Post by: jnordwell on December 28, 2018, 08:09:39 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 28, 2018, 08:18:41 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on December 28, 2018, 08:20:21 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on December 28, 2018, 08:53:32 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 28, 2018, 08:59:30 PM
I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands firstGet an Ultra 4000 bag - fits ur frame and less than $100 on sale - weighs 1.25 #.
https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html (https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html)
Post by: Randonee on December 28, 2018, 09:20:46 PM
Post by: X-Force on December 28, 2018, 10:05:07 PM
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on December 28, 2018, 10:05:46 PM
Post by: jnordwell on December 28, 2018, 10:23:04 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 28, 2018, 10:51:48 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on December 29, 2018, 03:04:13 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on December 29, 2018, 07:04:30 AM
I absolutely love my Exo but you’re right - there is only one frame and if it doesn’t work for your body then Exo just doesn’t work for you.
Kuiu gets ragged on this forum quite a bit but I have talked to a lot of people who are quite pleased with their packs.
Buying a pack is tedious business. My advice is to keep doing what you’re doing and try to get your hands on these things to try them out. :twocents:
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on December 29, 2018, 07:16:37 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on December 29, 2018, 07:28:14 AM
Post by: King Krok on December 29, 2018, 08:05:10 AM
JN, get yourself an Exo Mountain Gear 3500 and call it a day, you’ll never regret it. You want/need an all in one pack that compresses to daypack config for hunting but will expand out to carry a 5 day camp in, or, pack as much elk meat out as you can carry.Couldn’t agree more!!! I love mine.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: High Climber on December 29, 2018, 08:13:14 AM
I’ve looked at the expo but I don’t like the one frame option. I’m on the upper end of the frame and the load lifters would be almost flat. They were on my just one. I hunt anywhere from 2-12 miles back. Haven’t done the camp on my back because the hunting partners I’ve had have left me hanging more then once.. have looked at kuiu as well. Just not sure of there frame systems.. I’ve got some low back issues and have heard nothing but thumbs up for Kifaru and comfort. Haven’t heard the same for kuiu. Have thought about the kuiu bag on a Kifaru frame.. spondylitis isn’t fun with some good support for sure. Did will with the just one.. but son is getting old enough to carry his own stuff to a point.. plus 100% American made of Kifaru is nothing to overlook either..I’m 6’3 and my exo frame could definitely be a few inches taller. It’s no issue most of the time, but under heavy load I’m not getting much help from my lifters. I talked to Steve Speck before I purchased and he was upfront about the pack being borderline to small for me. Great guys at exo and a great product, just not made for bigger dudes.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on December 29, 2018, 08:56:58 AM
That said, if I was shopping for a pack now I would bypass the rest and go straight to Kifaru.
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 29, 2018, 09:12:17 AM
Kifaru makes a very tough, reliable, and comfortable product. Mine is a workhorse. They also have a ton of options from frame sizes and weights to bag and pocket options getting a system specifically customized for you and your hunts is possible. All of that come with a cost and a bit of a weight penalty.
EXO and SG both have well built products. Comfort varies by user, and somewhat limited options keeps costs slightly lower.
Kuiu is probably the best value. They have good options for sizing, and nice bag and pocket selection. They are pretty darn comfy with with decent weight, and fill that niche where you prioritize hunting, but your not wearing the pack for 2+months a year and packing lots of heavy weight often.
The great thing is that all of them make a good product and competition has made all of them better and and more comfortable than ever. Prioritize your needs and go from there.
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 29, 2018, 09:20:00 AM
Post by: BOOMER on December 29, 2018, 09:39:47 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on December 29, 2018, 10:04:21 AM
I’m 6’3 and my exo frame could definitely be a few inches taller. It’s no issue most of the time, but under heavy load I’m not getting much help from my lifters. I talked to Steve Speck before I purchased and he was upfront about the pack being borderline to small for me. Great guys at exo and a great product, just not made for bigger dudes.
[/quote]
I forgot who is who over there, but I did call in the owner's brother during archery elk. Guess my bugle sounded decent :chuckle:
Post by: coop2424 on December 29, 2018, 10:39:05 AM
I’m 6’3 and my exo frame could definitely be a few inches taller. It’s no issue most of the time, but under heavy load I’m not getting much help from my lifters. I talked to Steve Speck before I purchased and he was upfront about the pack being borderline to small for me. Great guys at exo and a great product, just not made for bigger dudes.
[/quote]
I am a bit taller than you and hauled half an elk out with Exo and was miserable due to no lift at all and frame moved more than I liked. Sold it and went to kifaru and have been happy ever since with multiple pack outs with some very heavy loads. There is a pack out there that will fit everyone and their hunting style just a matter of finding it. Once you do find it of course that is the best pack out there no matter if you have tried anything else. :chuckle:
Post by: Stein on December 29, 2018, 10:55:31 AM
Great pack, nearly perfect for me.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on December 29, 2018, 11:27:22 AM
I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands firstGet an Ultra 4000 bag - fits ur frame and less than $100 on sale - weighs 1.25 #.
https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html (https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html)
The pack I have now is internal frame, it's their new day pack.
https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-day-pack/venture-1800/60025.html?dwvar_60025_color=PhantomOlive&cgid=pack-daypacks
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 29, 2018, 11:34:36 AM
oops ! This must be your scouting / trailcam pack?I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands firstGet an Ultra 4000 bag - fits ur frame and less than $100 on sale - weighs 1.25 #.
https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html (https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html)
The pack I have now is internal frame, it's their new day pack.
https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-day-pack/venture-1800/60025.html?dwvar_60025_color=PhantomOlive&cgid=pack-daypacks
Post by: jackelope on December 29, 2018, 11:37:38 AM
Post by: KFhunter on December 29, 2018, 11:40:59 AM
I wish there was a place I could go try on several frames/packs from all the top contenders. Maybe a sportsman show this spring? I haven't been to one in a long time, the bighorn sportsmen show in Spokane is the one I used to go too until I found it pretty lame and quit going.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on December 29, 2018, 11:53:36 AM
oops ! This must be your scouting / trailcam pack?I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands firstGet an Ultra 4000 bag - fits ur frame and less than $100 on sale - weighs 1.25 #.
https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html (https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html)
The pack I have now is internal frame, it's their new day pack.
https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-day-pack/venture-1800/60025.html?dwvar_60025_color=PhantomOlive&cgid=pack-daypacks
Yeah I needed a new day pack for deer/scout trips, and this pack is big enough for over nighters maybe 2 days at most if I stretch it.
Post by: WAElkhunter89 on December 29, 2018, 11:56:30 AM
Post by: romaknows on December 29, 2018, 12:34:55 PM
Post by: jnordwell on December 29, 2018, 02:00:04 PM
If you’re sold on a Kifaru but still have questions, call Aron Snyder and talk to him. He’ll walk you through the process. Probably not a bad idea to do either way if you’re a big guy.I think xxx archery is one of there only few places where I can get fitted and maybe try before I buy.. it’s only a hr from home.. will be going there soon I think..
Post by: GUHunter on December 31, 2018, 09:53:51 AM
Post by: Tbob on January 01, 2019, 08:08:27 PM
Post by: highside74 on January 01, 2019, 09:37:37 PM
Post by: nwmein199 on January 02, 2019, 06:28:25 AM
Post by: Torrent50 on January 02, 2019, 07:12:56 PM
Post by: Tim in Wa. on January 02, 2019, 07:46:41 PM
Check out Oregon Pack Works. Modular pack that can be set up something like 23 different ways and waterproof. Great customer service.Aggreed.Well made and excellent customer service
Post by: X-Force on January 02, 2019, 08:12:55 PM
The Born and Raised guys hinted to a new EXO BRO signature pack in the 4000 cubic inch range coming out in the next year.
I could be wrong but I think the 4000 will basically be the 3500, the move will keep things in order and not confuse people with the new 3000.
Post by: hughjorgan on January 02, 2019, 08:18:32 PM
Post by: Justdecent on January 06, 2019, 04:56:01 PM
Post by: Martinhunter on January 07, 2019, 01:19:56 AM
JN, get yourself an Exo Mountain Gear 3500 and call it a day, you’ll never regret it. You want/need an all in one pack that compresses to daypack config for hunting but will expand out to carry a 5 day camp in, or, pack as much elk meat out as you can carry.Yes, I'm planning on investing in the 3500 sometime between now and September.. Last years pack of my brothers bull was hell with my cheap one that I took to the dump :tup: gotta be in better shape this fall too, that'll help a lot as well.
Post by: bradslam on January 07, 2019, 09:05:43 AM
Post by: buggy on January 07, 2019, 01:11:09 PM
Post by: Antlershed on January 07, 2019, 01:32:16 PM
Kifaru’s range of options makes them attractive but if frame length is a concern, I’d wait a few months and see what’s released in the spring. Rumor is we’ll see some new offerings from Exo. Will a taller frame be one of them?Kifaru will also make a 28” frame upon request.
Post by: Big6bull on January 07, 2019, 08:43:12 PM