K4 and SG pack decisions

[muskysaloon]

So, This past Saturday I got a new K4 3600 and a SG x curve Solo 3600 in the mail to compare the two to see which one fit me better. I walked around the block with 35lbs in the packs just to get a feel for them, but I just can't seem to make up my mind which one feels better. I like the secure feel of the SG on my hips and the simplicity of the bag. But I'm not crazy about the thinner shoulder straps that they use. On the otherhand, I love the Exo shoulder straps, but give the SG the edge on the "secure" stationary feeling while walking. The Exo wasn't sliding down over my butt at all, but just didn't quite feel as "grippy". I do like the lightness of the SG pack, but I think the accessories and how they attach seem to be better on the Exo. I would really like to load them both up and go hike some hills, but don't really want to take a chance to get them all sweaty if I'm going to return one of them. Any helpful insight to help me choose would be appreciated. Maybe I'm missing somthing?

 

[Highlands Hunter]

It takes a little time to break in the lumbar pad on the K4. Also, they have a softer foam available if you prefer.
I’m partial to Exo for several different reasons, but ultimately you have to decide what works for your body.

 

[Bado20]

I have a SG 5900 and a MR Metcalf, and my sheep hunting partner runs a Exo K4. The SG and Exo are both good packs, the SG is a bit more lightweight and trim. I prefer the SG waist belt, The shoulder straps on the K4 are more comfortable with light loads but you really shouldn't be carrying much weight with the shoulder straps if the pack is adjusted properly. I have the nalgene sling and the quick release sling on my SG and while it is not as easy to attach as the Exo system you put them on once and forget about it. The MOLLE on the K4 is nice if you often swap accessories.

For durability, both packs have been relatively good, I had a buckle tooth break on the SG hip belt last year but it held up with just the one tooth for the rest of the packout and they replaced it for free. We had the stitching tear on the spot where the top of the bag connects to the frame on the K4, had to jerry-rig it with paracord for the packout. Waiting to hear Exo's response but I'm assuming they'll fix it.

Both are great packs, head and shoulders better than the MR.

 

[muskysaloon]

Thanks for the info. Are you running the x curve frame on your SG? any issues with the water bottle attachment being flimsy? Hanging the attachments on the waistbelt straps doesn't seem nearly a sturdy as the molle system.

 

[Bado20]

Yes, mine's an X curve frame, I run it with the Sky 5900 and Approach 2800 bags depending on what I'm doing. The hip belt attachment is not quite as solid as MOLLE but it was still plenty secure when I had a nalgene holster there. I don't like having a ton of weight hanging off my hip belt in general so I swapped to a nalgene sling that connects to the shoulder strap and the frame which is what I run now. They may have discontinued the sling, I bought it around 4 years ago.

 

[Marty]

I’ve had both SG and Exo. After a few seasons with SG, I made the switch to the K4. Based on the info you provided with respect to fit, my $.02- go with the Exo.

As a smaller consideration, think about the future trajectory of each company. Exo is squarely dedicated to building the best damn hunting packs (and selling $10 t shirts).

 

[Mark at EXO]

I have a SG 5900 and a MR Metcalf, and my sheep hunting partner runs a Exo K4. The SG and Exo are both good packs, the SG is a bit more lightweight and trim. I prefer the SG waist belt, The shoulder straps on the K4 are more comfortable with light loads but you really shouldn't be carrying much weight with the shoulder straps if the pack is adjusted properly. I have the nalgene sling and the quick release sling on my SG and while it is not as easy to attach as the Exo system you put them on once and forget about it. The MOLLE on the K4 is nice if you often swap accessories.

Waiting to hear Exo's response but I'm assuming they'll fix it.

Please let me know (directly) if you haven’t heard back from Jake yet. We will 1,000% take care of this for you.

Exo is squarely dedicated to building the best damn hunting packs (and selling $10 t shirts).

The t-shirt comment made me LOL

 

[muskysaloon]

The SG sold out thread is starting to tip the scales. Ughh. Maybe I should keep both so I can have a good SG pack before they dump the name or they get completely revamped in a bad way.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

bump it up to 90# so you can actually feel the difference.

 

[tracker12]

As much as I wanted to like my EXO I could just not get it to not give me hip pain. Quality was great but in the end didn’t work for me.

 

[Wrongside]

I have the X-Curve and K4. More time with the SG, and I love it, but the K4 is excellent as well. I’ll use the K4 5K as my main pack this year, to really try it out. They’re both really great frames, with positives and negatives for each. I agree with ResearchingStuff, try both with a well adjusted 90 pounds. That’ll show which fits you best.

 

[Blockcaver]

Stopped at SG in Bozeman out of curiosity a month ago. Tried both frames. S-curve loaded my hips/top of butt uncomfortably. Other frame was better. Didn’t like either one as well as my 8 year old Kifaru Reckoning. But was a worthwhile visit. Never tried an EXO.

 

[plebe]

If they are of equal comfort, maybe pick the configuration you prefer. I like SG’s integral load sling and some of the bags a bit better. You might have a preference, or not.

I have a K4 and R3, and get some sag/slip on the K4 until it’s loaded up heavy enough that the lumbar pad is basically wedged. So I understand your comment about secureness/stability at 35lbs. The angular shape of the K4 lumbar pad isn’t ideal for how it rides on me either. It will break in some, which you won’t have time to feel in your testing, but still, not the best for my body type. Some have made changes though and it’s become their absolute favorite, for example adding a Kifaru DL pad or messing with the foam inserts. I haven’t gone down that road yet, but it’s on the to do list.

The R3 has crossed stays, and that caused me some fuss. Returned the first one cause it was warped. Second one was better, but still that cross stay system contorts the frame and it took me some effort to get the shoulder straps configured in a way that eliminated a pressure point against my upper back. Other than that, fit me great.

K4 stays are more rigid, but neither are problematic for me. SG frame is slightly wider, which works for me, but both are well enough.

Accessories, you might prefer one over the other, but can largely pick and choose.

I kept both.

 

[mtnbound]

So, This past Saturday I got a new K4 3600 and a SG x curve Solo 3600 in the mail to compare the two to see which one fit me better. I walked around the block with 35lbs in the packs just to get a feel for them, but I just can't seem to make up my mind which one feels better. I like the secure feel of the SG on my hips and the simplicity of the bag. But I'm not crazy about the thinner shoulder straps that they use. On the otherhand, I love the Exo shoulder straps, but give the SG the edge on the "secure" stationary feeling while walking. The Exo wasn't sliding down over my butt at all, but just didn't quite feel as "grippy". I do like the lightness of the SG pack, but I think the accessories and how they attach seem to be better on the Exo. I would really like to load them both up and go hike some hills, but don't really want to take a chance to get them all sweaty if I'm going to return one of them. Any helpful insight to help me choose would be appreciated. Maybe I'm missing somthing?

Put 70lbs in them and walk around the block and which one feels the best.

 

[muskysaloon]

If they are of equal comfort, maybe pick the configuration you prefer. I like SG’s integral load sling and some of the bags a bit better. You might have a preference, or not.

I have a K4 and R3, and get some sag/slip on the K4 until it’s loaded up heavy enough that the lumbar pad is basically wedged. So I understand your comment about secureness/stability at 35lbs. The angular shape of the K4 lumbar pad isn’t ideal for how it rides on me either. It will break in some, which you won’t have time to feel in your testing, but still, not the best for my body type. Some have made changes though and it’s become their absolute favorite, for example adding a Kifaru DL pad or messing with the foam inserts. I haven’t gone down that road yet, but it’s on the to do list.

The R3 has crossed stays, and that caused me some fuss. Returned the first one cause it was warped. Second one was better, but still that cross stay system contorts the frame and it took me some effort to get the shoulder straps configured in a way that eliminated a pressure point against my upper back. Other than that, fit me great.

K4 stays are more rigid, but neither are problematic for me. SG frame is slightly wider, which works for me, but both are well enough.

Accessories, you might prefer one over the other, but can largely pick and choose.

I kept both.

You kinda hit the nail on the head for me. I love both packs, but I keep going back to the SG. I love the lightness and the simplicity of the bag, and the secureness on my hips. I will load them up and walk around the block with more weight like others have recommended. I will say that the craftsmanship on the K4 is great. Keeping both could be an option and maybe taking both on this years trip. If I decide not to keep one, I shouldn't have a problem selling here on RS.

 

[JeffRaines]

bump it up to 90# so you can actually feel the difference.

I will say that both my K4, and the Crux I had carried weight like Cadillacs. Yeah, your legs knew it was back there but your shoulders or back weren't screaming. Both very well designed packs.

As to the longevity of SG quality - who knows. I can see them pulling a MR and moving production overseas to turn a better profit. I'm sure they'll be fine while they're still made here.

What I'm saying is, that in my experience, you can't go wrong.

 

[Ab21721]

I purchased a Mystery Ranch for my first pack and after a few seasons I switched over to the K4. For me personally, I feel like the K4 carries heavier loads more comfortably than what the MR did. I ruck with 60 pounds over roughly 4 miles 2-3 times per week and haven't had any problems. I really like the stiffer lumbar pad and feel like that is an overlooked piece sometimes.

 

[Bad Apple]

I purchased a Mystery Ranch for my first pack and after a few seasons I switched over to the K4. For me personally, I feel like the K4 carries heavier loads more comfortably than what the MR did. I ruck with 60 pounds over roughly 4 miles 2-3 times per week and haven't had any problems. I really like the stiffer lumbar pad and feel like that is an overlooked piece sometimes.

So, This past Saturday I got a new K4 3600 and a SG x curve Solo 3600 in the mail to compare the two to see which one fit me better. I walked around the block with 35lbs in the packs just to get a feel for them, but I just can't seem to make up my mind which one feels better. I like the secure feel of the SG on my hips and the simplicity of the bag. But I'm not crazy about the thinner shoulder straps that they use. On the otherhand, I love the Exo shoulder straps, but give the SG the edge on the "secure" stationary feeling while walking. The Exo wasn't sliding down over my butt at all, but just didn't quite feel as "grippy". I do like the lightness of the SG pack, but I think the accessories and how they attach seem to be better on the Exo. I would really like to load them both up and go hike some hills, but don't really want to take a chance to get them all sweaty if I'm going to return one of them. Any helpful insight to help me choose would be appreciated. Maybe I'm missing somthing?

I ran the SG sky 5900 x-curve for the past 3 years. Made the switch to a Exo K4 5000 this year and after my first training hike I was a little concerned. BUT I stopped in at the Exo shop and they help me dial in the pack fit (special thanks to Patrick!) and night and day better feel when you adjust it to you. After a 3 day trek with 55 lbs. after 18 ish miles on this past elk conditioning trip totally sold on the Exo.

Take away:
SG shoulder straps always would crowd into my neck even with the shoulder straps angled out. Also my back would get so sweaty with the SG being directly on your back. The Exo by comparison feels like there is air conditioning back there. The laser cut molle panels hold so much tighter. The SG Nalgene always seemed like it was bouncing around on me so I pretty much ran a water bladder. Was able to totally move away from a bladder system with the Exo Nalgene holder.

My take away:
I sold my SG pack in FB marketplace. For me at 6’1” and 260 lbs the Exo after dialing in pack fit it felt like an extension of my body. For me it made a 50 lb pack feel like half that weight.

Also accessing the meat shelf on the SG is a process while the EXO is keep it simple stupid in which one could do it in the dark even if your headlamp fails. With the SG good luck, first year I had to download the video from Kurt showing how to access the load shelf.

Now in my own total opinion I prefer to support an American made company that hasn’t sold out yet (Exo). Before you start to hate go into any store and look at the new SG avail 2200 or Kiowa 3200 and I challenge you to find a “made in America” tag anywhere on/in the pack….it’s started

 

[mwk128]

I have a SG 5900 and a MR Metcalf, and my sheep hunting partner runs a Exo K4. The SG and Exo are both good packs, the SG is a bit more lightweight and trim. I prefer the SG waist belt, The shoulder straps on the K4 are more comfortable with light loads but you really shouldn't be carrying much weight with the shoulder straps if the pack is adjusted properly. I have the nalgene sling and the quick release sling on my SG and while it is not as easy to attach as the Exo system you put them on once and forget about it. The MOLLE on the K4 is nice if you often swap accessories.

For durability, both packs have been relatively good, I had a buckle tooth break on the SG hip belt last year but it held up with just the one tooth for the rest of the packout and they replaced it for free. We had the stitching tear on the spot where the top of the bag connects to the frame on the K4, had to jerry-rig it with paracord for the packout. Waiting to hear Exo's response but I'm assuming they'll fix it.

Both are great packs, head and shoulders better than the MR.

I don’t know if this applies to your situation or not, but if you’re packing out meat on the load shelf of the K4, you aren’t supposed to try and force the top of bag attachment points back over the frame. I believe Steve talked about that on a podcast recently.

 

[muskysaloon]

I ran the SG sky 5900 x-curve for the past 3 years. Made the switch to a Exo K4 5000 this year and after my first training hike I was a little concerned. BUT I stopped in at the Exo shop and they help me dial in the pack fit (special thanks to Patrick!) and night and day better feel when you adjust it to you. After a 3 day trek with 55 lbs. after 18 ish miles on this past elk conditioning trip totally sold on the Exo.

Take away:
SG shoulder straps always would crowd into my neck even with the shoulder straps angled out. Also my back would get so sweaty with the SG being directly on your back. The Exo by comparison feels like there is air conditioning back there. The laser cut molle panels hold so much tighter. The SG Nalgene always seemed like it was bouncing around on me so I pretty much ran a water bladder. Was able to totally move away from a bladder system with the Exo Nalgene holder.

My take away:
I sold my SG pack in FB marketplace. For me at 6’1” and 260 lbs the Exo after dialing in pack fit it felt like an extension of my body. For me it made a 50 lb pack feel like half that weight.

Also accessing the meat shelf on the SG is a process while the EXO is keep it simple stupid in which one could do it in the dark even if your headlamp fails. With the SG good luck, first year I had to download the video from Kurt showing how to access the load shelf.

Now in my own total opinion I prefer to support an American made company that hasn’t sold out yet (Exo). Before you start to hate go into any store and look at the new SG avail 2200 or Kiowa 3200 and I challenge you to find a “made in America” tag anywhere on/in the pack….it’s started

Some great info here. I wish I was closer so I could have them fit my pack. If SG has truly started the process of making stuff overseas its very sad.