Eco K4 5000 for Day Hunts?

[Tradbeau]

Is an Exo K4 5000 overkill for day hunts? I’m usually a couple of miles in and back the same day. I’ve been packing out meat for years with a non-frame pack and think it’s time to upgrade.

 

[Caseknife]

I have both the 5000 and 2200 bags for my K4, I use the 2200 for day hunts. They do collapse down good but have a tendency to fill the space.

 

[Tradbeau]

I have both the 5000 and 2200 bags for my K4, I use the 2200 for day hunts. They do collapse down good but have a tendency to fill the space.

Thanks! I’ve been wondering if a smaller bag is the way to go for starting out.

 

[ChrisAU]

Go 3600, don’t have to worry about having enough space for the days comforts, but big enough to pack in for 5-7 nights and make sure you don’t bring anything you don’t need. Use mine for day hunting and week long backcountry hunts.

 

[Lawnboi]

The k4 is designed to pack meat between the bag and frame. No reason for a big bag for day hunting. I wouldn’t get the 5000 for day hunting.

 

[Tradbeau]

Thanks for the replies. The smaller pack makes perfect sense. I’m looking forward to having some separation between the meat and my gear.

Do you use regular breathable game bags or put the meat in something else? I’ve been using regular old thin game bags.

 

[BowBaboon]

Thanks for the replies. The smaller pack makes perfect sense. I’m looking forward to having some separation between the meat and my gear.

Do you use regular breathable game bags or put the meat in something else? I’ve been using regular old thin game bags.

Plain old game bags.

Blood soaked through and gets on the fabric but I bet it would come out with some warm water and a little brushing.

 

[Caseknife]

Thanks for the replies. The smaller pack makes perfect sense. I’m looking forward to having some separation between the meat and my gear.

Do you use regular breathable game bags or put the meat in something else? I’ve been using regular old thin game bags.

If you are so inclined, you can also get the meat sling or whatever it is called, that way you can use just the frame for subsequent trips for meat.

 

[jonpall]

I just talked to the exo guys at the expo, and he said the 5000 was good for day hunts. He actually liked something about the way it unzipped when compressed more than the 3200 but I can't remember the details. I'm sure you'll be fine with whatever.

 

[mtnbound]

Is an Exo K4 5000 overkill for day hunts? I’m usually a couple of miles in and back the same day. I’ve been packing out meat for years with a non-frame pack and think it’s time to upgrade.

If all you do is day hunt then maybe, but the bag compresses down so much that it’s not an issue and it gives you the ability to adapt to a different situation by simply loosing the straps.
I have used all of the different EXO packs over the years and the 5k and the Teratorn are my favorites but I do use my pack for more than just hunting so having the ability to add more gear at a moments notice is a priority for me.
Probably the best compromise is a 3600 but the single side zipper is not for everyone.

 

[Tradbeau]

If all you do is day hunt then maybe, but the bag compresses down so much that it’s not an issue and it gives you the ability to adapt to a different situation by simply loosing the straps.
I have used all of the different EXO packs over the years and the 5k and the Teratorn are my favorites but I do use my pack for more than just hunting so having the ability to add more gear at a moments notice is a priority for me.
Probably the best compromise is a 3600 but the single side zipper is not for everyone.

I’m going to check out the specs on the 3600 bag. The single side zipper is something I’m not sure about. I don’t like bags with so many compartments that I forget where I put things and have to start pulling things out, but only one zipper sounds a little too minimalist. lol