Stone glacier vs Exo mountain

[Elkfitness]

I've only seen the exo, but I would go bigger. I would keep the load shelf empty, just in case. You'll fill it with the duffel And then shoot something on day 1 or 2!

 

[twall13]

I've only seen the exo, but I would go bigger. I would keep the load shelf empty, just in case. You'll fill it with the duffel And then shoot something on day 1 or 2!

I guess I'm part of the minority here but I tend to have a problem where I fill extra space in my pack if I have it. I ordered the 3500 with the hopes that it will force me to pack smarter and only bring the things I really need. Then again, my typical hunt won't go over 5 days so I think I should be able to pull it off. For all the reason's everyone else has mentioned I was tempted to go with a 5500 but I'm trying to lighten my load and I'm afraid the 5500 wouldn't have helped me in that effort.

 

[eltaco]

The difference in size between the 3500 and 5500 is likely less significant than you are expecting. The majority of extra size comes in the snow collar, which you'll just fold into the main pack for the majority of your uses, anyways. The main pack bag is slightly bigger diameter, but not by much. I'd say if you're hunting 3-4 day trips or are very extremely minimalistic, the 3500 would be fine, but I personally require more space for 5 days +, so the 5500 suits both scenarios well for me. Having the load shelf available for pack out is very critical, IMO, so I don't ever plan to use it for packing gear.

 

[Rob McConnell]

I just got my hands on one of the new 5500's at the Idaho Sportsmans show today. I have the 2014 3500, and have been VERY happy, esp with the way it hauls heavy loads. The extra 2000 only counts the main bag and lid. One of the things i really liked about the 5500 i saw today is the HUGE side pockets. They are much larger than the side pockets on the 3500. I really liked the stiffer frame and suspension feels even more comfortable than my 3500. Maybe thats the new design, but it felt great on my pack.

 

[Steve Perry]

""I suppose the other option is to use the 3500 and just put excess gear in the load shelf if I'm going out for a longer trip?""

I have the 3500 and really like it. For the longer trips I have used the load sling and meat shelf to haul extra gear. Works quite well,, however..
What bothered me was the scenario, however unlikely it may be, that we were successful. Where the heck would I haul meat if I was required to use to meat shelf to haul gear? It could be done but I would prefer a little extra room in the bag for such an occasion. I have the 5500 ordered and since the 3500 is paid for, I will have options. My son will also soon be joining me on some trips so he will start off with a hell of a pack!! If I were not concerned with having a second pack for my son or a friend that may join us I would have just ordered the 5500 bag only and swapped it out on the frame for my specific needs at the time.
I've not used the SG but a guy at work has one. Looks like a heck of a pack also. The only thing I didn't love about it was it appeared to expand out on the sides when full leaving the pack considerably wider that myself. The exo expands more back than in width with is really nice in the thick brush country of North Idaho!

 

[Screamrider]

""I suppose the other option is to use the 3500 and just put excess gear in the load shelf if I'm going out for a longer trip?""

I have the 3500 and really like it. For the longer trips I have used the load sling and meat shelf to haul extra gear. Works quite well,, however..
What bothered me was the scenario, however unlikely it may be, that we were successful. Where the heck would I haul meat if I was required to use to meat shelf to haul gear? It could be done but I would prefer a little extra room in the bag for such an occasion. I have the 5500 ordered and since the 3500 is paid for, I will have options. My son will also soon be joining me on some trips so he will start off with a hell of a pack!! If I were not concerned with having a second pack for my son or a friend that may join us I would have just ordered the 5500 bag only and swapped it out on the frame for my specific needs at the time.
I've not used the SG but a guy at work has one. Looks like a heck of a pack also. The only thing I didn't love about it was it appeared to expand out on the sides when full leaving the pack considerably wider that myself. The exo expands more back than in width with is really nice in the thick brush country of North Idaho!

I totally hear what you're saying, and I know I would regret not having the 5500 the day I have to do an extra load because I have camp and meat to carry with not enough space in the 3500.

My hesitation comes from back when I owned a Kifaru T1. Lots of guys said the T1 was great as a day pack and cinched up really well, but I just didn't care for it in that mode.

The 2014 Exo 3500 on the other hand, I loved as a day pack. The longest trip I did with it was 4 days for archery elk, and I didn't touch the load shelf, but had the rest of it filled up pretty good. I know for anything over 3 days later season, or higher altitude, I would want the 5500, but I also want to be happy using it as a day pack.

The SG Sky Archer is super tempting, and honestly the main drawback for me are the lack of true side pockets. On the Exo 3500 I loved the big side pockets for my tripod and bugle tube, while the smaller mesh ones were ideal for 1 liter platypus soft bottles. The front mesh was also perfect for my head's up cow elk decoy.

As of now the 5500 is getting the nod....

 

[bncrshr77]

I have both the Exo 3500 and 5500... Overall I like the packs and will most likely continue to use them...I will list some pros and cons and I realize that some of the cons are due to my personal preference.

Pros:
-- Full length side pockets and front stretch pocket.
-- Packs compress down nicely for use as my day pack.
-- Top and side access.
-- I'm sure there are others but these are the standout things for me.

Cons:
-- The waist belt on both packs constantly works itself loose and needs re-cinching which gets annoying.
-- The lack of a built in internal bladder sleeve with hanger... Have to buy a seperate pouch "slurpy stalker" which adds weight and in my eyes is about useless. Also the bladder tube hole that is on the pack is too small.
-- The lack of internal storage... You have to buy extra mesh pouches which add a tiny bit of weight and should be included.
-- No rain cover included.

I'm not sure what it is about the frame but I have never managed to get them adjusted perfectly... Constantly adjusting shoulder straps, etc... Everyone has a different body shape so I can't really knock the pack for that since most people love the fit.

I get it that companies have to make money and understand that most packs don't include accessory pockets and a rain cover which is annoying to me. For the price of these packs I feel they should come as a package with accessories for you to use as needed.

 

[Tuscor]

New Stone Glacier frame and 5900ci bag looks interesting and will make the decision harder. The new bag has panel access and a big pocket on the back...

 

[bncrshr77]

I was looking at the SG frame and from what I can I can't put my holster on the hip belt?

 

[justinspicher]

I've had both packs and really liked the Exo. I didn't like the SG and the way the frame felt on my back. Almost like a piece of 3/4" plywood with shoulder straps. It's probably the same reason why I don't really care for the Kifaru duplex either.

I've had two Exo 3500 packs, both a 2014 and a 2015. I sold both because I thought I'd find something better, which hasn't been the case so now I'm back to looking for another Exo 3500.