Which size EXO 3500 or 5500?

[BATTLEBORN]

I'm in the market for a new pack, I'm strongly considering the SG 5100 but recently been looking at the Exo pack. Does anyone have hands on experience with the Exo? How does it function and carry a heavy load? When will the Foliage be available (cant stand the brown)? any other input will be helpful.

thanks

 

[hammer0419]

I ordered a foliage and was told a good three weeks? As far as load goes I think their videos do it justices. These are just coming out so there are very few in use right now. I have used Kifaru for the past 15 years. For me this is the FIRST pack that caught my eye other than Kifaru. I will either be happy or very disappointed. I do have high hopes though. It looks very well thought out.

 

[Olydog09]

I received a 3500 and it is a great size for 2-3 day trips. Just about perfect for that actually. It compresses into a real small day pack. If I decide I want to keep it I will also be getting the 5500 bag as I also go on longer hunts and tend to pack bulky. I am working on cutting some size and ounces as I can. I can always put the 3500 bag in the load frame of the 5500 and swap bags at camp. The bags go on and off very easily. Much more so than the Kuiu Icon I had did.

 

[hammer0419]

Can you comment on fit and comfort of the pack? Comparisons of others you have had?

 

[Olydog09]

Can you comment on fit and comfort of the pack? Comparisons of others you have had?

Hammer,

I am hesitant to comment until I have more time with the pack. I will say that I have had a fair amount of high quality packs and the Exo is off to a great start. The fit of the pack is great. You can adjust the torso very easily, and the waist belt is good. The lumbar pad is big but not as big as a Kifaru. The lumbar pad has a softer front backed up with a harder center I believe that should work well with different weights in the pack. I am pretty picky about my gear and have been looking for the right pack for sometime. I can't say that this is the pack for me yet but I have not been disappointed to this point with it. I apologize for not having more info at this time for you. If you have specific questions pm me and I will do what I can to answer them for you.

 

[hammer0419]

I appreciate that. I too am extremely picky. Probably why I have spent hundreds of $$ on return shipping alone!! Hopefully the Exo wont be added to that list.

 

[ElkNut1]

My son & I went to the S&S Archery Shop in Boise & met up with Steve & Lenny to give these New Packs a once over. Our 1st impression was it's a very nice pack! It has a lot going for it & compacts down to near zero thickness. These guys have went all out here in construction & materials used, this is not a cheaply put together pack, actually it's quite impressive! The meat carrying cargo place sandwiched between the pack frame & pack bag is sweet! There is no doubt in my mind that this is a selling feature along with its simplicity to access this area. It has 4 buckles to unsnap & you easily unsnap the load lifters, all this in mere seconds! The meat cargo area is now exposed & has it's own compression straps/lashing system to secure about any load & it's close to your back yet leaves your pack bag undisturbed with your daily/weekly essentials with no meat/blood contamination.

Steve has carried 115-120# loads in this pack for countless miles in testing with no issues to date. We could tell by handling this pack ourselves it was the real deal & is one nice pack for the all day hunter or the hunter who wants to hunt for a week off of his back. This pack weighs less than 5# & built like a tank. I was impressed with it! The only thing I would like to see is that they offer a pouch on each side of the waist-belt that could handle a normal sized Garmin GPS. A pouch is available but they are a bit on the small side, it's certainly not a deal breaker just a small needed modification.-- We ordered one in ASAT & can't wait to get it & report back, I know the testing will be good as the pack is well thought out & constructed by hunters themselves! Guys, for an affordable well made pack where you can pack both your gear & load an elk quarter or more in seconds without rearranging stuff this in itself is priceless to me! I personally do not like feeling I'm working a rubics cube just to get quarters or boned meat onto my pack, I want quick & simple yet do the job adequately, I'll bet money this pack will fit this bill!

Steve & Lenny thanks for taking the time with us & showing every feature the pack had to offer even though you guys were up to your ears in filling these pack orders, it was appreciated guys!

ElkNut1

 

[BATTLEBORN]

Elknut, thanks for the quick review. Im taking a serious look at these packs along with a few others for my next purchase.

I know some people have had the Exo long enough to put it through its paces, why aren't we seeing reviews from guy's who have some field use?

Can someone who has some miles with the Exo put up a real world review?

Thanks

 

[jquarnberg]

I am anxious to start seeing some reviews. I am attracted to this pack.

 

[JimCraig]

^^^^This.

 

[ChrisA]

Thanks for making me feel good about my decision Elknut. I can't wait to get mine and test it out. I ordered the 5500 so its gonna be a while. I'm about ready to switch it to a 3500 in order to it sooner.

Chris

 

[hammer0419]

Thanks for the info Elknut. If all you can find wrong are the belt pouches I think we will all be pleased. I do agree on size though. A hand held GPS is a great item to use for size judgement. They should definitely refine them to accommodate a gps.

 

[eltaco]

There's only a handful of people who have had the pack for more than a day or two. I think they shipped early this week (maybe yesterday? ). I suspect we'll be seeing reviews very quickly now that the first shipment is out.

As for the pouch, I suppose it depends on the size of your GPS, no? I expect my Garmin Oregon will fit in that size pouch, no problem. If not, I'll just continue to keep it in my pocket like I do now. I want a pouch for reeds and a camera or rangefinder, maybe. Just as long as its one hand operation and not floppy, I'm all in!

 

[mtmiller]

Looking forward reviews on the pack sans GPS luggage.