Kuiu Pro Frame Talk

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I have the Pro Frame and Suspension with a Pro 2300 and a Pro Lt 5500. The 2300 is for whitetail and I grabbed the 5500 for backpacking and possible future out west hunts. I’ve only used the Pro System with the 2300 for three hunts but I think I’m really going to like this system a lot. The 2300 is already very familiar to me since I came from the venture 2300. The Pro 2300 is beefier, and has better pack accessories. This pack is so comfortable for me which is why I’m sticking with it. I’m not really using the bag a whole lot right now though. My saddle, rope and platform just lash to the outside and everything get cinched down. Small items go in the top pouch mostly. I’m considering getting the pack load hauler and running it with a the lid from my 5500 bag. I think that would be an ‘all I need’ set up for whitetail while maintaining plenty of capacity for hauling a deer out of the woods when necessary.

I’ll throw up some pictures of what I’m working with soon. If you found the Kuiu frame works for you please share what you’re using and what you like.

 

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73 lbs as weight on my scale at home. It was a short walk and a 2 mile bike ride. This pack rocks when it counts. It fits me really well so im just dealing with carrying the weight not fighting hot spots. Glad I was able to break it in before the season closed.

 

[gcr0003]

We were invited to go on a short overnight backpacking trip last weekend even though we looked packed out for a 2 week excersion. I had picked up one of the the PRO LT 5500 bags a while back on sale for hiking trips, possible elk hunting trip, and because I wanted a lid for my frame and the 5500 came with one. The 5500 is a 90 L which is huge! It made for packing the bulky camping stuff like sleeping bag, pillow, etc. a breeze and I didn’t even come close to maxing it out. We were only planning to hike like 4-6 miles but ended up in a mess of a plan that ended with us doing 13.5 miles in one afternoon. My wife and I overpacked because we didn’t think we were going far. I brought some extra goodies for camp like a small cooler with a couple beers to enjoy and coffee for in the morning. That pushed me to 45lbs and the Mrs was at about 35. It was more than we would typically take and it definitely wore us out. The frame pack was very comfortable at this weight. I did get sore on the collar bone by the 10 mile mark. I’m very satisfied with this pack system as I can easily change out bags to serve different trip functions.

 

[BTaylor]

I am most impressed that you did 13 miles in them sandals. Looks like you have your setup dialed in well.

 

[gcr0003]

I am most impressed that you did 13 miles in them sandals. Looks like you have your setup dialed in well.

I would never hike that in sandals. One of the guys with us did hike the whole thing in chacos but he’s extra granola. I hiked in my Obos and my feet thanked me. This was in the morning on the hike out and it was only .5 miles lol

 

[BTaylor]

extra granola has been added to the list to use

 

[bigcat93]

Can you run the pro 2300 bag with just suspension or is it worth going all in?

 

[gcr0003]

Can you run the pro 2300 bag with just suspension or is it worth going all in?

I don’t think so because the bag is attached and supported by the carbon fiber frame. In my opinion it’s worth picking one up used or when they have their 30-40% sale on their packs at the end of season. I love the kuiu pro frame system.

 

[bigcat93]

I don’t think so because the bag is attached and supported by the carbon fiber frame. In my opinion it’s worth picking one up used or when they have their 30-40% sale on their packs at the end of season. I love the kuiu pro frame system.

Was looking for a venture but seems they don’t sell anymore

 

[gcr0003]

Was looking for a venture but seems they don’t sell anymore

Yea it looks like it was replaced by the venture divide. That’s a shame because that was my favorite day pack. The divide is probably great too but I really liked the tall and skinny OML of the venture 2300. The pro venture 2300 is everything that I enjoyed about the venture 2300 with the added hauling capacity of a light weight frame. As long as I’m packing deer out I’ll be using this combo. If you’re not carrying a bunch of gear or packing out the frame system may be more than you need or want to fool with.

 

[bigcat93]

Think I found a 2300 venture, fingers crossed

 

[gcr0003]

I realized that i very rarely use the 2300 bag/pack in the early season save a few pockets and end up just compressing the bag and lashing everything to the outside. So now I’m trying another set up with no bag where the saddle and climbing necessities are lashed to the outside. With this config I still have a load hauler accessory underneath to attach the meat to the frame and a small accessory pouch for kill kit. I’m going to try this set up with the loadhauler over the gear as well, but I think on top is the quickest option for now. Climbing method is 2TC or SRT.

 

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Testing out different frame configurations. I’ve never stored a platform or stick in a bag but it’s very doable with the 2300. Plenty of space leftover.

 

[gcr0003]

I realized that i very rarely use the 2300 bag/pack in the early season save a few pockets and end up just compressing the bag and lashing everything to the outside. So now I’m trying another set up with no bag where the saddle and climbing necessities are lashed to the outside. With this config I still have a load hauler accessory underneath to attach the meat to the frame and a small accessory pouch for kill kit. I’m going to try this set up with the loadhauler over the gear as well, but I think on top is the quickest option for now. Climbing method is 2TC or SRT.View attachment 90844

Alternate with pouch on top