Kuiu Test

[FishEKat]

I'd like to purchase a new backpack this year. One that is lightweight, but strong enough to haul gear and meat through the backcountry. I've heard someone recommend Kuiu, which looks good to me. It's difficult to send off that amount of money without being able to try it out first. Is that just how it is? Is there anyone near Puyallup willing to let me check out there pack?

[ellensburgpo]

Are you wanting to see an icon series or ultra?

[FishEKat]

I'm looking into either the Icon Pro 5200 or the Ultra 6000. I guess for the purposes of just checking it out, either one would work.

For weight and price, I'm leaning towards the ultra. Is there any major disadvantage toward that? Thx.

[jackelope]

I think the Icon Pro has proven to be a more durable and more comfortable pack.

I'd also look at the EXO Mountain Gear pack.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Not to thread jack.  I was gonna pick up two of theses this year and seen the icon 7200 for 350 on sale on the kuiu web site.  Is there a big step up to the icon pro?  Or is the icon 7200 similar and just as functional?  I was hopeing to save the extra the icon pro costs.

[johnnyaustin44]

I have the ultra 6000 you can check out if you ever make it up to Arlington. Definitely light that's for sure.

[jackelope]

Those are clearanced to unload...The regular Icon's frames have reputation for breaking. I have one...I think if you take care of it and don't throw it off of a cliff or don't use it as a picnic table, you'd be fine.  The 2013 frames are better than the old ones. I've done a few backcountry trips out of mine and regularly hike/walk the dog/whatever with 50 pounds of rocks in mine and haven't had issue.  Between the frame issues and the size of that bag, I think they just didn't move fast.

[sirmissalot]

You can find Icons used pretty regularly as well. Google search icon vs icon pro and do some reading to see if you'd rather spend the money on the pro.

I currently have an icon pro frame and 5200 bag for 3-5 day stuff, and a 3000 ultra bag for a day pack, or short multi day trips where I'm trying to go ultra light, but I use the Icon pro frame. Its got thicker, more comfortable straps/pads etc.

I got my girlfriend an ultra 3,000 when they first came out and we are both disappointed with the lack of organization of the pack, but thats what you get with such a lightweight little pack.

This will be the first year using it so we'll see how it goes, so far I'm very happy but I thought the same with my last pack until I packed in 9.9 miles and killed a bear. I'm going to do my best at a review at the end of the season.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Think I'll spend the extra and get the pro 7200.  I just checked again and the icon 7200 went up to 399.  So for 50 extra I get the pro. 

[HighCountryHunter88]

i have ZERO  experience with the icon but i do know someone who broke the top of one of the stays on a backcountry elk trip

[jackelope]

i have ZERO  experience with the icon but i do know someone who broke the top of one of the stays on a backcountry elk trip

Any idea what the circumstances were when it broke?

[rosscrazyelk]

I'd like to purchase a new backpack this year. One that is lightweight, but strong enough to haul gear and meat through the backcountry. I've heard someone recommend Kuiu, which looks good to me. It's difficult to send off that amount of money without being able to try it out first. Is that just how it is? Is there anyone near Puyallup willing to let me check out there pack?

I went thru this last year But could not find anyone close to look at the pack I wanted.
I ended up just throwing caution in the wind and got lucky.  Love my pack.
Good luck in your search

[whacker1]

I am back and forth between the Kuiu Icon Pro and the Stone Glacier Sky series. 

These are my top two pics and will be purchasing in the next 90 days or so.

[sirmissalot]

If i had my choice and money being no object, I'd go with stone glacier. Kuiu just doesn't have the reviews Stone Glacier does.

That said, I own Kuiu and am going to use them exclusively this year. There are a lot of things I really love about them, both in their products and as a company.

[7mag.]

I am back and forth between the Kuiu Icon Pro and the Stone Glacier Sky series. 

These are my top two pics and will be purchasing in the next 90 days or so.

Stone Glacier is a much better pack, in my opinion. Their customer service alone would seal the deal for me. Kurt, the owner is a heck of a nice guy, and will do everything he can to make you happy. I have yet to read a bad review about Stone Glacier, but the Kuiu packs get a lot of mixed reviews.