I would agree with this however if finally got the k3 with the stiffer lumbar foam to stay up on my hips. I have a feeling this k4 will even be better. My issue with my SG Xcurve is man it’s stiff and has actually created some lower back pain since it had a bad fall on lower back even though it’s healed. This was main reason I went back to Exo and the k3 just felt great all day. K4 looks like a cross between SG and Kifaru which could be amazing is that’s the case.
No. It's a 2200 cubic inch sleeve inside the main bag, you are not going to put a bone in elk quarter in there. It works really well for boned meat though.
Interesting you say that. I used to hunt with a guy who had an Exo K3, and he loved it (mainly because it was his first high end pack, coming from Badlands). But every trip we went on, he complained that it sagged super bad and cut off circulation to his legs and hips. He just chalked it up to "oh well, that's what happens with packs with some weight in them." I'm convinced the biggest problem with modern packs is the cushiness in their frame and suspension systems, coupled with the soft, smooth outer material on the padding. Firm, supportive padding (like a good memory foam insole, for example) that forms to your back and shoulders is the best thing for carrying extreme loads. Too little padding and things dig into your back, too much padding and you can't cinch things down effectively or tight enough to get them to stay up off your butt.
This is from SG's pages, I believe they are still using a dual-density approach like MR has done, where there's different foams for inner and outer parts of the hip belt. I would agree, the foam and application of it with SG is dialed. MR has a really nice approach as well, although their belts tend to be thicker but shorter in height.
Yep - I looked at it closer and believe the load lifter extention straps on the top of the frame (to connect pack load lifters to frame top when using the load shelf) are what they are connected some accessory straps with. To do this, you could double-stack the ladder locks (only pass through (1) side for the bottom one, fully thread the top one) that way you have the load lifter extensions engaged, and you have an accessory strap that takes off this, which you can then buckle around something on top.
I recently did my own unofficial pack test. Been a long time user of Kifaru but after having trouble with hip pain on several heavy pack outs I decided to at least give some others a try. So I got an XCurve and borrowed a friends K3. I definitely noticed the stiffer foam of the SG and the soft foam of the K3. The K3 was a distant third for me, and I am pretty sure I'm going to give the SG a run this season since it seems to stick to my back.
Yup. Soft does not equal comfortable. Structure and rigidity in the foam means the foam will break in and form to your skeletal structure. Too soft or too much foam and it'll never form properly, and you'll fight hip pain and restricted blood flow to your legs. There's a fine line though, and not enough padding leads to the same problem. SG just gets it.
I noticed that too! Looks like you can pick your frame, bag, and color now for everything but the EVOs. I love my 40/56, but I wonder if they’re streamlining their lineup and consolidating to the sky series packs with a frame choice.
If that's the case, it makes sense. Earlier this fall they did a custom job for me, they put straight frame stays in an X Curve frame sheet. If it simplifies their manufacturing processes by only carrying one frame sheet, it would make sense for them to do that.
Yeah I didn’t even think about that. I’m curious where the weigh difference exists. Do you think there’s that much of a difference between the flat and curved stays? I bought my 40/56 on Facebook and it came with both sets of stays, so I guess I could weigh mine and compare.
I haven’t weighed it to compare or find out, but according to their website, the new Krux frame looks like it’s now set up with the same frame sheet as the X Curve. So same material, only difference being the frame stays. The new Krux weighs 4 oz. Less than the X Curve. IME on the items I HAVE weighed, they don’t lie on the website. I’m guessing the difference is 4 ounces. I trust SG.
mismatched bag and frame colors and all hahaI haven’t weighed it to compare or find out, but according to their website, the new Krux frame looks like it’s now set up with the same frame sheet as the X Curve. So same material, only difference being the frame stays. The new Krux weighs 4 oz. Less than the X Curve. IME on the items I HAVE weighed, they don’t lie on the website. I’m guessing the difference is 4 ounces. I trust SG.
The straight stays are hollow, and the x curve stays are solid, but they’re both carbon. So it makes sense the Krux is a little lighter.
FWIW, I didn’t have them do it because I wanted to save weight. I wanted the Krux frame because their testing and fitting indicated that’s what I needed (no curve to my back), but they were out of the Krux Evo frame sheets at the time. So they offered to put the straight stays into the x curve frame sheet for me. Otherwise I would’ve just bought the Krux Evo frame at the time. It still Carrie’s weight like a boss though, I love the pack
Any clue when the release date for the K4 will be?
Yeah it’s available one for pre order at the shows. It will be live for purchase end of march on the website.
Nope. My 10 yr old SO pack is getting a little worn and is due for replacement. I don't care for some of their newer 'design features', but want a 'waterproof' fabric pack still. So the big Terminus is appealing, but that left side spotter pocket...
