Exo vs kifaru vs HPG vs Kuiu vs MR

[MDurham]

I figured it’s about time to get another proper backpack after I sold my r3 about a year ago. I’ve previously owned a k4 7200 but the pack just didn’t work for me, traded it for the r3 but never got the chance to take it out.

I’ve pretty much boiled it down to these few options, all used. Any larger MR, a used Kuiu pro, an old Exo k2 or 3, any Kifaru duplex, Kifaru frame with Exo bag, or search for a HPG decker used.

I’d be using this bag for everything; backpacking, hunting, hiking, kayaking, and even just to load stuff in my truck for off-roading, potentially work like property clearing. It will also be used in every environment, near me I’ve got grasslands and pretty standard Ga forests, but since Helene it’s lots of crawling and hopping over trees and obstacles so that is something that radically changed my bag philosophy.

Any help is always appreciated and you’re welcome to offer anything if it’s what you’re selling or someone else. Decently urgent as planning a section hike of the AT this winter. Thanks in advance!

 

[WV Mountaineer]

If you try the Kifaru, for the perfect fit, you’ll need the aluminum stays if if their laminated choices don’t fit perfect.

 

[Ferrulewax]

If Exo didn’t work for you then I would try kifaru or SG. Those are the big three for a reason.

 

[WyldGoose]

Prior to the release of the HPG Decker Tall(I’m 6’ 2”), I tried an Exo K4 for one season and packed one elk with it. Once the Decker Tall dropped, I jumped on it and sold the Exo.
For me, nothing comes close to HPG’s comfort, in both loaded and unloaded carry. Being able to custom bend the stays to your back shape, carry weight closer to your back, and use delta straps to drive the load into your lumbar/hips is super important to me. The design also lends itself to articulation when you’re moving and ducking under limbs. With Exo, I felt the pack was pulling on my shoulders and pulling me backwards/fighting against me.
My setup now works perfect for my uses which is an Exo K4 bag attached to the HPG Decker. The shoulder harness is there for stability but virtually all weight is transferred to the lumbar/hips.

 

[nphunter]

The Kifaru duplex with a Exo K3 is a great setup. I wrote a post about it a while back. Using a ARK now but debating on selling it and trying something different or just using my duplex until it’s dead.

 

[cameronroach94]

Not a fan of Kuiu bags myself. Kifaru/exo bag is my vote

 

[rogerdoger]

If you are looking at the mixed use you could always look at the Mystery Ranch Terraframe 80, it is a backpacking pack but they have incorporated the load shelf.

 

[PNWTO]

The HPG “tall” bags are simply amazing for myself (6’5”) and lots of folks over 6’ seem to love them. If one is similarly sized I’d probably start there.

Im at the point where, if I’m not using the Qui-Ya, then it’s just a lumbar pack or slung binos and a a slung water bottle.

They do need some final refinement from the end user, but it’s nothing monumental. The urge to add-on additional pockets is something to be monitored, I don’t really feel the need for them but some organization-sticklers may.

 

[Kducot5]

I have a K3 born and raised outdoors edition 4800 and just ordered a K4 5000. Just curious what made you not like the K4 and want to go back to the K3?

 

[NMNomad]

Prior to the release of the HPG Decker Tall(I’m 6’ 2”), I tried an Exo K4 for one season and packed one elk with it. Once the Decker Tall dropped, I jumped on it and sold the Exo.
For me, nothing comes close to HPG’s comfort, in both loaded and unloaded carry. Being able to custom bend the stays to your back shape, carry weight closer to your back, and use delta straps to drive the load into your lumbar/hips is super important to me. The design also lends itself to articulation when you’re moving and ducking under limbs. With Exo, I felt the pack was pulling on my shoulders and pulling me backwards/fighting against me.
My setup now works perfect for my uses which is an Exo K4 bag attached to the HPG Decker. The shoulder harness is there for stability but virtually all weight is transferred to the lumbar/hips.

I appreciate that input. I have been going back and forth between a decker tall and a k4. I am a bit of a die-hard hpg guy. And, without being able to try on both, I was up in the air on that particular decision.

 

[GunsAreFun]

I have a KUIU Pro, K4, and have had a K2 and K3 and Kifaru Duplex (or maybe Duplex Lite…I don’t recall).

Have no issues with the KUIU or EXOs. The KUIU squeaks a bit when you have 50# or more in there, but if I’m ever carrying that much weight, it’s either for exercise or there is a dead animal so it doesn’t really matter.

I absolutely hated the Kifaru. Overly heavy and complicated system to setup and adjust. I never could get it to carry well and sold it pretty quickly.

Not that I would, but if I was to try something else, it would be an SG or Initial Ascent.

 

[meleagris1]

I’m still using my K1 EXO pack. I’ve packed out 8 bulls with it and still not so much as a loose thread - I want to try a new one but now I also want to see how far I can push this pack. Also love the bag design.

 

[MDurham]

I have a K3 born and raised outdoors edition 4800 and just ordered a K4 5000. Just curious what made you not like the K4 and want to go back to the K3?

I’ve never owned a k3 but the massive belt and the load lifters where a problem for me, the belt would sit really high and almost push the top of the bag out, if I’m making any sense. If you’re not 5,11 and 145 lb like I am the exo is a amazing pack, imo the best packs and probably the best frames too, just didn’t work for me.

 

[NDGuy]

People seem to hate the K4 bag styles for EXO.

 

[RADunfee]

If Exo didn’t work for you then I would try kifaru or SG. Those are the big three for a reason.

I'd put Initial Ascent above them all.

 

[douglasfir]

Seek Outside is up there with the big names as well.

 

[LCguy]

I will second Seek Outside. I have a Goshawk that came with the Merlin. I use it for both hunting and for backpacking.

 

[sandbagger]

I have an Exo 2, Exo 3, and Kuiu Pro and they have all been good. I went with these over some of the other brands you listed due to the other brands being heavier in the models that I wanted or was comparing to.