5000 is ideal for me. Big enough to pack in for 5-7 days and compacts fantastic for day hunts. I do love the horseshoe zipper and stretch panel on the back. I keep my snacks, beanie and gloves in there. The horseshoe is nice to open up and have quick access to all items in the bag.
Exo Mountain Gear K4 Pack Review ***Updated 3/28/23***
- Thread starter Justin Crossley
- Start date
If you pack efficiently and lightly, no reason you shouldn’t be able to use the 5000…my two cents. Depends on gear too.
roosiebull
WKR
My next purchase is going to be the crib/pocket setup, I went with the 3600, it will serve most of my needs (used to the 3500 k1&2 bag)
If I get a longer backpack trip in cooler weather on the horizon, I’ll probably get a 7200, but I decided to go with my favorite size bag in the past.
My sleeping bag and food are the only 2 space hogs in my setup, and could probably kill 2 birds with one stone getting a down bag for colder camping.
The only cold weather hunting I really do is spring turkey in the blue mountains, but I can sleep pretty comfortably down to low 20’s in my slick bag, but it’s bulky.
Kinda plotting on a WM or FF 10-ish degree bag. I’m 6’ and skinny so standard size bags work for me, and I don’t mind not having extra room… years of sleeping on little narrow bunks on boats has made me a non picky sleeper, as long as I’m not freezing, I’m good to go
tracker12
WKR
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2016
- Messages
- 1,143
what's there total weight of this load
- Thread Starter
- #106
OP
I didn't put it on the scale, but I estimated it at 35-40 lbs roughly.
Any luck on the K4 fitting on a Kifaru frame?
WadeTheWild
FNG
Anybody Have any pics of the K4 in First Light Fusion?
On the side pockets - can you fit more gear in them besides spotter and tripod? The old gen1 5500 and k2 3000 bags I could put a LOT of gear with spotter and tripod and it looks like these side pockets area really only meant for tripod and spotter with not a crazy amount of room left?
For example- I could put my game bags, knives, stove/cup, emergency kit (size of a pull out), katadyn filter and a 65mm spotter in one side pocket.
From all the videos and pics it looks like everything needs to be as round as a spotter diameter - especially if the bag is full??
I ask because I want the 3600 cause I do more day hunts- but it may be too small for multi hunts with my normal gear and would force me to the 5000.
The new side pockets are quite a bit bigger than the old ones.
Just to clarify- when you say “bigger” do you mean they will hold the items in my example if the bag is full OR are you saying that they literally are bigger simply (longer and wider)?
The video of the 3600 when Steve puts the 65 in the pocket and zips it up simply with an air bag in the main compartment - to me it surely doesn’t look like I could add/put the items i historically put in the side pockets.
This all easily fit and zipped closed in one side pocket.
Edit to add-For whatever reason the new pockets are much less affected by the bag being full.
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Thank you for taking the time to grab that stuff and provide a photo- I appreciate it.
That is exactly what I needed to see- and honestly in all the videos, pics and YouTube sneak peeks I didn’t think it could hold that much.
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- Thread Starter
- #115
OP
The K4 bags will not work well on a Kifaru frame. I don't see a good way to attach the top since the Exo will not go over the Kifaru frame.
On the flip side, if anyone decided they wanted to put a Kifaru bag on the K4 frame, that looks like it will work just fine.
- Thread Starter
- #116
OP
A few people have asked how the frame heights compare between Kifaru and Exo.
This is the 26.5" K4 next to the 26" Hunter frame. The K4 is almost exactly half an inch taller.
This is the 26.5" K4 next to the 26" Hunter frame. The K4 is almost exactly half an inch taller.
When wearing both with some weight in the pack- do they sit the same on your body?? The K4 appears to naturally sit higher then where a kifaru sits- Atleast where the kifaru sits on me.
I am just shy of 6’ and body measures a 32” inseam. I am pear shaped at 205# but wear a custom “marge” kifaru belt and the 26” kifaru frame fits better then the 24” (which actually measures more like a 25”)
I got the belt dialed for the EXO- however I am torn on which frame height or if I look at ordering a custom 26” and cut it down more if I need.
Sorry- rambling and I will probably have to email EXO- but been using the kifaru lately so it’s nice to see someone who has direct experience with it to ask for comparison
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2022
- Messages
- 362
Thanks for the review. I haven’t had the chance to checkout the K4 in person. I’ve been running a Kifaru setup the last several seasons. I’m wondering what your opinion is between the k4 and Kifaru. I’m debating whether or not to make the jump from my Kifaru setup to the K4. Anyone’s input is welcome. Thanks!
What was the thought process in changing the design of the side pockets from the k3? I liked how they went all the way up
- Thread Starter
- #120
OP
I would say they sit about the same on me. For your height, I would recommend the 26.5" frame.
If the Kifaru is working for you, I see no reason to change. If you didn't have a pack already, I would recommend trying both with weight to see which you prefer.
I'm not quite sure what you mean. The K4 side pockets are bigger than previous EXO packs.
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