Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Kuiu Icon Pro 5200 - first impressions

I decided this year to upgrade my pack system. I've been searching for a system that allows me to backpack into a spike camp, switch bags, and dayhunt from a smaller pack. Many folks have said to use the same bag to backpack and dayhunt. I didn't like it.

I loaded the Kuiu 5200 up with 35 lbs and have been hiking in the big field behind my house. I've been wearing my hunting boots and walking through the waist high grass trying to simulate actual hiking conditions. There is one small hill with ~ 100 feet of relief. I do the hill 3 times and hike back to the house - a 1.65 mile trip.

The pack carries well. There is no sliding around, hot spots, or pinch points - and I've been wearing it with a pair of lightweight hiking pants and t-shirt. Can't imagine adding another layer or two is going to be a problem. I really like the way this pack is laid out. It has enough big compartments/pockets to house bulky items but enough smaller pockets/areas to allow some organization to things frequently used. I bought 2 extra zippered belt pouches and they sit back far enough to be out of the way but also easily accessible - you can see them in the second pic. The lid has a dual compartment and is capable of holding 100 cu in or so. The Kimber Montana fits in the big side pocket and straps to the side of the pack but I'll likely get the rifle carrier as the muzzle sticks up to high for my tastes - another problem with a short torso.

All told, this is the pack I've been looking for. I'll load up 75-80 lbs in it in the next couple weeks to simulate packing out a quarter. I'm betting it won't feel much different than it does now.

A couple pics with Kimber attached. (Montana 270 win with 24" brl).

I had a 3200 and, like you, really like the weight and layout. Well thought out in my opinion.

I have the 3200 and the 1850

I'll be giving the 1850 to a good buddy of mine but like the 3200

The 3200 is a great size for a daypack that will hold all of my simple day gear and a puffer. It will also haul a decent amount of meat for a better than average 1st trip.

There are no doubt better packs but I think the 3200 will fit my needs very well as I hunt from a truck camp and not a pack in camp

I looked at the 3200 as a single do-all pack. My issue is that I have a short torso - 17" from Illac Crest to C-7. Alot of packs are simply too long and/or feel really weird when adjusted down all the way. Because of this, I felt a 3200 do-all pack was too big for daypack duty - for me - and not quite big enough to do 2-3 days. I ended up buying a 5200 and an 1850 - 5200 for backpack, 1850 for dayhunt with ability to haul rack and/or boned quarter on the first trip out. For 'normal' guys, I think the 3200 would work well as a do-all pack.

Hey Scott - you live in Russell, PA in Warren County? I've hunted and fished that area quite a bit. I'm from Crawford County (Meadville).

Glad to see your liking the pack! Great choice. I used 2 of the extra straps that came with my 1850 bag and adapted them so I could attach the lid to fit with my 1850 bag. Pretty handy when packing out a quarter with the 1850.
Here's a few pics of it.

bwinters - Yep Russell Warren County. I'm only a few miles from the Reservoir and ANF.

Make sure all your zipper pulls are cordage...

The kuiu holder is worth it. It allows a quick release for fast access to your rifle. I use the same set up but 3200.