Kuiu Vs Kifaru Packs.....again

by **mandrroofing** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 1]

I know this type of question is all over the web but here we are again.I currently have an eberlestock X2 pack and even though everyone says its a day pack i was able to do a 2 night hunt with it.I love the X2 but i would like to stay longer and more room.I know more about the Kuiu Icon pro than Kifaru.Just need a lil help to make my decision,This packs are not cheap so i want to choose wisely.Any thoughts?

by **ctdad** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 2]

Are those the only two packs you'd consider? I have no experience with kuiu. I owned one kifaru. I currently own a Stone Glacier and I like it better than the kifaru t1 I owned. The exo packs are getting good reviews also. Elknut used one last year and liked it.

by **mandrroofing** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 3]

Not really i would consider any pack.i always wany high quality

by **otcWill** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 4]

I just bought the Kifaru Mountain Warrior and I bet its the last pack I'll ever buy. I tested it this past wknd with 92lbs of sand and did a 5 mile hike in the mountains. Needless to say, I was whipped but the pack performed great. Kifaru headquarters is local and I've got alot of respect for the guys who work there so this was a no-brainer for me. They have something for everyone. Give em a call and see for yourself. Good luck!

by **pointysticks** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 5]

i have a Kifaru Timberline 2 with the duplex frame. DT2 in rokslide language.

it is very good. a great pack. BUT!! if i hold it up against a very good pack i find at a reputable backpack shop, i could list the differences on one hand. i have loaded it up crazy. it was comfy. i hate how i cannot adjust the distance between my shoulder straps and hip belt. i cannot get a good angle with my load lifters. that not a total loss, because i kinda believe load lifters are like short ATA bows. a marketing ploy.

i hate how i have to put the meat really on the inside. if i loaded up heavy going in to camp, i kinda feel i am screwed if i have meat on the ground. oh, i can use the grab it!! but my bow is there on the back! i think i can put the meat on the frame..but it takes some modifications. no thank you. i paid dearly for that pack. a really really unintelligent purchase. i really wish it had a between the frame and pack meat shelf. i signed on to Rokslide to learn about the pack. i feel like i drank some koolaide.

the Stone glacier makes more sense to me. you can get a smaller pack because there is an external meat shelf. and all that stuff you hear about "daypack mode". i think that sucks. that is nothing more than using straps to cinch the pack down tight. now imagine chasing a CLIF bar around in all those wrinkles..or your tiny flashlight. i guess technially you can put any pack in daypack mode. give me some cord and a few minutes. my kifaru is like a strap crazy puzzle. they run everywhere.

i have a big 8 day hunt this year. it will be my last go with the pack. if not, i will give it away or sell it cheap

i love the pack, but i dont love it $900. maybe $450ish. if i could do it over again (and i might), i am going with a Stone Glacier or an EXO.

if you live in the Bay area, id loan it to you. hahah.

by **jmez** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 6]

I'd say look at the Stone Glacier as well. I had a Kifaru and Stone Glacier and kept the SG.

You need to prioritize your wants/needs and features of a pack and then go from there. You can eliminate a lot of choices with a good list.

by **Indian Summer** » 02 13, 2015 • [Post 7]

I know nothing about any of those packs but I think I'd like to own a pack called the Mountain Warrior! That's all me! (grin)

by **ElkNut1** » 02 13, 2015 • [Post 8]

Hey Will, I too would like to hear a bit more about the Warrior Pack? Photos? Share it's functions or what drew you to the pack, thanks!

ElkNut1

by **Ridge Ghost** » 02 13, 2015 • [Post 9]

It's all about your budget. The newer KUIU packs are pretty nice and about the best bang for your buck for upper-end hunting packs. You will pay more for Kifaru or Stone Glacier, but they are the cream of the crop. If money is no issue, spring for a Kifaru of SG. If you want save a little money for a pack that is still pretty nice, get a KUIU.

by **Njdiverdan** » 02 13, 2015 • [Post 10]

I was doing the pack search the past few months. I am a big guy...6'5" 25-26" torso, 60" chest, you get the idea. Well for me trying to find a pack that fit was the first issue. I call / emailed all the major pack companies; Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Exo, Seek Outside, and Kuiu. I even picked up a used Kuiu Ultra 6000 hoping it would fit. It did not. It was another almost. I like the pack and the layout, just would not fit me. I think for someone looking for a really light pack the Ultra line are pretty nice step up from the badlands / tenzings but they are no Stone Glacier or Kifaru.

All that being said, Kifaru was the one company who offered to make me a custom frame and shoulder straps. Kurt from Stone Glacier thought his pack would fit but really not sure but said they have a 30 day return policy if I wanted to buy one and try it. Exo and Seek did not think their packs would fit.

So I took Kifaru up on the custom offer. Guess what, NO UPCHARGE!! I was floored. The only thing was that it would take an extra couple weeks for them to build the frame. This is pretty amazing customer service. So with that being said, I have a Kifaru duplex (custom), Mountain Warrior pack, with Kifaru's meat shelf option coming is a few weeks. If you go on Kifaru's website you can see multiple videos on the Mt Warrior pack that Aron has put together.

Once I receive my pack and put it through the paces I will post a through review.

-dan

by **Ridge Ghost** » 02 13, 2015 • [Post 11]

Dan, cool story. In addition to making awesome packs, Kifaru's customer service really sets them apart from the rest. I've been super happy with my Kifaru T2.

by **Brendan** » 02 13, 2015 • [Post 12]

I have a Kifaru EMRII on the duplex frame - Love it. Compresses down great and can easily be used as a day pack, but it expands out to take over 8000ci.

A good thing - it has a million adjustments. A bad thing - it has a million adjustments. The Kifaru packs are very, very customizable to different body types, and their customer service is amazing, but it might take a little effort to get it fitting perfectly, I'm still tweaking mine. They are expensive though.

Here's the mountain warrior thread on Rokslide, complete with pictures and videos from Aron @ Kifaru.
http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthre ... rom-Kifaru

by **Brendan** » 02 13, 2015 • [Post 13]

Here's my EMRII loaded up with my day hunting gear, plus what I think was the head, a boned out rear quarter, and I can't remember what else. Sorry - almost couldn't stand up and I was alone, so no picture of me wearing it

by **Mukbowhunt** » 02 13, 2015 • [Post 14]

The nomad pack on my duplex frame is the best day hunt/spike camp drop that they have/make IMHO. I love mine.

by **elk.addict** » 02 14, 2015 • [Post 15]

I would not recommend the Kuiu Ultra if you're planning loads over 60-70 lbs. Great pack if you keep the load moderate, but when loaded heavy, it adds a lot of pressure to the lumbar area and it's very difficult to keep the pack from slipping downwards past the hips. I only hauled 1 load of elk meat and was SO glad to switch over to my Cabelas frame for the rest. It was similar to hauling a hind quarter with my Badlands 2200

by **Wapitibob** » 02 15, 2015 • [Post 16]

pointysticks wrote:i have a Kifaru Timberline 2 with the duplex frame. DT2 in rokslide language.

it is very good. a great pack. BUT!! if i hold it up against a very good pack i find at a reputable backpack shop, i could list the differences on one hand. i have loaded it up crazy. it was comfy. i hate how i cannot adjust the distance between my shoulder straps and hip belt. i cannot get a good angle with my load lifters. that not a total loss, because i kinda believe load lifters are like short ATA bows. a marketing ploy.

i hate how i have to put the meat really on the inside. if i loaded up heavy going in to camp, i kinda feel i am screwed if i have meat on the ground. oh, i can use the grab it!! but my bow is there on the back! i think i can put the meat on the frame..but it takes some modifications. no thank you. i paid dearly for that pack. a really really unintelligent purchase. i really wish it had a between the frame and pack meat shelf. i signed on to Rokslide to learn about the pack. i feel like i drank some koolaide.

the Stone glacier makes more sense to me. you can get a smaller pack because there is an external meat shelf. and all that stuff you hear about "daypack mode". i think that sucks. that is nothing more than using straps to cinch the pack down tight. now imagine chasing a CLIF bar around in all those wrinkles..or your tiny flashlight. i guess technially you can put any pack in daypack mode. give me some cord and a few minutes. my kifaru is like a strap crazy puzzle. they run everywhere.

i have a big 8 day hunt this year. it will be my last go with the pack. if not, i will give it away or sell it cheap

i love the pack, but i dont love it $900. maybe $450ish. if i could do it over again (and i might), i am going with a Stone Glacier or an EXO.

if you live in the Bay area, id loan it to you. hahah.

You easily adjust the shoulder harness distance on the duplex frame, they're the straps that run behind the pads on the frame.
watch this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhwmXj0OX_s

You can use the Gen II meat bag to hold meat inside the bag and up/away from the contents. Most buy a larger bag when doing this.
Last year my hunts were from the truck so I used a long pocket across the btm of the frame (750 ci) and the Gen II meat bag, as my "pack bag". Nothing in the Gen II but my puffy so it was cinched down all the time. When I killed, I stuck meat in the Gen II and away I went.
This isn't a week long pack-in setup but for day hunts it's the best I've come up with yet.

Kifaru has a load shelf pack, the New Rambler, currently about 4000ci.

by **TRDHUNTER** » 02 18, 2015 • [Post 17]

I purchased a Kifaru bikini frame with DT2 bag last spring. I used it off and on during the summer, switching between it and other packs. I was not immediately sold, as I had knee surgery in march and did not pack much weight till later in the year. Once I started packing some weight on training hikes and during the hunting season, I began to like it more and more. I have fiddled around with how I load it and I have found that if I take a few seconds when compressing the pack, it is not hard to find smaller items. I can keep the pack super compressed and put items needed frequently in the two outside pockets and get to them no problem.

I think one just needs time with their pack to optimize how you pack it and create a system that works for you. Maybe a different bag or pack of a certain company will fit your needs better, and maybe a different company. If you have any questions, Kifaru customer service cannot be beat. I have no experience with the c.s. of kuiu, Exo, S.G, or Mystery Ranch, but have heard good things. I stepped up to kifaru from badlands, and eberlestock packs and I feel it was worth the price, but to some it may not be.

With that said, I just won a Kuiu Icon pro 3200 and I will be testing it out and can let anyone know what I think after I get some time with it.

by **slim9300** » 02 18, 2015 • [Post 18]

pointysticks wrote:i have a Kifaru Timberline 2 with the duplex frame. DT2 in rokslide language.

it is very good. a great pack. BUT!! if i hold it up against a very good pack i find at a reputable backpack shop, i could list the differences on one hand. i have loaded it up crazy. it was comfy. i hate how i cannot adjust the distance between my shoulder straps and hip belt. i cannot get a good angle with my load lifters. that not a total loss, because i kinda believe load lifters are like short ATA bows. a marketing ploy.

i hate how i have to put the meat really on the inside. if i loaded up heavy going in to camp, i kinda feel i am screwed if i have meat on the ground. oh, i can use the grab it!! but my bow is there on the back! i think i can put the meat on the frame..but it takes some modifications. no thank you. i paid dearly for that pack. a really really unintelligent purchase. i really wish it had a between the frame and pack meat shelf. i signed on to Rokslide to learn about the pack. i feel like i drank some koolaide.

the Stone glacier makes more sense to me. you can get a smaller pack because there is an external meat shelf. and all that stuff you hear about "daypack mode". i think that sucks. that is nothing more than using straps to cinch the pack down tight. now imagine chasing a CLIF bar around in all those wrinkles..or your tiny flashlight. i guess technially you can put any pack in daypack mode. give me some cord and a few minutes. my kifaru is like a strap crazy puzzle. they run everywhere.

i have a big 8 day hunt this year. it will be my last go with the pack. if not, i will give it away or sell it cheap

i love the pack, but i dont love it $900. maybe $450ish. if i could do it over again (and i might), i am going with a Stone Glacier or an EXO.

if you live in the Bay area, id loan it to you. hahah.

Did you try loosening (same as lengthening) your shoulder straps about 1-2"? The bag/frame should then raise up and your load lifters should also be higher/effective. If you think load lifters are a gimmick or they are not functioning, you might as well sell the Kifaru pack. What you need to do is get the stays to where they are 3-4" above your traps and watch Patrick's video for how to put on your pack. What's your torso height? What's your height in general? I will gladly walk you though everything if you would like.

Carrying 100 lbs. on my Bikini frame is like carrying 130+ on my Cabelas Outfitter frame. And 100% of the weight isn't pulling down/back on my shoulders, it's far more balanced.

Edit: And take it from a guy that packs meat many times per year in his Kifaru. It's better suited in the bag in my opinion for a backpack hunter. It's easy to accomplish while keeping your gear free of blood, and who cares if you get some blood in the bottom of your pack. Give your pack a quick bath when you get home. I think the whole load sling idea is actually a gimmick (even though Kifaru offers that option too).

by **pointysticks** » 02 18, 2015 • [Post 19]

i guess i'm doing it wrong?

my hips are where they are. they are not moving. i get it. so that leaves me the shoulder straps.

i'm gonna take a swing at it again. TONIGHT.

by **dotman** » 02 19, 2015 • [Post 20]

Seems like the majority of people that find the Kifaru disappointing or not perfect just haven't set it up correctly, a few just have funky bodies that no pack will fit perfectly. They send it out with a best guess but you really have to adjust all the different points. These are there for a reason also some adjustments such as delta straps need to be left loose when not carrying a heavy load.

by **dotman** » 02 19, 2015 • [Post 21]

ElkNut1 wrote:Hey Will, I too would like to hear a bit more about the Warrior Pack? Photos? Share it's functions or what drew you to the pack, thanks!

ElkNut1

Paul you probably will not like it as the frames are still the same and as you said "good for a backpacker but not a hunter" on your experience. The Mountain Warrior is just another bag option for their frame, so it would feel and handle the same to you as your last experience but just give you more pack space vs the DT3 bag.

by **ElkNut1** » 02 20, 2015 • [Post 22]

Tim, thanks bud! Yes, I'm not a big fan of just big bags with few pockets! (grin) I don't believe at all that the frame was inadequate on the bikini ones, it was the design of the pack & how it handled a load, I mean loads of 65#-70# + -- Once those weights were exceeded we fought them like no other pack. I agree that a pack needs slight adjustments to fit folks but this should only take a minute or so to do, after all it's just a pack! I would love to try a different Kifaru Pack but I have no idea which one would fit our styles? I do know I've used several since the D3 I had & I do like their carrying capacities much better & I didn't do anything special with them. Too, I'm not a fan of meat inside my main bag, I want the meat away from them on outside of main pack, the Exo does this very well & does it quickly! A pack should be simple yet efficient it shouldn't need a blue print to operate smoothly by the normal joe!

I feel Kifaru makes a very good pack but it needs tweaking for all day hunters, maybe they already have & I just don't know? (grin) I wish someone would come on here & enlighten us, I'd love to know in all seriousness!

ElkNut1

by **dotman** » 02 20, 2015 • [Post 23]

For your style the only option I think you would like is the Duplex frame and Cargo panel. You can add any pockets etc for day hunting and for hauling meat it can't be any quicker/simpler to setup then the cargo panel.

All the other I don't think you'll like.

by **Mukbowhunt** » 02 20, 2015 • [Post 24]

The nomad on a duplex frame would be a great choice. Can run it with or without a lid. Add a grab it stowed in a pocket and can haul A quarter or two out at a time with ease. True bat wing style!

by **ElkNut1** » 02 20, 2015 • [Post 25]

Mukbowhunt wrote:The nomad on a duplex frame would be a great choice. Can run it with or without a lid. Add a grab it stowed in a pocket and can haul A quarter or two out at a time with ease. True bat wing style!

Thanks for the tip! Do you happen to have a photo of the Nomad loaded with elk quarters that we can see that's on the grab-it? Thanks!

ElkNut1

by **dotman** » 02 20, 2015 • [Post 26]

I'm not a fan of the nomad, ran it last year and it just wasn't for me. When the back three straps are secured the wing pockets are pretty much inaccessible without undoing straps. It is similar to the X2 except no center bag.

Aron posted up a video of the new cargo panel and it is super versatile.

by **ElkNut1** » 02 21, 2015 • [Post 27]

Tim, if you have a link please feel free to post it here, we'd love to see the video! It could help out a lot! Thanks!

ElkNut1

by **mandrroofing** » 02 21, 2015 • [Post 28]

Lol this is not helping,i mean it is and it isn't ! Seriously though packs are not cheap so it worries me a little that I'm going to get a pack that I'm going to regret any way around this?

by **dotman** » 02 21, 2015 • [Post 29]

Here is the link to the cargo panel on the Kifaru store, towards the bottom it has the video.

http://store.kifaru.net/mobile/cargo-panel-p25.aspx

by **Mukbowhunt** » 02 21, 2015 • [Post 30]

I have a few pictures and will dig them up. Why do you need access to the back middle when you are hauling out a quarter?

by **ElkNut1** » 02 22, 2015 • [Post 31]

Wow! Watched the video, I cannot handle that many clips, buckles & straps to remember to take apart then put back together quickly! I think there's more straps & buckles than the stone glacier, I don't care for that either? I will say both those companies make superior products but are not conducive to simplicity & efficiency for the elk hunter on the move. When in the field on Sept archery hunts it's common once animal is down that we can be surrounded by insects of all kinds, when this happens you want to break down an animal & get them in the game bags as quickly as possible. Then get them in your pack & get away from all the buzzing critters. Spending 10 min to 20 min or more getting things figured out to load pack is a deal breaker for us, we need quick & yet not sacrifice a comfortable pack that will haul 100# + loads. Once you face these real life situations numerous times you will see what I mean. All I can say is guys use what works for you!

ElkNut1

by **Heartwood** » 02 22, 2015 • [Post 32]

I have not owned any of the mentioned high performance packs and have suffered with lesser packs but from the research that I have done, I am going with the Exo before the prices approach those of Kifaru. Great design, very user friendly and still ( for now) less than some of the competitors.

by **Mukbowhunt** » 02 22, 2015 • [Post 33]

I can have a quarter on my nomad in less than 3 min. That includes lifting it and placing in the pack. Pretty sure the exo has a few buckles to undo before you can access the meat shelf.

. That said I like their product and might own one after they get done tinkering with the frame.

by **ElkNut1** » 02 22, 2015 • [Post 34]

Thank You! Not sure of the Nomad but I'm sure it's a fine pack, I was referring to the video that was watched from the above link. The Exo has 4 buckles to unleash, one on each side at the top & the two that hold the top of load lifters, that's it! It's quick & carries heavy weight excellent. I know Kifaru is of excellent quality, we had 2 of them with bikini frames, they just didn't meet our needs for our style of hunting. Thanks!

ElkNut1

by **Mukbowhunt** » 02 22, 2015 • [Post 35]

The exo is a good pack from what I have heard and read. The Kifaru duplex frame with nomad bag is a really cool set up. I had a dt2 (one size up from your dt3) and don't have it any more for similar reasons.

Really happy this forum has stuck around. Sorry for making it seem like I was lobbying in behalf of Kifaru. My partners still use cabelas Alaskan frames with smaller day packs attached and do just fine. I find myself being able to carry more weight more easily and without a squeak!

by **ElkNut1** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 36]

Hey no problem, it's good to talk about the packs that work well for you. I know it sounds like I'm lobbying Exo, I guess I sorta am but only because it actually works & is so simple use!

I sure would like to see a Nomad someday, I think it looks pretty sweet. (checked it out at Kifaru) I was a batwing & meat shelf guy for years probably hauled out 30-40 bulls out on them, some were better than others but all got the job done! The Nomad wasn't available when we picked up the other Kifaru packs but I know things change. I had dealt directly with Aron on the packs, he's as a stand up guy as you'll meet! He actually tried to get me to settle on the duplex frame but others I talked with talked me into the bikini, maybe he had been right all along? The thing with the overall D3 was it could not handle the weight over 65#-70# it was all over the place & sagged horribly when really loaded, I blame the pack design more than just the frame. Here's two photos to show you what I mean. The Kifaru is the first photo & the Exo is the lower one, look how much shoulder pinch is on the Kifaru with near 100# load, both packs have close to the same weight on them but the Exo handles it with ease & stayed nice & high! I packed 3 bulls with the Exo last year so got a very good feel for it's capabilities. It's a very good & solid pack. I'll bet the Nomad would do well too!

ElkNut1

by **Mukbowhunt** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 37]

I will take a few photos tonight of my nomad in day hunt mode and then loaded up with a simulated quarter.

I should note that I have the 26" duplex frame. I stayed away from the bikini for most of the reasons you mentioned. Takes too much effort to pack it correctly for heavier meat hauls.

Here is a picture of the duplex frame and gen I cargo panel packing out a rear quarter and skull/antlers of a small WA bull from 2012.

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1424705849.083383.jpg (355.09 KiB) Viewed 65207 times

by **ElkNut1** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 38]

Thanks! I'll look forward to the Nomad photos, I appreciate it!

p.s. what's the cost of your Nomad setup you're showing? Thanks.

ElkNut1

by **dotman** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 39]

ElkNut1 wrote:Wow! Watched the video, I cannot handle that many clips, buckles & straps to remember to take apart then put back together quickly! I think there's more straps & buckles than the stone glacier, I don't care for that either? I will say both those companies make superior products but are not conducive to simplicity & efficiency for the elk hunter on the move. When in the field on Sept archery hunts it's common once animal is down that we can be surrounded by insects of all kinds, when this happens you want to break down an animal & get them in the game bags as quickly as possible. Then get them in your pack & get away from all the buzzing critters. Spending 10 min to 20 min or more getting things figured out to load pack is a deal breaker for us, we need quick & yet not sacrifice a comfortable pack that will haul 100# + loads. Once you face these real life situations numerous times you will see what I mean. All I can say is guys use what works for you!

ElkNut1

You have to remember though, just because the straps are included they are not all required. Also the lid in the video isn't part of it but an add on item if you want more storage.

I could easily run a cargo panel with just two buckles per side. Unbuckle Four (2ea side) buckles, load it up and the buckle them back up and tighten. Add pockets to the panel to carry your day gear, no need to add a lid.

by **ElkNut1** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 40]

Tim, ahh, that makes sense! Thanks for clarifying that sir!

ElkNut1

by **Wapitibob** » 02 24, 2015 • [Post 41]

If you're just running with the day hunt gear you have listed in the past, I don't see a reason to even have a "bag" on the frame. The setup I showed above includes almost the identical gear you carry and I have all of it in that 750 ci long pocket across the btm of the frame. My coat goes in the Gen II meat bag after it warms up and gets lashed to the long pocket when the gen II is full of meat. The Gen II is a little small for bone in Elk quarters like you and I pack out though. I've talked to Aron about a larger Gen III version but they just came out with their Rambler. It's essentially a large bag that comes down to about the top of the long pocket and has 2 side pockets for spotter and tripod. You could put all your gear in a long pocket across the btm of the frame and Elk quarters in the Rambler bag and have pockets for spotter/tripod if/when you had a hunt where they would be used.
You could also use the frame and new Kifaru cargo panel with a large pocket on it for your day hunt gear.

by **pointysticks** » 02 24, 2015 • [Post 42]

The new cargo panel looks great. I thing a small daypack strapped to the back and the panel empty and cinched tight was what I envisioned from the beginning of my shopping spree.

by **EVD** » 02 24, 2015 • [Post 43]

Anyone have thoughts on the Icon Pro 3200 vs. the Exo pack 3500? I was strongly leaning toward the Exo until the recent video cast by Kuiu showing the 3200 Icon pro.

by **dotman** » 02 24, 2015 • [Post 44]

pointysticks wrote:The new cargo panel looks great. I thing a small daypack strapped to the back and the panel empty and cinched tight was what I envisioned from the beginning of my shopping spree.

Did you look at the new side pockets? Add the large side pocket to the cargo panel and a 55L dry bag and you have the new mountain warrior but in a more versatile design. I bet you could fit the large side pocket and a med belt pocket on the back of the cargo panel and save a ton of weight vs strapping a daypack to it. Or get two long pockets from the Rhino Den (clearance area) and mount them side by side on the back of the cargo panel with a med pocket below. So many crazy options.

http://store.kifaru.net/mobile/side-pocket-p173.aspx

I have an MR Longbow bag on my kifaru frame currently but may try this out and sell the Longbow.

by **dotman** » 02 24, 2015 • [Post 45]

EVD wrote:Anyone have thoughts on the Icon Pro 3200 vs. the Exo pack 3500? I was strongly leaning toward the Exo until the recent video cast by Kuiu showing the 3200 Icon pro.

I would expect the EXO to be more durable. Also if it matters the EXO is made in Idaho while the Kuiu is made in China.

Also consider resale value, EXO has a warranty no matter if your the original buyer or not while the Kuiu warranty is not transferable and therefore whoever buys one second hand will not have a warranty.

I don't have an EXO frame but do have an EXO 3500 bag and Kuiu 3000 ultra bag, the EXO build quality is much better imo. The material used is better, the sewing etc. Now the pro has some better material then the ultra but they are sewn in the same factory.

The only thing I don't like about the EXO is the backwards lid and the non ITW Nexus compatible buckles, I believe both of these issues may of been changed for 2015, not sure if he changed his buckles to the better itw military standard or not.

by **Mukbowhunt** » 02 24, 2015 • [Post 46]

Dotman - that is exactly what I am doing with my new cargo panel for summer scouting. Two old long pockets vertical with a med pocket above. Can throw a treestand in the panel for super easy carry!

by **Mukbowhunt** » 02 24, 2015 • [Post 47]

I think I would but 3 exos before I bought a kuiu frame. I don't trust the carbon frame yet.

by **mandrroofing** » 02 25, 2015 • [Post 48]

Thanks for all the great info!I have weeded out the Icon Pro from kuiu and now im still looking at Kifaru and also now the Mystery ranch Metcalf.Any one have any experience with this Pack and what pack in the Kifaru would be best to compare to the Metcalf?I like how its a mid size pack that could handle a week long hunt and also be used as a day pack.

by **dotman** » 02 25, 2015 • [Post 49]

mandrroofing wrote:Thanks for all the great info!I have weeded out the Icon Pro from kuiu and now im still looking at Kifaru and also now the Mystery ranch Metcalf.Any one have any experience with this Pack and what pack in the Kifaru would be best to compare to the Metcalf?I like how its a mid size pack that could handle a week long hunt and also be used as a day pack.

The biggest downside to Mystery Ranch is the pig of a frame they have, other then that it is bombproof. Checkout Stone Glacier as well, Kurt is a great guy. Also there is a review of the Metcalf on rokslide, this is their backpack month and they have some good reviews of all the packs your considering.

If I was you I would give Aron (Kifaru) a call 720-937-1418 and Kurt a call 406-531-7506 and tell them both your plans and what you feel you will use the pack the most for.

by **EVD** » 02 25, 2015 • [Post 50]

Good feedback thanks!