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.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Don’t over look the woodsman. Put 4 straps on it. It’ll carry your layers and stand setup. Leaves plenty of room to put meat in shelf or in the bag

 

[prm]

I had the 3600 and hunted with it but found I never really liked the bag arrangement. Not terrible by any means, just annoyed by feeling I always had to undo too many straps or dig for zipper pulls. I bought an Ark frame and Stryker XL bag with the intent of conducting as thorough a comparison as I could to know which was better for me.
I did many hikes with the K4/3600 and the Ark/Stryker XL with the actual gear I would carry hunting and weighted loads from 40 to 90ish pounds (I forget exact weight). The Ark waist belt held better for me and I much preferred the Stryker bag. The K4 started as a 23.5, but to try and get it to work better for me I bought the 25” stays and new panel to extend the frame. That helped in a few ways, but ultimately it never matched the Ark for comfort and not sliding down. The decision for me was easy at that point.
I have used the Kifaru out west, out east for hunts in the National forest, and for hauling tree stands. It’s very versatile. Edit: for more stuff you may consider the Hellbender over the Stryker XL.