Exo K4 Pack Issue

[S&S ARCHERY]

We have seen this a few times (I think 18 to be exact) in the last 3 years selling K4's and its almost always been someone trying to re-attach the bag to the top of the frame with meat in the load shelf. They are grabbing on to those tabs and pulling as hard as they can to get it back on the frame. We've done the best we can to educate people on how to use the pack but we still see this happening from time to time.

We did change how this tab was sewn back in 2024 to try and eliminate the issue and have only seen a couple of these since then. Not saying this is how it happened to you but that's been the general reason it happens. It's most likely the tear started previously and it just tore more during the hike that you noticed it.

Like people mentioned it would have very little, to no affect on how the pack rides on your back as the main straps are supporting the load and not those tabs.

Definitely send it back to us and Jake will get you squared away asap.

Steve

 

[GunsAreFun]

I had the frame fabric where through. I assume it was from my training bag of concrete sandwiching the fabric between it and the frame. It didn’t fail. I noticed it when taking the concrete out for a trip.

They sent me a replacement frame. I now have my concrete double wrapped in two old t shirts and a contractor bag to minimize the risk.

 

[moewells100]

Strange

Imo that doesn’t really even hold weight really.
That just keeps the bag taught on the frame and gives it structure.
All the load bearing should be on the straps.

It feels quite awkward.

We have seen this a few times (I think 18 to be exact) in the last 3 years selling K4's and its almost always been someone trying to re-attach the bag to the top of the frame with meat in the load shelf. They are grabbing on to those tabs and pulling as hard as they can to get it back on the frame. We've done the best we can to educate people on how to use the pack but we still see this happening from time to time.

We did change how this tab was sewn back in 2024 to try and eliminate the issue and have only seen a couple of these since then. Not saying this is how it happened to you but that's been the general reason it happens. It's most likely the tear started previously and it just tore more during the hike that you noticed it.

Like people mentioned it would have very little, to no affect on how the pack rides on your back as the main straps are supporting the load and not those tabs.

Definitely send it back to us and Jake will get you squared away asap.

Steve

You’ve got a customer for life Steve! Thank you

 

[Mitchynick7]

This thread along with some initial research I have been doing is leading me to believe Exo may be the best option out there right now. I’m sure there will be Stone glacier lovers and Kifaru guys/gals. Is that the general sentiment going?

 

[Oakman]

I’ve been using the Exo K3 for about 4 years now and it’s been rock solid. Was thinking about moving up to the K4, but I’m pretty happy with what I have for now. Appreciate you sharing your experience!

 

[plebe]

This thread along with some initial research I have been doing is leading me to believe Exo may be the best option out there right now. I’m sure there will be Stone glacier lovers and Kifaru guys/gals. Is that the general sentiment going?

I have frame packs from those three, and SO. Pros and cons to each. IA has some good reviews, and some are happy with Kuiu and MR.

Sentiment is (or should be) get something that’s a proper fit for you and offers the features you prioritize…or hang on to a few different packs if you wish, lol.

The quality at the top is pretty amazing.

 

[Mitchynick7]

No preferences yet, I have never owned a frame pack, but I know I want a meat shelf. What are the cons to exo, haven’t found them yet besides the k3 rubbing on the hip belt which seems to go back to your point about fit rather than pack. Do you have a top choice from all that you have owned?

 

[MT_Wyatt]

No preferences yet, I have never owned a frame pack, but I know I want a meat shelf. What are the cons to exo, haven’t found them yet besides the k3 rubbing on the hip belt which seems to go back to your point about fit rather than pack. Do you have a top choice from all that you have owned?

Everyone can give your their personal top choice, but it doesn’t mean a whole lot. Especially if you haven’t owned a frame pack. For example, you can get into an MR a lot cheaper to start than kifaru or Exo or SG. Best is balancing budget, fit and functionality. I’m not sure what the downsides or cons to exo are, other than they are a tad heavier than stone glacier. That said, I’ve found that “con” to actually be a “plus” because they are extremely well built.

In terms of build quality, performance, and custom fit, I think it’s hard to beat that Exo k4 system, and where I’d point you to start - go through their content on design, fit and function, it’s all very helpful. It’ll help you wade through all the pack options a bit easier, even if not getting an Exo. Focus on fit customization for the frame itself and narrow yourself that way. The best way to do that is to try them on, adjusted for you, with a good bit of weight.

 

[rclouse79]

I have hauled out ten animals including four elk with mine. The only issue I have had was when a filthy rodent chewed through one of my straps, and they took care of that for me. I now hang my pack from a tree at night.

 

[paulgibbs01]

Morning all, just wanted to share a recent issue I had with an Exo K4 pack. Fortunately I was just out for a short camping trip and was only a few miles from the trailhead, so it wasn't a big deal. However the pocket where the vertical stave of the frame connects to the top of the bag ripped. This caused the stave to come out of place, and resulted in me waddling back to the truck quite awkwardly.

Pack is 6 months old and i've never had more than 50 lbs in it.

To their credit, Exo offered to repair for free and have been super responsive. I just wanted to share with the community as this could really effect people if deep in the backcountry.

Anyone had a similar issue?

Thanks

View attachment 898260

Wow I run the K4 and have been for over a year. I have carried a lot with it and put it through some tough use and haven’t had a single issue with it. So glad to hear the boys at exo took care of you though, they are great guys!

 

[roosiebull]

Like people mentioned it would have very little, to no affect on how the pack rides on your back as the main straps are supporting the load and not those tabs.

Definitely send it back to us and Jake will get you squared away asap.

Steve

This is important to restate, when my k4 is heavy, these tabs aren’t hooked up anyway. I’m trying to figure out how that could even happen unless the stay wasn’t in that little pocket correctly

 

[plebe]

No preferences yet, I have never owned a frame pack, but I know I want a meat shelf. What are the cons to exo, haven’t found them yet besides the k3 rubbing on the hip belt which seems to go back to your point about fit rather than pack. Do you have a top choice from all that you have owned?

If there was a clear winner, I’d just have one. Again, I emphasize fit first and then features. I kind of pick and choose based on use case.

Exo makes a great product. There’s just some differences that may work out better or worse for a given individual compared to another option. There’s lots of reviews of all this stuff so I’ll just point out a few of those things:

Exo doesn’t have an integrated meat shelf per say. It has integrated horizontal strapping though. You basically strap the load to the frame and clamshell it with the main bag, sandwiching it to your desired carry height. Whereas some of the others incorporate adjustable sling designs that cradle the load. (You can add a crib panel to the K4; haven’t used it so can’t comment on it).

The K4 frame is on the narrower side of the spectrum. As are the bags. Bag selection is somewhat limited.

The K4 lumbar pad is a bit blockier than some. There is only one stay shape. The geometry of the frame system is a bit specific.

Any one of those things could be a pro or a con for you. There’s details about the other designs that track similarly.

 

[Mitchynick7]

Thank you!

More research for me. Not a lot of hands on that I’m aware of though. Michigan doesn’t seem to be an ideal place to be shopping for hunting specific frame packs.

 

[moewells100]

Sewing Repair Kit

Zpacks Offers the Best Lightweight Backpacking Gear: The Ultralight Sewing Repair Kit is perfect for repairing your backpack, clothing, or any other gear items that need a touch up while on trail.

zpacks.com

As a follow up, I took Taudisio’s advice and ordered the Z pack sewing repair kit. It weighs nothing and will be in my pack going forward.

I repaired the rip myself and it works fine. I will caution folks, the fabric is so tough and the needle gauge is so large, that I needed a pliers to actually get the needle through the fabric. I think it would be possible, but very difficult and time consuming to do by hand

 

[John.b]

Good to know their customer service is as good as they claim it is

 

[LP5000]

Sewing Repair Kit

Zpacks Offers the Best Lightweight Backpacking Gear: The Ultralight Sewing Repair Kit is perfect for repairing your backpack, clothing, or any other gear items that need a touch up while on trail.

zpacks.com

Thats a really good idea to keep in the truck!