EXO 3500 for 4-5 day hunt?

[PatrickW]

I'm seriously looking into getting an EXO 3500, and I'm l just wondering if the 3500 will do 4-5 days for me in Colorado and the Boundary Waters. I've thought of just waiting for the new 4800 they're coming out with, but I really like what I see in the current bags. I just don't want the bag to big for still hunting whitetails with a longbow here in Indiana.

 

[TravKatQ]

I have the 3500 and have done 6 day trips easy with it. Hauling animals with that much gear is also a breeze. 8 animals hauled with it and still looks brand new. Can’t beat Exo packs.
-Travis


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[buckgrunter]

The 3500 will easily do 5 days in mild temps with conscious planning. I've done 7 days out of that pack for the last couple of years during archery elk, but I pack minimalist.

If you're on the fence and want a do-it-all pack, my advice would be to go with the 5500 if you want a 2018 model. The weight penalty is minimal, compressed size is virtually identical, and it gives you more options for colder weather or extended trips. With that said, the new 4800 is intriguing, but specific details are limited at this point. The EXO guys give great advise. Give them a ring and see what they recommend based on your needs.

 

[Elkoholic87]

Just get the 5500. The added weight is minimal.


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[Sportsman]

Exo guys recommended 3500 but I went with 5500 and don't regret it. As stated, minimal extra weight and cinches down to nothing. It's my one hunting pack.

 

[PatrickW]

Thanks guys. This is the kind of info I’m looking for.

 

[150plusB&C]

5500 all the way.


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[PatrickW]

I’ve also got a question about pack fit. Sorry, I know it’s a little off topic but since I’ve got EXO pack owners on here I figure I can get some answers. I’m only 5’6” with a 16” torso, and I was wondering how these packs fit the shorter torso.

Anybody similar in size?

 

[md126]

No problem doing 5-7 day hunts out of the EXO 3500, even longer with the 5500 obviously. Great packs

 

[Billy Goat]

I’ve also got a question about pack fit. Sorry, I know it’s a little off topic but since I’ve got EXO pack owners on here I figure I can get some answers. I’m only 5’6” with a 16” torso, and I was wondering how these packs fit the shorter torso.

Anybody similar in size?

Should be fine. I can't remember my torso but I think it was 18.5. I'm 5'10. The shoulder straps have a lot of adjustment on the torso section. I think I'm closer to the top than the bottom if I remember correctly. Only thing is the belts seem a little large. I'm a 33" waist and am running the small belt already. If by chance you get under a 29" waist I could see having issues with the belt. Keep in mind after hunting for several days and then loaded up packing out your waist will likely be smaller.

I would suggest the 5500 for what your wanting. If it's a dual purpose pack might consider going ahead and getting the 2000 bag also. I run the 2000 bag for whitetail hunting and for day hunting in the west. Really not any difference in weight or the compressed size of the bags, it's just the 2000 has more pockets and easier to access different things quickly. I also have horn hauler and the 3500 bag. Always have the crib load panel on the pack. Works really well for hauling quarters. Keeps from crushing things in your pack using it to hold quarters down.

 

[Billy Goat]

Just went and measured. On my pack where I have my shoulder straps mounted it can shorten by 2 1/4". So if I'm correct in my memory of having a 18 1/2 torso it looks like the pack would adjust down to roughly 16 1/4.

I would talk with exo about your concerns. They will take the pack back if it doesn't work out for you and is still in new condition.

 

[rawask]

I went with the 2000 and the 5500. The 5500 cinches down real nicely for smaller loads but it's nice to have the extra capacity when needed.

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[DanColorado]

I'd be curious to hear what you went with

 

[JD1010]

You should be just fine, great pack. I lived outta mine for 5 days, and can be used just as easy for a day pack.

 

[Sportsman]

didn't know the 2000 had more pockets. thats good to hear. I bought the 5500 with intent of buying 2000 later for a day pack.

 

[PatrickW]

Thanks again for all the input.

I’m leaning towards the 5500 now, but I’m going to wait until I can get more info on the new 4800 before I buy. The new frame and belt intrigue me too. I also need to call EXO about my concerns over the torso.

If they weren’t coming out with the new pack designs I’d go with the 5500 and save up for the 2000 bag too. I just want to get my hands on the pack ASAP because I’ll be in Colorado on Sept 1 for a solo elk hunt, and. I want to get some hours in the pack before I go…

 

[cmahoney]

I have a 5500 over the 3500 for a few reasons. I pack water up to mule deer country, I can carry stuff for my wife and kids, the size and weight aren’t much different. If I draw a late tag before the weather comes, I will be packing a lot of extra gear up high. It’s been a great pack for the last year or so I have had it.



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[Rob5589]

I just sold my 2000 and picked up the 3500 so I can add a 2-4 day out from main camp. I would have waited if I had known about the upcoming 4800. It sounds like a great bag.

 

[PatrickW]

Talked to Mark today about my concerns over torso fit and he said I shouldn’t have any problems with the K2, but the new K3 will take care of any issues I might have.

Looks like I’m just going to have to get the new 4800. Now I just get to chomp at the bit until it’s available…

Thanks for all the input.

 

[wesleyelee88]

I just sold my 2000 and picked up the 3500 so I can add a 2-4 day out from main camp. I would have waited if I had known about the upcoming 4800. It sounds like a great bag.

Well, I’m looking for a 3500, guess I could take that one off of your hands so you could get the 4800!


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