The Teratorn: A Shoot2Hunt X EXO Bag Collab

[mxgsfmdpx]

It's the exact same lid, just has small loops sewn into the top and inside for shock cord if desired.

If you don't want it on there, the loops are tiny and inconsequential.

If anyone wants their shock cord loops and cord moved over to a blaze orange lid for their Teratorn, my wife will swap them over for you for free. Just pay shipping both ways.

She also said shout out to @ExoMtnGear as the quality of the stitching is the best she’s seen on all my packs she’s modified over the years.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Took the 22 Creed out to 950 yards this morning and the 223 out to 650 yards. Consistent hits in the mountains shooting off the Teratorn with Molinator for front rest.



Pack is setup nicely for day trips out shooting/scouting, with quick access to all my essential gear in the large outside wing pockets. Not having to get into the main bag at all to get setup for glassing, or get to shooting gear is the way.

I used both the Kifaru Fulcrum and the Ma Duece for years as this style of pack suits my needs and hunting style really well.

So far, in just 5 days of use, the Teratorn is an improvement on both of those bags, with the best frame, most comfortable waist belt, and best overall riding lid/bag I’ve ever carried heavy weight in.

The back/lumbar pad is stiffer than I’m used to, so if it doesn’t break in over the next couple weeks Exo will swap it for a slightly softer pad.

I purposely ordered the 26.5” frame as I am in between sizes and shoot off my backpack standing upright, for seated and kneeling shots nearly every day. It’s been working great for that as well so far.

More to come.

 

[mddat]

Took the 22 Creed out to 950 yards this morning and the 223 out to 650 yards. Consistent hits in the mountains shooting off the Teratorn with Molinator for front rest.

View attachment 906804

Pack is setup nicely for day trips out shooting/scouting, with quick access to all my essential gear in the large outside wing pockets. Not having to get into the main bag at all to get setup for glassing, or get to shooting gear is the way.

I used both the Kifaru Fulcrum and the Ma Duece for years as this style of pack suits my needs and hunting style really well.

So far, in just 5 days of use, the Teratorn is an improvement on both of those bags, with the best frame, most comfortable waist belt, and best overall riding lid/bag I’ve ever carried heavy weight in.

The back/lumbar pad is stiffer than I’m used to, so if it doesn’t break in over the next couple weeks Exo will swap it for a slightly softer pad.

I purposely ordered the 26.5” frame as I am in between sizes and shoot off my backpack standing upright, for seated and kneeling shots nearly every day. It’s been working great for that as well so far.

More to come.

Any chance you have more pictures of your pack setup? How much stuff do you have in the main bag when setup for day trips? Curious how the wings are working out with the pack not fully loaded?

 

[Kenny Hart]

Any chance you have more pictures of your pack setup? How much stuff do you have in the main bag when setup for day trips? Curious how the wings are working out with the pack not fully loaded?

It works like any other 6000 cu in pack. If you don't have anything in it, you can compress it to the frame.

There are a number of videos posted earlier in the thread that show how it works by either leaving the wings untucked and strapped as normal with an empty pack, back-wrapping the wing straps for zero movement with an empty pack, or just folding the wings behind the pack if you only want to use the main bag.

They're a very good reference to show exactly what you're hoping to see.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Any chance you have more pictures of your pack setup? How much stuff do you have in the main bag when setup for day trips? Curious how the wings are working out with the pack not fully loaded?

Once I have another week or two worth of field days with the pack I’m planning on loading it up how I would for hunting as well.

My plan is to make a video on how I use it for day trips shooting/scouting and then another video on how I plan to use it for my first hunt in August for coastal blacktail.

 

[mtnbound]

Part one.

I spent some time with my Teratorn this past weekend, and here are my two cents for anyone thinking about buying one.

A little information about me, my pack, and what I use and need. I hunt Archery, Rifle, and Muzzleloader seasons. My hunting styles include Backpacking (breaking camp and moving every day), Spike camping (setting up camp and hunting from it for a few days), and true Day-hunting. In addition to foot travel, my packs are worn while operating an ATV, Motorcycle, Snowmobile, or a Snowbike. I use my pack for Hunting, Scouting, Training, Hiking, and Search and Rescue work. For me, I need a pack that allows me to adapt quickly to any need or situation. I have had multiple bags with "bat-wings" and like what they can offer, which is why I purchased the Teratorn. Even though I felt it was probably too big for my needs, but it could also be perfect.

I know it's not an apples-to-apples comparison, but I will use my K4/5000 in reference to the Teratorn.

The Lid

One Stash Pocket loop and added loops to attach shock cord to the inside of the larger pocket and shock cord on the outside of it. I didn't think the shock cord in the Lid would be a big deal until I added it, and I love how it keeps items in place. Therefore, I would recommend adding the shock cord. For me, the Lid is where I put items that I need quick access to, such as my first aid kit, wipes, and headlamp. The shock cord on the outside is of no value to me. I have seen too many people lose or have their gear damaged or rendered unusable due to moisture by stashing items on the outside of their pack. For me, if the gear is life-supporting, it is secured inside the pack.

Hydration Pocket

One Stash Pocket loop and bladder hanger. For me, this serves as a quick-access pocket where I typically store my extra layers, sit pad, avalanche probes, Sam Splint, etc. If I have wet items, they also go into that pocket.

Main Bag Upper Section

Two Stash Pocket loops inside with plenty of storage and a Shock cord on the outside. This Shock cord might be usable for a shooting bag (more on this later) or my sit pad between movements. This section is not easily accessed unless you undo the Wing bags. Again, if the gear is life-supporting, it is secured inside the pack, not under shock cord.

Main Bag Lower Section

No Stash Pocket loops, zippered Upper and Lower separator panel is ok, but if you have a shelter that uses longer poles, this separator panel kind of gets in the way, unless you partially unzip this panel on one side to get room for longer items, or you will need to stash the longer items elsewhere. This section is being focused more as a sleeping system compartment, which works great for that. However, this section is also very easy to access, even with the Wing bags connected, which allows you to access needed items quickly. For me, this quick access may prompt me to rethink how I load the pack. The adjustment straps at the bottom allow for easy collapse or expansion of this section.

Trekking Pole Loops and Strap

The dedicated Loops and Straps for this are nice as they help provide some structure when in day-hunt mode (more on that later). I use a lever-lock style of pole that has aluminum components with sharp edges, which I think will damage the bag material in short order. So, if I were to use this system, I would change my poles to a twist-lock style. The Straps work well as a method to secure long items stashed in the inside Wing Bag or Side Stretchy Pockets, like my Aziak tripod.

Side Stretchy Pockets

The larger one is massive and can hold a considerable number of items. The Wing bags do block access to these when they are connected, providing some security in keeping items in place. The smaller one, which faces the hip belt, is accessible for me with the pack on, whereas I cannot get my hand into this same pocket on my K4/5000. It's not easy access (probably just due to my shoulder mobility), but I can reach in and grab a headlamp, gloves, or other small items, which is convenient.

Wing Bags

These bags feature one Stash pocket loop and an exterior stretchy pocket. I feel these are too big and would prefer them to be smaller, allowing for a better fit and tighter strapping across the bag. There are two slots to run the pack-to-frame straps through or over the Wing pockets.

 

[mtnbound]

Part 2

Field Performance

When you need or want to secure your weapon system to your pack, it must do so securely. While there are multiple add-on carrying systems one could use, I chose to use the pack as it comes, and I used the following weapons.

A Mathews bow
A folding-stock chassis rifle
A rifle with a Rokstock

Backpack Hunting Mode

At first I loaded it for 3 nights plus an extra day of food, then realized how big this ****** is, so I started filling it up with extra clothes, poncho liner, k4/5000 bag, helmet, tech rescue gear, Avy shovel, Axe, Dead cats and at one point I thought I was going to have to go to town and buy more gear to put into it but I stopped myself. The Teratorn is significantly better than my K4/5000 at hauling a large amount of gear (it's 1700ci’s bigger, after all), while still providing quick access to the Wings and Lower Main Bag compartment, in addition to the Lid and Hydration pocket. Loading gear into the pack is effortless and lends itself to "stuff the ****** full and go."

Securing either rifle platform is relatively easy using one of the oversized Side Stretchy Pockets and connecting the Wing bags; however, the dedicated K4/5000 horizontal straps provide a more secure system, especially for the folding stock chassis. The compression capabilities of the Wing bags depend on the volume you fill in the Main bag. You can make the pack-to-frame straps wrap around the bag to offer a more secure system. I suggest adding locking buckles to the Wing bags and pack-to-frame straps.

Securing my bow to the pack was more difficult, as I did not like how the Wing bags worked for securing it. Additionally, using the designed trekking pole holders, the metal tips, and my lever-locks would contact my cam and other bow components, so I had to adjust the bow several times to find the right spot, and it was in the back of my mind that something was getting damaged. If my poles were in my hand, then that concern would go away. Again, you can make the pack-to-frame straps wrap around the bag to offer a more secure system, but I feel that the dedicated K4/5000 horizontal straps are much better suited for this purpose.

Fully loaded foot travel, I got hung the **** up several times, busting through the brush. I would want to pick a line as free of brush as possible. When I loaded the exact same gear in each pack, I felt my K4/5000 did better at avoiding hang-ups from busting through the brush.

While I don't get many opportunities to shoot prone, I like the Shock cord on the Main Bag's Upper section, as I could easily stuff a shooting bag in there for prone shooting.

Spike Camp and Day Hunt Mode

Whether this was truly a hunt from the truck or a hunt from a spike camp, where most of my gear is dropped, this is where, for me, the Teratorn fails compared to my K4/5000. My day loadout is more extensive than most, as it is the same one I use for SAR operations; the only difference is the absence of a kill kit and a weapon. However, that load is insufficient to fill the Teratorn's volume and utilize its quick access features.

The Wing bags can't be pulled tight enough and flop around. If you do put quick-access gear in them, they are still loose and flop around even more. The Lid also becomes loose and floppy. While you can re-route the pack-to-frame straps and wrap them around the pack and Wings to compress it, you lose some of the easy access part of this pack. This is also necessary to secure a weapon system to the pack in this mode.

If you stuff the Wings into the load self-area, you are again defeating one of the significant selling features of easy access for this pack, and the large Stretchy Side pockets will get filled with whatever falls out of the sky because the Wings are not covering them.

I think the usability of the Main Bag Shock cord for holding a shooting bag depends on the amount of gear in the Main bag and whether the collar is extended. In this mode, the Lid can cover most of the Shock Cord, so I found it less effective in this mode. I did find that I could move more gear into the Main Bag Upper section to provide a better base, but this part of the pack does not have as good access as the Main Bag Lower section.

Using the designed trekking pole holding system helps maintain some structure in this mode, which helps.

The Main Bag's Lower section still has good access in this mode, and you can easily adjust this area with the bottom pack compression straps. For me, the K4/5000 has less fiddle factor to get into day-hunt mode, is more compact, and provides enough easy-access pockets.

Conclusion

It is stated that this pack is designed for late-season hunting in cold weather, and I can see that. However, for me, hunting in these conditions typically involves setting up a spike camp and hunting from there. While I will have extra layers with me, it's not enough volume to make a significant difference in the Teratorn's performance. The Teratorn has some great features, but my initial impression after using it in the field is that you need to keep the loaded volume high (which does not mean heavy) to utilize the quick-access features and have the pack perform at its best. If backpack hunting in the late season is your thing, or you're a 10-day backpack hunter in regular seasons and need a pack with more easy-access pockets, then this pack might be for you. If you’re a 5-day backpack hunter who packs your fears, then this pack is for you. If you prefer a more streamlined pack, this may not be the right choice for you. If you are a spike camp/day hunter, this is not the pack for you IMO. I will continue to evaluate the Teratorn for my needs, but it's currently behind in points compared to my K4/5000; however, testing is not over. A K4/3600 pack with Wing bags would be very interesting to me.

 

[mddat]

Spike Camp and Day Hunt Mode

Whether this was truly a hunt from the truck or a hunt from a spike camp, where most of my gear is dropped, this is where, for me, the Teratorn fails compared to my K4/5000. My day loadout is more extensive than most, as it is the same one I use for SAR operations; the only difference is the absence of a kill kit and a weapon. However, that load is insufficient to fill the Teratorn's volume and utilize its quick access features.

The Wing bags can't be pulled tight enough and flop around. If you do put quick-access gear in them, they are still loose and flop around even more. The Lid also becomes loose and floppy. While you can re-route the pack-to-frame straps and wrap them around the pack and Wings to compress it, you lose some of the easy access part of this pack. This is also necessary to secure a weapon system to the pack in this mode.

If you stuff the Wings into the load self-area, you are again defeating one of the significant selling features of easy access for this pack, and the large Stretchy Side pockets will get filled with whatever falls out of the sky because the Wings are not covering them.

I think the usability of the Main Bag Shock cord for holding a shooting bag depends on the amount of gear in the Main bag and whether the collar is extended. In this mode, the Lid can cover most of the Shock Cord, so I found it less effective in this mode. I did find that I could move more gear into the Main Bag Upper section to provide a better base, but this part of the pack does not have as good access as the Main Bag Lower section.

Using the designed trekking pole holding system helps maintain some structure in this mode, which helps.

The Main Bag's Lower section still has good access in this mode, and you can easily adjust this area with the bottom pack compression straps. For me, the K4/5000 has less fiddle factor to get into day-hunt mode, is more compact, and provides enough easy-access pockets.

This is the info I’ve being looking for. Thanks for the in-depth write up.

 

[Mikebosmans]

Wanting to place my order today for the Teratorn and use the HB10 code, but it's not applying to the whole pack system

Is there a different code for the Teratorn??

 

[Mark at EXO]

Wanting to place my order today for the Teratorn and use the HB10 code, but it's not applying to the whole pack system

Is there a different code for the Teratorn??

The HB10 discount does not apply to Teratorn, because we (Exo) don't have the margin to discount it, nor do we advertise it as an Exo product. (It isn't listed on our website unless you already know about it and search for it.) That pack is S2H's, to market or discount as they wish. They did allow us to offer our MIL/LE discount on the Teratorn, and that is coming out of their margin. Aside from that, if there is ever a sale/discount on the Teratorn, it should come from S2H.

 

[Helislacker]

Quick rip training hike and first time using the Teratorn in a cinched down daypack configuration. I was worried it would be too big to cinch correctly, especially with the wings but I found it works great. It could truly be a one and done hunting bag despite the capacity.

 

[mtnbound]

Teratorn Round 2 & 3.

In my first round (see my previous post) comparing my K4/5000 to the Teratorn, I would say the K4/5000 won that round 10 to 9.

Round 2 was a SAR operation and the K4/5000 has seen lots of operations so I used the Teratorn for this one. Due to the temps and the person being missing for 24 hours I added extra water before hitting the trail. Really easy to add extra water with the Teratorn and while the K4/5000 does this fairly well the TT was very easy with the bigger side stretchy pockets. Using the designated trekking pole holders I was getting snagged on brush and branches so I put the poles in one of the side stretchy pockets which dropped them in height just enough that I stopped getting snagged and because the pockets are bigger there was enough room for poles and extra water bottles. For round 2 the TT has better adaptability, so I would it was a 10 - 9 round for the TT.

Round 3 was a bow hike day with my normal load out and once again the TT struggles when it comes to securing a bow to the pack. I don’t want straps rubbing on the string or putting load on my rest or sight. My sight like most has knurled aluminum parts which I also don’t want rubbing against the pack. I want the bow to be held high so the cam does not hit while I am riding my bike. The dedicated trekking pole holders were a no go as the carbide tips seemed to always be in the way, so I stowed them in one of the big stretchy pockets. After way too much time trying to get the bow secured to the pack, I gave up and installed a EXO lid extension strap kit with locking buckles. I hooked these straps to the upper bag connection buckle and it worked great. No movement at all and I still have reasonably good access to both wing pockets without unbuckling anything. The K4/5000’s dedicated horizontal straps are easier for securing a bow but the side pockets are not as accessible. Even though an additional factory accessory was added to the TT, I’m gonna call round 3 a 10 - 9 round for the TT based solely on having better quick access to the side pockets in this carry mode.

Picture is of the Lid strap and Locking buckle.

 

[TimberHunter]

For those that have used the pack with the wings tucked away (think day hunts), how does that change where you strategically put your gear to still gain the benefit of efficiently getting to your gear?

Also any pictures of the pack in day hunt mode would be appreciated


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[mxgsfmdpx]

For those that have used the pack with the wings tucked away (think day hunts), how does that change where you strategically put your gear to still gain the benefit of efficiently getting to your gear?

Also any pictures of the pack in day hunt mode would be appreciated


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I do it the opposite.

I have a puffy and puffy pants in the sleeping bag compartment to fluff it a bit to shoot off of and then only use the side wings and lid for gear.

 

[TimberHunter]

I do it the opposite.

I have a puffy and puffy pants in the sleeping bag compartment to fluff it a bit to shoot off of and then only use the side wings and lid for gear.

Good idea, I hadn’t considered going that route… next time you have the bag setup like that, would you mind posting up a picture?


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[mxgsfmdpx]

Good idea, I hadn’t considered going that route… next time you have the bag setup like that, would you mind posting up a picture?


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Still experimenting with different ways to use it for daily shoots. 18 field days with it since it delivered on July 9th and I'm still tweaking here and there. May not stay like this but for now it's working.

This is it all cinched up after the hike down from shooting this morning and thrown into the Jeep. Took it out for a photo just now. When shooting I remove the two compression straps from around the wings.

Tripod and Long Spartan Bipod (bipod used for some seated and kneeling shots) slide out from under each wing when needed.






Tripod Side Left Wing: NL Pure 14's, Phonescope gear, outdoorsman's adapter, pouch with glass cleaning supplies and extra attachments. Micro pan head stays on tripod permanently so takes seconds to snap in either the Revics in the bino harness or the NL Pures.

Bipod Side Right Wing: Rain jacket, snake gaiters, shooting mat, lightweight chair (not always) and beanie hat.

Right Belt Pouch: Cell phone, breakfast bar, stinger gels, and spare magazine.

Left Belt Pouch: Garmin phone, kestrel, and extra batteries for electronics.

Lid: Full First Aid Kit, Ammo, Extra Loaded Mags, Garmin Chrono, Otto Electronic Earplugs, Shot Timer, Firestarter, Cordage, Note Pad, Pen, Extra Electrical Tape, paint pen, lightweight tool kit, etc.

Main Bag: Empty

Sleeping Bag Compartment: Extra water, Puffy Jacket, Puffy Pants (to fluff up for shooting off of).

Remaining pertinent/emergency gear on bino harness.

Rear bag in the shock cord on the lid.

Molinator front bag loose on the pack for pack long ways or side ways shooting.

 

[TimberHunter]

Still experimenting with different ways to use it for daily shoots. 18 field days with it since it delivered on July 9th and I'm still tweaking here and there. May not stay like this but for now it's working.

This is it all cinched up after the hike down from shooting this morning and thrown into the Jeep. Took it out for a photo just now. When shooting I remove the two compression straps from around the wings.

Tripod and Long Spartan Bipod (bipod used for some seated and kneeling shots) slide out from under each wing when needed.

View attachment 914461

View attachment 914462


Tripod Side Left Wing: NL Pure 14's, Phonescope gear, outdoorsman's adapter, pouch with glass cleaning supplies and extra attachments. Micro pan head stays on tripod permanently so takes seconds to snap in either the Revics in the bino harness or the NL Pures.

Bipod Side Right Wing: Rain jacket, snake gaiters, shooting mat, lightweight chair (not always) and beanie hat.

Right Belt Pouch: Cell phone, breakfast bar, stinger gels, and spare magazine.

Left Belt Pouch: Garmin phone, kestrel, and extra batteries for electronics.

Lid: Full First Aid Kit, Ammo, Extra Loaded Mags, Garmin Chrono, Otto Electronic Earplugs, Shot Timer, Firestarter, Cordage, Note Pad, Pen, Extra Electrical Tape, paint pen, lightweight tool kit, etc.

Main Bag: Empty

Sleeping Bag Compartment: Extra water, Puffy Jacket, Puffy Pants (to fluff up for shooting off of).

Remaining pertinent/emergency gear on bino harness.

Rear bag in the shock cord on the lid.

Molinator front bag loose on the pack for pack long ways or side ways shooting.

Thanks for the info! S2H may need to pay you for your advertising effort on this forum


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[mxgsfmdpx]

Thanks for the info! S2H may need to pay you for your advertising effort on this forum


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Nah I’m good haha. Not my thing. Would rather obtain gear on my own and report on it here. If the pack sucked I’d be the first one to tell everyone how and why.

Edit: As an example. Just last night I told a Rokslide sponsor their suppressor covers suck in daily field use. He didn’t take it very well. Not my problem.

If the Teratorn ends up sucking long term you’ll hear about that too haha.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Any chance you have more pictures of your pack setup? How much stuff do you have in the main bag when setup for day trips? Curious how the wings are working out with the pack not fully loaded?

Finally got a couple photos and description in the post above.

 

[mtnbound]

For those that have used the pack with the wings tucked away (think day hunts), how does that change where you strategically put your gear to still gain the benefit of efficiently getting to your gear?

Also any pictures of the pack in day hunt mode would be appreciated


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The main bag's lower section still provides excellent access in day-hunt mode, regardless of the wings being stashed in the load shelf area. Like my K4/5000, you still have access to the lid and water bladder pocket.