EXO 3500 or HPG Ute?

[xrangerx]

Has anyone tried both these packs? Or if you had to choose which one would you pick? I was looking at the Ute, but an opportunity came up to pick up an Exo 3500 so I am considering it now.

Thanks in advance!

 

[steveo]

I have a exo 3500 and am quite happy with its performance in the field. I got 5 days of gear in it and used it to haul parts of an elk off a mountain. I don't know anything about the HPG.

 

[hammer0419]

HPG makes awesome products. However, the 3500 is an amazing pack. Most comfortable pack I have ever carried. I do have some hpg gear that I add to my setups when needed.

 

[xrangerx]

Thanks for the help! Anyone else have one or both of these?

 

[Jon Boy]

I would give the durability edge to the HPG

 

[xrangerx]

I would give the durability edge to the HPG

Have you had/used/seen both? Or is it just to to the design and concept?

 

[Jon Boy]

I've used the exo extensively and handled the hpg. Hpg seems to be better built. And with the way the exo held up I can't see many packs not beating it in the durability department.

 

[IDHUNTER]

I've used the exo extensively and handled the hpg. Hpg seems to be better built. And with the way the exo held up I can't see many packs not beating it in the durability department.

Interesting, this is the first I've heard of the exo breaking down. Care to elaborate on what failed or where you see the weakness?

 

[Jon Boy]

All zippers have failed, stitching popping every where, pack color fading etc kind of tired of people comparing them to kifaru, stone glacier and mystery ranch. There's no comparison. Suspension is pretty good and it rides comfy with loads under 70 lbs. After that it's easy to see the differences in longevity and comfortability.

 

[Take-a-knee]

All zippers have failed

I've never seen a #8 or 10 zipper fail. I'm sure it has happened, but I've not seen it. That is what Kifaru and HPG uses. I sometimes help a gun dealer friend load and unload for gunshows. Most of his gun cases are junk, and the first thing to fail on them is the zipper. He has several US made Brookwood guncases that are absolutely thrashed and thread-bare from 30lb Bren guns and the like. Some of the help will stuff extra barrels and what not and STRETCH the hell out of the #10 zipper. Zippers all still work great.

 

[realunlucky]

All zippers are not equal even when the size is similar.
Edit to say I know nothing about the exo or what brand zippers they use

 

[husky390]

You can read my take on the HPG at post #15. PM me if you're in CO and want to try it out or if you have any questions.


http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?22811-HIll-People-Gear-Ute

 

[xrangerx]

Thanks for all the insight guys! Husky, I did see that, great write up! Thank you for the offer to check it out. I am in WA or I would. Anyone in SW WA or NW OR have one?

 

[hammer0419]

All zippers have failed, stitching popping every where, pack color fading etc kind of tired of people comparing them to kifaru, stone glacier and mystery ranch. There's no comparison. Suspension is pretty good and it rides comfy with loads under 70 lbs. After that it's easy to see the differences in longevity and comfortability.

This is news to me? I would like to see all the failures and negative comments.

 

[Jon Boy]

This is news to me? I would like to see all the failures and negative comments.

What's news to you? I'll post pics when I get home from work

 

[hammer0419]

Did not say i didnt believe you! IDid you have it sent back to Steve and Lenny??

 

[hammer0419]

I have 2 Exos and they are on par with everything I have owned. Including 12 Kifaru packs. It may not be as heavy duty? But I do find it made very well. Guess anything can happen. Would definitely contact Exo

 

[twall13]

I have no comparison between the two since I've never seen a HPG bag, but I do own an 2015 model Exo 3500 and so far I love it. If there is a difference in durability I'd guess it's because the Exo was designed to be lightweight but I personally don't see mine failing in the field. Obviously Jon Boy has more experience under his belt with his Exo so that's something to consider. But also consider that Exo does have a lifetime warranty on material and defects to the original owner. I would think if Jon Boy sent his pack in Steve and Lenny would repair it without any problems. It sounds from the OP like your opportunity at an Exo pack might be second hand so I'm not sure if any warranty items would be covered to the second owner but Steve is pretty great to work with so I'd give him a call and ask if there is any question.

 

[Take-a-knee]

Can't comment on the Exo, but all Hill People Gear stuff is sewn by First Spear. That name indicates their heritage and who they sew gear for. It don't get no better.

 

[Jon Boy]

This is a 2014 pack ftr. Having said that I've seen the 2015 and the HPG is still built better IMO (what this thread is all about). There HPG is a stout pack. Not sure what the need for pics was but here they are for all of those interested.