K2 vs K3 Frame

[MTRaine]

I know the k3 is still relatively new to the market but I haven’t seen too much comparison between the two. I’ve read all the recent posts concerning EXO including Justin’s review and only have seen a statement from one person that the upgrade is nice, but they didn’t elaborate too much. People’s biggest complaint (if they aren’t tall and need a longer frame) is the K2 is the hip belt, but that’s an easy fix with the new k3 belt being available for the K2. I already have a bag that I got for a good deal, I just need to put it on a frame, so just looking for a frame comparison. Thanks in advance.

 

[md126]

It’s not just the belt but also the lumbar pad, rigid wings, etc.. The K2 was a great pack but with anything over 50-60# my pack would sag/slip. overall I think the K3 frame will be a significant upgrade over the K2 but will let you know for sure in about a week when I get mine and load it up

 

[Reburn]

The stretch panels in the shoulder pads I thought was a gimmick until I loaded the pack to 65# total weight and went hiking. The increased comfort in the shoulder pads for me was night and day. Couple that with the hip belt, lumbar pad upgrades and they hit it out of the park IMO.

The k2 was and still is a great frame. I probably wouldn't have upgraded if I didn't have a 23" torso. I was and am very happy with both frames but do feel the K3 is an upgrade to the K2

 

[Dvidos]

The stretch panels in the shoulder pads I thought was a gimmick until I loaded the pack to 65# total weight and went hiking. The increased comfort in the shoulder pads for me was night and day. Couple that with the hip belt, lumbar pad upgrades and they hit it out of the park IMO.

The k2 was and still is a great frame. I probably wouldn't have upgraded if I didn't have a 23" torso. I was and am very happy with both frames but do feel the K3 is an upgrade to the K2

+1

 

[MTRaine]

Thanks for your input guys. I finally just caved an went with the k3 because I found a friend who said similar things. I have Cerebral Palsy and a Bad Right knee, needless to say my pack can’t be a weak link. It’s hard enough for me to keep my balance an walk with 80-100lbs, last thing I need is my pack killing my back and shoulders and sliding everywhere. The Kuiu packed its last load last November and I dumped it. Looking forward to hopefully doing this all again in a few weeks but with my new Exo!

 

[mlgc20]

I hope this is OK to say, but Holy $@#&. Carrying a 100lb pack with CP. You are the man! Best of luck on your hunt.

 

[MTRaine]

I hope this is OK to say, but Holy $@#&. Carrying a 100lb pack with CP. You are the man! Best of luck on your hunt.

Woman but thank you very much. 100lbs is my max limit. When you weigh 135lbs. 100lbs is a lot regardless of any physical short comings. I am fortunate enough that I have a fairly mild case but it still presents A LOT of challenges. It’s a dream of mine to go Dall sheep hunting but I haven’t figured out how I can comfortably wear a knee brace and pack the gear I need. Hope you’re season is going well!
Calli

 

[BRTreedogs]

Sweet mother.
Good job hammering out there.
Let us know how k3 works.
I'm really torn I actually dont mind the way my k2 handles 100 pounds as I expect that to suck some and I'm not afraid to crank the belt down.

It more at the 30-40 range day hunting when I dont wanna suck my guts down that the k2 bothers me.

 

[md126]

The K3 carries a load much better than the K2 in my opinion. The shoulder straps are more comfortable too. The K2 was a great pack but the K3 has some improvements that really work well.

 

[wind gypsy]

The K3 carries a load much better than the K2 in my opinion. The shoulder straps are more comfortable too. The K2 was a great pack but the K3 has some improvements that really work well.

Can you provide more details? (Or don't.. I dont need to buy more packs)

 

[Farmingdale's Finest]

The stretch panels in the shoulder pads I thought was a gimmick until I loaded the pack to 65# total weight and went hiking. The increased comfort in the shoulder pads for me was night and day. Couple that with the hip belt, lumbar pad upgrades and they hit it out of the park IMO.

The k2 was and still is a great frame. I probably wouldn't have upgraded if I didn't have a 23" torso. I was and am very happy with both frames but do feel the K3 is an upgrade to the K2

How tall are you? I am 6’2 with a 21” torso and my son is 6’5 with a 23” torso. We are both using MR Glacier packs and it has very little lift for me and non for him. He gets pins and needles in his fingers with a 50 or more pound pack. I spoke to MR and they indicated even though they advertise up to 24” torso there won’t be any lift.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Farmingdale's Finest]

Woman but thank you very much. 100lbs is my max limit. When you weigh 135lbs. 100lbs is a lot regardless of any physical short comings. I am fortunate enough that I have a fairly mild case but it still presents A LOT of challenges. It’s a dream of mine to go Dall sheep hunting but I haven’t figured out how I can comfortably wear a knee brace and pack the gear I need. Hope you’re season is going well!
Calli

Inspirational!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[walleyes]

Have both the k2 and a k3. Have over 35 hunting days and 8 packouts into my k3 6400 and the belt is the biggest upgrade for me on how it fits and carries heavy loads. I can’t tell a difference in the frames But the tall is nice option. It was worth the upgrade for me.

 

[Tenstrike]

Will the new bags fit on the K2 frame?

 

[rawask]

Will the new bags fit on the K2 frame?

Yes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tenstrike]

Great, I wanted to buy a 5500 before the sold out but I drug by leg. I can get one of the new larger bags.

 

[Reburn]

How tall are you? I am 6’2 with a 21” torso and my son is 6’5 with a 23” torso. We are both using MR Glacier packs and it has very little lift for me and non for him. He gets pins and needles in his fingers with a 50 or more pound pack. I spoke to MR and they indicated even though they advertise up to 24” torso there won’t be any lift.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

6'7" 245.

The k2 was good to me I would only get finger numbness or foot numbness and pins over 85lbs. The k3 has been super solid at 65lbs. carries for me like it was 30lbs honestly. I hike or walk with it 3 miles in a hour 3 times a week (flatland) then stairs for an hour 3 times the next week. I get a good lift and pull forward. Been really happy with it.

 

[md126]

Can you provide more details? (Or don't.. I dont need to buy more packs)

The lumbar pad and belt stay up on my hips better than the K2, especially w/ any heavier weight, and the belt is more adjustable. Also, the shoulder straps are independent of each other so they are also more adjustable and ventilate better.

 

[D16er]

Looks like I will have to order the K3 frame. Its a shame since I bought the pack last year after hunting season, this will be the first year taking my pack out hunting with weight. I myself suffer from a bad back and based on what everyone is posting it is worth making the upgrade. Im thinking of just getting the frame and gifting the K2 to my brother.

Thank you for all the input

 

[MTRaine]

I haven’t got out hunting yet but I’ve been hiking every night since my K3 arrived. I know it’s nothing crazy but I’ve been doing 3-4 miles with 30-40lbs, while that is not a good analysis of heavy weight carrying, the pack is super comfortable. I have an x curve coming next week to do a heavy weight analysis between the two frames. I’m also going to see if the Exo bag fits on the SG frame. As of right now I’m over the moon with my K3. I just want to make sure I make the absolute best choice for my needs.