Kuiu vs Mystery Ranch

Elkextreme · Nov 20, 2018

Looking to upgrade packs for 2019. Jist ordered Kuiu Icon Pro 3200 with harness but hasn't arrived yet. But I'm seeing that mystery Ranch is also having a sale on the pintler.
Anyone one out here have experience this itch any of this packs.
Thanks in advance

BluffGruff · Nov 20, 2018

Is this for a day hunt? No experience with either pack, but there are less expensive backpacking packs out there with all the same if not better features and materials. Only thing you'd maybe give up is a load shelf.

Elkextreme · Nov 20, 2018

This is for day hunt. Both have a meat shelf

hunt1 · Nov 20, 2018

So I will say I use my Kuiu as my primary pack while hunting and use it to pack out the first load, but I switch packs to my Mystery Ranch for the remaining loads. Mystery Ranch seems twice as heavy that's why the Kuiu gets used as primary, but the Kuiu is not as good for packing meat out but it will get by if you can only have one.

BluffGruff · Nov 20, 2018

I use my Gregory for everything. 95L, can carry 125lbs.
Friends use osprey aether 85s, both sinche down small. I see no need for a dedicated daypack-weighs about 1lb less than expedition packs, adds cost to own 2. Etc. I will say some packs are just better at extreme loads. Gregory is uncomfortable over 100 lbs.
Friend has stone glacier that comfortably carries 90+lbs per his report.

throwfar · Nov 20, 2018

Kifaru blows them both away IMO.

smokey172 · Nov 20, 2018

LAST EDITED ON Nov-20-18 AT 11:41AM (MST)[p]look at the Horn Hunter full curl. I looked at every pack imaginable and I decided that the modular system that horn hunter has was what I wanted. I like that you have the compactness of a day pack but the strength of a freighter frame all in one. You can also add a duffel for even more space. I packed out 2 mule deer and an elk so far this season and don't have anything bad to say about it. Its also about half the price of the packs you mentioned.

live4muleys · Nov 20, 2018

Seems there are many good backs out there. I looked at the Mystery ranch ones and really liked them. Haven't had the extra money to purchase one yet. My nephew got a badlands and loves it. He uses it for a day trip and packing. Packed an elk out and a whole deer out.

I think it all depends what you want and like.

efnm · Nov 21, 2018

I picked up a Kuiu on their recent nutso sale, to be used as a day pack. My Full Curl setup developed a squeak and just gets uncomfortable after a full day of hiking. Plus, it is heavy (Kuiu is 5lbs lighter) and rather clunky in my opinion with all sorts of unnecessary straps and buckles.

We shall see, I may send the kuiu back if it doesn't fit well.

smokey172 · Nov 21, 2018

I haven't had any experience with a squeak and I sure hop it doesn't develop one. Now it is definitely on the heavier side but I think it rides nice and haven't noticed any of comfort issues you noted. I do like all of the straps as that lets be strap quarters, clothes or other things to the outside of the pack. The biggest selling point in my opinion is the cost comparison, This pack had all the features I wanted or needed at I believe half the price. $240.00 vs over $500.00. Now I only purchased the full curl combo, not the system.

efnm · Nov 21, 2018

Don't get me wrong, I've been happy with mine other than the hip pain that happens when I hike multiple days with it. But that's just me and my boney-ass hips. I am currently using a Kifaru belt that is better but still not perfect.

The squeak is weird. I still haven't figured it out but it happened with every step and even my hunting partners noticed.

All of the straps can come in handy when fully loaded, but I realize that 90% of my usage is daypack mode and they are useless then. For dayhunts, the main pack alone with the wing pockets doesn't give me enough space. Adding the backpack on is clunky and heavy for what you get. In fact, I threw on a cheap "packable" backpack instead and was much happier.

All that said I was ready for a change and with the Kuiu sale I got a 2200 c.i. replacement to try for only $310. We shall see.

smokey172 · Nov 21, 2018

Wow that sounds like a great deal! My dad has a Sitka flash 32 and he likes it but it doesn't seem as durable as mine. He was also uncomfortable when we were packing elk. But he may not have had it adjusted properly with that heavy load.