Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Andrew on February 14, 2014, 12:36:45 PM

Title: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: Andrew on February 14, 2014, 12:36:45 PM: Anyone see the EXO hunting pack at the PNW Outdoor Show? I'm really liking the Kuiu 5200, but like the fact that EXO is a titanium frame. Really wish EXO had more info or video on pockets and features.
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: JPhelps on February 14, 2014, 12:52:31 PM: Yeah Steve was in our booth with the pack this past weekend. He is waiting until he has the final pack configuration in his hands before doing any in depth reviews or videos because the pack is still being altered.
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: Andrew on February 14, 2014, 01:16:32 PM: Yeah from their website it looks like they are doing some decent due diligence on design; which might lessen the generation changes or upgrades. Buying a first rounder always has that inherent risk. Phelps have you seen Kuiu pack, and would you say EXO is comparable? At first I really liked Stone Glacier's design with the load shelf, but after seeing the pockets and features of Kuiu's I changed my opinion. But if EXO has a load shelf with a titanium frame plus the pockets and features such as Kuiu I'd be hard pressed not to want this pack!
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: JPhelps on February 14, 2014, 01:55:32 PM: The pack connects at the bottom with 2 straps to the frame. They can be loosened to create more space between the bag and frame for meat. I think if I was running the pack I would leave the bottom straps tight and use the bag as the load shelf (getting the heavy meat up between the shoulder blades). Steve mentioned a load shelf as a future product.

The pack as a whole has a smaller feel to it than a kuiu or kifaru. The titanium frame is one continuous rod bent to shape. There is also a short stick of titanium running side to side about the middle of the back (to prevent barreling). It is very tough!!! Steve stepped in the middle of the frame repeatedly and bent it and it pops right back to shape.

The reverse opening lid and 4 way stretch pocket on the outside make the pack bigger than the quoted volume.
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: fillthefreezer on February 14, 2014, 02:01:58 PM: it looks like a cool pack from the vids!
as does the new sky packs from SG.
i still dont feel kuiu packs are in the same league as kifaru and maybe SG
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: Andrew on February 14, 2014, 02:08:32 PM: Where did you see videos of the EXO pack!?
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: fillthefreezer on February 14, 2014, 02:16:41 PM: http://vimeo.com/83087512 (http://vimeo.com/83087512)

http://vimeo.com/84039246 (http://vimeo.com/84039246)
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: 7mag. on February 14, 2014, 04:25:41 PM: Quote from: Andrew on February 14, 2014, 01:16:32 PM
Yeah from their website it looks like they are doing some decent due diligence on design; which might lessen the generation changes or upgrades. Buying a first rounder always has that inherent risk. Phelps have you seen Kuiu pack, and would you say EXO is comparable? At first I really liked Stone Glacier's design with the load shelf, but after seeing the pockets and features of Kuiu's I changed my opinion. But if EXO has a load shelf with a titanium frame plus the pockets and features such as Kuiu I'd be hard pressed not to want this pack!

I would steer clear of the Kuiu packs. They are about to release the fourth generation, because the frames keep breaking. The packs are cool but the frames suck. My hunting partner has the third generation 7200, and he hopes they will still honor the warranty, after the new ones come out. We've heard of issues with that in the past.

The EXO packs look pretty nice and well made. Time will tell.
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: jackelope on February 14, 2014, 04:27:49 PM: Any word on the price point on these packs?
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: Holg3107 on February 14, 2014, 04:41:36 PM: :yeah:

They look sweet! Curious of how pricey they will be though.
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: deerslyr on February 14, 2014, 06:43:54 PM: Quote from: jackelope on February 14, 2014, 04:27:49 PM
Any word on the price point on these packs?

$450 I believe.

I will be doing a video review on this pack this spring and will post it here.
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: troyspinetar on February 14, 2014, 08:51:29 PM: Interested to learn more as well.
Title: Re: EXO hunting Pack
Post by: 7mag. on February 14, 2014, 11:39:30 PM: Just saw a sneak peek from the Western Hunting Expo on the new Kuiu Ultra 6000 pack. Looks interesting. 6000 ci, 3.9 lbs, $350. Sounds like they did some redesigning on the frame to make it stronger to fix the breaking issue. I will be interested to see how these hold up this year. That is a great price for a high end pack, if they hold up.