Eberlestock modframe vs K4?

[Luke Acquistapace]

Thank you!

 

[dgfavor]

I’ve had problems with the lumbar pad on previous eberlestocks hurting my back. How would you compare this lumbar pad and belt to others?

I noticed when I first got the Mod frame the lumbar pad bugged me and felt like it was pushing down on my pants belt. I decided I would take it out and bevel the lower edge so it would ride better. So I took it out and, lo and behold, it already had a beveled edge but the bevel was on the top. So I just reversed it so the bevel was "skin side" on the bottom and it's been money for me - I do use the K4 belt because they offer multiple sizes and the OE Eberlestock just didn't fit me well.
The lumbar pad with bevel edge down:


You can kind of see in this orientation it "softens" the lumbar pad bottom edge so it doesn't ride on my belt:

*If you look close I cut out about an inch from the bottom center of the K4 belt so I could move the hip belt down an inch...effectively making the pack ride higher - I'm 6'5" and felt I needed the pack up just a bit. Works for me.

I was debating MOD vs K4 frame (and using all my modular Eberlestock bags). The big difference for me because of how I wanted to set it up was the molle on the frame - I wanted full length molle so I could set it up to at a minimum always be like this - hydration top/kill kit bottom:


The Exo only had upper molle:

 

[Luke Acquistapace]

Thanks for the info

 

[Backwoods_wanderer]

I noticed when I first got the Mod frame the lumbar pad bugged me and felt like it was pushing down on my pants belt. I decided I would take it out and bevel the lower edge so it would ride better. So I took it out and, lo and behold, it already had a beveled edge but the bevel was on the top. So I just reversed it so the bevel was "skin side" on the bottom and it's been money for me - I do use the K4 belt because they offer multiple sizes and the OE Eberlestock just didn't fit me well.
The lumbar pad with bevel edge down:
View attachment 962205

You can kind of see in this orientation it "softens" the lumbar pad bottom edge so it doesn't ride on my belt:
View attachment 962206
*If you look close I cut out about an inch from the bottom center of the K4 belt so I could move the hip belt down an inch...effectively making the pack ride higher - I'm 6'5" and felt I needed the pack up just a bit. Works for me.

I was debating MOD vs K4 frame (and using all my modular Eberlestock bags). The big difference for me because of how I wanted to set it up was the molle on the frame - I wanted full length molle so I could set it up to at a minimum always be like this - hydration top/kill kit bottom:
View attachment 962207

The Exo only had upper molle:
View attachment 962208This is super helpful. That’s a nice way to setup the pack for a simple hunt.

 

[Tradbeau]

This is good info. I was seriously going down the Exo K4 path. Now I have another pack system to obsess over.

 

[bbbirddog]

My son, & I ran the Generation 1 Mainframe for years. I talked to Eberlestock @ Western Conservation Expo in February 2025 & they had Modframe Prototype. We sold the Mainframes for close to what we paid. We kept scabbard, batwings, & dry bag. We both bought Modframe. As a comparison depending on type of hunt we are doing, I run a Stone Glacier 5900 for backpack hunts, a KUIU Icon Pro 1850 for dayhikes or horseback hunts, but the Modrame is the workhorse day hunt pack when it comes to use. I like the rifle in center scabbard vs on my Kifaru Gun Sling used on other packs. I like less cleanup of Eberlestock packing quarters. We took my daughter in law for her 1st Bull Elk hunt this fall & I used the Modframe packing the 1/4's. The 1st pack out in pictures I did not set the meat sling low enough so the 1/4 was not ideal balance in this photo, 2nd trip quick fix lowered center of gravity issue solved. For the $'s the Modrame with new hip belt, load lifters, is really hard to beat in my book. I would rate it a best value for the $. I use off brand hip belt pockets, keep scabbard on pack, use dry bag or bat wings, and sometimes nothing to save even more weight on your back. My 2 cents if this helps!

 

[JCMCUBIC]

I ended up using the Modframe with the EMOD lid and no bag the last month of the season carrying stand/platform and layers strapped on. Also used it carrying out preset lockon stands at the end of the season. Ropes/repelling equipment in pouches on belt. Food, odds/ends in lid. It worked really well for this.

 

[Evergreen]

I have a K3 and was considering a K4 but went Modframe instead. I run bat wings and a combo of Slik sling and Kifaru for a gun bearer. I am so far 100% day hunts and this has been the ticket for me. One zipper and 3 quick buckles and I’m loading meat into the load sling. One side of the bat wings carrries my puffy and food the other carries meat bags and kill kit. I always have my K3 as an option but don’t see myself doing more than a 3 day pack trip.

 

[Teaman1]

My F1 mainframe always gives me some bad shoulder pain with heavy weight and 2+ miles.

I tried adjusting it, but most anywhere I love it the load lifters become useless.
I’ve heard the modframe belt doesn’t loosen up as bad.
Think the modframe would be worth the upgrade?
Was thinking of trying stone glacier, but would like to keep all of my previous eberlestock attachments.

 

[dgfavor]

My F1 mainframe always gives me some bad shoulder pain with heavy weight and 2+ miles.

I tried adjusting it, but most anywhere I love it the load lifters become useless.
I’ve heard the modframe belt doesn’t loosen up as bad.
Think the modframe would be worth the upgrade?
Was thinking of trying stone glacier, but would like to keep all of my previous eberlestock attachments.

I have both the F1 and the Mod frame. For me they are equally comfortable. I had done some mods to refine my F1 fit then transferred a couple of those mods/fit ideas to the Mod frame when I got it.

The F1 was never "uncomfortable" but I felt like the frame was always too low on my back...which I think is the biggest reason the load lifters or lack thereof, give people complaints. As mentioned elsewhere/above I swapped to the Exo K4 belt for a better wrap/fit. Then I took tin snips to the bottom center velcro section of the belt removing a little over an inch then re-mounted it as low down on the belt pocket as I could effectively raising the whole frame an 1"+ in relation to the belt. I also got the longer shoulder harness and put it on the lowest/shortest slot on the frame, even though at 6'5" the top slot is recommended. While I didn't feel like it was more comfortable per se, the load just feels better riding much higher, not feeling like it's right on top of my butt, and I get way more load lifter effect.
When I got the Mod frame I just transferred the Exo K4 belt, run the shoulder harness probably lower than recommended, and it's been awesome. I use the old mainframe for rucking sandbags now.
Photos of K4 belt tin snip mod:




I do think with a little creativity most combos of mfrs bags and frames can be combined, Franken-packs. It required a couple buckle mods but I've now got the Kuiu load hauler on my F1 and makes for easy sandbag swapping and rides great:


Hauled some interesting loads on the 'ol F1 and I would have no problem using it right now!
It's underneath there somewhere!!

 

[Teaman1]

Kinda bummed that they feel similar to you.
The shoulder pain I get from taking camp in and out of the mountains or from packing out elk is ridiculous. I assumed it was normal for a couple years, but I think I need to try a different pack frame.
Need to go somewhere and get fitted maybe, not many stores in northeastern South Dakota though.