EXO K4 Now or Wait for the EXO K4X

[CoryM181]

I wonder if they've ever thought of making straight stays for us No Ass guys. Ive always felt like the shoulder area was pulling away from my back with exos

 

[Harvey_NW]

I wonder if they've ever thought of making straight stays for us No Ass guys. Ive always felt like the shoulder area was pulling away from my back with exos

The earlier series weren't as bad, but I definitely understand and felt that with the K4. It takes some fiddling with a load, but once you get it dialed in it's comfortable. IMHO if the pack feels like it's pivoting on your lower back and pulling away from your shoulders a bit, as opposed to bearing weight on your shoulders and collar bone splitting your sternum, it's physically doing its job.

 

[CoryM181]

The earlier series weren't as bad, but I definitely understand and felt that with the K4. It takes some fiddling with a load, but once you get it dialed in it's comfortable. IMHO if the pack feels like it's pivoting on your lower back and pulling away from your shoulders a bit, as opposed to bearing weight on your shoulders and collar bone splitting your sternum, it's physically doing its job.

I could see that but I didnt really care for that feeling, felt unbalanced to me (I've owned k2-k4). The sg krux fits me so much better but the bags and the way the load shelf operate are not great. I'm hoping more company's offer different shaped stays in the future

 

[Lawnboi]

Screw Black Friday. This thread has dozens of guys dumping their never used k4, with the volume that’s coming I bet you can get a real deal!

 

[Idaboy]

Losing 2lbs in a pack is like a 30% weight reduction. If you can reduce everything by 30%, that's substantial. Or maybe having 2lbs less weight in your pack allows you to bring a slightly heavier sleeping pad and get better sleep because of it.

? 30%...if a 6lb pack, not following this.

But I'm all about cutting weight down, if it doesn't impact function or comfort....I like exo packs but seems like they could be a little lighter, looking forward to the X version and people's experiences

 

[Movadius]

Losing 2lbs in a pack is like a 30% weight reduction. If you can reduce everything by 30%, that's substantial. Or maybe having 2lbs less weight in your pack allows you to bring a slightly heavier sleeping pad and get better sleep because of it.

With all due respect, this is a bit of a flawed way of thinking. Losing 2lbs of pack weight when your total carried weight in the pack is 30lbs for example is a 6.6% reduction of the weight on your back.

Whether you can "reduce everything else by 30%" is irrelevant to the discussion of whether turning your 6lb pack into a 4lb pack is "worth it", because you can still "reduce everything else by 30%" regardless of the weight of your actual pack.

The question you should be asking yourself is, does reducing my pack weight by 2lbs (or total carried weight 6.6%) produce a noticeable enough difference in my level of fatigue/discomfort to offset whatever features/function I sacrificed by switching packs.

If your 4lb pack has all the same features, function, comfort and weight carriage as your 6lb pack, then its a no brainer. But if the 6lb pack fits you better or makes the weight feel lighter on your back due to better suspension or frame or belt, etc. Then you're throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

Your goal should be making your pack actually feel lighter/less fatiguing on your back, not just lighter on paper.

 

[gtriple]

? 30%...if a 6lb pack, not following this.

But I'm all about cutting weight down, if it doesn't impact function or comfort....I like exo packs but seems like they could be a little lighter, looking forward to the X version and people's experiences

If your pack itself weighs about 6lbs, then this K4X should be about 30% lighter. +/- a couple of ounces.

With all due respect, this is a bit of a flawed way of thinking. Losing 2lbs of pack weight when your total carried weight in the pack is 30lbs for example is a 6% reduction of the weight on your back.

Whether you can "reduce everything else by 30%" is irrelevant to the discussion of whether turning your 6lb pack into a 4lb pack is "worth it", because you can still "reduce everything else by 30%" regardless of the weight of your actual pack.

The question you should be asking yourself is, does reducing my pack weight by 2lbs produce a noticeable enough difference in my level of fatigue/discomfort to offset whatever features/function I sacrificed by switching packs.

If your 4lb pack has all the same features, function, comfort and weight carriage as your 6lb pack, then its a no brainer. But if the 6lb pack fits you better or makes the weight feel lighter on your back due to better suspension or frame or belt, etc. Then you're throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

Your goal should be making your pack actually feel lighter/less fatiguing on your back, not just lighter on paper.

No disagreement on the “same features, function, comfort…” part. Exo wouldn’t release a pack that has significantly less functionality for the sake of weight.

I didn’t say anything about total pack weight. Just about reducing the weight of a single item by 30%.

 

[Movadius]

If your pack itself weighs about 6lbs, then this K4X should be about 30% lighter. +/- a couple of ounces.


No disagreement on the “same features, function, comfort…” part. Exo wouldn’t release a pack that has significantly less functionality for the sake of weight.

I didn’t say anything about total pack weight. Just about reducing the weight of a single item by 30%.

Yeah, I should have clarified I wasn't disagreeing that the empty pack would be 30% lighter. I was just pointing out that empty pack being 30% lighter is going to be less than a 10% overall reduction in your actual carried weight in most scenarios. It was your line about "If you can reduce everything by 30%, that's substantial." that I was mostly responding to, as that statement is still true even if you don't touch the pack weight so it's not a selling point for the K4X specifically. It's an independent variable.

I guess I've seen too many less-context-aware people buy into the advice to chase weight savings at all costs and end up with packs that aren't as comfortable or adjustable or have less robust suspension and then wonder why their 30lb load feels worse on their back than their 32lb load used to. Though I see that more often in backpacking forums, so I probably didn't need to spell that out here. Especially in the context of an Exo pack.

Point taken good sir

 

[Bobrobheimer]

Yeah, I should have clarified I wasn't disagreeing that the empty pack would be 30% lighter. I was just pointing out that empty pack being 30% lighter is going to be less than a 10% overall reduction in your actual carried weight in most scenarios. It was your line about "If you can reduce everything by 30%, that's substantial." that I was mostly responding to, as that statement is still true even if you don't touch the pack weight so it's not a selling point for the K4X specifically. It's an independent variable.

I guess I've seen too many less-context-aware people buy into the advice to chase weight savings at all costs and end up with packs that aren't as comfortable or adjustable or have less robust suspension and then wonder why their 30lb load feels worse on their back than their 32lb load used to. Though I see that more often in backpacking forums, so I probably didn't need to spell that out here. Especially in the context of an Exo pack.

Point taken good sir

This is definitely true. I am sure Steve agrees and won’t come out with something that doesn’t carry weight as well. I did a demanding death hike sorta thing a few years back and ended up using my exo frame with a dry bag even though my pack weight was less than 20lbs. I could have saved lbs using a light weight fast packing style pack (as some of my friends did on this trip) but in training I just found the exo to be comfortable even after extended durations of wearing it while the other lighter packs would start great but after hours and hours would bug my back.

 

[Kimber7man]

Screw Black Friday. This thread has dozens of guys dumping their never used k4, with the volume that’s coming I bet you can get a real deal!

I don’t even own a K4 yet and just bought a 3,600 bag lol

 

[ianpadron]

I've got a K4, great pack, favorite frame of all time even over my trusty XCurve that's given Noah's ark a run for its money in terms of critters on board.

The K4 was such a well thought out improvement in pack design/usability, there is good reason everyone raves about theirs.

I fully expect the K4X to be worth the wait though. Those EXO guys design and test their shit the right way and don't disappoint when new product rolls out.

My vote is wait.

 

[duckcarver]

I’m inclined to wait for the K4X, but need to have a pack dialed in by mid-August 26 for a 10 day hunt.

Is 6,000 ci going to be the largest K4X bag? Does anyone have more jnsight as to timing of the release?

 

[nphunter]

I wonder if they've ever thought of making straight stays for us No Ass guys. Ive always felt like the shoulder area was pulling away from my back with exos

My Kifaru duplex lite uses carbon arrows, seems like stuffing a couple of 5mm shafts in place of the stays would work just fine. If your an archer it would be a super cheap fix.

I’ve packed out a dozen elk with mine and have had zero issues with the arrows.

 

[Schmo]

If I can sell my SG Terminus, hoping to pick up either a nice used K4, or one on their sale this month. Been an avid listener to the Exo podcast for some time, and Steve and Mark are great dudes.

 

[wind gypsy]

I had a k1 and k2 with multiple bags but sold because sg x curve keeps weight on my hips better. I miss exo bags though and the k4 options didn’t appeal as much as the old models. This is sounding pretty dang good.

 

[K_pem]

If you don't have to have it anytime soon, IDK why you wouldn't wait to at least see what the K4X has to offer.

Any savings you might get on the BF sale, I'm certain you could still get once people start offloading K4's to fund their K4X purchases.

I have two K4's currently, once I determine that the K4X will fill my needs the same or better than the current version, I'm sure I will be selling a K4 5000 lol.

 

[Mark at EXO]

Anyone else on the fence about buying a new K4 now or waiting for the new K4X to come out next year? I just sold my K3 that I absolutely loved but I was one of the few that was a victim of pack slip or I would’ve kept it. I can’t decide if I want to get the K4 during their Black Friday sale this year or just wait for the new K4X

Hey guys! Just stumbled upon this thread. Wanted to weigh in on a few things. I can't answer every question, but I tried to grab some posts from this thread that are common, and/or that I can answer right now.

If you want K4x updates, please make sure to sign-up here: https://exomtngear.com/K4x.

K4x will be a limited release in 2026, and by signing up there, you will also get the first chance to buy.

We will be sharing more updates in early 2026, and are working hard to take pre-orders in Mar/Apr and be shipping in Apr/May. All of this is subject to change.

Totally new design? Or same design but in UltraPE/similar?

The core design will not change drastically. The K4x frame and bags will be compatible with K4 frames/bags, and vice versa. You will see some minor design changes on the K4x frame, and new K4x bags with different layouts/features.

The biggest changes for K4x are in material innovation. We have a new custom fabric, new custom hardware, new foams, etc.

Please make any new bags coming out compatible with the K4 frame. Love that thing.

Yes, absolutely.

It’s not a replacement for K4. It’s a specialized version for those that will see the value in the premium materials and light weight. Ie. K4 will not be obsolete or discounted, though I’m absolutely sure you’ll find some regular K4’s in the classifieds as people jump onto K4x

Great summary, Ben. And worth repeating... K4x is not replacing K4, and K4x is not for everyone. We will still offer K4, as we love the design, its performance, the customer feedback, the longevity and durability of how it is performing over the years, etc.

K4x will be more specialized and targeted for the guys really aiming to save weight and hunt in the mountains.

does the bag still separate from the frame? or is it going to be an internal frame at that weight?

Still separates for sure. Internal frames and load slings limit performance, versatility, and more.

Curious if the material is louder than cordura? If it is, I'm out

Overall, Cordura will be a bit quieter in most contexts/conditions.

Does anyone know if they'll be making a smaller K4X bag as well? Something in the 2000-3000 range?

Love my K4 frame but wasnt a fan of the overall profile and design of the K4 packs

Subject to change, but we are looking at a K4x bag in the 4000s and 6000s range, and are also considering offering our current 5000 bag with an unchanged design but in the K4x material.

(@Movadius — Shoot me some private notes on what you don't like about our profile and design. I want your feedback, but don't want to clutter this thread.)

I’m inclined to wait for the K4X, but need to have a pack dialed in by mid-August 26 for a 10 day hunt.

Is 6,000 ci going to be the largest K4X bag? Does anyone have more jnsight as to timing of the release?

Something in the 6k-7k range is likely for the larger K4x bag in 2026. Timing is discussed a bit above. Can definitely have K4x to guys who have sheep hunts in 2026.

- - - - -​

Again, guys, more info to come for sure. Keep in mind that some of what you have seen in photos (from us or from other testers) are just prototypes. For example, we just spent a week in Kodiak with brand new bag concepts. We are always trying new ideas, testing in the field, and refining.

Appreciate all of the interest and support. I will do my best to answer questions, but there are some things I simply cannot answer with specificity, as this is an in-progress development and decisions/specs/etc are not final.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

The things I don’t like about the k4 are the rifle carry system and having to take the lid off to convert to meat carry mode. Will that carry over to the new K4x?

 

[yeti14]

@Mark at EXO what is the water resistance of the new bags? Living in SEAK, I need waterproof (or close to it). I would love to try an exo, but Seek bags seems to be the only option that checks all the boxes for me.

 

[Mark at EXO]

@Mark at EXO what is the water resistance of the new bags? Living in SEAK, I need waterproof (or close to it). I would love to try an exo, but Seek bags seems to be the only option that checks all the boxes for me.

We'll be sharing and showing more in our testing, but increasing water resistance is a goal for sure.