KUIU Backpacks

[BenC567]

I am looking at getting the KUIU Icon 5000 when they get more in stock.  Does anyone have any experience with any of KUIU's backpacks?  How do you like the swiveling hip belt?  Would you purchase it again if you could do it all over?

Thanks,

Ben

[ellensburgpo]

I have one of the original 3000's and gen one frames. The pack is great, the ability to pull the bag away from the frame is great, but I'm not sold on the frame itself. There is a lot of tension on some thin pieces of carbon fiber, it just doesn't seem solid to me. The first time I put 75 lbs in it and hopped on the treadmill the frame cracked. I sent it back and got another one.

I just don't have the confidence in the frame itself to ever take it on an elk hunt. I'd feel fine on a deer hunt. I do know that the new style frames are supposed to be significantly better than the gen one I have.

I like the hip belt and amount of air flow the pack has on my back. It's a good pack, I however will still be carrying my badlands 4500 again this elk season. If I were going to spend a bunch of money on a pack right now it'd be a kifaru bikini frame with a duplex timberline pack.

[scottcrb]

definitely want to keep an eye on this thread.

[Shooter]

I recently picked up a 7000 and your more than welcome to come check it out in Olympia, it's well thought out and from what I read an improvement over the previous models (3000/6000).  I like it but have not used it enough to guide you, it is very comfortable for me. I struggled with weather to buy the smaller 5000, the 7000 is exactly what I needed and for the small difference in weight.

[BenC567]

I've been looking at the Kifaru backpacks but I think those are a bit expensive.  Just under 1K after the bag and frame.  I've been looking at the Badlands 4500 and Ox along with the ICON so thank you for your input.  I have the badlands 2200 and couldn't be happier with it... I just want something to get out further and longer.

Shooter,  I might have to take you up in a few weeks.  Maybe I'll head to Cabelas right after/before seeing your Kuiu so I can compare the 4500 and ICON. I really appreciate the offer.

[Bigtine96]

They redesigned the frame last year

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I've been looking at the Kifaru backpacks but I think those are a bit expensive.  Just under 1K after the bag and frame.  I've been looking at the Badlands 4500 and Ox along with the ICON so thank you for your input.  I have the badlands 2200 and couldn't be happier with it... I just want something to get out further and longer.

Shooter,  I might have to take you up in a few weeks.  Maybe I'll head to Cabelas right after/before seeing your Kuiu so I can compare the 4500 and ICON. I really appreciate the offer.

I got a ton of extras on mine and it was 800.  You can get the bag and frame without all the extra toys (holsters, etc) for around 700 shipped tyd.

[Shooter]

I've been looking at the Kifaru backpacks but I think those are a bit expensive.  Just under 1K after the bag and frame.  I've been looking at the Badlands 4500 and Ox along with the ICON so thank you for your input.  I have the badlands 2200 and couldn't be happier with it... I just want something to get out further and longer.

Shooter,  I might have to take you up in a few weeks.  Maybe I'll head to Cabelas right after/before seeing your Kuiu so I can compare the 4500 and ICON. I really appreciate the offer.

Yep, come on down, Cabelas is just across the freeway. pm me before hand and I'll have it ready and you can hike around the area a bit and see if it fits you as well as it fits me...

[huntnnw]

check out Arcteryx and Mystery ranch

[Benny]

I am looking at getting the KUIU Icon 5000 when they get more in stock.  Does anyone have any experience with any of KUIU's backpacks?  How do you like the swiveling hip belt?  Would you purchase it again if you could do it all over?

Thanks,

Ben

Not to sound like I'm coming out of the closet...but what's your build? Height, weight?

[scottcrb]

There's one on eBay right now . Pack and frame .

[BenC567]

I've been looking at the Kifaru backpacks but I think those are a bit expensive.  Just under 1K after the bag and frame.  I've been looking at the Badlands 4500 and Ox along with the ICON so thank you for your input.  I have the badlands 2200 and couldn't be happier with it... I just want something to get out further and longer.

Shooter,  I might have to take you up in a few weeks.  Maybe I'll head to Cabelas right after/before seeing your Kuiu so I can compare the 4500 and ICON. I really appreciate the offer.

Yep, come on down, Cabelas is just across the freeway. pm me before hand and I'll have it ready and you can hike around the area a bit and see if it fits you as well as it fits me...

I'll be in touch! Thanks again!

[JLS]

I have seen some pretty decent deals floating around the internet for Mystery Ranch packs.  I have a Longbow and really like it, although I think their new Metcalf is a better all around pack. 

[BenC567]

check out Arcteryx and Mystery ranch

I have an Arcteryx IBLE that I just hate.  I think the only reason I keep it is because I've covered so many miles with it.  I've been looking at Mystery ranch but they don't have very many options in the 4500 - 5000 cubic inch range and I've always thought they look like a duffle bag with shoulder straps.

[/quote]

Not to sound like I'm coming out of the closet...but what's your build? Height, weight?
[/quote]

5'10 190lbs.


Also forgot to mention...I have a screwed up back so I am a little worried about the swiveling belt.  Any thoughts?

[BenC567]

I have seen some pretty decent deals floating around the internet for Mystery Ranch packs.  I have a Longbow and really like it, although I think their new Metcalf is a better all around pack.

I'm a huge fan of that full length zipper but think I would go with the meat calf if I went MR

[Benny]

Gotcha.

The Gen II (5000 and 7000) don't have the swiveling waste belt like the Gen I's. I think they're decent packs for the money. The lumbar pad is pretty stiff. There are a ton (way too many IMO) of pockets that in reality just add weight. Load sling is good but you can find those on most packs these days.

The Gen II's have a hard time fitting taller, skinnier guys (hence my question) but I think it would fit you good but you won't know till you throw one on loaded down and put a few miles on it.

There are a lot of great pack options out there right now....more than ever.

[BenC567]

There are a lot of pockets of the KUIU.  I like to have some pockets for organizing my gear but it might have too much.  I just spoke with KUIU about their return policy and sounds like as long as the tags are on your good.  I think I might be out backpacking this summer with tags swinging about.

Load sling is a huge plus for me.  As of right now, I wouldn't get a pack unless it had a load sling.

[Shooter]

I really like the pockets on the 7000, come check it out before you buy, I think you will really like it.

[fillthefreezer]

maybe you posted your loc. and i missed it but im sure theres enough people around you could try out every pack your interested in, maybe even sidexside....

[BenC567]

Shooter,  I'll hopefully be headed down that way in a few weeks.

I am in Bothell/Kirkland and and more than willing to drive if any one else is OK with me checking out there backpacks.

[fillthefreezer]

i work in kent and have a kifaru duplex id be happy to let you check out. maybe someone even closer. my bikini frame should be here next week. im sure theres someone with a MR and a SG not too far as well

[scottcrb]

i can probably get my hands on some nimrod packs for you tto try too if your interested . not quite 5000cu inches but close. and im in shoreline.

[EvoOutdoors]

I've been looking at the Kifaru backpacks but I think those are a bit expensive.  Just under 1K after the bag and frame.  I've been looking at the Badlands 4500 and Ox along with the ICON so thank you for your input.  I have the badlands 2200 and couldn't be happier with it... I just want something to get out further and longer.

Shooter,  I might have to take you up in a few weeks.  Maybe I'll head to Cabelas right after/before seeing your Kuiu so I can compare the 4500 and ICON. I really appreciate the offer.

You might want to check out the Summit as well (Badlands replacment of the 4500) which will be available in July. It looks like a workhorse, and just what you are looking for.