Exo k4 beginner

[Aaront54]

I’m new to western elk and muley hunting and backpack hunting in general I’m from Pennsylvania and was wondering if an Exo k4 pack specifically the k4 5000 is worth spending the money for as a beginner or if there’s a similar more budget friendly option I should look at first or “buy once cry once”. I’m also curious on whether I should get a 3600 vs 5000 for a 3-4 day spike camping setup for archery and maybe some rifle outings any help is appreciated

 

[mtnbound]

I’m new to western elk and muley hunting and backpack hunting in general I’m from Pennsylvania and was wondering if an Exo k4 pack specifically the k4 5000 is worth spending the money for as a beginner or if there’s a similar more budget friendly option I should look at first or “buy once cry once”. I’m also curious on whether I should get a 3600 vs 5000 for a 3-4 day spike camping setup for archery and maybe some rifle outings any help is appreciated

I would say yes, but it depends on what your current other gear needs are. If you have your sleep system, cook system, tent, boots, weapon system and rain gear etc.. already figured out then a good pack is worth the expense. However, if you don’t have all of the other stuff figured out, get that stuff first then get your pack figured out. I have used EXO for years and the K4 is great but not everyone likes them so if you can try as many packs on for yourself. For size you can easily do the 3600 for 3-4 days but the 5k will do the same and give you the ability to add additional gear like cold weather stuff much easier.

 

[Aaront54]

I would say yes, but it depends on what your current other gear needs are. If you have your sleep system, cook system, tent, boots, weapon system and rain gear etc.. already figured out then a good pack is worth the expense. However, if you don’t have all of the other stuff figured out, get that stuff first then get your pack figured out. I have used EXO for years and the K4 is great but not everyone likes them so if you can try as many packs on for yourself. For size you can easily do the 3600 for 3-4 days but the 5k will do the same and give you the ability to add additional gear like cold weather stuff much easier.

Ok, I have a bino harness and an insulated sleep pad and some Irish setter elk tracker boots and my weapon system and Jetboil/cook system so far still looking for a good sleeping bag/quilt and tent setup that won’t break the bank and rain gear I need to find

 

[JNDEER]

EXO is a top tier pack, but just because it is doesn’t mean it fits everyone equally. Try on as many packs as you can to find what general style and size fits you best with weight in it.

I would get the 5k for 3-4 day hunt, especially for someone not dialed in with gear for western backpack hunting.

 

[Aaront54]

EXO is a top tier pack, but just because it is doesn’t mean it fits everyone equally. Try on as many packs as you can to find what general style and size fits you best with weight in it.

I would get the 5k for 3-4 day hunt, especially for someone not dialed in with gear for western backpack hunting.

I would like to try on as many packs as possible but being in Pennsylvania there’s not any places that carry big name packs

 

[brca005]

I would like to try on as many packs as possible but being in Pennsylvania there’s not any places that carry big name packs

That's where most will recommend, if you can afford it, order a couple or few you like and then return the one(s) that didn't fit or you didn't prefer. SG and Exo both offer 30 day return policies, so it gives you time to take them for a test drive with weight and get a good test for them, while being able to make an educated decision on which one is best for you.

I lucked out and ordered an Exo a couple years ago and it fits me perfectly.

I also have the 5000 because you can't make more space on longer duration hunts/trips, but it cinches down to nothing so you're able to keep any extra space tight without worry of there being slop in the pack while walking around.