Exo 3500 or 5500

[dmlensch]

Hey everyone, first time poster here. Looking at picking up an Exo pack this offseason. I'm new to backcountry hunting but am planning 7-10 day elk and muley hunts. There will be many other day and weekend hunts throughout the season so I want something versatile. What are your thoughts on 3500 vs 5500 packs? $50 and 6 oz. differences are not an issue so looking for recommendations. I don't want a lot of unused space, but would rather not run out either.

I've seen a lot of good reports on the Exo packs so I'm pretty excited! Thanks in advance!


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[Elkoholic87]

For the type of hunting you're wanting to do, go with the 5500.


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[Lockster]

5500, no doubt

 

[couesbitten]

Definitely the 5500, you can use the compression straps to eliminate any unused space, but once it's full, there's nothing that you can do to create more.

 

[Akicita]

My 10 day load out includes 8 days of food rations which equals roughly 2400 cubic inches of space in my pack. I would go with all the advice above and select the 5500.

 

[Lockster]

My 10 day load out includes 8 days of food rations which equals roughly 2400 cubic inches of space in my pack. I would go with all the advice above and select the 5500.

10 day load out includes 8 days rations, what do you eat for the other 2 days if you don't put any meat on the ground?

 

[dmlensch]

Looks like you can use the load shelf to get ~7000ci out of the 3500ci pack. Seems like a good idea unless you need the load shelf for meat?


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[Lockster]

I have the 3500 and I thought just that before I purchased it, but many times I have wished for a bit more capacity in the pack, you can jam the pack, side pockets etc full and you could potentially use the load shelf, but it pushes the load out away from ^your back rather than if the pack was just a bit taller and wider, it just makes it a bit more unwieldy and I'm my opinion it is totally unnecessary if you have the chance to get the bigger pack to begin with. the 5500 is such a tiny sacrifice of additional weight and size but these packs compress so small it is of little consequence, I would definitely recommend you go with that slightly more space, especially if you are wanting to do trips of over a week.

 

[dmlensch]

I have the 3500 and I thought just that before I purchased it, but many times I have wished for a bit more capacity in the pack, you can jam the pack, side pockets etc full and you could potentially use the load shelf, but it pushes the load out away from ^your back rather than if the pack was just a bit taller and wider, it just makes it a bit more unwieldy and I'm my opinion it is totally unnecessary if you have the chance to get the bigger pack to begin with. the 5500 is such a tiny sacrifice of additional weight and size but these packs compress so small it is of little consequence, I would definitely recommend you go with that slightly more space, especially if you are wanting to do trips of over a week.

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll pick up a 5500 when the ranger green packs are available.


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[Akicita]

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll pick up a 5500 when the ranger green packs are available. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think you are making a good choice there. . . Let us know how you like when you get it.

10 day load out includes 8 days rations, what do you eat for the other 2 days if you don't put any meat on the ground?

For most high exertion outings I ration between 3500 and 4500 calories per day depending on the time of year. It's not uncommon for me to have a few low or moderate activity days that do not require a full day ration so I often have leftovers throughout the course of a long outing. I also consider carefully the space required for a full load out of rations as it relates to absolute necessities of gear for any particular activity. Therefore, I typically will load 1 ration per day up to 5 days - 1 less ration for 6 to 8 days and - 2 less rations for anything over 8 days. This has proven to be a good formula for me but may not be for everyone as it relates to available space, load weight and nutritional needs.

I don't worry about running out of food because my current BMI, training, mindset and 40+ years of experience has conditioned and proven to me that with ample hydration I can function several days without food at acceptable energy levels.

 

[snowtoy83]

Definitely go 5500 I was on the fence and got the 5500, now I'm glad I did

 

[DmrbigEshotT]

If you buy the 3500 now you're going to wish you went with the 5500 sooner or later.

 

[coachjdub]

In for more discussion on this, as I am contemplating the same thing. Hope Steve and Lenny make some product announcements this week, got some money burning a hole in my pocket!

 

[Buglebrush]

Get the 2000 and the 5500. You will thank me.

 

[mudcat81]

I agree with Buglebrush. That is what I have.

 

[dmlensch]

Get the 2000 and the 5500. You will thank me.

You just have the 2000 for day/weekend hunts? Then throw the 5500 on for anything over 2-3 nights?


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[mudcat81]

Exactly dmlensch. I have also been using the 2000 for day hikes with my son and also for shed hunting. Plenty of room for water and snacks and I usually have a change of close for him in case he takes a spill. I could probably just use the 5500 all the time but I had the 2000 first and I like the bag zipper setup better.

 

[Buglebrush]

You just have the 2000 for day/weekend hunts? Then throw the 5500 on for anything over 2-3 nights?


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Yes. Although if I was going for a couple nights it would be the 5500.