Exo Mountain Frame Strength and Comfort Under Weight

[TheCougar]

Rok-ers,

I'm in the market for a new daypack-expandable-to-bivy-pack (3500-6000 cu in). I have severe first world problems going on, namely the number of quality options to choose from. Rather than throw a frag into the crowd by asking your opinions on Mystery Ranch vs Kifaru vs Stone Glacier vs Exo, I will try to keep it specific.

Looking at the Exo Mountain Frames, it seems a little on the light side. I have nothing to back this up mind you. I just looked at their titanium frame and it looks pretty flimsy next to a Kifaru or MR frame. How does it handle under load? How is the comfort compared to a MR or Kifaru, where you have adjustable/custom height for load lifting? I have never had a custom pack. I'm sure any of these packs is an upgrade, but for $700 I want to get it right! Also if you want to pitch your 2 cents in on pack recommendations, go ahead... but stay classy! Cheers.

 

[DWinVA]

I have the original EXO frame and it handles loads very well. I carried 80 lbs a lot last year while training and in my opinion it was as comfortable as 80 lbs can be. The frame is very stiff top to bottom but has just the right amount of flex side to side so it moves with your body. I have no experience with Kifaru or MR but a EXO can be had for much less than $700. There are always used packs for here on sale since some folks are constantly upgrading or trying new things. Good luck.

God Bless.

 

[DmrbigEshotT]

I have a 2015 Exo 3500 and have packed up to 65lbs for training. So far, I'm happy with the pack, it's features, and how it carries weight. Once you get the pack adjusted correctly, it's very manageable. I like a bigger lumbar pad and that's the only thing I wish would be improved on my pack BUT Exo recently increased the bulk of their pad for the upgraded frame they just released.

I spent around 525 for my setup and am very happy with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[aion2come]

I have both frames. I think they both carry weight extremely well. The Exo is plenty stiff and strong for over 100 lbs. They have a video somewhere with it holding 200 lbs even. You would not be disappointed in either. In fact, until Kifaru came out with their updated frames last year, I actually preferred the Exo. Now I'll give a slight edge to Kifaru as an overall system, but just by a tad. Haven't tried the new K2 frame though.

 

[hammer0419]

The exo is anything but flimsy. It is an incredible frame And pack. You will not be disappointed if that's your choice.

 

[westrnwild]

I have the 2015 Exo 3500. I actually switched from using a MR Metcalf to the Exo and couldnt be happier. The MR was much bulkier and heavier and with that weight i didnt feel there was much of a reward. I have carried heavy loads with both. The lashing on frame the exo gives you to strap meat down in my opinion also helps you handle loads better as it makes it tighter to the frame and allows you to position it higher on your back. The Metcalf version i had the G2 had the weight drop down low, making long hikes with an elk hind quarter rubbing against me more painful as it sat low. Both packs are great and i can honestly say i have no experience with the new MR frames. I love the exo and for the price its still cheaper then both Kifaru and MR. Kifaru makes a great pack but your gonna spend closer to a grand unless you can find some deals. Cant go wrong with any of them. Good luck on your decision

 

[justinspicher]

I've been using mine everyday so far for work. I've carried loads from 30-60lbs in higher elevations and couldn't be happier.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Rok-ers,

I'm in the market for a new daypack-expandable-to-bivy-pack (3500-6000 cu in). I have severe first world problems going on, namely the number of quality options to choose from. Rather than throw a frag into the crowd by asking your opinions on Mystery Ranch vs Kifaru vs Stone Glacier vs Exo, I will try to keep it specific.

Looking at the Exo Mountain Frames, it seems a little on the light side. I have nothing to back this up mind you. I just looked at their titanium frame and it looks pretty flimsy next to a Kifaru or MR frame. How does it handle under load? How is the comfort compared to a MR or Kifaru, where you have adjustable/custom height for load lifting? I have never had a custom pack. I'm sure any of these packs is an upgrade, but for $700 I want to get it right! Also if you want to pitch your 2 cents in on pack recommendations, go ahead... but stay classy! Cheers.

I have the 1st gen and k2 frames. They both handle weight well. The k2 does better over 90lbs(lumbar pad and stiffer side to side roll). Under 50lbs I like the 1st gen because it I can move better(twist wise).. With that said I don't like it enough to keep it over the K2.

Kifaru makes a hell of a frame. I like thier hip pads better, but prefer the EXO bag options. No experience with MR. I don't think you can go wrong with EXO or Kifaru

 

[hunt1up]

I just received my new K2 frame yesterday. I had it side-by-side with the duplex frame. I stood the pack up and pushed down on the tops. I could get a little flex or "bounce" out of the duplex and none out of the Exo. Both are really nice.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Well, I have had one since they first came out. Lost track the number of animals packed out but somewhere near 15 or so. As far as handling weight, well here is a couple of photos as they tell the story. One has an entire boned out high country muley which I shot going up to pack out the last of the elk I shot the night before so.................................my brother had to pack out 2 complete rear elk quarters being I had the deer. Somewhere near 150 pounds or so. Was it comfortable? Hell no but nothing would be. Did it handle the weight? You betcha.

Randy