Exo Mountain K4?

[Juan_ID]

Have now packed a whole boned out mule deer….. The shoulder strap comfort really stuck out to me on this pack out, as well as the stability.

On the way out I went ahead and snapped a photo of the load lifter angle after about 30 minutes of packing. I’m 18.5-19 torso, 5’8” and this is a 23.5” frame with 3600 bag, for reference. Note I can actually transfer weight to the front of my shoulders (ie lift) even at that stay length.

What I’d like to know is how is there not a spec of blood on that white bag?! What kind of game bag is that?

I am kind of torn, meant to call exo the other day and forgot. I am about 5’8 with a 18-19” torso and had planed on ordering the 25” frame, now I’m wondering if I should get the 23.5”?

 

[MT_Wyatt]

What I’d like to know is how is there not a spec of blood on that white bag?! What kind of game bag is that?

I am kind of torn, meant to call exo the other day and forgot. I am about 5’8 with a 18-19” torso and had planed on ordering the 25” frame, now I’m wondering if I should get the 23.5”?

I think 25” would be no problem at all honestly. Their chart is 50/50 for our height on frame length. I’ve been wanting to try a 25” just to see honestly, and a buddy just picked one up.

That’s the Stone Glacier load cell bag. It drains at the bottom, but meat bags go in there to keep the blood from soaking through. Handy option, although I’ve done without it as well.

 

[Juan_ID]

I think 25” would be no problem at all honestly. Their chart is 50/50 for our height on frame length. I’ve been wanting to try a 25” just to see honestly, and a buddy just picked one up.

That’s the Stone Glacier load cell bag. It drains at the bottom, but meat bags go in there to keep the blood from soaking through. Handy option, although I’ve done without it as well.

I think I’ll go 25” if I need shorter I can cut them down, and good to know on the load cell bag. Thanks

 

[prm]

I think I’ll go 25” if I need shorter I can cut them down, and good to know on the load cell bag. Thanks

Going between the 23.5 and 25 requires a new frame upper as well.

 

[Juan_ID]

Going between the 23.5 and 25 requires a new frame upper as well.

@Mark at EXO any idea if I could take a 25” upper and use it with a cut 24” stay? I do believe my k3 was a tall frame that I used without the extensions so I think I’m going to be fine with the 25” k4 but it’s nice to have options Now that I think about it, without the extensions it’s around 24” I believe.

 

[Mark at EXO]

@Mark at EXO any idea if I could take a 25” upper and use it with a cut 24” stay? I do believe my k3 was a tall frame that I used without the extensions so I think I’m going to be fine with the 25” k4 but it’s nice to have options Now that I think about it, without the extensions it’s around 24” I believe.

If you were on a Tall K3, you should love the 25" K4. Both were 25" and the K4 has better head clearance in general.

To answer the first question, yes, you can trim 25" stays down to around 24-24.5" inches and use a tall upper. There are even ways to trim the upper itself, if needed.

 

[Juan_ID]

If you were on a Tall K3, you should love the 25" K4. Both were 25" and the K4 has better head clearance in general.

To answer the first question, yes, you can trim 25" stays down to around 24-24.5" inches and use a tall upper. There are even ways to trim the upper itself, if needed.

I was on a tall k3 but with frame plugs in place rather than the extensions.

 

[hilltop23]

If I wanted the shortest frame/bag height combo possible, would the 3600 no lid and 22" stays be best (better than the 2200)? I have a very short torso and am in thick stuff alot so I don't really want a tall frame. Also, is that combo good for day trips or is it too cumbersome compared to a frameless/internal pack.

 

[roosiebull]

If I wanted the shortest frame/bag height combo possible, would the 3600 no lid and 22" stays be best (better than the 2200)? I have a very short torso and am in thick stuff alot so I don't really want a tall frame. Also, is that combo good for day trips or is it too cumbersome compared to a frameless/internal pack.

Yes, no lid 3600 will be the shortest.

It will not be cumbersome at all for day trips

 

[gearguywb]

Looking for recommendations.

Currently use a SG (5,000 or so) that works very well. Used it a couple of different times now for elk pack outs. Not really a fan of the load shelf and am really not a fan of how the lid ists on the frame.

Looking to move to the K4, probably with two bags. One for day hunts (2200), to carry spotter, tripod, spare clothes, etc.

I also have a sheep hunt coming up next year. Looking at the 5,000 for that. I dont carry a lot of ‘extra” stuff. 20 years in the military at least taught me not to pack stuff I didn’t need (travel light…freeze at night )

Thoughts?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Do these packs come with a swing out pocket or do I need to order one?

 

[BRTreedogs]

Do these packs come with a swing out pocket or do I need to order one?

I got u boo

 

[Ferrulewax]

@Mark at EXO how much will you guys charge me to put the oversized water bottle pockets on my 2200?

Just got it, and it seems like it will fit my needs almost perfectly. In typical EXO fashion, the quality is superb and the bag is very well though out. I think it will make the perfect UL overnighter/day pack for me. I can't speak to durability or the frame yet, but I already miss the side pockets from my k3 3200 bag. I honestly may end up switching to a 3600 just to get those pockets back, but I can hardly stomach the additional 7 ounces!

Thanks for making a great pack!

 

[Zbo93]

@Mark at EXO how much will you guys charge me to put the oversized water bottle pockets on my 2200?

Just got it, and it seems like it will fit my needs almost perfectly. In typical EXO fashion, the quality is superb and the bag is very well though out. I think it will make the perfect UL overnighter/day pack for me. I can't speak to durability or the frame yet, but I already miss the side pockets from my k3 3200 bag. I honestly may end up switching to a 3600 just to get those pockets back, but I can hardly stomach the additional 7 ounces!

Thanks for making a great pack!

Oooh if that’s an option, I want in.

 

[Bubba]

Just got the Exo K4. took it out and loaded 20 pounds in it and took it for a hike. It was up hill1.5 miles and down 1.5. The pack fits well around the waist and is very comfortable. Overall the pack rides a lot nicer than my Kuiu Pro. I go the pack because for the past few years I have been dealing with back pain from a herniation in the L5 S1 lower back. I called Eco and talked with them about their packs a they reassured they would ride better than most packs and the owner deals with lower back pain as well. Today I did 1 mile on treadmill with 30 pounds and again the pack felt great and is super comfortable. The load straps when pulled really pull the load forward and makes it feel close to the back. Overall a great pack, I'll continue to test it out and hopefully in 2025 pack some animals with it if my back holds up.

 

[6.5x284]

Just got the Exo K4. took it out and loaded 20 pounds in it and took it for a hike. It was up hill1.5 miles and down 1.5. The pack fits well around the waist and is very comfortable. Overall the pack rides a lot nicer than my Kuiu Pro. I go the pack because for the past few years I have been dealing with back pain from a herniation in the L5 S1 lower back. I called Eco and talked with them about their packs a they reassured they would ride better than most packs and the owner deals with lower back pain as well. Today I did 1 mile on treadmill with 30 pounds and again the pack felt great and is super comfortable. The load straps when pulled really pull the load forward and makes it feel close to the back. Overall a great pack, I'll continue to test it out and hopefully in 2025 pack some animals with it if my back holds up.

As someone who has also had issues and ultimately surgery at the L5/S1, the EXO frames have been great for my back, as well as the new KU ARK frame. I tried them all extensively and these two for my injury are the best. Good luck with your back!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[roosiebull]

Just got the Exo K4. took it out and loaded 20 pounds in it and took it for a hike. It was up hill1.5 miles and down 1.5. The pack fits well around the waist and is very comfortable. Overall the pack rides a lot nicer than my Kuiu Pro. I go the pack because for the past few years I have been dealing with back pain from a herniation in the L5 S1 lower back. I called Eco and talked with them about their packs a they reassured they would ride better than most packs and the owner deals with lower back pain as well. Today I did 1 mile on treadmill with 30 pounds and again the pack felt great and is super comfortable. The load straps when pulled really pull the load forward and makes it feel close to the back. Overall a great pack, I'll continue to test it out and hopefully in 2025 pack some animals with it if my back holds up.

It will break in and become more comfortable too, and the foam forms to your shape well too with some break in. I can have the waist belt more loose on the K4 vs any pack I’ve used, which is also nice on the back with less pressure on the lower back.

Late in the season last year between losing weight during hunting seasons and the lumbar pad breaking in, I was bottoming out my belt, and it still didn’t slide down on me with a heavy pack, which is impressive in itself… I have since ordered a baby gap belt that fits me well, but I could have gotten by with the original waist belt even though it was too big by late fall

 

[ztc92]

Carried my heaviest load so far today: 6 T-posts, Two 12” steel gongs, full size post pounder and all the chains/hardware to hang the gongs. Had to be 60+ pounds, it was a real struggle to get the pack on and get up with it.

That said, once I was up and moving it handled the load surprisingly well. This pack just continues to impress.

For anyone wondering, I was placing steel targets on some land that can only be accessed by foot. Hard work but should pay dividends for years to come!

 

[Nine Banger]

I just added the side bags.

Thanks for the innovation, guys. I’m thankful for the tips I pick up on here.

I have the SSS pillow/rest/kneepad in one side and my outer layer in the other.

Warm front came in today after cold and rain and we are going afield tonight.