Author Topic: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500 (Read 5199 times)

hawken · « **on:** June 11, 2011, 09:17:08 PM »

Kuiu Icon and MR Nice

Scope and tripod pocket

Two puleys on waist belt

Inside pockets and meat cell

MR is about 9 3/4 lbs and the Kuiu is about 5 3/4 lbs
MR has 1" straps and buckels and the Kuiu has 3/4 "
The Kuiu has many more Pockets for all your camp gear, 17 in total.

Let me know if you have any more questions or if you would like to see the pack.

sheepguide · « **Reply #1 on:** June 11, 2011, 10:40:04 PM »

Quote from: hawken on June 11, 2011, 09:17:08 PM

That shows what scared me away from the Kuiu pack. Ill have to see what guys think of the suspension system under heavy loads but it sure looks like it will have pressure points on you upper back.
When carrying loads in excess of 100lbs alot of force is put on your back. Most companies make solid pieces to support against your back(such as the MR shown does) but the Kuiu doesnt it has the two seperet shoulder straps that continue around and support against your upper back. Hope it works but just cant see it in my head how it will.

Thanks for posting Hawken.
SG

Wrongside · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2011, 09:15:37 AM »

Thanks for the photo review, hawken.

That's quite the weight difference between the MR6500 and Kuiu6000. Please let us know your impressions of the two packs relative performance under under heavy load... when ya can.

Thanks again.

The Sheep Reaper · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2011, 09:16:23 AM »

Quote from: sheepguide on June 11, 2011, 10:40:04 PM

Quote from: hawken on June 11, 2011, 09:17:08 PM

That shows what scared me away from the Kuiu pack. Ill have to see what guys think of the suspension system under heavy loads but it sure looks like it will have pressure points on you upper back.
When carrying loads in excess of 100lbs alot of force is put on your back. Most companies make solid pieces to support against your back(such as the MR shown does) but the Kuiu doesnt it has the two seperet shoulder straps that continue around and support against your upper back. Hope it works but just cant see it in my head how it will.

Thanks for posting Hawken.
SG

Sheep,

Just of reference the Kifaru UL series has the same type of harness with the straps being rased in the back for ventelation and weight reduction and by all accounts they are very comfy and carry a load well. I have not tried either pack so cannot say from first hand experience though if either one carrys like "they" say. I held off on the pack for now until i see how they shake out and also to save up for one

[attachment deleted 180 days old]

Deer Hunter · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2011, 11:20:14 AM »

Good post!

Wild Images · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2011, 12:46:10 PM »

Threw a 50 lbs sack of feed in the 6500 yesterday before work and adjusted it to my short ass
no pressure on the shoulders, pack felt great. Will ramp up the weight and keep the results posted

Dewey · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2011, 09:55:56 AM »

I have owned/used two Kfaru packs and a total of eleven packs designed/made by Dana Gleason, Dana Design and Mystery Ranch, this includes his frame packs, DD expediton packs (2) and smaller packs. I still have my first I bought in 1978 and it served me very well in constant use for many years and is in excellent condition. I have also had many other highend packs and used them in Alberta and all over BC, for 40+ years of bush work and recreation.

I agree with "Sheepguide" and I found that the Kifaru Longhunter was OK up to about 70 lbs and uncomfortable after that; I also had the "Siwash" and it would go to about 35 lbs. and then just crapped out. My Gregory Denali Pro was painful after 50 lbs and most of the others hurt after a couple of hours and such loads.

I do not see how the Kuiu suspension will handle heavy weight and after discussing it with SG via PMs here, I think he is righton. I often carry 80-100 lbs in my DD and MR packs to train for backpacking and even in rugged BC mountain country, this is comfortable. Mystery Ranch are, dollar for dollar, the best production packs I have ever carried and are worth every penny of their cost. BTW, I have never met Dana or any of his staff and I pay full price for my packs I buy from them. my comments here, as on any item of gear I recommend are based on my use and not on any "sponsorship" by any gear maker, although several have offered me the opportunity to get free gear if I would write reviews and advertising copy. MR just rocks!

Rackmastr · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2011, 08:22:27 PM »

Quote from: Dewey on July 07, 2011, 09:55:56 AM

Mystery Ranch are, dollar for dollar, the best production packs I have ever carried and are worth every penny of their cost. MR just rocks!

That about sums it up right there!!!

I do agree with ya on seeing how the KUIU performs when it comes to 100lb plus loads. The MR stuff leads and exceeds when it comes to heavy loads!!

MountainTi · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2011, 08:35:25 PM »

Quote from: Rackmastr on July 07, 2011, 08:22:27 PM

Quote from: Dewey on July 07, 2011, 09:55:56 AM
Mystery Ranch are, dollar for dollar, the best production packs I have ever carried and are worth every penny of their cost. MR just rocks!

That about sums it up right there!!!

I do agree with ya on seeing how the KUIU performs when it comes to 100lb plus loads. The MR stuff leads and exceeds when it comes to heavy loads!!

Hopefully MR can come up with a decent system for packing a rifle comfortably and that doesn't hinder movement, they may be worth checking out if that ever becomes the case

Rackmastr · « **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2011, 08:44:17 PM »

Quote from: MountainTi on July 07, 2011, 08:35:25 PM

Quote from: Rackmastr on July 07, 2011, 08:22:27 PM
Quote from: Dewey on July 07, 2011, 09:55:56 AM
Mystery Ranch are, dollar for dollar, the best production packs I have ever carried and are worth every penny of their cost. MR just rocks!

That about sums it up right there!!!

I do agree with ya on seeing how the KUIU performs when it comes to 100lb plus loads. The MR stuff leads and exceeds when it comes to heavy loads!!

Hopefully MR can come up with a decent system for packing a rifle comfortably and that doesn't hinder movement, they may be worth checking out if that ever becomes the case

Doesnt seem like they are leaning that way, but I'd bet that one day they'll look at it. Thats a minor thing for me as I just strap it on and hunt. But yep, some guys prefer a scabbard system, etc. For me, they're WELL worth owning and the leader in my books in spite of it.

MountainTi · « **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2011, 08:52:14 PM »

Hopefully MR can come up with a decent system for packing a rifle comfortably and that doesn't hinder movement, they may be worth checking out if that ever becomes the case
[/quote]

Doesnt seem like they are leaning that way, but I'd bet that one day they'll look at it. Thats a minor thing for me as I just strap it on and hunt. But yep, some guys prefer a scabbard system, etc. For me, they're WELL worth owning and the leader in my books in spite of it.
[/quote]
I'm quite surprised they haven't gone with a scabbard system yet, hopefully they do some day. I'm sure they would be a decent enough pack to try out someday if they do

Rackmastr · « **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2011, 09:06:57 PM »

Quote from: MountainTi on July 07, 2011, 08:52:14 PM

Hopefully MR can come up with a decent system for packing a rifle comfortably and that doesn't hinder movement, they may be worth checking out if that ever becomes the case

Doesnt seem like they are leaning that way, but I'd bet that one day they'll look at it. Thats a minor thing for me as I just strap it on and hunt. But yep, some guys prefer a scabbard system, etc. For me, they're WELL worth owning and the leader in my books in spite of it.
[/quote]
I'm quite surprised they haven't gone with a scabbard system yet, hopefully they do some day. I'm sure they would be a decent enough pack to try out someday if they do
[/quote]

I'm not really suprised myself. There are several big name pack makers that dont make a 'scabbard' system that do really well and sell a pile of packs to guys who dont want or need a system. Eberlestock has the market for guys who want a scabbard on their back, and Kifaru runs the Gunbearer, but other than that there are a LOT of serious packs without scabbards. I'm guessing if they did something it would be on their military line first, but who really knows.

Dewey · « **Reply #12 on:** July 08, 2011, 06:38:04 AM »

That is a minor concernabout a heavy load pack as there are several methods of comfortably and safely carrying a gun on a pack. I have a Kifaru Combat Gunbearer, the best item Kifaru makes, IMHO, attached by one of their "Long Universal" straps to all of my hunting packs and have a couple of spares which sometimes go on my other packs, if I want to pack my bear gun.

I have other methods, such as an old "Booney Packer" sling I have had for years and which I like for my drilling and O/U combo gun and I also have a Cabela's hook and grip holder for my packboard. They all work and do not cost much to buy and install.

Many carry a rifle with the butt in the flat pockets sewn on wach side of the MR packbags and attached by the compression straps, however, I do not like this and prefer the Gunbearer and my homemade "safety strap" to backup the Kifaru topstrap.

The fit, design and buld quality of the MR packs is what makes them so superior and this should be the first concern of any serious mountain hunter, all other considerations are secondary to these.

MountainTi · « **Reply #13 on:** July 08, 2011, 09:05:54 AM »

Quote from: Dewey on July 08, 2011, 06:38:04 AM

That is a minor concernabout a heavy load pack as there are several methods of comfortably and safely carrying a gun on a pack. I have a Kifaru Combat Gunbearer, the best item Kifaru makes, IMHO, attached by one of their "Long Universal" straps to all of my hunting packs and have a couple of spares which sometimes go on my other packs, if I want to pack my bear gun.

I have other methods, such as an old "Booney Packer" sling I have had for years and which I like for my drilling and O/U combo gun and I also have a Cabela's hook and grip holder for my packboard. They all work and do not cost much to buy and install.

Many carry a rifle with the butt in the flat pockets sewn on wach side of the MR packbags and attached by the compression straps, however, I do not like this and prefer the Gunbearer and my homemade "safety strap" to backup the Kifaru topstrap.

The fit, design and buld quality of the MR packs is what makes them so superior and this should be the first concern of any serious mountain hunter, all other considerations are secondary to these.

To me it is actually more of a major concern. The only time I am wearing a heavy load pack, I am also carrying a rifle. When I carry a rifle, I want it to be comfortable and unobstructive. I have looked at the Kifaru gunbearers, and they would not work for me. If I am in any kind of nasty terrain where I am doing my best to not go ass over teakettle down a mountainside, the last thing I want is my rifle barrel waving in front of my face and underneath my arm that I may be using for climbing or pulling myself up. I would much prefer to carry it on the side of my pack with the butt down and barrel up, but that isn't much fun if you are bush crashing. That method also requires you load your pack differently to balance the load.
What works for me is my rifle centered in by back and tucked away so I don't even know it's there, but that is just me and what works.
As for the fit, design, and quality, I'm not sure. The reason I have an Eberlestock and not a MR is because I like it. It definately isn't the difference is cost, that isn't an issue. The 107 fits me great and is very comfortable, desing is great, lot's of compartments and storage and qualilty seems to be holding up quite nicely, been many miles put on it and still looks new with zero problems

Dewey · « **Reply #14 on:** July 08, 2011, 09:34:50 AM »

I have spent most of my 65 years in BC, but, have also packed rifles while working in Alberta, for the AFS, so, I am familiar with packing a rifle in rugged terrain, I was born and raised in the West Kootenays. One can attach the KGB on various part of your pack and thus not have the rifle in front of you and have your arms free, I will do this when I think it best. I have usually fastened my rifles to my pack on the back, muzzle up as I do not want to damage the crown; I have a lot of highend hunting rifles and am careful with them, but, I have yet to damage one by doing this and am generally happy with it.

A buddy bought an Eberlestock and brought it to my home for my opinion, I get quite a few guys coming here to check out my gear, guns and ask advice in person...I sometimes will mount a scope, demonstrate how to waterproof boots, sharpen a knife and so forth....my impression was not very favourable in respect of quality compared to MR or even Kifaru.

That said, what is important is that, if YOU are happy with Eberlestock or ANY other pack for what YOU are doing, then that is the best pack for you. I would go with custom-built "full Dyneema" McHale packs and my two Bozeman-Made Dana Design Terraframe packs, a Shortbed and a Longbed Loadmaster, by choice, but, since I am "old", my income is less than it was and I now have all these MR and DD packs, I will stay with them.

My major complaint about MR packs is that the load lifters on the NICE Frame will not work for people taller than about 5'8" and while I am of this height and built like a tank and so they really work for me, this is a major flaw, IMO. I asked MR years ago, to do something about this, but, the most recent reply is that they are swamped with military contracts and so have no production space for new designs and alterations.....what can ya do!

If, you want the best and can pay the price, look into a McHale Expedition pack of full Dyneema and you will not regret it, major coin, but, for the serious sheep/goat hunter, who will bone his meat and hunts alone or with one pard, nothing comes close and I would have one if I were 10-15 years younger.

sheepguide · « **Reply #15 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:40:06 AM »

Quote from: Rackmastr on July 07, 2011, 08:44:17 PM

Quote from: MountainTi on July 07, 2011, 08:35:25 PM
Quote from: Rackmastr on July 07, 2011, 08:22:27 PM
Quote from: Dewey on July 07, 2011, 09:55:56 AM
Mystery Ranch are, dollar for dollar, the best production packs I have ever carried and are worth every penny of their cost. MR just rocks!

That about sums it up right there!!!

I do agree with ya on seeing how the KUIU performs when it comes to 100lb plus loads. The MR stuff leads and exceeds when it comes to heavy loads!!

Hopefully MR can come up with a decent system for packing a rifle comfortably and that doesn't hinder movement, they may be worth checking out if that ever becomes the case

Doesnt seem like they are leaning that way, but I'd bet that one day they'll look at it. Thats a minor thing for me as I just strap it on and hunt. But yep, some guys prefer a scabbard system, etc. For me, they're WELL worth owning and the leader in my books in spite of it.

Strapping a rifle to a pack works to carry it for sure. Thats how I carry mine. But its is a major down fall when in a hunting situation or emergency situation. Ive hunted and guided with guys that have had everytype of carrier there is and the methods that allow you to have that gun at the ready without undoing buckles, taking your pack off and anything that delays you being able to get a shot off are by far supirior to the way some of us do it now.
Im also a little bit suprised more pack companies dont address this issue a little bit more. Im sure there are some good sollutions out there to be discovered so that we dont need to buckle guns on !
SG

Rackmastr · « **Reply #16 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:44:54 AM »

I think no matter what a guy does, it all is going to come down to personal choice and preference all around, and it will ALWAYS be that way. Whether its a choice of weight, material, camo, pockets, scabbards, belts, stapping points, sizes, hauling capabilities, extra bells and whistles, warranty, where they're made, etc its all going to come down to what guys like.

I've used over 10 different quality hunting packs in the past 5 years and have settled on MR stuff. I have an MR 6500 and a MR Longbox. I also own a Kifaru Zulu pack and a few smaller day packs. I think I'll probably actually end up buying an Eberlestock X1A1M for quick hunt applications or hikes in the hills for some scouting trips. It will be my 3rd Eberlestock in the last few years and although I dont personally like them for heavy hauling as much as the MR, they make some cool gear.

Personal choices boys....

Author Topic: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500 (Read 5199 times)

hawken

Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

sheepguide

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Wrongside

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

The Sheep Reaper

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Deer Hunter

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Wild Images

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Dewey

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Rackmastr

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

MountainTi

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Rackmastr

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

MountainTi

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Rackmastr

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Dewey

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

MountainTi

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Dewey

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

sheepguide

Re: Kuiu Icon 6000 and MR Nice 6500

Rackmastr

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