Exo 5500 or 3500

[Fins_N_Tines]

This is easy, go for the 5500.

The only thing i disagree with Exo and their website, is their statement that the 3500 is the do it all pack. This pack is tight with 5 days of gear. For 0.3 lbs more you can get the 5500 and it compresses down just as small as the 3500. Actually I don't think you would notice the difference between the 3500 and 5500 in compressed mode.

 

[Bowhuntone]

In agreement with the majority go 5500 no real weight penalty and you have the extra room. I have the 5500 and it will pack down to about 2" deep and most of that is the frame thickness.

 

[Jahvette20]

So I just laid everything out for a September 7 day backcountry elk hunt excluding food, water, meat bags, and the pants I’ll be wearing(fl obsidian). One pic is everything that will go in/on my pack, and the other is everything that will be worn/carried. I fit everything into a badlands 2200 with enough room left for about 2 liters water and some snacks. Total weight of packed items is just under 14 lb and carried/worn 17 lb. So with this info does everyone still think I need a 5500? I haven’t actually laid out 7 day (roughly 10lb) food yet to see how much volume that will add. I plan on a few mountain house meals but mainly instant mashed, spam, tuna wraps, ramen, etc.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jayrad313]

I was in the same boat as you and went 5500. I do some 3-4 day trips throughout the year and the 5500 compresses down just fine without feeling like theres excess bag hanging everywhere. My long trip is 10 days once a year in september and theres no way i could do that with the 3500 and my gear is pretty minimalist/small/light.
Food will end up taking up a lot of space in your pack (figure about 1.5#/day) I always think I'm doing great on space until i load my 10 days of food in there!

 

[Woody15]

I have 3500...there are times I wish I had the 5500 and for the little extra weight..why not.

 

[Shearingthehunt]

Get the 5500. If you get the 3500, you will eventually want the 5500 so might as well get it now.

Agreed

 

[Shearingthehunt]

I was in the same boat as you and went 5500. I do some 3-4 day trips throughout the year and the 5500 compresses down just fine without feeling like theres excess bag hanging everywhere. My long trip is 10 days once a year in september and theres no way i could do that with the 3500 and my gear is pretty minimalist/small/light.
Food will end up taking up a lot of space in your pack (figure about 1.5#/day) I always think I'm doing great on space until i load my 10 days of food in there!

I would go with the 5500