exo mountain pack

[ElkNut1]

I did see the improvements first hand on the new 2015 model, I also saw the 5500 & 3500 side by side. We ordered two 3500's even though we owned the 2014 models, both are awesome packs but we liked the touches done to the new ones as well. Great Packs!

ElkNut1

 

[S&S ARCHERY]

Just wondering if anybody here has seen the 2015 pack next to the 2014 model? I own the 5500 from last year and I'm curious if the changes made to the pack are improvements that I should be concerned about..?

Definitely nothing you should be concerned about as far as durability is concerned; if that was your question. We did get rid of the lightweight 70d Ripstop that was in the snow collar and replaced it with a 420d Diamond Ripstop material. That was for noise in extreme cold temps and not a durability issue.

Other than that the improvements are just a lot of the little details that put all together make the pack nicer to use from a comfort and function standpoint.

Steve

 

[S&S ARCHERY]

Steve, unless I missed it, has the "how to" adjustment video been posted yet?

Finch,
I know I sound like a broken record here but a few weeks out still. We have just been so focused on building and getting the packs shipped we haven't had a lot of extra time to get some of the videos finalized. Trying to not juggle too many things at once.

As soon as I get the video edited up I'll make sure to post it in a few places so its hard to miss.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Finch]

Steve.... good enough for me! Thanks for the prompt response.

 

[Colberjs]

I think I have decided to go with the Exo packs but am at a loss as to whether I need the 3500 or 5500. I won't be spending more than 7-8 days in the field with it as a backpack hunting pack. I will be carrying my shelter (haven't decided between UL tent or a tipi style) and my sleeping bag/pad. I have a tendency to over-prepare and pack more than I need but realize I am going to have to work on that. A LOT!!!

Can I pack what I need for a week in the backcountry in a 3500 or should I get the 5500?

 

[mntnguide]

Id suggest the 5500...it compacts down very easily into a daypack mode just like the 3500, and if u need the extra room, you will have it. . I have used a buddies pack the past couple weeks and can't wait to get mine. .his was a 3500, and i went with a 5500 just for the ability to do a longer trip comfortably

 

[Poser]

I think I have decided to go with the Exo packs but am at a loss as to whether I need the 3500 or 5500. I won't be spending more than 7-8 days in the field with it as a backpack hunting pack. I will be carrying my shelter (haven't decided between UL tent or a tipi style) and my sleeping bag/pad. I have a tendency to over-prepare and pack more than I need but realize I am going to have to work on that. A LOT!!!

Can I pack what I need for a week in the backcountry in a 3500 or should I get the 5500?

I have the 5500 and have never had to extend the snow collar to pack gear for 3,5, & 7 day hunts. On a 7 day hunt, you might have to pack your sleeping bag/quilt externally with a 3500. You can compress the 5500 down pretty tight into what seems like a much smaller pack. The 3500 would probably force you to manage how much gear you carry, though you can always pimp it out with aftermarket pockets. It's really just a personal preference. Do you like the idea of a larger capacity "throw & go" or are you particular about organization, everything has to be packed just right and like after market accessories sort of guy?

 

[Colberjs]

Thanks for the replies. I typically start out very organized but tend to start just stuffing stuff after a short period of time. But, I've also been using a 1900ci Eberlestock X1A1 that didn't have a lot of room to start with and therefore was hard to keep organized. I figured I'd add a hipbelt puch to each side for GPS, tags, etc. and maybe an extra mesh bag inside for other small stuff. But at just a few ounces it may be safer to go with the 5500.

 

[Nate]

Took mine into the back country for an elk shed hunting trip. We used a mules to do about an 80 mile trip through the wilderness. We used four days to travel and were able to horn hunt for 3 days. My gps said I put 35 miles on my feet in those three days hunting. This was an amazing trip. The shed hunting was a lil more difficult than we expected it to be but was still successful. I will try and attach a couple pics. View attachment 25014

 

[Nate]

Found some old stuff that day. Loaded pack up just because was first time strapping several horns to it. Worked excellent. Only complaint is wish the lid was able to totally come off. I have the 2014 model. Here is a pic of the better elk sheds we foundView attachment 25015

 

[realunlucky]

Can't see your pictures nate

 

[rileybassman]

I have the 3500 and it is bigger then I thought it would be... In a good way. The snow collar already can extend quite a bit as well. Plus the 3500 is the main bag... You get another 1000 with the pockets plus 2500 for the load shelf. But leaving the shelf open for meat you are looking at a 4500 CU pack. The kifaru roll top pods work great for bags and pads as well if it feels right (I have a mod thread going where you can see it)

I honestly am glad I went 3500. But most who have the 5500 love it too. I just know I can get a week in it no problem

 

[Nate]

I posted the pics from my Iphone. I can view them off of phone but when look on computer does not let me see them. I will try a different way.

 

[S&S ARCHERY]

I think I have decided to go with the Exo packs but am at a loss as to whether I need the 3500 or 5500. I won't be spending more than 7-8 days in the field with it as a backpack hunting pack. I will be carrying my shelter (haven't decided between UL tent or a tipi style) and my sleeping bag/pad. I have a tendency to over-prepare and pack more than I need but realize I am going to have to work on that. A LOT!!!

Can I pack what I need for a week in the backcountry in a 3500 or should I get the 5500?

My general rule of thumb talking to guys is the average person should be able to get 5 days out of a 3500. Week long + trips I definitely recommend the 5500 unless you pack extremely light.

Personally I have a less is more attitude when it comes to my gear so I use the 3500. The most I have done is 8 days out of a 2014 3500. With the floating lid for 2015 the 3500 has quite a bit more capacity.

Steve

 

[S&S ARCHERY]

View attachment 25023View attachment 25024Found some old stuff that day. Loaded pack up just because was first time strapping several horns to it. Worked excellent. Only complaint is wish the lid was able to totally come off. I have the 2014 model. Here is a pic of the better elk sheds we foundView attachment 25015

Looks like an awesome trip. Glad the pack worked well for you!

Steve

 

[Colberjs]

My general rule of thumb talking to guys is the average person should be able to get 5 days out of a 3500. Week long + trips I definitely recommend the 5500 unless you pack extremely light.

Personally I have a less is more attitude when it comes to my gear so I use the 3500. The most I have done is 8 days out of a 2014 3500. With the floating lid for 2015 the 3500 has quite a bit more capacity.

Steve

Thanks Steve. Your appearance on Marc Warnke's podcast is what got me really looking at the Exo. I read your gear list he posted on his site and remembered you said you packed a 3500 is what got me thinking I might be able to make one work but I really think I'll have to go with a 5500.

What is the lead time on them now if I ordered today?

 

[Colberjs]

I went ahead and pre-ordered today. I sure hope it isn't 10 weeks like the site says. Not sure if I can handle the anticipation that long!!!! LOL.

Now to make up my mind on a shelter.

 

[twall13]

To give you an idea of the popularity of these packs I ordered a 3500 in foliage in January and haven't received mine yet but I expect it to ship any time now. While I could have used it a few times this year I still think it's going to be worth the wait. This pack had everything I was looking for and a lot of people feel the same way. That's why they are having a tough time keeping up with demand...

 

[darcytribe]

My general rule of thumb talking to guys is the average person should be able to get 5 days out of a 3500. Week long + trips I definitely recommend the 5500 unless you pack extremely light.

Personally I have a less is more attitude when it comes to my gear so I use the 3500. The most I have done is 8 days out of a 2014 3500. With the floating lid for 2015 the 3500 has quite a bit more capacity.

Steve

These are the reasons I'm going with the 3500... Plus it forces me to whittle down what I take because I always take too much.

 

[cowboy]

After 56 pages and over 1100 posts on this pack I figured I'd ask if anyone in the Billings,Mt area had a 3500 that they'd let me look over. I've never seen one of these. I and everyone I hunt with have MR's but I'd sure like to get something a little lighter.