Exo Mountain Gear K4 Pack Review ***Updated 3/28/23***

[prm]

Did a few miles with the K4 this morning. Not surprising after using the prototype but this thing is comfortable!

I only had about 40 lbs in it for this hike.

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Is that a normal angle for the load lifters, just a shorter frame or just photo weirdness?

 

[Justin Crossley]

Is that a normal angle for the load lifters, just a shorter frame or just photo weirdness?

Just the photo angle I think. I hate taking "selfies" and I suck at it!

My frames are both 26.5" and have plenty of load lifter angle.

**Edit** The frame in this photo and on my prototype were both 25". I ordered 26.5" but didn't measure them to confirm.

 

[BrentH]

Since, based on the above, you clearly have the experience to answer this, and it was likely one of the biggest discussion points on the other K4 thread, I guess I will ask the most important question of all….



Ranger Green or Coyote Brown?

 

[prm]

RANGER GREEN.

I always think a coyote pack looks like an elk butt from a distance.

It probably doesn’t, but now that it’s in my head…

 

[Justin Crossley]

Since, based on the above, you clearly have the experience to answer this, and it was likely one of the biggest discussion points on the other K4 thread, I guess I will ask the most important question of all….



Ranger Green or Coyote Brown?

Anything but First Lite!

 

[Sand Wrench]

RANGER GREEN.

I always think a coyote pack looks like an elk butt from a distance.

It probably doesn’t, but now that it’s in my head…

Ha! Never would have thought of that. Hang a set of elk antlers on there and you'd make a heck of an enticing target!

 

[sndmn11]

Let me know your questions, and I'll do my best to answer them.

I would be most interested to learn about the adherence to Cordura for the bag material as opposed to a UltraPE, Xpac, Spectra, etc.

 

[mcseal2]

I heard Steve discuss that on their podcast. Basically none of the other fabrics were waterproof enough to warrant a change. They tested them. With stitching creating holes in the waterproof membrane, plus the waterproof membrane getting wore over time flexing it repeatedly the cordura performed better. It's pretty water resistant, tough, and they couldn't find anything to outperform it.

 

[Mark at EXO]

I would be most interested to learn about the adherence to Cordura for the bag material as opposed to a UltraPE, Xpac, Spectra, etc.

As @mcseal2 mentioned above, I'd suggest listening to this for the full answer:

Exo K4 Podcast

^ You can skip to 23:30 for the specific discussion on waterproof fabrics

 

[sr80]

Is that a normal angle for the load lifters, just a shorter frame or just photo weirdness?

I feel like Justin wears his pack a little lower on his hips from the pics i am seeing, which would make the load lifter angle appear lower. Am i right?

 

[pcassada]

Justin, what would you say is the biggest difference from K3 to K4? Did the added size choices make a noticeable difference in overall fit for you?

 

[sndmn11]

As @mcseal2 mentioned above, I'd suggest listening to this for the full answer: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-163

^ You can skip to 23:30 for the specific discussion on waterproof fabrics

I'll try and listen this week, Mark, thanks for the link.

My main interest in those materials, UltraPE specifically, is the weight savings, tear strength, and abrasion resistance. I don't care much about the waterproof-ness and think that is a fool's gold quest.

I'd have bought a K4 at WHCE if it were made of UltraPE200 like Stone Glacier uses on a few packs, or the UltraPE400 Seek uses. I think that those two fabrics are attractive, and it would be invaluable education to learn what your testing came to conclude that turned you away from exploring it further. I like a lot of things about the K4, and I know my friend @TheViking really likes his K3 after trying some other manufacturers.

When I look up 500d Cordura I see about 5.5-6oz ydsq, ~520 abrasion cycles via taper, and about 35-40lbs ASTM D2261. Some of what I find and from my past knowledge in textiles, is that 500d Cordura has been diluted with "Cordura" that is produced outside of the bounds Dupont created in the 1960s so the specs get wonky.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Justin, what would you say is the biggest difference from K3 to K4? Did the added size choices make a noticeable difference in overall fit for you?

For me, the lower part of the pack, specifically the lumbar pad area creates slightly more pressure to help keep the pack from slipping. The podcast explains in detail the differences between the K3 and K4 but basically it's this. If you had any slipping at all, the K4 will likely work better for you.

The size choices didn't make any difference for me at all that I'm aware of. I like tall frames and have my belt size pretty dialed as far as what's comfortable for me.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I feel like Justin wears his pack a little lower on his hips from the pics i am seeing, which would make the load lifter angle appear lower. Am i right?

Like I mentioned, I think that was more photo angle than anything.

But, I do wear my pack lower than some people. I hate having the belt up too high.

It's probably from all the years I spent wearing heavy tool bags when I was building homes.

 

[JNDEER]

Justin- what is your height and weight and size belt you run on the k4?

 

[Bwilliams1286]

Anybody else think the K4 frame and suspension is starting to look a lot more like Kifaru? Bigger lumber pad and hip belt, molle accessory system, composite stays, etc. I think the packs are awesome but I couldn’t help but notice the similarities.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Justin- what is your height and weight and size belt you run on the k4?

I'm 5'10" and weigh between 180-190 normally. My jeans are 32x32 and I have a small belt on the Exo.

Anybody else think the K4 frame and suspension is starting to look a lot more like Kifaru? Bigger lumber pad and hip belt, molle accessory system, composite stays, etc. I think the packs are awesome but I couldn’t help but notice the similarities.

The designs are similar but there are also differences if you hold them next to each other. I imagine that's why both are extremely comfortable for me.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I would be most interested to learn about the adherence to Cordura for the bag material as opposed to a UltraPE, Xpac, Spectra, etc.

Steve did extensive testing looking for something that would shed water better than the 500D Cordura and in the end, he learned it was still the best material overall for what he was trying to accomplish.

Basically, those other fabrics mentioned give up quietness, or durability, or flexibility, etc., and didn't keep water out any better due to stitching through them.

 

[croben]

The designs are similar but there are also differences if you hold them next to each other. I imagine that's why both are extremely comfortable for me.

Will the K4 fit on a Kifaru frame like the K3 does?

 

[Justin Crossley]

Will the K4 fit on a Kifaru frame like the K3 does?

I haven't tried. I'll take a look when I have some time.