbon fiber frame with lumbar curvature and new gen Kuiu Pro suspension. Only major difference seems to be that SG placed the frame in an "X" pattern.

I see bags and accessories as being subjective to a person's taste and needs, but every pack must have a frame and suspension. I have never tried a SG, but for me the Kuiu Pro seemed like a better option because the frame/suspension is about 10 oz. lighter than SG X Curve as well as $50 cheaper. And $80 cheaper than SG with 10% Kuiu military discount.

A lot of reviews i read during research seemed to mostly state that the new Kifaru's and SG X Curve frames are better than the original Kuiu ICON Pro suspension. But the "new gen" Kuiu Pro suspension is right up there with the best of them.

 

[hammer0419]

Bags and accessories are subjective. I love my X-Curve frame but really do not care much for there bags unfortunately. I like pockets and convenient organization. Not 15 gab it bags stuffed into a giant glorified duffle bag. But such is life. I'm making it work. Kifaru lived on by that motto until Aron came along. He has brought Kifaru to a whole new level of amazing. Maybe someone someday will do the same for SG?

 

[md126]

Bags and accessories are subjective. I love my X-Curve frame but really do not care much for there bags unfortunately. I like pockets and convenient organization. Not 15 gab it bags stuffed into a giant glorified duffle bag. But such is life. I'm making it work. Kifaru lived on by that motto until Aaron came along. He has brought Kifaru to a whole new level of amazing. Maybe someone someday will do the same for SG?

+1

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Got home last night and finally got the chance to check out my new Kuiu Pro pack. I posted a formal review thread on my initial thoughts. You can check it out at the link below if interested

Review: New Kuiu Pro pack with Ultra 4000 Bag

So I arrived home from a month away at work and finally got the chance to check out my new Kuiu Pro pack with Ultra 4000 bag. I thought I would post my initial thoughts in a review since there seems to be a lot of "Which pack to buy?" threads going around. A little background on myself: I have...

www.rokslide.com

 

[Mike 338]

Ehhh... SG.

Anyway you look at it, it still just a bag with a couple of straps and they don't carry themselves. SG is very adjustable so it'll fit as well as a pack is going to. Funky belt tightening system though. I gotta re-learn it every season. I have a big one that compresses down just fine for when I drop camp and head out to hunt.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

Looked at the SG Xcurve when doing research earlier this year. The SG looks to use a lot of the same features as the Kuiu carbon fiber frame with lumbar curvature and new gen Kuiu Pro suspension. Only major difference seems to be that SG placed the frame in an "X" pattern.

I see bags and accessories as being subjective to a person's taste and needs, but every pack must have a frame and suspension. I have never tried a SG, but for me the Kuiu Pro seemed like a better option because the frame/suspension is about 10 oz. lighter than SG X Curve as well as $50 cheaper. And $80 cheaper than SG with 10% Kuiu military discount.

A lot of reviews i read during research seemed to mostly state that the new Kifaru's and SG X Curve frames are better than the original Kuiu ICON Pro suspension. But the "new gen" Kuiu Pro suspension is right up there with the best of them.

I have used the original KUIU Icon pro 5200 and now use the SG Xcurve frame and it is night and day in favor of SG. Now the new KUIU Pro seems legit and i'm sure it is a huge upgrade; but lets clarify a couple things. The KUIU frame may be a little lighter, but once the bag is included thats where SG becomes lighter. For instance the Pro 6000 is like 5lbs-13oz and the SG sky talus 6900 is 5lbs-10oz. Again more space for lighter. Also, SG is made in the USA which will allows be more expensive. This is no nock against the new KUIU packs I just wanted to clarify your Statement. Also, the frames are not even close to the same. SG uses 4 stays for support within xpack fabric whereas KUIU uses a rigid carbon fiber sheet for support and separation between bag and back.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I have used the original KUIU Icon pro 5200 and now use the SG Xcurve frame and it is night and day in favor of SG. Now the new KUIU Pro seems legit and i'm sure it is a huge upgrade; but lets clarify a couple things. The KUIU frame may be a little lighter, but once the bag is included thats where SG becomes lighter. For instance the Pro 6000 is like 5lbs-13oz and the SG sky talus 6900 is 5lbs-10oz. Again more space for lighter. Also, SG is made in the USA which will allows be more expensive. This is no nock against the new KUIU packs I just wanted to clarify your Statement. Also, the frames are not even close to the same. SG uses 4 stays for support within xpack fabric whereas KUIU uses a rigid carbon fiber sheet for support and separation between bag and back.

I am using an ULTRA bag on the Pro suspension. Not a Pro bag. The Ultra bags are way lighter.

My entire pack with CF frame, Pro suspension and Ultra 4000 bag weighs in at only 3.6 lbs. Not anything out there I know of lighter with that much room and can still haul 100+ lbs.

Fact is that the Kuiu has a cheaper price tag. Where a pack is made was not the point of the statement. I do try to buy American made whenever possible, but in this case the Kuiu gave me the exact size I wanted with only 3.6 lbs on my back with a lifetime warranty so I had to look the other way on country of manufacturing.

Fair enough on the frame. Thanks for pointing out the difference. Sounds like the SG might be stronger if a person was to ever need it. Havent heard of a Kuiu frame failure yet tho.

 

[Whaledriver]

Bags and accessories are subjective. I love my X-Curve frame but really do not care much for there bags unfortunately. I like pockets and convenient organization. Not 15 gab it bags stuffed into a giant glorified duffle bag. But such is life. I'm making it work. Kifaru lived on by that motto until Aron came along. He has brought Kifaru to a whole new level of amazing. Maybe someone someday will do the same for SG?

I am sorry but I found this kinda funny. I would say Google Kurt Racicot . Do not not get me wrong, Aron has done a lot for the industry. Kurt has done as much, if not more, just not beating his chest quite as loud. SG and Kifaru are awesome. I have used a SG the past 6 years without fail or discomfort. I am sure just as many can say the same thing about Kifaru.

 

[brsnow]

Just buy one and go through the process to fit it correctly when carrying weight. They all work.

 

[Steadman]

Here's my two cents for what it's worth. If you're carrying heavy weight, stay away from the kuiu packs, I was crushed for a week after hauling heavy loads out for a couple days. They are awesome when not loaded down. I then went to MR and it did well until I put over 60 on it. I'm 6'2" and there was no way to get the load lifters high enough to do what they were supposed to do. That pack was bomb proof and very comfortable, until it came to heavy loads, for me. That was because of my body type. I'm now running a Kifaru. For me it fits, handles a heavy load well, and most importantly doesn't crush me for a week, or even a day after hauling heavy loads. Customer service is second to none from my experience. That being said I've never tried the initial ascent or SG. But I don't have to now. Good luck with the search, it took me awhile to find a pack that fits me.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Here's my two cents for what it's worth. If you're carrying heavy weight, stay away from the kuiu packs, I was crushed for a week after hauling heavy loads out for a couple days. They are awesome when not loaded down. I then went to MR and it did well until I put over 60 on it. I'm 6'2" and there was no way to get the load lifters high enough to do what they were supposed to do. That pack was bomb proof and very comfortable, until it came to heavy loads, for me. That was because of my body type. I'm now running a Kifaru. For me it fits, handles a heavy load well, and most importantly doesn't crush me for a week, or even a day after hauling heavy loads. Customer service is second to none from my experience. That being said I've never tried the initial ascent or SG. But I don't have to now. Good luck with the search, it took me awhile to find a pack that fits me.

Was that the "new gen" Pro Kuiu suspension?

or the older ICON Pro or Ultra series suspensions?

 

[kiddogy]

New to the forum and looking forward to sticking around a while.

So I recently bought a lower end modular pack system and was super excited, loved the features and tech behind it. I loaded it up with 80 to 100 pounds and found the waist belt maxed out on my skinny frame. It was snug but not tight enough to keep the weight on my hips. I'm getting ready to return it and start looking at a replacement. I had a half off code on the previous pack so only ran me $250 but now that I've got some dollars in the game I'm fully committed. I tried on an Initial Ascent pack in Boise last spring and loved it. The reps even allowed me to double up the sandbags and try it out with 90+ pounds in the expo center. Weight seemed to distribute well and walking seemed somewhat natural considering the extra weight. I want a modular pack with a meat shelf and although I'm open to switching to a minimalist design I would prefer the option to at least attach some extra pockets for easy access. I am a strong hiker and usually drawn to going higher and carrying more weight and taking less loads. 100 pound loads would be fairly routine if I have the pack to handle it. I plan on backpack hunting a bunch in the upcoming years and want something that will stand the test of time and have good warranty coverage. I weight 165 lbs at 6'3" with about a 32" pant waist size.

I would love to hear thoughts on folks that have experience on one or more of the brands I listed. Would especially like to hear downsides to any. Thanks in advance.

exo is based in boise. check them out , I love my 3500.

 

[Mashthegas]

I work with a guy that had access to mystry ranch, stone glacier, and exo and he bought the exo. That said I have a buddy who guides and has tried several and prefers kuiu. So I think it depends alot on your build and personal preference.

 

[realunlucky]

Was that the "new gen" Pro Kuiu suspension?

or the older ICON Pro or Ultra series suspensions?

Man for not trying any other of the "big" name packs and not packing any animals in your pack your NEW kuiu your pumping this kuiu pretty hard.

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[brettdunn7]

Man for not trying any other of the "big" name packs and not packing any animals in your pack your NEW kuiu your pumping this kuiu pretty hard.

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How is asking a question pumping a product. He hasn’t tried hauling an animal in it yet so could it be that maybe he is trying to get some kind of idea before he does so he can figure something out? I’d be curious to know which Kuiu frame system he was using also. I’ve read his issue a couple times about the Icon series and would like to know if the new system has the same issues.


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[Ledd Slinger]

Man for not trying any other of the "big" name packs and not packing any animals in your pack your NEW kuiu your pumping this kuiu pretty hard.

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I'm honestly curious. I may end up disappointed in the end so I'm not stopping my research of all packs. I've hauled out more animals on my back to date than most people will ever do in a lifetime. I havent field dressed an animal in many years. All I do is bone or quarter depending on the size of the animal. They ALL go on my back. And been doing it with lesser name brand packs in some of the most steep and rugged country there is, yet never really complained. Just decided to lighten things up this year.

The person claimed the Kuiu is junk compared to the SG so I'm asking a simple question...

Was their bad experience with the Kuiu new gen Pro or a different or older model?