Exo 3500 vs KUIU icon pro 5200

[zackmioli]

Well guys I've narrowed down my pack search to these two packs: Based on price, availability (exo 3500 in multicam is in stock currently), style, reviews, functionality, weight, and more.

I am planning to do anywhere from 3 day to 7 day (at the very most) backpack hunts and camping/hiking trips. I will also use this bag as a day pack for deer camp and any quick jaunts to the hills I may take so something that can compress down pretty well is a must. My tent and sleeping bag/pad are a little on the bulky side which is why I am leaning more towards the 5200 for size. How well does the 5200 compress down when not loaded down?

I am looking for all opinions on these packs and if anyone near puyallup has either and would let me try them on I'd love to meet up with you. Looking forward to gathering info from all of you.

Zack

[Magnum_Willys]

I Bought both Kuiu Ultra 3000 and Exo 3500.  Ended up keeping the Kuiu because its a lighter day pack IMO because its 1) lighter, 2) better camo, 3) less bulky.  The EXO is a beefier pack.  Both felt similar - both light waist belt and shoulder straps which is nice for daypacks - don't want a huge bulky waist belt and super padded shoulder straps for a light day pack.  However when carrying camps or meat better waist belt and straps would be nice.  Pick your poison.
Both can pack 100 pounds no problem.  If you were doing it day after day the EXO would likely last longer than the kuiu.

The Kuiu bags swap out easily and strap down small - much smaller than the beefier exo bags.   The exo are cordura and the kuiu more like a hi-tech nylon for lack of a better word.
For a day pack I would choose Kuiu.  If I was a guide packing meat out 10 times a year I would expect EXO to hold up better. 

[coop2424]

I have been using the exo 3500 for about 3 months now and I think every time I put it on I like it better..  The layout is perfect for what I need and packs weight real well.  I think it compresses down awesome and not sure how it could get more compressed.. I think when in daypack form it is smaller than the badlands 2200 I used before.  I have used it for packing in salt and it is super comfortable and also did a couple hikes 2 plus miles with 90+ lbs and was comfortable each time..  I have no experience with the kuiu but I don't think you would be disappointed with the Exo..  I also have heard the 5500 Exo compresses down almost equal to the 3500.

[fillthefreezer]

unless exo made some changes over the off season, i would get the kuiu

[coop2424]

unless exo made some changes over the off season, i would get the kuiu

They did off the top of my head shoulder harness, waist belt, lid comes off, frame and a bunch of other little changes..  I have had the 2014 and the 2015 and the changes they made for 2015 make the pack much better not that the 2014 was bad..

[Thorny]

I have the icon pro in both 1850 and 5200 for the below reasons.

I tried using the 5200 for a day pack application, however it just compresses down into a big sack of a mess with just my rain gear , snacks, kill kit, and emergency kit/bivy/woobie.  If they made the bag so it is weather tight without the lid, like the stone glacier, it would be a nice improvement.  That's why I got the 1850.

The 5200 is nice for those 5~7 day hunts. It's a nice bag and I really like the organization.  Everything fits inside with room to spare.  Again...it would b nice to have the bag compress like the SG., but still keep the KUIU organization features.

The 3200 appears to be their solution to bridging the gap between the 5200/1850.  The 5200 still has some really nice features that would be hard to part with.

[wooltie]

I own the icon pro 7200/1850 and ultra 3000/1800.  My buddy owns the exo.

Both haul meat comfortably and effectively.  Both are equally durable.  I think the exo is perhaps more durable just comparing the materials, but faced with what most people would encounter as far as collisions, snags, scratches, etc., I see the KUIU holding its own.

Me personally, I bought all four bags and the kit during their EOY sale @ 25% off so I could enjoy versatility of day packs, overnights, and multi-day packs at very little weight.  I intend to haul the 1800 on multi-day hunts for use as a day pack.

I also bought the load sling.

I opted for more options, but your choice depends upon what you'll use the pack for.  3200 cu in w/a tent, sleeping bag, and mattress is small over multiple days IMO.  I'd prefer the extra room plus a day pack.

[zackmioli]

After talking to a few people, reading lots of reviews, talking to kuiu and exo, and then mainly listening to my gut, I placed an order on the EXO 5500 in multicam. Should be shipping in a couple days along with 2 foliage hip pockets.

I can't wait to get it and start putting it to the test!