Exo K4 3600/5000 or Kifaru Manimal 25" ARK

[Colorsblend]

I'm considering the K4 series (probably the 5000) or the Kifaru Manimal with a 25" Ark Frame. After consulting with Kifaru, they suggested the 25" frame for carrying loads over 40 lbs.
I'm curious if anyone has experience with both setups and could share their thoughts. I am in search of a pack for Midwest public land whitetail hunting, as I typically walk more than a mile in. I need the capability to pack out if required. My back now prefers the stability and structure of a frame pack when carrying a platform, sticks, and all my gear. I also tend to pack more rather than less, so having extra room is important to me. Additionally, my late-season outer layers are quite bulky.
TIA

 

[Pilarczyk85]

I would try both out to see which one fits you better. Im using the Ark and love it.

 

[LucasAnderson14]

I’m basically in the same boat. I do mostly public land hunting nowadays and at minimum pack in 4 sticks and a saddle platform. Most times I pack in some camera gear too. I definitely need the meat shelf for a packout. I’d like to have this pack work for an elk hunt too, or at minimum the frame be good to put an elk pack on.

I’m interested in the K4 3600, but fear for most sits it has almost too much capacity unless I’m packing some bulkier layers in. Alternately I’m considering the Kifaru Duplex frame with a Stryker XL. I think unless I have bulky layers this would be plenty for most of my hunts.

 

[wnelson14]

[EMBED content="post-4384927"]https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/exo-mountain-k4.279017

EXO k4 thread has 158 pages that should be your answer.[/EMBED]

 

[doc holiday13]

Manimal is overrated IMO. if you just need a backpack but want to carry your tree stand and sticks get the Stryker XL or Hellbender and add a medium or large external pocket if you need a touch more gear carrying capacity.

The manimal is too strappy. I'm never gonna pull off the small pouch to use as a backpack and without the small pouch carry capacity goes way down, then if you use the bag load shelf, you end up having to disassemble the bag and frame. I hope the manimal works for somebody but not me

 

[Colorsblend]

Manimal is overrated IMO. if you just need a backpack but want to carry your tree stand and sticks get the Stryker XL or Hellbender and add a medium or large external pocket if you need a touch more gear carrying capacity.

The manimal is too strappy. I'm never gonna pull off the small pouch to use as a backpack and without the small pouch carry capacity goes way down, then if you use the bag load shelf, you end up having to disassemble the bag and frame. I hope the manimal works for somebody but not me

Very insightful, appreciate you sharing.

 

[judders87]

Very insightful, appreciate you sharing.

I would agree with @doc holiday13 . The molle panel on the Stryker XL allows for more flexibility in creating a system that works for you. I have the Tethrd platform pouch and just attached it on there allowing for ease of getting my stand in and out. The Exo is more geared towards backcountry backpack hunting.