EXO K4 7200 vs. Initial Ascent 8200

[D_fever80]

EXO or Initial Ascent?

Novice backcountry hunter here. I’m having trouble choosing a pack. Looking to get a large pack that is collapsible. Wanting to start doing 6 to 8 day hunts a couple times a year. I know fit is very important. 5’10” - 175lbs - Short legs - 32” inseam/longer upper body. What are your suggestions?


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[croben]

They both have good return policies. Try them both and keep the one you like the best.

 

[Pluce]

Same body build as you and have run Kifaru Duplex Tatical and now switched over to Initial Ascent 8K and not looking back. I have always struggled with heavy loads (85lbs up) but with the Initial Ascent now there. Pack stays put once adjusted / way load sits all help to carry heavier but also reduce fatigue for me.

 

[D_fever80]

Thanks for the information.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

Order both and send back one u don’t like as much. The IA I sent back because the hip belt kept digging into bottom of my rib cage. They had great CS but ultimately thier solution was for me to cut down the hip belt and I was like I’m not gonna pay $750 for a pack that I need to dart cutting on to make work.

I have used exo, k2, k3 and now k4 and all have been great but k4 is exceptional for me.

 

[bozeman]

Call both, be upfront on what you are doing, get both packs, walk with 50lbs in them, adjust them and keep the one that fits you best. I have found that the top 4-5 pack makers understand that pack fit is a personal choice and have been willing to work with me to find the right one. Be respectful towards their product and return it in 'like new' condition once you make your choice. Best of luck....this journey has just started!

 

[sebastian.cassell]

Also interested in this thread. I started with a kuiu lt pro 4000 and 7200. Had it for 3 years but wanted an exo to try out. Got the k3 last year (weeks before they announced the k4) and really dont like it very much. Im 5’7 165 lbs with a 30” waste so small guy club but I would say the kuiu fit way better than my exo. Neither the kuiu or exo feel great with 50+ lbs however so I am looking at the initial ascent after hearing the gritty review on them.

 

[crich]

Also interested in this thread. I started with a kuiu lt pro 4000 and 7200. Had it for 3 years but wanted an exo to try out. Got the k3 last year (weeks before they announced the k4) and really dont like it very much. Im 5’7 165 lbs with a 30” waste so small guy club but I would say the kuiu fit way better than my exo. Neither the kuiu or exo feel great with 50+ lbs however so I am looking at the initial ascent after hearing the gritty review on them.

I just returned one. Since the belt isn't rigid like exo, It felt as if the bag would sag and allow the belt to hinge on the front of my waste instead of gripping the entire circumference of my waste firmly. It put a bunch of pressure on the front of my hip points (31" waste 6' 170). It honestly did feel lighter than my exo with weight and caused less fatigue on my glutes and upper quads but never felt really secure. I really like their bag and frame layout though it's so simple and useful. I feel like exo put so much thought into how the bag and pockets look esthetically that they lost some function over form.

 

[TURNER208]

I think the new Exo k4 frame is the comfiest I’ve tried albeit I’ve only tried Exo k2 k3 and SG Krux. It seems to wrap around my waist well and stay there which is what I want. @crich i feel like their bag layout stayed the same as the last run on k3 so I don’t think that was the major focus point but could be wrong. Either way I think the guys above pointed you right buy both and return the one you don’t want

 

[Iltasyuko]

I have the K4 with 3600 and 7200 bags. Feels noticeably more comfortable compared to my Kifaru Duplex Lite. It would be worth trying different brands if you can. I won’t be looking at other packs now that I have the K4 - straight forward strap and buckle layout, smart bag design and the water bottle holder and belt pouches are the best I’ve used.

 

[Denimdan]

Glad to see that most pack manufacturers are willing to let you try one out and return it if it’s not what you like!

 

[RemcoU]

I personally had an SG pack I could never get comfortable. Ordered the K4 7200 when it came out and never looked back. Packed out multiple elk, deer and bear without issue.
Customer Support is great, i switched my stays to longer ones and returned the old ones without issue.

 

[diverc18]

Like others said buy all the packs you are looking at and load them up with 50 pounds and go hike. The best pack is the one that fits you best. That said I am running the k4 after trying mystery ranch and stone glacier and so far it’s been night and day.

 

[Tricer]

I have a ton of experience with both. The Initial ascent frame is hands down the best frame I have ever worn.

For me right now I will be wearing IA for the foreseeable future. It just feels like it's part of your body I don't know how to describe it other than it handles heavy loads well.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I would choose the frame that can be setup to fit your body best. I’m not familiar with the IA frames to know if they’ve got different lengths available for the carbon part. But I do know the K4 system you can customize the frame length to match your height and torso, which is extremely helpful in how the frame carries a load. That combined with a very effective hip belt and lumbar, as well as load strapping, make that system shine when it counts.

I don’t see it brought up enough, but I would also consider the pack profile on your back. Lots of these companies keep blowing bags out super wide on your back (ie past your shoulders) and it creates issues moving through terrain at times, in thicker country. Some people can live with that, some cannot.