QUICK-ADVICE:Kuiu Icon 1850 VS Eberlestock X2

LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
I used an Eberlestock J34 last year. I have the Icon Pro 5200 now with limited training time with it at close to 70#. I would pick the Icon Pro 5200 over the J34 without question. When I had 40+ lbs in my J34, I really felt it. The pack would slip and sag. The Icon Pro is solid with no slip or sag. With the pack loaded to 69-70#, it rides well. It seems to be in a totally different class than the J34. I know these aren't the model packs you asked about, but hope this info helps.
 
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mnhunter

Active Member
Aug 23, 2011
226
0
Andover, Minnesota
Some guys really like the Eberlestocks, but they don't fit me right, or I just don like the feel. I would go towards the Kuiu. Personally, I am a Mystery Ranch fan. I know they are a little heavier, but they are bombproof. If I was looking at packs comparable to the ones you mentioned, I would also check out the MR Dragon Slayer, and if you wanted to invest in a modular pack system check out the Crewcab and Longbow. The Stone Glaciers are great packs too.
 
I would look at the Kuiu Ultra. I have the 3000 and 6000 bags for it. Even with the 6000 bag the Ultra is lighter than the Icon 1850. And the ultra bags compress to nothing so it like having a daypack and a week long backpacking bag all in one.
 

sodaksooner

Member
Jul 7, 2014
88
0
I have both. I would do KUIU in an instant, however there is one caveat. The x2 is a little bigger. If i were to do it again I would get the icon 3000ish size(i like pockets so the ultra was not an option). The x2 can hold a lot of stuff for a 2000 ci pack, but the suspension system is light years behind the kuiu. The x2 is also not very adjustable and if you are halfway tall at all you won't like it. The load lifters are worthless. The waist belt cant get tight enough and I always ended up carrying most of the load on my shoulders.

All that being said, I still use the x2 for treestand hunting.

Kuiu hands down between the two.
 

Bob

New Member
Apr 29, 2012
24
0
N.W. Oregon
I have the Kuiu 1850 and an older 3000 bag that fits the frame. The rest were sent down the road..........
YMMV,
 

jay

Active Member
Mar 10, 2011
462
0
TriCountyNM
Thanks guys, I went ahead and got the ICON 1850 with the hip belt pouches left and right and the gun holder. Thanks for the input...BTW, in case you guys didn't know, KUIU has the Icon 1850 on they're outlet section of the website for $105 in the gray and brown color. Its probably the old model but I think its still a great deal. It doesn't come with the frame however, but you can get that seperate and use with any of the other packs. Just thought i'd let you all know. Thanks again for the input! Jay
 

sodaksooner

Member
Jul 7, 2014
88
0
FYI....i just looked but I don't believe that one has the frame. You can run the icon without the frame as well. Might double check before you order....
 

ore hunter

Very Active Member
Jul 25, 2014
699
114
I had a x-2 a couple years ago,,,hated it terrible.got rid of it after 1 hunt,,,,just picked me up the blacks creek remedy 7 pack system and like the fit,,,really good folks at blacks creek,,,got it directly from there factory location in caldwell idaho.
 

MT dreaming

Member
Aug 14, 2013
58
0
I bought an X2 about a year ago for this fall. I like the size of the pack but had a hard time getting comfortable in it-it felt too short. To get the weight off my shoulders the hip belt was around my stomach not on my hips. I am only about 5' 10". I may be selling it to get something else.
 

ore hunter

Very Active Member
Jul 25, 2014
699
114
I bought a x-2 used it once and went back to my old pack,,,absolutly go with the icon 1850,,,that x-2 was horible.
 

chiefgobbler

Active Member
Jun 26, 2011
172
15
Central California
I purchased the Icon Pro 1850 last year with the hip belt pouches and gun holder. Love it. The carbon frame fits great and the ability to haul game out with a unit that can be used as a day pack is a great plus. I also like the ability to buy a larger pack bag that will fit the same frame in the future. I helped pack two antelope and two deer with it last year and it worked great. The only negative I had was with a hip pouch. I stored a hard sided case in one of the pouches and it rubbed a hole in the side of the pouch very easily. I make sure nothing hard is stored in the pouches now.