I'd buy a new Kifaru pack. If new is too much, watch a couple of forums for a used one at a good price. Daughter just bought their new Muskeg pack and I liked it a lot. Made in USA is nice as well.
I have organizational ocd. I need stuff to have it’s place. Furthermore I’m 6’5 285. The kuiu pack is borderline uncomfortable with anything over 40 lbs
I'm 6'7" and Kifaru makes frames that fit tall guys. And if you like stuff in its place, several packs have a multitude of zippers, plus the option for more pockets where needed. Give them a shout anyway and see what they can do for you.
Yep if over 40lbs is uncomfortable then that frame isn't for you. I did my first backpack hunt this fall and did 20-30 miles with 60-65 lbs on my Kifaru and was fine, and I'm not in shape (better now than I was a few months ago though ha). I'd looked at Kuiu, SG, Seek etc for a lighter pack but I love the customization of the Kifaru. I have a Reckoning, Guide Lid, Grab It II, 2 Medium Pockets, 1 Large Pocket, Organizer Pocket, Spotting Scope Pocket, Nalgene Holder, a Native, and a 26" Hunter frame. I can configure so many ways it's crazy. Love playing with it. Currently running the native without a frame for a treestand pack, added my nalgene holder, a medium pocket, and the organizer pocket to the PALs on the front of the pack.Can set up the Reckoning for anywhere from a gear intensive day hunt to up to a 12-14 day backcountry hunt.
The kuiu pack is borderline uncomfortable with anything over 40 lbs
You must not have the pack adjusted properly. I had two front quarters of an elk on my Kuiu frame last a couple weeks ago didn't find it uncomfortable (well, any heavy load is going to be uncomfortable to a degree).
Originally Posted by shrapnel
I probably hit more elk with a pickup than you have with a rifle.
Originally Posted by JohnBurns
I have yet to see anyone claim Leupold has never had to fix an optic. I know I have sent a few back. 2 MK 6s, a VX-6, and 3 VX-111s.
I use both the 1850 and 3200 on the same KUIU frame. The ability to do so was a key factor in my purchasing decision.
My feeling about a lot of pockets is I always end up looking in every pocket for whatever I'm looking for. My solution is to use a few pockets, and, in the main compartment, use readily identifiable packaging (baggies, dry bag, etc.) to separate important items. I find it is much faster and more convenient.
There are a lot of adjustments to the KUIU pack/frame/belt combination. It is easy to get it out of whack and that can make it uncomfortable. KUIU doesn't really help if you aren't experienced with the adjustments. I'd love to see a detailed KUIU guide to the adjustments and tradeoffs.
Last edited by Rodell; 12/03/18.
"Think about how stupid the average person is, and then think that half of the people are stupider than that" - George Carlin
I use both the 1850 and 3200 on the same KUIU frame. The ability to do so was a key factor in my purchasing decision.
There are a lot of adjustments to the KUIU pack/frame/belt combination. It is easy to get it out of whack and that can make it uncomfortable. KUIU doesn't really help if you aren't experienced with the adjustments. I'd love to see a detailed KUIU guide to the adjustments and tradeoffs.
At one time, I had prostaff purchasing for Badlands. I've owned countless packs from them, Mystery Ranch and now KUIU. I'll be the first to preach that you must find what works for you. Drinking the Kool Aid from one company or another could only lead to an uncomfortable pack. Sadly, I've see too many people with the incorrect pack size or one not properly adjusted. For multiple reasons, I am a huge fan of the KUIU pack system. Speaking from first hand experience, a KUIU frame not properly adjusted is not comfortable at all. I learned this after my brother made a minor adjustment to my frame.
Snap a side profile picture with the pack loaded with 20-25 lbs, and we can get the frame fitted right up.
BTW, the pack is fitted based on your torso length. Your overall height has nothing to do with a properly fitted pack. I'm 5'10" and my brother is 6'-5" (yeah don't ask what the hell happened to me) but we have almost the same torso length. He just happens have freakishly long legs or my are just short.
Last edited by huntem; 12/03/18.
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Cuius est solum, eius est usque ad caelum et ad inferos
Thank you huntem, that's helpful. I still need a little help as my load changes. I was on Kodiak a couple of weeks ago and I felt like I just couldn't get it right throughout the trip. The pack served me well but I don't feel I got everything right.
"Think about how stupid the average person is, and then think that half of the people are stupider than that" - George Carlin