Kuiu vs Kifaru

[BKHunter]

I was looking at both brands to buy a pack. If you have to lean either way which way would you go and why?

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

If I had the cash I would go with Kifaru, I have heard nothing but great things but are a big investment. I have a Kuiu pack and love it, you can't beat it for the price. The price tag difference is significant.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Same with me, I own a Kuiu daypack and backpack that use the same frame and really like it, but have heard very good things about Kifaru.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

I have Kifaru. Never used Kuiu. VERY happy with the pack. Load lifters are phenomenal and the pack belt really cinches down on the hips.

 

[eye in sky]

I've had my hands on both. I have friends that own them. Kifaru is definitely higher quality. It's worth the extra money. You may also consider Stone Glacier and Exo Mountain. I own a Stone Glacier Sky 5100 and I have no complaints. I also have a friend with an Exo 5500 and I think it's a very well made pack too.

 

[colohunter]

They are in two different leagues IMO. Kifaru being the better, although Kuiu is better than most. You get what you pay for and quality only hurts once.

 

[CoHiCntry]

I've owned and backpacked with both. Kifaru is the better of the two in my opinion. Expensive though!

 

[TimberJunkie]

Get what fits your needs. Buy a kuiu and a kifaru, return the one you don't like keep the best. I just bought a Kuiu and a Tenzing. I prefer the fit of Kuiu and returned the Tenzing. It cost me $8 in shipping to return the onend I didn't wan .

 

[LaHunter]

I have a Kuiu Icon Pro 5200 and really like it. In my opinion it carries wt very well. The pack layout works great for me as well. I have never used a Kifaru, but have read lots of great reviews about them. I hunt for about 2 weeks each year in WY, and I just didn't want to tie up $700-$1000 on a pack system. Maybe if I used a Kifaru pack, or if I lived in the mountain west where I would get more use from my pack, I may have a different opinion??
Anyway, I am very happy with my Kuiu
Good Luck

 

[go_deep]

Picked up a Kuiu a few months ago, and its really nice. Used it for a few small trip, nothing huge, but I did have both of my kids on the back of it to see how the weight rides, and I couldn't believe how lite they felt on my back. My kids are a combined weight of around 110 pounds. Looks like it's all about the price tag at this point, if you can buy the best do it, if you cringe at the thought of spending around 1K on a pack Kuiu is it.

 

[shedhead]

I've had both and now only use the Kifaru. I have the Kifaru Nomad and use it for everything, day pack, multi-day pack, etc... I sold the Kuiu after my first backpack hunt with it, it is a nice pack, but the waist belt didn't fit me well at all. The Kifaru is much more comfortable, but more expensive. If you have the money, you'll never regret buying a Kifaru pack. The newer Kuiu packs may be better than the earlier versions, I haven't tried them. If you search some classifides you can save a little on Kifaru. Many more options to choose from when buying a Kifaru pack over the Kuiu, just something to keep in mind.

 

[Arrowslinger]

I've packed out 4 critters in my Kuiu and dig it.

 

[freshta]

I own both. Kuiu is a great pack and I use it for deer hunting. Kifaru with duplex frame is bombproof. I use it for elk. I've loaded both with 80-100 lbs and the Kifaru handles much much better for me. As stated, it is a major investment though.

 

[Bughalli]

I recommend trying them before you buy one. Much like boots, they fit each person differently. In the past week I happen to be in Denver to visit family and drove through Dixon. Since I wouldn't mind getting a new pack this fall I stopped by both Kifaru and Kuiu to get fitted and test them out. I compared the Icon Pro to Kifaru's new duplex. Put 80lbs in each. I didn't do a hike or anything, but got a sense for how they fit my body, how they handled the load, comfort of hip belt design, fit to my back, pressure points, quality of load lifters, etc.. There were pros and cons to both of them, often in different areas. They're pretty different in fit (neither good nor bad, just different). Each had their shortcomings as well. I was hoping to find a clear answer and walk away with the feeling of "this pack is for me"' but that did't happen. Some of my older mountaineering packs are just as good or even better in some areas. They just don't have the newer lighter fabrics. I decided I needed to try an EXO pack (friend of a friend is willing to let me try his) and hopefully a Stone Glacier (very hard to find). Much like boots, I really don't want to buy one sight unseen and end up having to sell it because I'm not satisfied with the fit.

 

[jimss]

I was considering the same a couple years ago. I looked at the Kuiu reviews and wasn't too impressed. They may be ok for hunting but from the reviews I read weren't up to snuff for hefty loads. If it were me I would narrow it down to Stone Glacier or Kifaru. Stone Glacier didn't offer camo so that was one of several deciding factors in favor of Kifaru for me. Kifaru has the flexibility of adding different bags and accessories. I currently have a Timberline 2 and EMR II bags which seem like a great combo. For hefty-oversized loads I use the EMR II and for stealth hunting I prefer the Timberline 2. If you are in a pinch for $ you can often find nearly new Kifaru packs and frames on the classified section of Rokslide or Kifaru websites.

 

[7stwluver]

I have made the switch to kifaru. Owned a Kuiu and while nice it never fit my long torso right. After lots of research I bought the new duplex hunter frame with the carbon stays and a duplex timberline 2 bag. Coupled with a couple of belt pouches and an xtl lid I've got ample space for a 5-7 day hunt. Bag also compresses well an use it for day hunting etc. handles heavy loads quite well. Couldn't be happier with my current system. I'm hard on my gear and the icon just always felt thin especially the bag. Small zippers as well. Loved the overall layout and design of the bag just needed to be made from a stouter material for me. I measure at 25.5" torso and for the life of me without altering the carbon frame (cutting slots bigger) could not get a comfortable fit with a load over 15-20lbs. Try as I might. If your torso will fit I think they're a great pack. My hunting partner has a 5200 and loves it. Watch the classifieds over at Rokslide and eBay for good deals on complete kifaru systems or pieces. I bought mine new. Stopped in wheat ridge on the way home from a trip to have them show me how to dial the fit perfectly. Figured since it cost more than a truck payment surely they could help me dial the fit. Which they did. Amazing customer service is all I've ever had through kifaru on shelters packs and all gear.


Sent from NSA wire tapped device.

 

[aclawrence]

I bought a Kifaru and am hoping to pack out some public land whitetails with it this year. I went with the tactical ultralight frame. Because of the cost I have had to peice mine together a little bit at a time but it is a super nice pack.