K4 % Improvement vs K3

[wh0cansay]

I’ve had a K3 for five years. Fought with it the whole time. Called XO and they “sold” me a pad to remedy a defective product. That didn’t work either. Not giving them my business anymore. Went to Eberlestock to solve my slipping pack problem.

Out of all the available brands, Eberlestock was the solution? Just goes to show that everyone's spine is different.

No amount of lumbar padding will fix a poor fit.

 

[goathunter.oregon]

After my last post on this thread, I went ahead and purchased the K4. Now I have a K3 and K4 to compare against directly. I was in a car crash 2-1/2 years ago and my lower back still gives me trouble. Here are my observations so far:

- I ran the standard K3 lumbar foam, then changed it out for the firmer K3 lumbar foam. I felt like the standard lumbar foam that shipped with the K4 was even firmer than the K3 firm foam and it was painful: above 30 lbs, It felt like a hard shelf digging into my lower back. I contacted EXO and they sent me (for free) a softer K4 lumbar foam insert and I am much happier with it.

- After switching to the softer K4 lumbar foam, I went back to my K3 and reinstalled the original (softer) lumbar foam and it is more comfortable now as well. I can't really explain why I originally thought firmer K3 foam was more comfortable. I wasn't loading the K3 very heavy and the comfort wasn't noticeably different until I loaded it up later. I helped pack out an elk last November with the K3 (firm foam) and it was one of the most painful back experiences I've ever had. Every step hurt.

- Having used the K4 for several months now, it is more comfortable for me than the K3, especially when loaded down. I'm doing training workouts with the K4 loaded the same as my K3 was during the November elk pack out and I'm handling it with less pain.

- Given the choice between the K3 and K4, I'd choose the K4 every time simply because I like the fit and comfort of the hip belt and lumbar pad better than the K3.

I will also say that the guys at EXO have been adamant about cinching down all the straps tightly around the bag. I wasn't always good about that and after following their guidance, I have found it to improve the pack comfort. I also spent a lot of time getting the packs fitted correctly.

Fit and comfort aside, I do prefer how the K3 bag and lid attach to the frame. On the K4, to get the bag off the frame you have to unthread the lid before you can access the velcro tabs under the shoulder straps. It is what it is and it's really annoying at first. I'm used to it now and it's less annoying; I just wish it was easier.

Before I bought the K4, I was concerned about the side pockets being zippered, unlike the K3 where those deep stake pockets are open on the top. Having tried it, I think the K4 pocket design is superior. The side pocket fabric is stretchy and I can easily stuff a puffy jacket or a fleece in one side pocket and zip it up. If I need to put my trekking poles on the pack, I just insert them into the lower open pocket and secure the top with a strap (on the K3, I would stuff them down in the long stake pocket and they weren't very easy to remove without taking the pack off).

Overall, I'm very happy with my K4 and the support from EXO.

 

[Wrongside]

Fit and comfort aside, I do prefer how the K3 bag and lid attach to the frame. On the K4, to get the bag off the frame you have to unthread the lid before you can access the velcro tabs under the shoulder straps. It is what it is and it's really annoying at first. I'm used to it now and it's less annoying; I just wish it was easier.

Respectfully, the K4 lid does not have to be detached to remove the main bag.

 

[goathunter.oregon]

Respectfully, the K4 lid does not have to be detached to remove the main bag.

Technically, you're correct, you don't have to remove the lid, but it's easier if you do. I made a little video to demonstrate what I'm talking about.

 

[bmart2622]

Steve made a video about 3 common K4 mistakes people make, taking the lid off to access the meatshelf was one of them

 

[bmart2622]

Technically, you're correct, you don't have to remove the lid, but it's easier if you do. I made a little video to demonstrate what I'm talking about.

Thats was quite the performance!!!!

 

[goathunter.oregon]

Thats was quite the performance!!!!

Hey, thanks for pointing out the Common K4 Mistakes video. I went back and watched it and it's a little embarrassing how easy Steve makes it look to take the bag off with the lid still on. He also leaves it on in the recent video where he's loading the K4 with the bear head and hide.

In my defense, I never said I wasn't a dumbass! I'm glad my video was at least entertaining if not helpful....

 

[gmacsports89]

I love my K4!

 

[LP5000]

I don't know what the % improvement is, but I also had slippage with the k3, and had the firmer lumbar pad and the k4 is definitely better and I'm not sorry I bought one. It's worth the money to me, and the Nalgene holder is also a major upgrade.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

The angle of the nalgene holder is what sold me!

 

[Mitchynick7]

I don't want to highjack this thread, and please direct me elsewhere if this has been discussed, but is anyone using non-Exo molle attachments on their Exo packs to save cost? Steve mentions it in his video on the product but I was wondering if anyone has good results? I get that Exo makes great stuff and when they design the pack so the certainly would make the best fitting attachments for them but I may be willing to use something that isn't the best to save $100.

 

[Mitchynick7]

Maybe the water bottle holder and hip much really are that much better but I'm interested in what you have found to work well? Also what are you guys running into that requires the strap extenders?

 

[Oakman]

Love my K3, no issues. I considered the K4, but couldn’t justify replacing a great system that’s already working. The only thing I’ve had to figure out is mounting my sidearm on the belt, tried a chest holster, but just didn’t like it.

 

[Zgajewski]

If I found a K4 or a K3 pack what is a good price for either?