We needed new spike camp packs for caribou hunt next month after we get our moose (hopefully). Son and I got our packs this week, EXO 3500 and KUIU 3000. Loaded em down with 45# and gave them a little workout. KUIU likes: Light ! almost a pound and a half lighter than EXO. Also nicer camo, sleek, less bulky. Dislikes - No meat tie downs or shelf - have to use bag straps. Works fine but not as sturdy as EXO but shoulder straps and waist belt were much beefier on KUIU than the EXO's.
EXO likes: Nice modular meat packing system / straps. Lots of long pockets. Clearly more durable than KUIU 3000. Dislikes: BIG back pad takes some getting used to. Shoulder straps very light duty, much load on them and they dig into shoulders. Waist belt a little thin too. Not in love with camo pattern.
Packing - both similar, KUIU shoulder straps were almost to narrow to avoid rubbing neck. EXO straps dug into inside shoulders rather than rest against them. Both worked fine, KUIU fit me a little better. Both held load fine, EXO had straps just for load, KUIU didn't.
My choice - KUIU and hope it holds up. I wouldn't pick it for commercial use by any means.
I compared load hauling to my old school $75 aluminum pack frame with thick straps and waist belt. Old school was more comfortable than either. Quality of waist belt and shoulder straps is probably the most important factor for meat packing. The old school system didn't allow you to stand full upright or even jog like the newer packs with load lifters did.
