kuiu icon pro vs. exo mountain pack?

westenvy · Oct 24, 2014

I also have the just one pack and would love to sell it. I tried my buddies Exo Mountain and it was night and day difference. I wouldn't have been nearly the pain from packing out an elk if I was using his pack and not mine.

LaHunter · Oct 24, 2014

I had an Eberlestock J34 that I used during my Oct 2013 mule deer hunt. I upgraded to the Icon Pro 5200 this year. The Icon Pro is in a different class than the J34. There is no comparison in my opinion. Where the J34 will sag and sway with any weight in it, the Icon Pro hugs my back with no sag or sway. I have had both loaded to about 70# with a sand bag for training hikes, and the Icon Pro was much more comfortable. The waist belt is rock solid and it does not slip or slide at all for me. The shoulder straps are easily adjusted to your preference and very comfortable. I can't compare it to an Exo pack because I have never used one, but I am very happy with my Icon Pro 5200.

Good Luck

LaHunter · Oct 25, 2014

I did not pack in this year. We scouted / hunted from a base camp. When I loaded up my pack with my overnight gear (WM kodiak bag, Thermarest X-therm large pad, Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2 DP tent, and jetboil) + everything else, the pack is full except for the top lid. Also, I run a 3L camelback mil spec bladder. I actually carry it in an Exo bladder carrier inside the pack against the back panel. The top lid is what I would have available for food. I think I could get probably 3 days of food in the top lid. With a smaller sleeping bag, I could have more available room, but it can get cold in the Big Horns in October at night.

Hope this helps

TnArcher · Jan 24, 2015

Any other comparisons on these two? I'm about to pull the trigger on one as well.

BullDawg · Jan 24, 2015

I have an icon pro belt and straps and I put a ultra 6000 bag on it and was able to get 9 days worth of gear and it rides very comfortable. I was able to carry my camp and a load of elk meat and it was about as comfortable as 100 pounds can be for a few miles.

timk270 · Jan 27, 2015

I have used the 5200 for multiple 8 and 9 day trips and going in the pack was at max capacity, but it was very comfortable.
I am very happy with this set up

MWScott72 · Feb 6, 2015

I should get a chance to check out both at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake in a couple weeks. I'm looking forward to it. From all that I've read on both, I lean towards the Exo, but that could change after seeing them both up close.

I was really hoping Stone Glacier would be at the Expo as well, but no dice there.

JNDEER · Feb 7, 2015

I am not your build (6', 210). The icon did not like my hip and waist set up even with the new belt. Most guys in your build/frame have not issues with the Icon pro and really like the system.
The exo fits me and most guys of most shapes/builds better in general.

These, IMO, are two different types of packs. the Pro has that solid, rigid frame which acts more like a solid wall on your back then what you are accustom to in the J34 (internal stay frame). The Exo is much, much closer to the J34 if you like that feel of a "school backpack" on your back. This is just how I interpret the J34 because it is not too high on the neck and is narrow and tight to the body. The exo also have load lifters that actually work (so does Icon), but if you like the J34 and the feel of that type of pack the Exo will be more of what you are looking for. For more of a solid backing the Icon frame is better for that.

I have not loaded any animals/camps with either packs. All in house training with sand bags in load shelf and in the bag. For me, I preferred the Exo (5500).

michaelc10 · Feb 22, 2015

Both great packs , for me I thought the icon pro carried the weight better on my hips when taking some of the weight off my shoulder straps, cant go wrong with either pack , both great packs in my opinion, I have the 7200 and 1850 icon pro

Firefighter44 · Apr 10, 2015

Love the new ICON PRO. Been using the 7200 for some recent scouting trips just to get used to it and get the suspension system dialed into my body. Its been awesome, every feature seems to serve a purpose and is extremely comfortable. I highly recommend this pack!

BDice52 · Jul 22, 2015

Not to bring up an old topic but I have been struggling with this same question. Due to living on the east coast I don't get to do a lot of backpack hunting and usually am a short walk from my truck. But I am planning on a trip west for elk or mule deer (whichever I can draw) in the next 2-3 years. I want to start collecting gear now so the cost gets spread out over that time. I backpack a little and want a bag that will do 3-4 day camping trips here while I get in shape for hopefully a 4-6 day hunt out there.
As for carrying loads, I'm sure they are both well above my old army rucksack, so I don't doubt I'll be happy with the step up to either. Does anyone have any input on the organization of each. Or ideas on mods/packing styles that will help even the two. (Kuiu seems to have more built in, but I'm not sure how much is too much)

Thanks

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Dos Perros · Jul 22, 2015

Since this topic was originally posted KUIU has released the Ultra model of their packs, which are a good bit lighter. You might throw that one in the ring as well.

BDice52 · Jul 22, 2015

I saw that one but was unsure of how durable it would be at that weight, is anyone using one that could tell me how it holds up? Also it seemed vague as to if you could put meat between the frame and bag the way the icon does, unless I missed that part of the video

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Dos Perros · Jul 22, 2015

I think the main weight savings came from the frame, although I see they skimped on the Ultra pack with less pockets (no side pockets, no belt pouches), and a lighter/different buckle design (do not like on initial impression). You can absolutely put meat between the bag and the frame. That was the main reason I bought it even though I have a traditional backpacking pack I like pretty well already. I also like the idea of putting different bags on the same frame. Not sure if you can do that with the Exo?

BigSurArcher · Jul 22, 2015

Dos Perros said:
Since this topic was originally posted KUIU has released the Ultra model of their packs, which are a good bit lighter. You might throw that one in the ring as well.

The Ultra line (late Winter of 2014) actually came out about 5 months before the Icon Pro line (late Summer 2014).

Both lines use the exact same frame, so that's not where the weight savings comes from. The Ultras are lighter due to: lighter Cordura, fewer pockets and features, reduced build in the suspension.

akrem44 · Jul 23, 2015

I have the kuiu icon pro 7200 and i love it... holds weight well and has alot of pockets for organizing for the way you want it. I also recently attained the Mystery Ranch Marshall pack and to be honest it is the best pack i have ever put on my back. May not have as many pockets as the Icon pro but boy does it hold weight a whole lot better. Sits nice on the hips and seeing as the hip belt is thicker and more robust than the kuiu. MR makes good products and would be worth taking a look at if you want a great high end pack. Just my cent

kuiu icon pro vs. exo mountain pack?

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