Initial Impression Kuiu Icon 5200

Vince · Jun 1, 2014

I just got my Kuiu Icon 5200 pack.
Initial impressions are very favorable. Well thought out design, great organization, and very comfortable. Fitment is very easy. Tonight I put forty pounds in my pack to fit it to me. Easiest fitting I've ever had in a pack. Meat shelf is great in that it's designed to put the load, weight, where you can more easily carry it instead of down low where it hurts your back and shoulders. The frame is lightweight yet seems stronger than any punishment I can dish out.
Padding is more than adequate so far. I'll test this throughout the year and update as I discover more about this pack.

Vince

Vince · Jun 5, 2014

OK,

Just did 40 minutes on the treadmill with fifty pounds in the pack.

I can honestly say, This pack ROCKS!!!

Fitment is easy peasy. I didn't feel like I had 1/3 of my bodyweight on my back for the 40 minute workout. It held the weight well, padding was sufficient in both the hip belt and shoulder straps, and the carbon fiber frame allowed for better breathability than a standard internal frame but fit like an internal frame in that it moved with me.

EOD Diver · Jun 6, 2014

Nice. I've been eyeing one of these packs. I love my mystery ranch expedition pack on loan from my Uncle Sam, but it is a little heavy to carry hunting as a day pack after I dump out my coyote/spike camp. I'm looking forward to your review after the end of the season.
Joe

Vince · Jun 7, 2014

EOD,
The 5200 pack is designed for 3 to 5 day packing/hunting trips if I recall correctly. I knew I'd likely never be out more than four days on any backpacking trip so I went with the 5200 as opposed to the 7200.
Sounds like you already have the multi day pack situation covered.

Vince

Powerstroke · Jul 24, 2014

Vince -

Great pack. I just received my Ultra 6000 & will probably look at the Icon Pro 5200 after this season.
I've got a few miles on it and really like it so far. If all goes as planned I'll get the upcoming weekend to try it out at least overnight.

Vince · Nov 2, 2014

This pack rocks!
I used it on my recent coues hunt and loved it. The padding in the hips and shoulders is more than sufficient and the pack held up very well in the harsh desert environment that coues favor. It moves with you when bushwhacking and doesn't compromise your balance. The organizational pockets are well thought out. I could easily use this for a five to seven day hunt if I was so inclined.
I made a good choice I think.

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Vince · Nov 2, 2014

Typo

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Powerstroke · Nov 8, 2014

Unfortunately a month and a half in the high country was rough on the Ultra 6000. I ended up with three separate holes in it - just not a reassuring feeling if needed to pack and elk out for miles. I have no qualms with the fit, as you stated Vince, it feels great. KUIU provided great customer service however. I requested to have the smaller 3000 series pack that I'll use for a day pack, and go with a Kifaru next year for my extended hunts and heavy hauling.

Vince · Nov 8, 2014

I wonder if the new Icon Pro has a beefier material?
I was in the mesquite pretty heavy, known for putting holes in men, grear, and even thick skinned animals with no holes in my pack.

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Vince · Jan 28, 2015

An update on this pack.

Finally broke down and used the pack in what Kuiu calls the load sling mode. It's pretty easy to convert from a pack to a cargo hauler. The hardest thing is threading the straps on the load lifter tension locks. It keeps the load well positioned and the weight where it belongs.

The negatives. Not many but another strap to help hold the load against the frame would be beneficial. Also, better instructions on how to thread the load lifter straps for load sling mode would be appreciated. They kept pulling out when I picked up the pack. That got a little frustrating. In fact a set of paper instructions would be nice instead of having to go to YouTube to watch instructional videos for anything regarding this pack would be appreciated. I'd like to have both the paper instructions and the option of the videos.

So far I've only had 67 pounds in the pack in load sling mode while walking on the treadmill. The load was very well secured, never shifted, and it was well positioned. I'll gradually increase the weight over the year as I get in shape for moose season.

Vince

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