The kume ticked most of my boxes and I really wanted to love it but I think that the designers tried to cram too many features in and ended up with numerous compromises.
The positives with the pack is that the ice axe carry is secure and versatile with both straight axes and technical tools, it just takes a bit if time to attach them. The weight when considering the features and thick fabric is outstanding. The fabric is highly durable and the use of foam on the bottom and front for prptection is smart. The avalanche compartment is huge and works well for stashing wet skins. Secure ski carry options.
There are many small things with the pack that irks me. The ice axe and especially the external helmet carry severely impacts internal volume. The cinch opening is small and annoying to use in general but accessing the pack with a helmet on the front and a full avalanche compartment is tiresome. The lid will simply not reliably cover the cinch and protect against snow ingress. When overstuffed it is simply too short and when stretching it over a half empty pack it distorts the fabric and compromises carrying comfort.
Every single buckle is hard to use. The g-hooks on compression straps are tiny and too hooky and the plastic belt buckle spontaneously releases when tightly cinched. The hip belt pockets are impossible to use with one hand. The mesh material is unstructured and stretchy so you need a second hand to help the zipper run smoothly. The back panel is comfortable enough but the padding holds more moisture than I find reasonable.
Finally some problems that may be just my body. The fit is just plain weird. I own a large pack and my back is 53 cm/21 inches and it rides low enough that the load lifters are underneath my shoulders. Wearing it high and tight alleviates the problem but results in general discomfort. When touring I generally wear it loose on the up and cinched on the down. Maybe I'm too accustomed to tall slim climbing packs? The internal removable frame is positioned so that it pinches my shoulder blades. A pack this size is generally fine without a metal frame so I removed it. Finally the shoulder straps have foam only on the upper half and it is simply too soft for both comfort and structure. This last point is very annoying and if I knew about the lack of foam before purchasing I would have reconsidered.
All in all I'm disappointed but I can't find another pack in the same category expect the new HMG Aspect which is too pricey for me. I think Blue Ice needs to choose a clear path for this pack, as of now I can't recommend it.
