Back to reviewing probably my favorites of all the gear you can have, that being bags. If asked I couldn’t give a reason why bags are my favorite they just are. In this one we are going to be covering my new Kuiu Divide 1500. I bought this bag back in February and have used for everything from fly fishing, turkey hunting, my carry on and EDC, so far holding up to standard. Kuiu is a name that brings with it a sense of durability and reliability. Going back to the 10 star 5 category rating I’m going to be rating this in 5 categories; comfort, style, durability, storage and versatility. I’m going to try my hardest to make this sound the least like an ad as possible, because I love this bag. If you want the short version if you’re thinking about buying the bag, do it. Lets get into it.
Comfort: (10/10)
This is one of the most comfortable packs I’ve worn in a while, maybe I’m too used to sling bags I don’t know. Even when loaded down to the max on my trip to Vegas it still sat high on my back and the waste belt, or sport mode as my friends dupped it, was snug and comfortable. On hot days the mesh back and spacers leave plenty of space for the bag to “breathe” making so I can wear it longer, walk in further and fish more. As far as packs go the comfort for this one can’t be beat.
Storage (9/10)
Plenty of storage in this bag for what is designed for. The main pocket is big enough it allowed me to pack three days’ worth of clothes including dress clothes and shoes. When it comes to fly fishing, which I use it for the most right now, the pockets in the waist belt are my best friend. Storing my extra leader flotant, strike indicators keeps everything in a nice convenient place. The pocket I use the most is the two way in the smaller pouch. I call it the two way because you can access it from the outside and the inside with a mesh pocket on the inside. That is where I kept my calls during turkey season and my flies when I’m fly fishing. The rest of the inside pocket is extra contacts kleanexs and things like that. Between the main pocket and the smaller one is an opening with a zipper on the bottom where I suppose you could carry a long gun. Right now, however, I use it to carry my net.
Durability: (8/10)
The reason I give this an 8 out of 10 instead of a higher score is because I have only had the bag for 4 months. Although I have used it a lot and it’s been tested out pretty well, I haven’t taken it to too many really harsh environments. Given it comes from Kuiu and the reputation that carries I would say it’s safe to assume it can stand up to just about anything you throw at it.
Syle (10/10)
Style might seem like it doesn’t matter, but lets be honest having a bag that looks good is part of the fun. The big kuiu sheep head logo on the back with the “ash” color is about as cool as it gets for me. Not only is the bag tough and versatile but it looks tough too. It’s the kinda style that gets you a head nod at the airport and at the trail head. Once you stick and rod tube and fishing net in it the looks only increase. I love the style of it and it’s by far my favorite pack right now.
Versatility (8.5/10)
This bag was designed to be a day hunting pack and had all the features you would want with that. Light weight, hydration compatible and enough storage. Like I said above I have use this for everything from fly fishing to being my only luggage bag on a three day trip to Las Vegas. It has held up to the task. The bag is water resistant enough to keep everything inside dry during a rain storm but I’m not going to be dropping it in the river to test out how water proof it is. Being it’s not a pack designed for to as water proof as your standard Orvis or Simms fishing bag I’m not going to hold that against it. For what I do with it has enough to keep everything I have dry. Turkey hunting it held up well, even though I’m starting to become a vest guy for turkey hunting. I’ll get the full use out of it come deer season this year if I finally pull the trigger on an early season muzzleloader tag. I have no doubts it will have what it take to get me through deer season. For someone on a budget like me and once a bag they can trust to do multiple activities through out the year this is exactly what you’re looking for.
Coming in with 45.5 points on my scale of 50 makes it the top rated item on my blog, granted only two right now including this one. If you made it this far might as well follow me on Instagram and check out the one video I have on YouTube, this bag isn’t in it sorry. All linked at the bottom. If you’ve been around awhile the podcast should start up again soon with hopefully more interesting topics.