KUIU - Venture 2300 Day Pack Review
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Quality
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Value
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Versitility
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Comfort
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Adjustability
Summary
The KUIU Venture day pack is an internal frame full featured day pack weighing in at 3 lb 9 oz. It holds 2300 cubic inches of gear in it’s super tough 500D Cordura fabric. It comes in two sizes (Medium and Large) for different torso lengths. The padded waist strap with pockets is removable, if you choose to use the pack with lighter loads or don’t wish to hassle with the belt when not in use. The lumbar and back support is coated with a silicon rubber to keep it in place. The Venture 2300 is full of pockets that are sized and located in just the right way. There are two waist pocket, two side stuff pocket perfect for water bottles or other easy access items. There are two larger external zipper pockets one vertical, and one at the top horizontal. On the inside of the pack there are two mesh pockets that open up when the pack is laying flat. A mesh hydration sleeve is on the inside with clips to hang a hydration bladder. There are ample compression straps, two on each side, two on the bottom. The compression straps on the outside can remain in place when opening the pack to prevent having to unpack a bow, or other items secured to the outside of the pack. These compression straps can also be removed. The Cordura is also treated with DWR and a PU coating. The zippers are large loops easy to use with gloves on. Shoulder straps are large, articulated, and well padded. They can be secured with a sternum strap to really lock the load to the body. There are ample additional tie-down loops around the pack for securing meat when packing out. The KUIU Venture 2300 has quickly become my go-to day pack for it’s internal frame, comfort, light weight design, and versatility to be used in many situations. All this paired with a Lifetime warranty, and a fair price makes this pack a sure bet in anyone gear closet.
KUIU Venture 2300 Pack: A Comprehensive Review
The KUIU Venture 2300 day pack has quickly become a top choice for day-long outings that require an internal framed pack for load support and comfort. Weighing 3 lbs 9.4 oz with dimensions of approximately 22 inches tall and 11.5 inches wide when empty, this pack strikes an excellent balance between capacity and packability.
Build Quality and Construction
The Venture 2300 is constructed from top-quality Cordura 500D fabric, designed to prevent wear and damage in rough terrain with rocks and branches. This durable material ensures the pack can withstand the rigors of backcountry hunting and hiking. The pack offers 2300 cubic inches of storage capacity, making it more spacious than the Venture 1800 model.
The pack comes in two sizes—Medium and Large—to accommodate different waist sizes and body types. For those needing additional capacity, the KUIU Icon Pro 3200 offers similar design and quality features in a larger format. Optional gun and bow holders can be attached, making this an excellent hunting backpack.
Design Philosophy and Versatility
The Venture pack is designed primarily for day trips, though it can handle overnight trips when traveling light. This pack caters to hunters and hikers who prioritize comfort, versatility, and quality construction. It features ample internal and external pockets, compression straps, tie-down points, and modular attachment options for customization.
Choosing the Right Size KUIU Backpack
First Impressions: Comfort and Ergonomics
After using the KUIU Venture 2300 on several day outings, the lumbar support immediately stands out. The well-designed back panel features an anatomical curve that properly supports the lower back, addressing a common pain point for pack users. The attention to detail extends throughout the entire design—zipper placement is intuitive, allowing easy access even when the pack is fully loaded.
The hip belt and shoulder straps are exceptionally well-constructed, with thoughtful stabilization features and generous padding for all-day comfort. Each adjustment point includes stowaway straps for excess webbing, preventing tangles and snags when putting on or removing the pack.
Field Performance and Load Carrying
With approximately 30 pounds of gear loaded, the Venture 2300 feels stable and remains easy to adjust for a typical day in the field. The pack’s tapered design—wider at the top and narrower at the bottom—allows for more even weight distribution and keeps essential items within easy reach.
Storage and Organization Features
The top pocket is significantly larger than comparable packs, making it ideal for storing optics, snacks, glasses, and other frequently accessed items. Side elastic pockets provide convenient water bottle storage, though they could benefit from a slight forward angle for easier access without removing the pack.
The external vertical pocket offers substantial volume for additional clothing layers such as rain gear, gloves, and insulation. Large D-ring zippers make this pocket easy to open even with cold hands or gloves. Internal zippered mesh pockets add valuable organization that many packs in this category lack. The U-shaped main compartment flap lays flat when opened, providing excellent access to all internal storage areas.
Hydration System Compatibility
The dedicated bladder sleeve accommodates hydration reservoirs from major brands including CamelBak and Platypus up to 3 liters. A standard attachment clip secures the bladder inside the pack, and the hose feeds through a small zipper opening at the top center. KUIU-branded loops on the shoulder straps keep the hydration hose secured and out of the way when not in use.
Areas for Improvement
While the KUIU Venture 2300 excels in many areas, there are a few considerations worth noting. The Cordura fabric, while extremely durable, can be somewhat noisy when moving through brush. Pack sizing can be confusing when ordering—watching KUIU’s sizing video above helps clarify the measurement process.
Like most packs, accessing the main compartment requires loosening compression straps. However, KUIU’s design with separate, removable compression straps on both the front and sides makes this process less cumbersome than many competing packs, especially when external gear is attached.
Who Should Buy the KUIU Venture 2300?
The Venture 2300 is ideal for hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable day pack with excellent load-carrying capabilities. It’s particularly well-suited for those who frequently start and stop throughout the day, requiring easy on-and-off functionality. The pack works exceptionally well for day hunts, scouting trips, wildlife photography outings, and light overnight trips.
Final Verdict
The KUIU Venture 2300 represents excellent value for a quality, feature-rich pack. The internal frame provides superior load support, while ample compression options and well-designed organization pockets enhance functionality. Quick-access storage locations keep essential items within reach, making this pack a strong contender in the premium day pack category.
Frequently Asked Questions About the KUIU Venture 2300 Pack
What is the weight capacity of the KUIU Venture 2300?
The KUIU Venture 2300 comfortably handles loads of 30 pounds or more thanks to its internal frame and padded hip belt. While it’s designed as a day pack, the supportive frame and quality construction allow it to carry heavier loads when needed for extended day trips or light overnight excursions.
How do I choose between the Medium and Large size?
KUIU sizes the Venture 2300 based on waist measurement and torso length. The Medium fits waist sizes 28-34 inches with torso lengths 17-19 inches, while the Large accommodates 32-40 inch waists with torso lengths 18-21 inches. Watch KUIU’s sizing video and measure your torso length from the C7 vertebra to the top of your hip bones for the most accurate fit.
Can the KUIU Venture 2300 be used for overnight trips?
Yes, the Venture 2300 can handle overnight trips when traveling light. With 2300 cubic inches of capacity, it provides enough space for a lightweight sleeping bag, shelter, and essential gear for one night. However, for longer trips or when carrying more substantial gear, consider the larger KUIU Icon Pro 3200.
Is the Venture 2300 compatible with rifle and bow carrying systems?
Yes, KUIU offers optional gun and bow holder attachments that integrate with the Venture 2300’s modular design. These accessories attach securely to the pack’s compression straps and webbing loops, making it an excellent choice for hunters who need to carry weapons hands-free during approach and stalk hunts.
How noisy is the Cordura 500D fabric?
The Cordura 500D fabric provides excellent durability but can produce some noise when moving through brush or making contact with vegetation. For extremely noise-sensitive hunting situations like bowhunting, consider wearing a quiet outer layer or moving more deliberately. The durability benefits generally outweigh the slight noise concern for most users.
What hydration bladder sizes fit the Venture 2300?
The Venture 2300’s hydration sleeve accommodates bladders up to 3 liters from major brands including CamelBak and Platypus. The sleeve includes a standard attachment clip and features a port at the top center for routing the hydration hose to the shoulder straps, where KUIU-branded loops keep the hose secure and accessible.
