Exo 3500

[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...