Exo Mountain K4?

[blackdog]

Thanks guys. Unless I saw a few folks saying 'you definitely could fit all that comfortably in a 2200' I was leaning towards the 3600. Bigger is better, right? Or at least usually? My tripod does usually live with its feet in a side pouch and strapped to the side of the pack, but my rain gear definitely isn't the 'packable' sort so feels like 3600 will be a great fit.

 

[bowhunthard88]

Thanks guys. Unless I saw a few folks saying 'you definitely could fit all that comfortably in a 2200' I was leaning towards the 3600. Bigger is better, right? Or at least usually? My tripod does usually live with its feet in a side pouch and strapped to the side of the pack, but my rain gear definitely isn't the 'packable' sort so feels like 3600 will be a great fit.

2200 would be borderline, regardless...

 

[roosiebull]

Potential Oregon K4 buyer. Would want space for water bladder, rain gear, spotter and tripod, kill kit, lunch, and maybe a puffy. And would prefer to not have to use add-on pouches or strap rain gear to the outside. Think that spells 2200 or 3600?

You won’t regret getting the 3600 imo, if you go lidless, it’s lower profile than the 2200 as well (clearance above you)

I like my 2200 and use it a lot, but I certainly wouldn’t trade my 3600 for it

I plan on getting a dedicated 26.5” frame for hauling meat (mostly helping others pack meat to keep my primary pack clean besides what I kill) and will get a load crib for it, and the 2200 might just live on that for carrying necessities when helping others pack meat

A dedicated freighter would be nice to have

 

[ztc92]

Elk hunting with a buddy this week and he got a bull so I finally got to put the K4 to the test with something other than sandbags and backpacking.

I was SO IMPRESSED with how well it handled the front and rear quarters. With the front I had all my day hunting gear and rifle, with the rear I had a barebones pack with just rifle and water. I’d guess both packs weighed about 60-70 pounds because my rifle is 10 pounds on its own. Using the straps on the frame the quarters didn’t shift at all and the load was extremely solid. The hip belt locked in well and made it easy to keep the weight off my shoulders. It was truly night and day compared to packing out a cow elk 2 years ago with a MR Metcalf. I love this pack.

 

[Zbo93]

Elk hunting with a buddy this week and he got a bull so I finally got to put the K4 to the test with something other than sandbags and backpacking.

I was SO IMPRESSED with how well it handled the front and rear quarters. With the front I had all my day hunting gear and rifle, with the rear I had a barebones pack with just rifle and water. I’d guess both packs weighed about 60-70 pounds because my rifle is 10 pounds on its own. Using the straps on the frame the quarters didn’t shift at all and the load was extremely solid. The hip belt locked in well and made it easy to keep the weight off my shoulders. It was truly night and day compared to packing out a cow elk 2 years ago with a MR Metcalf. I love this pack.

What size did you have with ya?

 

[ztc92]

What size did you have with ya?

I have a 5000 with the 25” stays. Love everything about the frame and using it, just wish the bag was a little more functional as the 5000 gets pretty cramped when bringing a warm sleep system and extra layers. I like the horseshoe zipper so may try and add the SG side bags for my next hunt.

 

[woods89]

Well, I'm in..........

I've used Kifaru, and then a Seek Outside Lanner for the last few years. Both have been good packs, but I've really liked the bag design of my buddies K3 that he has used in past years. He got a K4 this summer, and just got to pack elk quarters last week with it. It gets his stamp of approval, which is a fairly high bar!

I ordered a K4 5000 RG, nalgene pocket, and 1 hip pocket. I'll try to break it in on some whitetails.

My choice was affected in no small way by the relentless commitment Exo has shown to getting things right, as is well documented on this thread.