Another Exo vs Kifaru thread...

[guitarpreston]

So I've got the exo bug pretty bad. Currently I have an ark frame, with a gnargali bag, lid, and a few pockets...My main complaint with the kifaru is width; it feels like I can hardly walk through a door when it's full. The weight carries great, but it just feels wide to me. If you have tried the k4 5000, how does it compare width wise to a gnargali, or bedlam?

The exo is a bit lighter, and I do like having access to the main compartment without having to go in from the top every time (although the bedlam would solve that as well).

 

[madcalfe]

im not gonna stop you from spending money but...
have you tried different ways of packing your bag?
i run a hoodlum on a duplex tactical frame and can get my bag packed fairly small width wise for sheep hunting granted it is higher up which i dont overly have a issue with.
these pics are from a 14 day sheep hunt. and my bag isn't any wider than the frame.


Also order the "compression kit" the extra straps from kifaru and use all the strap attachments going up the frame if you have unused ones on the Ark frame,

 

[guitarpreston]

There's a high probability it's all in my head...
Full disclosure I’ve got a giant synthetic bag in there to fill up some space for training so it’s stuffed pretty full.

 

[madcalfe]

looks like its compressed pretty tight. i do know i can get my kifaru compressed more on the sides than my stone glacier.

another easy trick is to put all your shit in 2- 20L dry bags, sleeping bag, sleep pad, clothing in one, then food in another one. and stack them on top vertically.

 

[guitarpreston]

looks like its compressed pretty tight. i do know i can get my kifaru compressed more on the sides than my stone glacier.

another easy trick is to put all your shit in 2- 20L dry bags, sleeping bag, sleep pad, clothing in one, then food in another one. and stack them on top vertically.

Already keep my whole sleep system in a dry bag at the bottom, and don't carry much as far as extra clothes besides a puffy and mid layer.

Its definitely not bad, I would 100% take it anywhere. Trying to figure out if the grass only looks greener, etc., or if there is a notable difference.