EXO packs ?

[Liveforthehunt]

Just curious to know if anyone has any experience with these packs? I have done some research and am learning towards the k2 3500. I have a stone glacier and it's time to move on. Looked into kuiu kifaru sitka and mystery ranch all have some pros and cons. I will be using it to pack one of the legal bulls I have on my cams :-P. Mostly using it for short 5 day trips but I have done some longer hauls upwards of 2 weeks . Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[g2mike]

I picked up a K2 3500 this year. Absolutely love it. Havent hauled out an animal with it yet, but have had a fair bit of weight in it. I went with a 3500 over a 5500 because I expect to do mostly day and overnight trips, with a couple of 3 nighters and I don't see any 5+ day trips happening until next year. That being said, the long term plan is to sell the 3500 bag and buy a 2000 and 5500.

Before committing to a 3500, I would look at what your needs are and see if a 5500 would be a better choice. IMO, an average guy can squeeze 3 days out of a 3500 without having a bunch of stuff strapped on the outside of the pack. Unless you're set up well with very compressible gear, no luxury items, and a small shelter, 5+ days may be a stretch. That being said, I have a 2P tent, and I fit it inside the pack. A buddy picked up a 5500 around the same time as me, and both packs compress about the same, but the 5500 is much much larger expanded.

All said and done, it wasn't cheap by the time it got here, but its a long term piece of gear.

[Liveforthehunt]

Some sound advice thanks for the input. That would be an ideal setup for sure to have the the 2000 and 5500. I just dont think at this point I can fathom spending the money on both so I may just bite the bullet and pick up the 5500 for now and in the near future purchase the 2000. Have you had weight in the load shelf area just as a test ? Curious onto how it feels stability wise I would think with the stability and compression straps it would be a solid pack

[todbartell]

I have a k2 frame with the 2000, 3500 and 5500 bags. If you're doing 5 day+ hunts you'll want the 5500. Great pack

[ditch donkey]

i have the exo 5500 as well and really like this pack. it can be compressed tight enough for day hikes and can be used as an all around pack. I can load mine up with 7/8 days food and all my overnight trip gear. This pack is very comfortable and seem well built. It only downfall would be if you are planning a long 8 or more days trip it might be a bit small. If your buyin just the one bag i’d go with the 5500 because it does work good loaded up or in day mode.

[Liveforthehunt]

Great thank you I think I have made up my mind and will be purchasing the larger bag

[Weatherby Fan]

Great thank you I think I have made up my mind and will be purchasing the larger bag

I had the 2000 and the 5500, I never used the 2000 bag once, you can compress the bigger bag to nothing so it’s multi purpose, I would just get the 5500 and you’ll be a happy camper, great pack, comfortable and well laid out.

[AgSilver]

I've been thinking about dumping my Kuiu and going Exo. Wavering between the 3500 and 5500 - rarely would use the extra space of the 5500 and may just think of it a as a license to add stuff I don't really need to take with me.

Why are you getting rid of the Stone Glacier? I was pretty set on that until I started digging into the Exos more.

[Tripitaka]

I run the K2 5500 also. Spent the winter in Baja training in the mountains and hauling 65-80lb of sand in the heat and I can say it is the best pack I've ever owned. Great service too from the guys at Exo.

[ryanszeredi]

im really enjoying my 5500. i was also on the fence between the 3500 and the 5500 but in the end i figured it because it packed down so nice id rather have the space.
i usually carry around a 60 pound bag of sand when im walking the dog and doing hikes. which is still very comfy
also agree with the good service as it came with a strap tensioner being backwards on the hip belt. had a new belt in a few days after i called them

[Liveforthehunt]

The stone glacier to be honest has had its days and the comfort is not there anymore , Looking for a change and I think I'm making the right decision. Ordered the 5500 today should be here fingers crossed sooner than later ! A lot of good input good to hear about feedback from guys who use them often in different environments thanks all !

[nazarow]

Good choice on the 5500. Compresses down no problem. A lot more versatile compared to smaller sizes as others have mentioned.

[g2mike]

Going the other way, if anyone has a good shape 2017 or newer 5500 in ranger and is looking for a 3500 instead, Id consider a trade.

[swampthing]

Great choice on the 5500! I got mine last spring, to replace my kuiu 5200. The comfort of this pack is crazy good! My sunday hike had 80lbs in mine. 80lbs is a grunt anyway you look at it but this pack makes a tough load pretty bearable! I ordered the 2000 bag this year and its a nice touch but hardly necessary. The hip belt pockets work well too. I just received the crib panel and although not needed to carry meat its a nice addition as well.

[Elkaholic]

I will add if anybody is looking to clear out an Exo pack I would be interested in the right size. Been drooling over these packs for a few years now.

[TCMX]

I bought an k2 5500 and have been using it all scouting season, hauling in cameras and feed/minerals and I love the fit and light weight, seems to be pretty durable too, I used to use a "Mystery Ranch Marshall" but my exo blows it out of the water for comfort and functionality.

[bigripper]

Awesome packs, the k2 2000 and 5500 combo is a great way to go. Service is awesome as well

[m5wilson]

I got the 5500 a few months ago. Having never owned a quality pack I don't have much to compare it too. I would also say that I'm not very experienced with packing in for longer trips but I would like to be, and having a quality pack seems like a requirement to get into that so I bought an EXO. I went with the 5500 because at that price I can only really justify one bag and at almost the same price and weight I would rather have room to grow. Packs down small, easy to use the load panel. Everything seems high quality and well thought out. Hip belt is extremely comfortable and pack is comfortable with 70lbs (haven't loaded it with any more).