Exo Mountain K4?

sr80

WKR
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
1,400
Location
British Columbia
Also, anyone running the K4 with less weight?

How does it feel with 30-50 lbs in it?
ive been mainly using mine for shed hunts so far with maybe 20lbs of stuff and then yesterday used my sand bag so total pack weight was 50lbs on the dot. Loaded the sand bag between the frame and bag. Usually with my SG i would just put it inside the bag and use some stuffing/gear to keep it elevated. Im really impressed with how easy it is to get items into their load shelf. I criss crossed the load shelf straps and checked for any movement of the sand bag before and after, ( i thought i would need a crib when it was available ) it might of dropped half and inch? I was thinking it might drop down a lot further. So i dont think i'll need a crib afterall. I found the lumbar to feel kinda hard with a light load but with the 50 in there it was really nice, and i noticed that i didnt have to readjust my belt at all throughout the hike. The pack stayed put, super happy with this K4. I really like the auto lock buckles they have as well. A lot easier to use that the normal auto locks im used to. These ones do feel heavier in hand, i haven't actually weighed them and compared but im not concerned with it. Also i really like the lid and how it attaches to the frame, i am so picky with lid attachments. I cannot stand not being able to tighten them down tight at the top of the frame. This on straps down nicely with just day gear and doesn't flop around and slid off the to the side.

Well done Steve and crew!
 

wnelson14

WKR
Joined
Dec 28, 2020
Messages
1,319
ive been mainly using mine for shed hunts so far with maybe 20lbs of stuff and then yesterday used my sand bag so total pack weight was 50lbs on the dot. Loaded the sand bag between the frame and bag. Usually with my SG i would just put it inside the bag and use some stuffing/gear to keep it elevated. Im really impressed with how easy it is to get items into their load shelf. I criss crossed the load shelf straps and checked for any movement of the sand bag before and after, ( i thought i would need a crib when it was available ) it might of dropped half and inch? I was thinking it might drop down a lot further. So i dont think i'll need a crib afterall. I found the lumbar to feel kinda hard with a light load but with the 50 in there it was really nice, and i noticed that i didnt have to readjust my belt at all throughout the hike. The pack stayed put, super happy with this K4. I really like the auto lock buckles they have as well. A lot easier to use that the normal auto locks im used to. These ones do feel heavier in hand, i haven't actually weighed them and compared but im not concerned with it. Also i really like the lid and how it attaches to the frame, i am so picky with lid attachments. I cannot stand not being able to tighten them down tight at the top of the frame. This on straps down nicely with just day gear and doesn't flop around and slid off the to the side.

Well done Steve and crew!
The lid attachment and fitment is worth its weight in gold. The auto locks are great too. Who am I kidding the whole system is outstanding!
 
Joined
Mar 23, 2012
Messages
707
Location
Boise, ID
ive been mainly using mine for shed hunts so far with maybe 20lbs of stuff and then yesterday used my sand bag so total pack weight was 50lbs on the dot. Loaded the sand bag between the frame and bag. Usually with my SG i would just put it inside the bag and use some stuffing/gear to keep it elevated. Im really impressed with how easy it is to get items into their load shelf. I criss crossed the load shelf straps and checked for any movement of the sand bag before and after, ( i thought i would need a crib when it was available ) it might of dropped half and inch? I was thinking it might drop down a lot further. So i dont think i'll need a crib afterall. I found the lumbar to feel kinda hard with a light load but with the 50 in there it was really nice, and i noticed that i didnt have to readjust my belt at all throughout the hike. The pack stayed put, super happy with this K4. I really like the auto lock buckles they have as well. A lot easier to use that the normal auto locks im used to. These ones do feel heavier in hand, i haven't actually weighed them and compared but im not concerned with it. Also i really like the lid and how it attaches to the frame, i am so picky with lid attachments. I cannot stand not being able to tighten them down tight at the top of the frame. This on straps down nicely with just day gear and doesn't flop around and slid off the to the side.

Well done Steve and crew!

Glad you guys are all enjoying the K4. It’s exceptionally rewarding to hear about and see after so many years working on it.

You never know how a product will be received so to have so much positive feedback has been awesome to see.

Steve
 

JNDEER

WKR
Joined
May 2, 2012
Messages
1,589
About to pull the trigger on a K4 frame. Stuck on hip belt size. I measured 43" without sucking in my gut at all, which puts me at bottom end of the XL and just above the top end of the L. I've got fat I'm still trying to shed and will likely be dropping about 20lbs over the next 2-3 months.

Should I go with the L or the XL? Anyone with similar measurements able to weigh in (pun intended)?

I measure a 41. I had the L belt and when cinched down the power pull plastic part on the edge of the belt would really dig into the outer edge of my iliac. I have since got an XL belt. I don't have as many miles on it yet as I did the L, but I do not have any extra pressure or bruising on my iliac.

I would get the XL if it was me.

Hoping EXO may eventually make something between the L and XL as that would be the sweet spot for me personally.
 

Movadius

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 21, 2022
Messages
116
I measure a 41. I had the L belt and when cinched down the power pull plastic part on the edge of the belt would really dig into the outer edge of my iliac. I have since got an XL belt. I don't have as many miles on it yet as I did the L, but I do not have any extra pressure or bruising on my iliac.

I would get the XL if it was me.

Hoping EXO may eventually make something between the L and XL as that would be the sweet spot for me personally.

Hmm... I'm tempted to do that then. It wouldnt be the end of the world to buy a smaller belt down the road if I bottomed out the XL.

Does anyone know the padding length on each side of the L or XL?

My Kifaru belt is size M and has 12-ish inches of padding on each side, and I really need more like 14-15 on each side...
 

JNDEER

WKR
Joined
May 2, 2012
Messages
1,589
Hmm... I'm tempted to do that then. It wouldnt be the end of the world to buy a smaller belt down the road if I bottomed out the XL.

Does anyone know the padding length on each side of the L or XL?

My Kifaru belt is size M and has 12-ish inches of padding on each side, and I really need more like 14-15 on each side...

The distance between the L and XL is 2.5" on each side.

at 41" I have about 1' of space on the XL belt being pulled tight with 50# in the pack and one shirt on.

It is too much belt - but will hold the weight and doesn't hurt my iliac. I don't think EXO will come out with a "Marge" type belt anytime soon. I think the XL will work- especially if your waist is bigger than mine.


For me personally my M kifaru belt will work, but is a tad short. However, it doesn't hurt my waist or cause bruising on the iliac. the L on the Kifaru is too big. It will bottom out and not hold weight.

I have the custom kifaru "marge" belt that works perfect.
 

Movadius

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 21, 2022
Messages
116
The distance between the L and XL is 2.5" on each side.

at 41" I have about 1' of space on the XL belt being pulled tight with 50# in the pack and one shirt on.

It is too much belt - but will hold the weight and doesn't hurt my iliac. I don't think EXO will come out with a "Marge" type belt anytime soon. I think the XL will work- especially if your waist is bigger than mine.


For me personally my M kifaru belt will work, but is a tad short. However, it doesn't hurt my waist or cause bruising on the iliac. the L on the Kifaru is too big. It will bottom out and not hold weight.

I have the custom kifaru "marge" belt that works perfect.

So judging by your description, if a Kifaru Large belt would fit me properly (but be slightly too big for you) then it's safe to assume if an EXO XL belt fits you, I probably need one as well.

Thanks a lot, that's very helpful!
 

Movadius

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 21, 2022
Messages
116
Placed my order yesterday expecting a couple of weeks before it even ships based on the site's banner- was pleasantly surprised to see it's already staged and ready to go already.
 

Spiro

FNG
Joined
Feb 19, 2023
Messages
35
I’m really stoked to order a k4 5000. Want to make the purchase an excuse to fly out to Boise and get fitted at the show room
 

waldo9190

WKR
Joined
Jul 10, 2018
Messages
312
Location
Minnesota
Just got my 7200 in the mail yesterday, and damn thing rocks. Being a shorter guy (5'5") having the ability to order the shorter frame and move the straps around really improved the fit for me over my Metcalf. I always found myself bumping into the MR stays with the back of my head but I can tell this won't be a problem with the K4. Fit and finish is superb, and this pack feels way less "strappy" than my MR did. Also, if they didn't embroider "K4 7200" on the bag I would've never believed this bag was that big because it compresses down so well.

So far I've only been hiking around the yard and doing box steps with 50 lbs., but I can already tell this is an upgrade over my Metcalf. Hopefully will get out this weekend to start putting some miles on underneath it.
 

prm

WKR
Joined
Mar 31, 2017
Messages
2,246
Location
No. VA
Now have around 50mi on the pack carrying a few differently configured loads each in the 40 lb range. Still no complaints, or even significant suggestions, on the design. Only issue I have is a may need a smaller belt if I keep losing weight. Another 8-10lbs is the plan. Its going to be close!
 

Spiro

FNG
Joined
Feb 19, 2023
Messages
35
Now have around 50mi on the pack carrying a few differently configured loads each in the 40 lb range. Still no complaints, or even significant suggestions, on the design. Only issue I have is a may need a smaller belt if I keep losing weight. Another 8-10lbs is the plan. Its going to be close!

Now that’s a good problem to have (belt size drop)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
1,741
This is with 66#. What do you think…shorten the torso length a bit?

I get a little slippage with the belt. It may be partly a product of the clothing I’m wearing.
4C76DD57-73ED-4E6A-B96A-FE4B2AAF71C8.jpeg
 

Movadius

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 21, 2022
Messages
116
This is with 66#. What do you think…shorten the torso length a bit?

I get a little slippage with the belt. It may be partly a product of the clothing I’m wearing.
View attachment 547811

Dunno if it would help but try loosening the load lifter straps a bit. In theory that should lever the bottom of the pad into your lumber a bit more (I could be wrong but worth a try)
 
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
1,741
Dunno if it would help but try loosening the load lifter straps a bit. In theory that should lever the bottom of the pad into your lumber a bit more (I could be wrong but worth a try)
Thanks. That had crossed my mind too looking at the pics. You can definitely see it pulling in, which I agree, theoretically means it is pulling the opposite direction at the other end (bottom) of the frame.
 
Top