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

[Dirtnapper23]

I upgraded from the K2 3200 to the K4 5000. Absolutely love it. Packed out three caribou and a full aoudad so far. The zippered side pockets and molle panels are some of my favorite features. However, the one modification I wish it had is two zippers (as opposed to one) on each side pocket, so you could close the pockets by zipping half way or all the way down, which would alleviate any interference with the bag lid when accessing the side pockets.

 

[MNBob]

5000 has had plenty of room for my typical 3-4 day backcountry elk hunts.

 

[harrishunter]

The K4 is just so nice.

 

[Legion5430]

Great info thank you for posting as I am thinking of upgrading from the K3 to the K4

 

[KCB142]

I upgraded from the K2 3200 to the K4 5000. Absolutely love it. Packed out three caribou and a full aoudad so far. The zippered side pockets and molle panels are some of my favorite features. However, the one modification I wish it had is two zippers (as opposed to one) on each side pocket, so you could close the pockets by zipping half way or all the way down, which would alleviate any interference with the bag lid when accessing the side pockets.

Like to see this. I have a k2 with a k3 bag but looking to upgrade.

 

[NotVerySilent_KindaDeadly]

This forum is a wealth of info for a newb looking into an exo pack. Thank yall!

 

[cworth]

Yes, thanks for all the information. I tried to read the 14 pages and probably missed it, but how are the shorter / stocky guys liking the K4 5000 and issues with fit.

 

[Halibut]

After reading through this thread and some reviews online I just upgraded from an old frame pack and a Gregory baltoro to a K4 7200. Seems like these packs provide a great load hauling capabilities and are relatively lightweight. Excited to test it out this fall.

 

[Halibut]

Yes, thanks for all the information. I tried to read the 14 pages and probably missed it, but how are the shorter / stocky guys liking the K4 5000 and issues with fit.

Meant to reply to this in my initial post. I got a k4 7200 recently. I am 5'4 and pretty stocky around 160 or so. I have a longer torso and shorter legs. I got the 23.5 inch frame and small belt. After some adjustments the pack/frame fit me pretty dang good. I haven't done any big trips with it yet, but I have been loading it up to about 50-60 lbs of hardwood and hiking the 2 mile hill below my house. Definitely the best fitting pack I have used so far.

 

[Bhoops]

I just got a K4 and it’s been great. No belt slippage.

 

[IDVortex]

First time using my K4 as a pack, took it finally on a overnight trip. Needless to say, ive always have had Kelty packs or cheaper packs. Boy, I still carried weight, I knew it was there, but the K4 truly made it feel as if the weight went directly onto my hips and legs, vs always feeling it more in my lower back and shoulders. Really hope I can use it as a pack bag this fall on a elk, muley or a cinnamon bear I'm determined to get this fall! Granted, bags are like boots, no 2 bags will feel the same on everyone, but I'd even recommend a K4 now. Spend the money, won't regret it. (Plus it helps cover a legit podcast that doesn't just talk about their products or certain products, but a true non bias podcast)

 

[Ztm91]

The K4 is an awesome pack. I have found no cons to mine whatsoever so far. I’m pretty slim at 6’4 and 160lbs and 70-80lbs is very comfortable while I’ve had other packs that once that get over 60lbs they feel awful. I like the dry bag liner, pocket and lid configuration and accessories.

 

[ewilson7298]

I used one of the prototype K4 7200 packs all of last fall and just received the K4 3600 to review. Most of my experience that I'll talk about will be with the prototype, but we wanted the production model included as well so I can note some of the differences. My review will post at the time of the official launch in March.

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

View attachment 515740

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

Have had this pack a little over a year. Pockets well thought out. Stretch panel is great. Lid very functional. Under load I had a few issues but they were very helpful and made me a custom lumber pad the helped a lot. Agree that the 26.5 frame better for load. Exo is great company

 

[Foster Hunter]

My K3 was a great bag my K4 should be in any day can't wait thanks for the review

 

[DenimChicken]

Just here to say my K4 has been hands down amazing. This will be my second full year using it, and I haven't found anything I don't like about it. I have both the 5000 and 7200 bags, and have put them through their paces a few times.

Between me and my hunting partners, I've used the K4 to help pack out 2 bear, 2 mulies, 2 full elk and a few elk quarters. I've yet to break a strap or put any meaningful wear on the bags or frame besides getting them dirty and stinky.

 

[Chirogrow]

I've had the k4 for 2 years now and have not had any issue with packing out half an elk in one trip or anything lighter. I just got back from alaska where I was invited to help guide a few guys and do the grunt work. I ended up packing out all the hind quarters on 2 moose. One of the bulls was very mature, 60" spread. each trip was 1.51 miles thru typical alaska terrain like willow and alder thickets, tundra and tussocks so a lot of having to bend and twist. full pack out on the first trip had a bit of camp in it plus soaking wet bag was 166 pounds and the pack and frame were amazing. I could not be happier, still no broken straps or issues. My buddy used an external frame with front shoulders and asked to use my pack for a minute to compare and he was blown away with how comfortable with a heavy load the pack was. I just had to give a huge shout out to exo.

 

[flyfisher117]

Couple years in now. Did anyone get a 3600 and wish they got the 5000 or vice versa?

I'm just branching out into over night hunts. Don't have the most compact gear so though the 5k may be better but seems excessive for just 2 or 3 nights.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Couple years in now. Did anyone get a 3600 and wish they got the 5000 or vice versa?

I'm just branching out into over night hunts. Don't have the most compact gear so though the 5k may be better but seems excessive for just 2 or 3 nights.

Yeah I went from a 3600 to a 5k
It’s just more versatile.
And I like the little storage pocket inside the back side of the U
Exo website kinda sucks as far as really showing there bags. You gotta kinda watch the videos to see the features.

I personally don’t like swapping different bags for different hunts, I just want everything to be where everything is supposed to be so using the bag is automatic.

 

[Smb60usa]

I’m sure you’re a busy man, so to help you, feel free to send me that pack for review. Happy to run a bunch of loads around my local mountains and give you feedback. A sacrifice I know, but I’m here to help!

Count me in too. Lol Great looking pack.

 

[ElkHunter75]

have had my k4 frame for almost a year now.. i figured out how to put my kuiu bags on it. they actually fit really well.