K4 3600 or 5000

[Kado84]

So after tons of research and reading forums and reviews I’ve decided to go with the EXO K4, I just need to decide if I go for the 3600 or 5000. I am wanting a pack to use for backpacking AND hunting. 99% of the time backpacking trips will be less than a week with the wife and hunting will be drop camp but with occasional spike camping for a day or two with my buddy. The weight difference is minimal and the price is only a $20 difference. Is the 3600 enough room? I currently use the Eberlestock Team Elk to hunt so either is a big step up in quality and size.

 

[jdyerg]

If you buy the 3600, you'll fill it. If you buy the 5000, you'll fill it. One of my friends has a 3600, like I do. But he has room left over after preparing for 4-6 days. Me on the other hand? I'm stuffed to the gills. Lol

 

[Kado84]

That’s what I’m afraid of! If I have extra room, I will put something in it!

 

[Mikido]

5000, without question.
I can fit 8 days, packed tight.
3-5 days, packed comfortable.

The 3600 is just enough for day trips.

The 2000 is enough for a sandwich.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I’d say it depends early vs late season, what your primary shelter and sleep system are, and normal duration. 3600 okay in Sep-early Oct for like 4d for me. Anything late season and packing in I feel like the 3600 may get a touch small.

 

[fatlander]

I like having more bag. You can get by with a smaller bag by utilizing the load shelf for stuff like food on extended trips. It’s easier to carry a few more ounces of bag and put it all in there.


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[Blackdog317]

I went through the same situation when upgrading from a 4800 cu/in Mystery Ranch pack earlier this year. I bought both the 3600 and 5000 K4. I thought I might be able to make the 3600 work. Nope. Not even close. The 5000 was a must for me.

My spike camp gear is mid to high quality, fairly compact and light. But, I'm not an ultralight minimalist and will deal with the added weight/volume for some comfort. My base weight for a backcountry hunt is 22-28 lbs, depending on optics. Add water and food depending on conditions and duration. This is where I'm at after 5 years of backpacking hunting.

I hunt with a buddy that can do the same hunt out of a 3600, but he is a minimalist. The 5000 packs down really small when loaded for a day hunt. I also prefer to have a little extra room if I need more layers in colder weather.

The return process was really easy if want to try both.

 

[Seeknelk]

Well I use an old K3 or K2? 4500-5000 or whatever it is, for EVERYTHING. Mostly day hunts honestly.
I have zero desire or need for a smaller pack to save 6 oz? . I have no-issue with throwing extra shit in just cuz I have the space tho, some might. Hunting in November, December, I'm very glad for the space, and especially anytime we kill.
I'd 100 percent go 5k.

 

[199p]

I have the 3600 and it works with a little space for 4 days for me but if i was ordering again ide go the 5000 so i can fit everything in the main centre column and have the pack slimmer

 

[TannerP]

I had the 3600 and ended up buying a 5000 last Black Friday. Used the 3600 for a 7 day early season hunt and it was stuffed to the gills. Could have probably strapped a little more to the outside but it was very full. I think 3-4 days might be ok with the 3600 but anything longer and I will be using the 5000.

 

[stratofisher]

I really like having the 2200 with a lid and the 5000. Day hunt and backpack ready. Feel like the 5000 is just bulky for day hunting.

 

[elsb0048]

I have the 3600 and it works with a little space for 4 days for me but if i was ordering again ide go the 5000 so i can fit everything in the main centre column and have the pack slimmer

I don't quite follow this comment.

Are you strapping things to the outside? Or are the outer zipper pockets bulging out? Or something else?

(I'm also on the fence between 3600 & 5000)

 

[fsr731]

Totally agree. Same conclusion. Getting a 2200 for day hunting.

 

[199p]

I don't quite follow this comment.

Are you strapping things to the outside? Or are the outer zipper pockets bulging out? Or something else?

(I'm also on the fence between 3600 & 5000)

the side zipper ones i mean are bulging out then i have my tripod outside of them and normally crocks hanging out the back. I just think having the option, to have it more centre contained will help on some of the tight tracks i spend a lot of time on.

 

[mtnbound]

So after tons of research and reading forums and reviews I’ve decided to go with the EXO K4, I just need to decide if I go for the 3600 or 5000. I am wanting a pack to use for backpacking AND hunting. 99% of the time backpacking trips will be less than a week with the wife and hunting will be drop camp but with occasional spike camping for a day or two with my buddy. The weight difference is minimal and the price is only a $20 difference. Is the 3600 enough room? I currently use the Eberlestock Team Elk to hunt so either is a big step up in quality and size.

The 3600 is fine for a week if you have your gear squared away. The 5000 gives you more flexibility, and next to the Teratorn is my favorite EXO pack.

 

[evan97]

Another vote for the 5000. If I am only getting one pack, I always go bigger, as I can always cinch down. Got 10 backcountry days out of the 5000 last year in one trip

 

[robertmpalmquist]

As people have said it really depends on your gear and when you hunt. I’ve had the 3600 for 2 years and have been on a 9 day, and 7 day hunts out of it. Early season high country mule deer. And I don’t have all sorts of stuff hanging off of it.

 

[prm]

I could get 5 days, mid-October, CO into my 3600…. Barely. That was using a separate dry bag on the “load shelf.” I feel my gear is pretty well dialed, though not pure minimalist. My recommendation would be 5000.