The New Exo

[slavenoid]

I ran into someone using the k4 prototype today. The gentleman was kind enough to show it off to me. I had seen some pictures come out but it's more impressive in person. Lid, hip belt, and bag are completely different and in my opinion for the better. It's so different looking it wouldn't surprise me if some people are hesitant to switch to the new design.

Has anyone on here played with the new pack? I didn't see a thread yet.

[Stein]

I wonder if they figured out how to source actual orange material for the lid yet?  I had a K2 and now a K3 orange lid that were far from what I would call orange.  That petty poke is pretty much my only complaint other than they keep changing designs and then dump all the accessories and spare parts for the old models so you're pretty much on your own.  Buy what you think you will want because you won't always have the option.

[slavenoid]

I agree with the orange lid. I still wear it but it's far from blaze. Certain lighting makes it better or worst.

[Parkern]

Lots of info posted today on the exo site. Im curious about new side pocket. going to a zipper from a big opening.


https://exomtngear.com/pages/k4-pre-release?_pos=1&_sid=72d603057&_ss=r

[Magnum_Willys]

I like the looks of the huge hip belt.   Almost 6# is getting up there but bet its built like a tank.

[Stein]

From what I can see, I prefer the K3 bags since I'm always stuffing my tripod, trekking poles and fishing rods in the side pockets and they all extend past the top.  None of those would fit in this bag, so I would have to strap them on unprotected and hope for the best.  For me, the open top pockets are perfect, super quick and easy to use and I can stuff things at the bottom and not worry about them falling out.  Only change I would make is run the compression straps under the pocket instead of over, similar to the water bottle side pockets.

They seem to be bouncing around with side pockets from each generation, likely because people use them very differently and whoever doesn't like that gen is flooding them with e-mails asking for a change.

Weight seems similar to K3, maybe 3 ounces heavier for 200 more cc.

I'm still using a K2 frame and belt, have never found a reason to spend money upgrading.

[highside74]

Lots of info and pics on Rokslide. Steve the owner of S and S archery and also the creator of Exo is active on the thread. 34 pages of questions and info.

https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/exo-mountain-k4.279017/

[pickardjw]

They'll be at the Portland expo with the K4 taking pre-sales according to the podcast.

[KFhunter]

I got a pile of k3 gear, no way would I start over 

$$$$

Might help some folks into gently used k3 stuff though

Any of you want to part ways with a 3200 bag? 

[slavenoid]

The side pockets were the only thing I'm a little concerned with. I think it will just be a learning curve more than anything. The one I saw in person had a spot to slide a bugle tube in but I forgot exactly how. It was also the 7200 with no big stretch pocket on the back. The zipper went straight into the main pack. I'm not sure if that's how the final setup will be.

[Taco280AI]

I had a K2, have a K3... think I'll wait a while before switching, again.

[Utah]

I have used eberlstock(junk and heavy) mystery ranch(never again)Stone Glacier (pretty damn good packs).  Love my K3.  Like others here not selling and starting over..

Kifaru changes their pack systems like my grandpa changes his chit stained boxers.. lol       

[Stein]

After looking it over, I think the frame is probably better but the belt and bag are probably in the "different" category.  At some point you can't improve the bag layout and changes are just preference.

The molle on the belt will help for some things but won't work for my pistol holster or the normal bear spray holster that comes with it or even my extra two pockets I already own.  You now have to use molle if you want to put anything on there and that limits your choice significantly.  In general, you can use a molle accessory on a belt but not the other way around it seems.  So, on the K4 you have far less options of what you can hang on the belt without buying additional stuff to make it work, if even possible.

They are bent on not turning into Kifaru with 187 bag offerings but I wouldn't be surprised if they offer two at some point.  One model with long pockets for tripods and scopes and one model with more pockets or none for the big percentage of hunters in the US that don't pack that stuff.  They did that for a while with the BRO model.

[Houndhunter]

I like mine, haven't really got to break it in but that time is quickly approaching. Own the k3 as well, I think the k4 will haul heavier loads better which is why I bought it.