I’ve been using a Kuiu venture 1800 for the past year and a half. I’m pretty happy with the bag, and would give it a 8/10.
The pack is big enough to hold saddle, ropes, knee pads etc in main compartment. Has some additional organizational capacity on front (lumbar strap, folding saw), top (range finder, grunt tube, monocular, (inside zippered org pouch holds tags and some snacks)), and 2 inside “lid” of main compartment (keep rarely used items, TP, zip ties, knife, fire kit, etc). Hip belt pockets are spacious, and hold headlamp, ever calm in one and pull rope and wind check in other.
So the pack carries everything I NEED, and nothing really more. The hip belt is ROBUST, and I’ve carried this on hikes with 25lbs+ and been comfortable all day. In the same breath, once I get up the tree the stiffness of the hip belt can kind of be a pain… usually depends on the tree and setup. Basically, I think one has to make a decision on comfort here, and where you want it… on the walk in, or up in the tree, I haven’t found a system that can truly give both.
Outside of pack has attachment points for days. I usually carry 2-4 full length xop sticks, and Xop platform. The sticks are strapped to the side of the pack with the cinch straps, and then up through the platform. It carries very securely and quietly through the woods (for full length sticks which obvious catch more brush than shorts). This bag uses 1/2” webbing for the strap. I wish they used a thicker webbing here, but it’s holding up well so far, I’ll probably put some sheathing/protectors on soon just to keep them in good shape.
The material is strong. Could be a little quieter, but not terrible. Zippers same thing. The bag feels very solid.
Honestly I like this bag layout enough that I’ll probably up size to the venture 2300. The cinch straps look 3/4”+ on the bigger bag, and there is actually a second anchor/set of straps across the front. So instead of same straps holding sticks and platform, the side straps could hold sticks, and the front could hold the platform. Hoping the extra 500ci will let me get a fanatic coat and or lunch in there too (if no saddle)
Biggest pro: super comfortable to hike with, durable materials.
Biggest con: feels like a small 1800 (BC of bag profile/cut), can want to roll open in the tree if heavy things in top pocket.