As a western hunter, the backpack I select to go over my shoulders matters. Janky, subpar builds lead to discomfort. When you're uncomfortable, you're more likely to be distracted. If you're thinking about the pack's uneven weight distribution or how a buckle is digging into your chest, you're not focused on making the right moves that will get you within gun or bow range.
Just as critical as comfort, durability, organization, purposeful pockets, and no-fail straps and buckles are also important. Regarding backpacks and western hunting, you get what you pay for. As noted, there are plenty of budget-friendly western packs on the market, but backpack choice is too critical to skimp out on top-end quality.
Over the years, I've gone through many western backpacks—day packs and multi-day packs. Today, I rely on two daypacks and two multi-day packs for all my western adventures. Cracking into my backpack starting lineup is extremely difficult. However, I'm always keen to give a newcomer a test drive, and as a fan of the Kuiu clothing line, I was eager to get their Ranger 2200 across my back. Here's how it performed in the field.
Kuiu Ranger 2200 First Impressions
Specs
Weight: 2 lbs. 15.9 oz
Volume: 2,200 cu. in.
Dimensions: 22″x11″x10″
Price: $229
Colors: Multiple KUIU camo and solid options
Pros
Spacious
Comfortable
Durable
Design boosts airflow
Highly adjustable
Cons
I will let you know when I find one
Kuiu is known for creating lightweight hunting gear, and the Ranger 2200 is no different. At just 2 pounds, 15.9 ounces, this 2200-cubic-inch daypack is exceptionally light. The premium 330-denier Cordura fabric feels durable, and I was excited to see that Kuiu added waterproof HT Cordura to the pack. Nothing is worse than waiting out a backcountry storm only to discover your inner contents are waterlogged the next time you unzip and get inside. Waterproof HT Cordura is a durable, nylon-based fabric that sports a blend of a water-repellent front finish with a polyurethane-coated back.
The Ranger 2200's smooth zippers and Cam-Lock compression straps also jumped out at me. I hate zippers that are difficult to grab. Kuiu added rubberized loops to every zipper to ensure easy access. Cam-Lock compression straps with aluminum clips slide into any of the pack's seven-per-side Molle front-mounted vertical loops to provide customization. The Cam-Lock system features an open/close durable tab that locks the compression straps down and ensures they won't loosen. This is critical when hauling gear on the outside of your backpack. I've worn lesser packs with poor compression straps that loosened to the point that my bow hit the ground while I was moving between two mountain ranges.
The waist belt and shoulder straps are padded, and I like that Kuiu added four ventilated Dual-Density Air Mesh Suspension pads—two upper and two lower—to boost back support and promote airflow. The waist belt sports zippered pockets, which is a must for me. The Ranger 2200 also features a small zippered top pocket and a larger vertical pocket on the front of the pack. Stretchable side pockets are ideal for a water bottle or tripod, and the main compartment is large. The combination of the aluminum tubular internal frame and horseshoe zipper design makes this pack feel bigger than 2200 cubic inches.
In the Field
Most of the time, if I receive a backpack to test, it's during the summer months. This means a long break-in period and plenty of time to load the pack with weight and see how it rides. That wasn't the case with Kuiu's Ranger 2200. I received the daypack two days before Colorado's August 15 pronghorn archery opener. Because the pack's initial impressions were so positive, I opted for a trial-by-fire approach. I loaded up the Ranger 2200 with all my necessary gear and hit the prairies at full tilt.
Stick and string pronghorn hunting in early August typically involves waterhole and spot-and-stalk techniques. Since the prairies near my southeast Colorado home received more rain in July and the first 10 days of August than they usually do in a year, waterhole hunting was out. I would spend the first part of the season with the Ranger 2200 lashed to my back, slithering across the sage-dappled landscape, hoping to close the distance on North America's fastest land animal.
The front top zippered pocket is spacious and provides ample room for my portable phone charger, game bags, meat tarp, and Garmin inReach Mini. The front vertical zip pocket, like the top pocket, provides right-now access to gear. The vertical pocket is deep and long, and holds my first-aid kit, kill kit, glassing pad, and plenty of snacks and hydration drink mixes. A pair of flexible side pockets with side compression straps are ideal for a water bottle, tripod, spotting scope, and other gear. Mine carried a Yeti Tumbler and a Tricer-AD Carbon Tripod.
I won't wear a backpack that doesn't have waist belt pockets, and the Ranger's pockets are longer and deeper than waist belt pockets on most day packs, which is an excellent feature. The pockets held my face paint, headlamp, extra batteries, wind checker, gloves, and other essentials.
The main pocket, featuring a hydration port, is spacious, and Kuiu added two internal zippered compartments to maximize pack organization. I added my Platypus 3L Hunting Pack Hydration Bladder and still had no trouble storing Mountain House meals, a WindBuner stove, rain gear, camera, and other necessary items. I appreciate that Kuiu didn't add pockets just for the sake of adding pockets. Every pocket on the Ranger 2200 is purposeful, which is what hunters are looking for.
The pack hugs the waist and shoulders, and the adjustable shoulder straps allow you to distribute the pack's weight as needed. There are times when I want a lot of weight on my hips and times when I want my shoulders to take the brunt of the weight. The Ranger 2200 allows you to distribute the weight where you want, and it promises an airy and comfortable ride. The Dual-Density Foam Suspension System feels excellent, and the noticeable airflow circulation is a welcome addition. I hunted several days in 100-degree heat, and though my back was sweaty when I removed the pack, it wasn't drenched.
All zippers, straps, and buckles held up brilliantly. The Cam-Lock compression straps are an excellent design. They lock down tight, don't move, and I appreciate that I can move the straps up and down on the Molle webbing.
Over the course of seven days of hunting, the pack's fabric was exposed to dirt, dust, mud, hail, and rain. Kuiu doesn't include a pack rain cover, and that's because the Waterproof HT Cordura works as advertised. On August 26, my hunting partner and I were caught in a hellish monsoon that produced marble-sized hail and over an inch of rain in less than an hour. I was sure the pack would leak. I am happy to report that when I unzipped the pack to put away my rain gear, it was bone dry on the inside.
The 330D HT fabric is tough as nails. Yes, Cordura is a touch loud, but I'll take its bulletproof nature over being brittle and gathering every sticker, thorn, and piece of grass on the prairie.
Pronghorn aren't big animals, and though I had to empty the internal contents of my main compartment, I was able to pack my buck out in one trip. The lightweight aluminum tubular frame enhances the pack's load-bearing strength, and I appreciate that when the pack is empty, the internal frame prevents it from collapsing on itself.
A Reliable and Worthy Daypack
Kuiu's Ranger 2200 has earned a spot in my day pack arsenal, which isn't an easy task. I demand a lot from my western hunting packs. The Ranger 2200 is well-built, easy to organize, durable, and one of the most comfortable packs I've ever worn. If you're in the market for an excellent western hunting day pack, this 2200 cubic-inch pack is well worth its $229 price tag.
