quote:

Originally posted by robthom:
Frostbit - thank you for thee link. I have not heard of them before.

Interestingly, these expedition size packs are about one pound, 0.4kg (approx), lighter than the Kirafu and nearly 1.5 pound lighter than the Mystery Ranch backpacks.

The adjustable load harness / suspension system looks interesting.

I wonder if the carbon fibre technology system gives it similar strength to the other bags?



Biggs300 - of the Kirafu G2 Longhunter Standard & Eberlestock packs, which would be the better suited for a clients' 5- 10 day trip into the back country?

quote:

Originally posted by robthom:
Thank you to everyone who wrote in with their experiences.

My experience has been limited to Berghaus Cyclops Roc (circa 65 litre) internal frame backpack, which has been used for weekend and travelling 'back packing'. So, all of your inputs have been useful & increased my knowledge.

Having trawled the internet, looking for information, I have come to some conclusions which people may disagree with.

There are three types of pack packs out there: mountaineering (the lightest), hunting & packers / haulers (the heaviset). I will include military backpacks in with 'haulers'.

I suspect part of the reason the haulers are the heaviest is due to the suspension frame and materials the bags are made from: they need to be 'wear resistant', especially if they will be frequently used (guides & soldiers). And maybe not treated with soft gloves.

I doubt the 'fly weight' mountaineering packs would last long under hunting conditions: sat on, used as a rest, put down on rough , jagged surfaces, rubbing against things, punctured / torn due to the natute of objects carried etc.

To be able to carry something like 65 - 80 pounds with some comfort, there is no getting away from the fact the bags need to be strong, made more robustly, read heavy.

For the visting hunter, I think the load hauling packs are too much of a good thing.

So, in my opinion, something in the 6500 to 7000 cubic inch class and weighing in at 7 - 7.5 pounds is my personal target.

Rememebering the battering my Cyclops Roc has received, I am nervous about the 'flyweight' construction of the Kuiu Icon bag with carbon fibre frame. I can see that getting broken too easily - carbon fibre being strong but would snap if sat on, crushed etc. At 6 pound and 7 ounces, it is a really light pack system and 7000 cubic inches is a good week long pack.

With this in mind, I think the 7 pound Kirafu Timberline series is the beter option. A bit heavier, same cubic capacity but is made of Cordura, with a 'double bottom' to the bag. So, it should be a lot more robust.

I like the idea of the Eberlestock back pack with it's central rifle scabbard. I have read conflicting experiences of Eberlestock back pack comfort with loads above 40 pounds.

This concerns me. Even the stiffer, larger J107 / Dragonfly model has mixed reviews.

I found the back pack reviews / comment of Aron Snyder on Eastmans website helpful (& the links following on from this to other sites provided by Google).

He has his doubts about the wear & tear factor in, an otherwise good, Kuiu back pack system. In the earlier models there were problems with the load lifters and some seams split according to a couple of the backpacking sites I found.

quote:

Originally posted by Vanderhoef:
I have the new KUIU Icon 5000 that's only been on one hunt but did haul 90-100 lbs with it for about 7 miles or so. Very comfortable and held up just fine but of course time will tell.

My guide had a Barney's pack and when my bear was ready to be loaded up for the trek back to camp he said "I'll carry the bear but you'll have to loan me your pack". I carried the bear.
The outfitter also had a Barney's and when he saw mine he immediately sold his Barney's (right before my eyes!) to one of his guides (not my guide)and ordered a KUIU. It arrived the day I flew home from my hunt.
I'm sure a Barney's will last quite a while but TO ME they are heavy, archaic and uncomfortable and look no different than most quality old-school packs like Kelty etc.
I hope my KUIU holds up but I'm fairly confident that they'll stand behind it if it fails in any way.

Regards,
Scott

quote:

Originally posted by Vanderhoef:
Jim, my outfitter, Seth Kroenke, bought one but my guide still has his Barney's pack. I don't think Seth has had a chance to use his yet...he's been busy flying hunters.
If you want to talk with customers I'd suggest the KUIU website and look at the forums. There have been a few failures but it was a quick fix (buckle I believe). I think most are real happy with it.
BTW I posted a hunt report here:http://forums.accuratereloadin...8321043/m/2351023971

Regards,
Scott

quote:

Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
There's something to be said for the difference between what's expected of an Alaskan guide's pack or Alaskan DIY hunter's pack and a guided Alaskan hunter's pack. The disparity between frequency and intensity of demands on both groups should not be ignored. Guides used, abused, and BROKE the first generation Kuiu packs. Perhaps the new and improved second try is better. Perhaps they "stand behind them". But what do they do when you have 120lbs to carry, your Kuiu pack breaks, and you're 5 miles from camp? Wait until Kuiu sends a bush flight out with your new pack? Will the Barney's hold up? Fuggetaboutit!!!!

Brett

PS. The Kuiu would be a good option for guided hunters.....along with many internal frame packs.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Been doing some further web searching and came up with this non-sponsored review that included the ICON. Same complaints about its use with heavy loads.

LINK

excerpts




"Patrick had brought quite a few of his new UL line of packs to the party, and I had a chance to try several packs on with 100 Lbs in them... I'll be the first to say it. a hundred pound pack sucks... At best, you're going to make it suck less. 100 Lbs in the KUIU Icon... Absolute PAIN... The waist band felt like it up-ended and was trying to cut me in half. You couldn't pay me to carry over 40 Lbs in one again."

quote:

Originally posted by Vanderhoef:
One other thing---not sure what you're inferring about guided hunters vs non-guided...? Being guided doesn't mean we're all fat slobs that need a babysitter. Nor do I place any less importance on my gear than a professional guide. I carry all my gear and ALWAYS pack (or help pack)my own animals. I was guided only because the state required it! On this specific trip I also hunted black bear UNGUIDED so please don't make assumptions. One other thing---I've met a few guides, even in AK, that had crap gear and marginal abilities so once again let's not assume that just because they earn money doing it that they are any more prepared or skilled than the hunters they're guiding! You of all people should know that...after all, just a couple of years ago you would have been one of those "guided" hunters.

quote:

Originally posted by robthom:
My aim, in about three years time (due to various commitments) is to hunt either in North America or in Central Asia &/or far East of the Russian Federation.

So, the type of hunting would be interior hilly / mountainous. Hopefullu not too boggey.

I will need to be able to use the pack to walk distances, to travel on horse back & walk distances & generally carry my stuff around during my other travels / work.

If I am paying circa $670 USD, I need to get the maximum usage out of it. My old Berghaus Cyclops Roc 65 - 70 litre backpack has travelled a lot and has been one of my best buys. It has survived bush airfields and international baggage gorrilas alike.