Exo 3500 Review

[n_watson22]

I just got back from a 5 day backpacking trip for spring bear. I used the new exo 3500 pack for the trip and I figured everyone would be curious how it performed. Like I stated earlier I was able to pack 5 days worth of gear in the pack. I was able to fit all this gear inside the main bag and lid. In the full length side pockets I carried my rifle and tripod. I used the stretchy pocket to carry my 80mm spotting scope. I was very surprised how much gear I could fit in the bag.





I ended up being successful so I had to fit some meat and a cape in the pack also so I used the load sling. I was very impressed how quick and easy this setup was. Just unbuckling the load lifters and the 4 side buckles and shes ready to go. Once the top of the pack was separated I just flipped the pack on the ground hip belt side down and flung the load on. Cinched down the cape and meat with the two compression straps on the frame. I used the kuiu ultra for a few weeks and I prefer the load sling on the exo over the kuiu. The one thing that is highly noticeable between the two packs is that the exo is designed to cinch the load upwards and the kuiu is not. I only used the ultra 6000 but all the gear seemed to gather at the bottom.I am sure I could have figured something out if I kept the pack for longer though. I would say the load was close to 100 lbs and I hiked with it for 5 miles. It held the weight like a champ and there were no noticeable hotspots. I tried out both the medium and small waist belts and I felt the medium fit the best. I am right on the edge between the sizes with a 32” waist.



I have also never used a vertical side zip bag before and it is an awesome feature. It is very nice to be able to grab something at the bottom of your bag without unloading all your gear. I never noticed how much of a luxury it is to have this feature. Another unique feature is the reverse lid. I wasnt sure how I would like it but I can access my gear faster with this setup. I used it as a day pack and it can cinch day very nice.

As with many new packs I was a little skeptical how the frame and suspension would be. I like how the frame twisted and rotated with my body without losing and rigidity for carrying a load. There were no problems with the frame flexing with the load. For me this is more comfortable than a super stiff frame like the ultra. I feel like the ultra held weight just fine but there is no give whatsoever. The suspension was very comfortable also. I have never used a lumbar pad before and I was very impressed. The foam on the suspension was pretty soft and comfortable.







Overall, as of right now this is the best pack I have used. In my opinion it has one the best pocket setups on the market. I chose the exo over the kuiu because of the way it cinched down the weight, the pocket setup, the comfort of the frame and suspension, and the quality. I don’t think exo cut any corners on this pack and I don’t see me looking for a new pack anytime soon. This is an awesome pack and I would recommend this too anyone on the market.

Thanks for reading!

 

[SHTF]

Awesome review and congrats on your bear. Just ordered one today. Something I noticed in that last Photo that really has me excited is how wide the Lumbar pad is. I didnt realize it was that wide. Thats going to help me cause a bunch. Thanks again.

 

[eltaco]

Thanks for the review! I too believe this is one of the best pack designs on the market... the features encompass all of my favorite features from a number of high end pack companies. The way it packs weight while still allowing my upper torso freedom of movement blew my mind. I'm thinking that we'll be seeing a lot more reviews like this as more packs hit the market.

Out of curiosity, are you a tight 32 in waist, or using a belt to hold pants up? I wear a 32 but they're a bit loose on me. I ordered a small belt, hope that was the right choice!

Congrats on the bear!

 

[n_watson22]

I use a belt to hold my pants up. When I really cinch down the belt on the pack i max it out. I haven't held the small and medium waist belt side-by-side but I believe the lumbar pad might be a little wider between the two and obviously the hip foam is a little longer. Even though I would probably get more versatility for my waist size with the small, I liked the feel of the medium better. And that's just my preference.

I also fluctuate above and below a 32" throughout the year and also use my pack quite a bit in the winter so I will have plenty of layers on. I think you will be just fine with the small as I would have been with it too.

 

[Bmcox86]

Thanks for the good review, can't wait for mine to ship

 

[OR Archer]

Nice bear. Snake River unit in Oregon?

 

[hammer0419]

The wait is killing me!

 

[Paul M]

In that picture do you have all your gear in the pack with the meat and cape because the bag it self doesn't look that stuffed
Less the food you ate of corse
Just trying to figure out if the 3500 will be large enough ,or just get the 5500 to be safe
Has anyone seen the 5500 yet to see where it is larger ,length ,width ,height? Or all of the above , web site doesn't give to much info or a pic
My gear might not be as high speed as the next guys and than it will not fit
Thanks in advance

Great bear

 

[SHTF]

Paul from what Im gathering from reading the reviews and the descriptions of the Exo 3500, its the main compartment and lid that are 3500 CI if you add on the side pockets then the Exo 3500 really is close to 5000 ci. Id imagine the 5500 will be close to 7000ci if they work it the same way. Just a bit of my research that I found this on and wanted to relay it to you.

 

[BATTLEBORN]

Excellent review, ill be placing a order for a Foliage soon.

 

[JeremiahH]

In that picture do you have all your gear in the pack with the meat and cape because the bag it self doesn't look that stuffed
Less the food you ate of corse
Just trying to figure out if the 3500 will be large enough ,or just get the 5500 to be safe
Has anyone seen the 5500 yet to see where it is larger ,length ,width ,height? Or all of the above , web site doesn't give to much info or a pic
My gear might not be as high speed as the next guys and than it will not fit
Thanks in advance

Great bear

Steve, one of the owners, said the 5500 is 3" bigger in circumference and 7" taller in the snow Collar. The lid is a floating lid instead of sewn like the 3500. Everything else it's suppose to be the same as far as features etc

 

[hammer0419]

The consensus so far seems to be the 3500 holds a lot more than initially anticipated.

 

[MTbowhunter36]

Good review and congrats on your bear. I think a lot of guys are going to be pleased with their purchase of this pack. At least from everything I've read thus far.

 

[jwb300]

Good review and congrats on your bear. I think a lot of guys are going to be pleased with their purchase of this pack. At least from everything I've read thus far.

Agree - cant wait for mine to come. I too haven't seen any negative comments or review. That really is a credit to the guys who made this pack and the quality of it too.

Cheers,
JWB300

 

[NVCHUKAR]

Agreed with pretty much everything, the bag is the best design of all bags I have tried. The full length slot pockets are great you can drop a rifle in there no problem unlike the shortened ones on a Kifaru timberline. 5500 ci with the stretchy pockets maxed.

 

[luke moffat]

Great write up man! And again congrats on the bear!

 

[n_watson22]

Paul M,

Yes I have all my gear in the pack. Here is a short list of the main gear that I am carrying:

-tripod --> full length side pocket
-80mm swaro spotting scope--> stretch pocket
-golite sl3 --> main compartment
-mountain hardware 32 degree bag --> main compartment
-therma-rest neo air --> main compartment
-snow peak stove with titanium cup --> main compartment
-2 large fuel canisters --> main compartment
-3 dehydrated meals --> main compartment
-3 top ramens --> main compartment
-6 oatmeal --> main compartment
-kuiu down coat --> main compartment
-first lite wool leggings --> main compartment
-first lite chama hoody --> main compartment
-dslr camera --> main compartment
-2 32 oz water bottles --> main compartment
-all other gear was in the top lid

There is a good chance I might be forgetting something. And of course the bear cape and a backstrap is in the load sling. I was amazed myself that it all fit and it does not look like all that stuff is in the pack but I assure you it is. When I was hunting I carried my rifle in the full length side pocket but was not able to when it was loaded with the bear.

 

[Outwest]

In that picture do you have all your gear in the pack with the meat and cape because the bag it self doesn't look that stuffed
Less the food you ate of corse
Just trying to figure out if the 3500 will be large enough ,or just get the 5500 to be safe
Has anyone seen the 5500 yet to see where it is larger ,length ,width ,height? Or all of the above , web site doesn't give to much info or a pic
My gear might not be as high speed as the next guys and than it will not fit
Thanks in advance

Great bear

Here's the email response I got from Steve regarding the size difference... "The 5500 is about 3" taller when compressed and then has a taller collar as well to make up that extra volume. The only real difference is the lid instead of being sewn in is floating so that it will still function when you raise the collar up."
This is why I went with the 5500 because it is only 6 more oz of weight for all that space and because I would rather have a floating lid.

Great review man! I can't wait for the 5500's to start shipping! Congrats on the bear as well. Can't beat that to test out the new pack!

Jordan

 

[Bmcox86]

How are the load lifters? Did they work as promised

 

[verysimple]

thanks for review. nice setup