Exo 3500

[watty22]

I just got back from a 5 day backpacking trip for spring bear. I used the new exo 3500 pack for the trip and I figured everyone would be curious how it performed. Like I stated earlier I was able to pack 5 days worth of gear in the pack. I was able to fit all this gear inside the main bag and lid. In the full length side pockets I carried my rifle and tripod. I used the stretchy pocket to carry my 80mm spotting scope. I was very surprised how much gear I could fit in the bag.





I ended up being successful so I had to fit some meat and a cape in the pack also so I used the load sling. I was very impressed how quick and easy this setup was. Just unbuckling the load lifters and the 4 side buckles and shes ready to go. Once the top of the pack was separated I just flipped the pack on the ground hip belt side down and flung the load on. Cinched down the cape and meat with the two compression straps on the frame. I used the kuiu ultra for a few weeks and I prefer the load sling on the exo over the kuiu. The one thing that is highly noticeable between the two packs is that the exo is designed to cinch the load upwards and the kuiu is not. I only used the ultra 6000 but all the gear seemed to gather at the bottom.I am sure I could have figured something out if I kept the pack for longer though. I would say the load was close to 100 lbs and I hiked with it for 5 miles. It held the weight like a champ and there were no noticeable hotspots. I tried out both the medium and small waist belts and I felt the medium fit the best. I am right on the edge between the sizes with a 32” waist.



I have also never used a vertical side zip bag before and it is an awesome feature. It is very nice to be able to grab something at the bottom of your bag without unloading all your gear. I never noticed how much of a luxury it is to have this feature. Another unique feature is the reverse lid. I wasnt sure how I would like it but I can access my gear faster with this setup. I used it as a day pack and it can cinch day very nice.

As with many new packs I was a little skeptical how the frame and suspension would be. I like how the frame twisted and rotated with my body without losing and rigidity for carrying a load. There were no problems with the frame flexing with the load. For me this is more comfortable than a super stiff frame like the ultra. I feel like the ultra held weight just fine but there is no give whatsoever. The suspension was very comfortable also. I have never used a lumbar pad before and I was very impressed. The foam on the suspension was pretty soft and comfortable.







Overall, as of right now this is the best pack I have used. In my opinion it has one the best pocket setups on the market. I chose the exo over the kuiu because of the way it cinched down the weight, the pocket setup, the comfort of the frame and suspension, and the quality. I don’t think exo cut any corners on this pack and I don’t see me looking for a new pack anytime soon. This is an awesome pack and I would recommend this too anyone on the market.

Thanks for reading!

[Bmcox86]

Awesome, now you got me excited for mine to ship at the end of the month

[Magnum_Willys]

Yup. Pulled the trigger on mine a couple days ago in asat camo.  Glad to hear it looks like a winner.

[Skyvalhunter]

Nice write up and review thanks for sharing

[klikboom]

That's great! I was hoping to get my pack in time for spring bear, but at least it should be ready by high hunt. really nice color phase bear, love the scenery. It must be nice to see more than 15y when you're hunting!

[bullcanyon]

Great write up.  Thanks for doing it.  I ordered one recently.  I went with the smaller belt, but you got me thinking about contacting them and changing it.  I'm a 33" waste.  Congrats on the bear too!

[MtnMuley]

Nice review.  Thanks for taking the time.

[northwesthunter84]

Awesome review.  I ordered mine in April and I can't wait.

[watty22]

bullcanyon,

I used the small belt on one of their prototypes so the final version could be a little different. I did use the final version of their medium waistbelt. There were times I did cinched the belt down as tight as it could go on the medium. The small waist belt had plenty of room to go larger for me when I wore it. I just like the bigger waist belt.

Either way I dont think you can go wrong

[7mag.]

Good write up, thanks for the insight. Congrats on the bear. That looks like rugged country. It's a great feeling to put a pack through that kind of test, and to end up happy with it.

[bullcanyon]

I appreciate your input.  I emailed Steve today.  Thinking I'm going medium.  Doubt I'll get smaller. Good chance I'll grow with age. (Unfortunately)

[bowhunterty]

Can't wait for mine to get here. Have some backpack trips to use it on before my backpack deer hunt. Thanks for the review.

[bigassbull]

excellent review and pics and Bear, nice stuff! That's how reviews are made...Good going

[Magnum_Willys]

Just got email that Exo pack orders in BEFORE today 7-23-14 are being filled but orders from today on won't ship until October......  Glad I got mine in.....

[Western-Extremist]

i knew i should have ordered mine weeks ago. now im waiting till oct.

[ROCKWHEELER]

Awesome write up I was thinking of the icon pro but think I will pick up a exo.

[swanny]

I've seen people asking about these and finally checked out their site yesterday. I like all of the thought that went in and you did a killer review on it, the pictures and your input are much appreciated.

One thing I'm really curious about though is how it worked as a daypack away from your camp. My biggest gripe (and it's me being a picky gear snob) is the waistbelt for any overnight pack is so huge for small loads away from your camp. What did you think of it's use with just a days supply? Was it to cumbersome to carry around, or did it feel like a small pack with the exception of the frame and belt?

[Magnum_Willys]

The waist belt is never big enough when you have a heavy load.  Gotta pick your poison or get some type of belt padding or wrap. The exo shoulder straps are perfect for day pack - lil light for heavy loads imo. Waist belt good compromise.  Pack is quite a bit heavier than kuiu but solidly built.

[RadSav]

For me the waist belt is just about right for day use.  Material is way to damn hot, but size seems just fine.  I will be happy when they put as much thought into the waist belt as they did the rest of the pack.  But, until then it works ok.  My day pack is usually a Blacks Creek Western.  Love that pack!!!  The Exo 3500 compresses better and actually rides nicer as a Day Pack than the Western does.   Exo is just a little noisier and a little harder to get under branches when your fat and stiff like I am.

If you want one "do it all" pack...this Exo seems about as good as any I have tried.  Oh, and DANG is it nice and light!!!  Lighter than the two 5200 Kuiu Icon packs I've tried.  Other than the cheap waist belt I'm liking it much more than those two!  I've never played with a Kuiu Ultra so can not comment on that!

[bowhunterty]

I used as a daypack and worked great. This has been the only waist belt that has fit me right.

[swanny]

Thanks for the comments on day pack use guys. It's hard to make an ultimate do all pack and it sounds like they've gotten pretty close. Time to save pennies for next year...