What's better fitment than Stone Glacier

[Demlockian]

I know this topic has been covered endlessly, but before I drop close to a grand on a new pack, I’d appreciate some input. My Stone Glacier Krux frame (Evo 40/56) just doesn’t fit me well—it becomes uncomfortable with anything over 30 pounds. I’ve adjusted it every way possible, but can’t get it dialed in. The shoulder straps also don’t make full contact, which I’m sure is part of the issue.

On the other hand, my older Eberlestock Mainframe can handle 70 pounds and stay reasonably comfortable, but I’m looking for something lighter and ideally more refined. I’m currently considering Seek Outside vs. Exo Mountain Gear. For anyone who’s made the switch from Stone Glacier—and maybe has experience with the Mainframe too—what are your thoughts?

I'm leaning Seek Outside solely based on weight. But if the Exo Mtn Gear carries weight better it might be worth the penalty.

 

[MuleyFever]

You need to find what fits you. Packs are like shoes. Try a few if you can

 

[ripcurlksm]

go exo 4 or youll always wonder

 

[wh0cansay]

Like MuleyFever said, that's like asking which shoes have a better fit than Salomons. For some people it will be every other brand, for others there will be nothing that fits better.

Don't expect packs to fit you perfectly out of the box. Get a pack that has 7075-grade aluminum stays, or buy them separately, and fit them to YOUR spine. Almost every post of mine in this subforum is about the importance of aluminum stays. Have a browse through them if you want.

Shoulder straps not making full contact is exactly what you want, IF the weight is fully transferred to your pelvis. This is what every good pack should do, and properly fitted stays are a key factor here. You shouldn't have more than 10% or so of the total weight on your shoulders. If you can't easily slide a finger between your shoulders and the harness, you have too much weight on them.

I'd get a Hill People Gear Qui-Ya and go from there. Best packs on the market in my opinion. If you want to stick with the usual hunting brands, EXO K4 has a great reputation - but it doesn't come with aluminum stays.

I have a Mainframe and it's one of the worst packs I've ever owned when it comes to design and comfort.

 

[mtnbound]

I know this topic has been covered endlessly, but before I drop close to a grand on a new pack, I’d appreciate some input. My Stone Glacier Krux frame (Evo 40/56) just doesn’t fit me well—it becomes uncomfortable with anything over 30 pounds. I’ve adjusted it every way possible, but can’t get it dialed in. The shoulder straps also don’t make full contact, which I’m sure is part of the issue.

On the other hand, my older Eberlestock Mainframe can handle 70 pounds and stay reasonably comfortable, but I’m looking for something lighter and ideally more refined. I’m currently considering Seek Outside vs. Exo Mountain Gear. For anyone who’s made the switch from Stone Glacier—and maybe has experience with the Mainframe too—what are your thoughts?

I'm leaning Seek Outside solely based on weight. But if the Exo Mtn Gear carries weight better it might be worth the penalty.

Go with the EXO K4.

 

[dirtshooter]

Or find a good condition used EXO K3, save some money and still have a great pack

 

[WyoWild]

I have a Seek Outside Peregrine and Goshawk. Incredibly light for what they can carry load wise. Been using them for around 8 years with no complaints.

That being said I have tried a friends Exo and for me it was slightly more comfortable with a heavy load. But not a big enough difference for me to upgrade.

Finding the model that works best with your body is more important that the brand.

 

[TxLite]

Have you tried the SG xcurve frame?

I have no experience with the krux so I don’t know the difference in feel, but my xcurve fits me like a glove

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

No one can answer this for you, everyone is different. You have to try them to find out what works.
I have a xcurve, terminus, and k4. I can get all them to work well, just use them for different things.

 

[*zap*]

^ x2.

Also make sure you have the frame adjusted correctly for your body.
I use krux, duplex and guide light-they all work for me.

 

[sndmn11]

@Demlockian where do you live? There may be someone nearby with a pack to try.

Otherwise, buy both frames and send one back after some trial.

 

[*zap*]

You could put xcurve stays in the pack you have or send it to SG for that.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Or find a good condition used EXO K3, save some money and still have a great pack

Great advice above-pack fitment is different for most, you really need to try them on.


I sold my K4 as I couldn't tell the difference from my k3.

 

[flyfisher117]

Last summer I made an effort to try on and get fitted with every brand. I drove to Bozeman, drove to Boise, drove to random shops that stocked Kifaru and others anywhere in between.

Under weight every brand had a frame I liked. Every brand had a frame I immediately disliked. I would recommend doing the same.

 

[mtnbound]

Or find a good condition used EXO K3, save some money and still have a great pack

For some including myself the K3 would slide down and cause hip pain but the K4 does not move.

 

[mtnbound]

Great advice above-pack fitment is different for most, you really need to try them on.


I sold my K4 as I couldn't tell the difference from my k3.

Huge difference for me, the K3 would slide down and create hip pain. The K4
stays in place.

 

[wh0cansay]

Huge difference for me, the K3 would slide down and create hip pain. The K4
stays in place.

Different stay profile, most likely.

 

[bozeman]

The SO is VERY comfy, was one of my fav packs for a long time. The SG just never fit me at all, no matter how I adjusted. Exo makes a great pack, but I had slippage issues. I tried a K4 as well, but it didnt quite fit as well as my current setup, so sent it back. As you can see, as others have said, spend the $$ get a few packs to your house, fit them properly and drop 50# in them and walk for a mile, see what fits/feels the best. It took me several tries, but my current setup is fantastic. Best of luck in your search.

 

[307]

K4 is the only hip belt I've ever really disliked, which was very disappointing as I really like their bags, accessories, and pretty much everything about the company. I really wanted to like it but it was returned to Exo.

The hip belt and shoulder harness are the critical elements as far as I can tell.

 

[Demlockian]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! As much as I thought, it really is like a pair of shoes... each one fits each person differently. Being as my main concern is keeping everything lightweight, I went ahead and ordered the Seek Outside Goshawk 6300 with a Merlin daypack. Logic here is that the SO with Merlin is still lighter than the Exo Mtn Gear K4 5000. Plus, I can drop the SO frame at camp and then proceed to day hike with the Merlin.

I'll post a quick review/comparison when it arrives in 2-3 weeks. Now, I'm going to head over to the classifieds and list this SG pack shortly.