I’m looking at the Sitka and Kuiu packs. The purpose is dayhunting from a base camp with the possibility of bringing out a first load (likely backstraps, horns). I was leaning toward the Sitka Gear Flash series but after talking with them, they indicated the Flash series was more of a true day pack. It could handle some packing duties but they thought it would be uncomfortable.

I’m looking at the Kuiu Icon Pro series, namely the 1850. I also really like the one frame, multiple bag scenario available on the Kuiu. Anyone running a Kuiu Icon Pro 1850 for day hunting?

I like it.
I've been reading some of the replies to the other thread and am considering the 1850 for myself.

Where are you located in the Smokies? I have an 1850 you could finger if you are close to Knoxville.

Deal! I live in Maryville but work in downtown Knoxville. Let me know where you are and I'll come to you. I greatly appreciate the offer. Thanks.

I have the 1850 and the 3200

I like them both but favor the 3200

I really like my 1850.

My 3200 will easily get half a boned elk out.

Question for the guys running the 3200 - can you comfortably bivy in for 2-3 days in mid-late October elk season?

I'm looking hard at an 1850 - 5200 combo. In fact, someone has that exact combo listed on a website for sale. He wants a bit too much at the moment but we haven't negotiated yet <G>

My goal is to bivy in with 5200, take the 1850 bag, set camp, switch packs, and hunt from 1850. A couple of guys have said they do just that. I tried to like the Horn Hunter full Curl system but just didn't care for the frame and 'compactness' of the smaller bag on the big frame. The Kuiu system seems to be of narrower design.

That was my original plan but I changed my mind at the last second and purchased the 3200. Can easily stay for 2-3 days with it. It carries day items and light gear for a few days very well.

It serves its purpose well and will carry all the meat that you want to carry back out. I won't feed you full of crap and say it does it more comfortably than my Kifaru's because it doesn't. It did pack out parts of about 11 elk last year and I never once thought to switch to my Kifaru's.

Here it is with both bone in fronts, backstraps and day gear ready for walk back to trailhead.

wyo - if I understand, you use the 3200 for both day hunts and 2-3 bivy's? How does it work in day hunt mode? I would think it might be a bit big for strictly dayhunting.

When compared to the Kifaru Bikini and Highcamp bag I've been lugging for a few years, its a pleasure.

We take a different view on daypacks. Always have something to bring back a sizable load of meat with you.

I see nothing wrong with your plan of the combo. In fact, another member on here that will be packing parts of my elk in New Mexico this year has the exact same setup.

Does your rifle cary comfortable in the pocket or is it too high?

Rides very comfortable in that pocket. If you were timber busting, it would be a tad too high in that position. I had a pretty open trail all the way back. I also have their version of the gun bearer. It works well too. You can see it attached at the bottom right of the photo.

I attach my rifle the same as wyoelk. I have the kuiu gun sling also but it doesn't work well for me. The rear of my rifle is to big to fit the gun sling due to my stock pack.

I have no idea why they made those so small. My rifles fit, but the butt sticks a little when you try to pull it out fast.

I'm going to modify mine and add some material and make it way larger. It's a good setup and I like how it holds the rifle and the strap to the pack works great.