Exo Mountain Pack 3500 vs 5500

Jjamesdean

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 19, 2015
Messages
245
Hi can anybody help me decide between these 2 packs. I'll be using it for a elk hunt. Never had a good pack before so not sure exactley what I need, but I have the opportunity to buy a 3500 or a 5500 right now. Anybody have one, or heard anything that might help? Thanks guys!
 
I have had both the 2014 EXO 3500 and now have the 2015 EXO 3500. Amazing pack super comfortable, hauls weight great. This pack its a lot bigger than most 3500 cui packs. I believe they don't count the cui in the outside pockets. I have no trouble fitting 7 days food and gear in this pack. However I think beyond that, or if you needed extra gear bigger shelter, more clothing, rain gear etc, then I'd go with the 5500. I am sure Steve will chime in soon. I am thinking of getting the 5500 bag myself for extended hunts beyond 7 days or for an Alaska trip where extra gear is needed for the conditions.
 
Ok thanks for the input! I've heard this pack doesnt have a Bow holder?
 
If you want to carry a compound bow on your pack, you could sure strap it to the pack easily enough. I'm not really sure if a dedicated holder is actually required.

For me it's a non-issue. I carry my bow in my hand regardless of pack.
 
I just got the 5500. From what I understood prior to ordering is that the main difference between the two is the snow collar and the dual cinch chords when top loading. The bag also has a little more depth to it. 3 inches I believe. I had the same dilema as you prior to ordering, especially since most hunts I see myself doing in the neer future will be less than 7 days. The 5500 compresses down great, I would venture to say just as good as the 3500, and is the same height as the 3500. The extra space was worth it to me for those just-in-case scenarios. The only thing I could potentially see as annoying would be dealing with the snow collar when not using it. It doesn't bother me though, I just leave it unsinched inside the main bag and let it line the interior if that makes sense. Hope this helps.
 
Empty space in a pack doesn't weigh a thing. I'd rather have the extra space when you need it with the 5500 and just compress it all down when you don't.
 
I ended up getting the 3500, and it is easily big enough for me! would recommend unless you plan on packing in more than a week.
 
Ok, because I just received my pack and it has a snow collar. I wanted to be sure that I wasn't shipped a 5500 by mistake.

Great pack though. Already had it on an 8 mi hike with 1900 feet of elevation change.
 
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