Exo Mountain Gear K3 4800 vs. K4 5000: A Comprehensive Comparative Analysis

Introduction:

Embark on a detailed exploration of the evolution within Exo Mountain Gear's backpack lineup, spanning from the acclaimed K3 4800, released in 2019, to the cutting-edge K4 5000 unveiled in March 2023. This comprehensive analysis delves into the intricacies of these two backpack models, thoroughly examining their capacities, dimensions, frame materials, accessibility, functionality, pricing, additional features, and overall value proposition. The goal of this article is not to influence your preference toward one pack or the other but to provide you with the information necessary to make an informed decision.

K4 5000 vs K3 4800

Section 1: Pack Features

While the K4 and K3 may share a resemblance in size and shape, the K4 distinguishes itself as a completely overhauled pack designed from the ground up to outperform its predecessor, the K3. The K4 introduces a range of new features, including a larger removable lid, an additional 453 cubic inches of total space, a redesigned frame, enhanced organizational pockets, and improved comfort based on field testing experiences.

Despite the K3 proving itself as a reliable workhorse over the past five years, the K4 offers a more feature-rich, durable, and comfortable alternative for outdoor enthusiasts.Now, let’s delve into the distinctive features that set each model apart, starting with the K3 4800.

The pack features top access through a roll-top design, allowing for volume and size adjustments based on the scenario and also acting as a robust barrier against the elements. The K3 also boasts a small horseshoe zippered front access and a rear zippered water storage area, serving dual purposes as a space for a water bladder or wet gear storage. Side pockets, both deep drawstring and stretch mesh, provide versatile storage options for tools and gear.

K3 4800 Front Horseshoe zippered access.

The K3's built-in meat shelf, featuring a load shelf for meat hauling, can be easily accessed by undoing four compression straps and a few Velcro connections at the top of the pack. The load shelf has garnered praise for its simplicity and durability, proving especially useful for me since 2020. With this pack, I have packed out 120-pound loads with ease over countless miles, and under heavy loads, the pack served its purpose, ensuring a safe journey home with my meat.

K3 Load Shelf

On the flip side, the K4 5000, introduced in March 2023, enhances K3 features with innovations that include mil-spec 500D Cordura fabric, an expansive front horseshoe zipper that encompasses nearly the entire front of the pack, large pleated side pockets replacing the less functional top-entry side pockets. Additional features include dual-compartment side mesh stretch pockets with front and side access, laser-cut MOLLE panels on the hip belt and front shoulder straps, a larger 648 cubic inch removable lid, a waterproof zip pocket located at the top of the horseshoe zippered access point, as well as a streamlined selection of new K4 accessories, including the Garmin Mini InReach holder, Insulated Nalgene holder, and the K4 quick-release rifle carrier, to name a few. These improvements contribute to the K4's enhanced functionality and organizational capabilities over the K3.

K4 5000 horseshoe zippered access.

Section 2: Capacity and Dimensions

Originally designed for a 5-to-7-day expedition, the K3 4800 often left me wishing for a bit more space. Nevertheless, it consistently delivered all the necessary gear to my destination. Boasting a capacious 4,805 cubic inches without the lid or 5,205 cubic inches with the lid, the K3 can be expanded to dimensions of 12" x 32" x 10.5" or compressed down to 3” x 11.5” x 25”. This adaptability allows for seamless adjustments to various scenarios in the field. Crafted from durable 500D Cordura, the K3 strikes a balance between robustness and weight at a total of 5lb 10oz, encompassing the bag, frame, and lid. For a day pack configuration, the bag can be compressed, and the lid removed, resulting in a slimmer profile weighing a mere 5lb 3oz. The frame, featuring continuous titanium stays, provides structural integrity capable of handling loads exceeding 250 pounds, although such weight capacity may surpass practical needs. Personally, I have successfully carried 120-pound loads over 3+ miles with minimal issues, experiencing only minor sagging and rubbing. The K3 pack also supports a variety of Exo K3 Pack Accessories.

In contrast, the K4 5000 is designed with a more streamlined and slimmer profile, offering a larger capacity at 5,010 cubic inches and streamlined dimensions of 9.5" x 39" x 10.5". The pack boasts an additional 648 cubic inches with the lid, providing a total of 5,658 cubic inches to work with. Upgraded to MIL-SPEC 500D Cordura, the K4's frame utilizes Squadron fabric, a 1,000D Cordura laminated down to 500D Cordura, enhancing durability and strength in the field. The frame incorporates independent carbon fiber stays, contributing to overall durability, flexibility, and comfort. Weighing 5lb 5oz with just the frame in the bag and 5lb 13oz with the frame and lid, the K4 maintains a balanced weight and is more feature rich than the K3. Newly integrated MOLLE panels in the frame's hip belt and shoulder straps support purpose-built K4 Pack Accessories, optimizing functionality without unnecessary complexity. The pack is also compatible with MOLLE accessories from other manufacturers. A notable feature is the K4 insulated Nalgene holder, specifically designed for easy access and attachment at an angle that allows for easy access to your water. With its 3-inch plastic support, the design also prevents sagging ingeniously accommodating a 32 oz Nalgene with no issues.

Section 3: Access and Functionality

Accessing the K3 4800 involves a roll-top design, allowing adjustment for various volumes based on your food and supply requirements. This design not only shields your dry goods from the elements but also ensures durability and simplicity for the user. The pack features front horseshoe zippered access, providing additional entry points, though the size of the access point limits functionality. The front entry could benefit from increased dimensions, as accessing certain items in the pack can be challenging depending on their placement. The horseshoe zippered compartment is accompanied by a front-facing zipped mesh pocket and a stash pocket-sized zip compartment located on the back of the zippered access towards the top. Accessing the load shelf involves undoing the four compression straps (two on each side) and the Velcro attached to the top of the carbon fiber frame. One minor issue arises when reattaching the bag in an upright position, as there's nothing to hold the bag in place during the Velcroing process, leading to a gravitational struggle. Despite this minor inconvenience and the occasional slippage, the pack's load-hauling capabilities are remarkably efficient, and in particular are appreciated for meat hauling.

The K4 builds upon the K3's access design, introducing greater versatility with a large horseshoe zippered access point that nearly covers the entire front of the bag. The front-facing zippered stretch pocket has been enlarged and improved, accommodating larger items even when the pack is full. The stash pocket-sized mesh zip pocket located on the back of the horseshoe zippered access has also been upgraded, replacing the mesh with a waterproof lining. Additionally, the K4 provides top entry via roll-top access. The expanded detachable lid offers 648 cubic inches of storage, enhancing organization and access. Accessing the load shelf involves unclipping the four compression straps, with the bag now supported by independent carbon fiber stays. These stays slide into each side of the bag, providing support during the process of Velcroing the bag back onto the meat shelf. Overall, the functionality, usability, and access of the K4 surpass those of the K3.

Section 4: Frame Material

In the realm of frame construction, the K3 4800 stands out proudly with its robust framework featuring continuous titanium stays, offering a modest 1.5 inches of adjustability. The adjustment process involves extracting a 2-inch titanium stay from the bottom of the frame, flipping it upside down, and seamlessly reinserting it. Crafted from durable 500D Cordura, the frame ensures strength and durability. While undeniably sturdy, the continuous horseshoe-style frame on the K3 lacks the same degree of flex then the K4 frame.

Turning our attention to the K4, a revolutionary frame system takes center stage. Independent carbon fiber stays redefine the game, offering a perfect blend of rigidity and flexibility that makes the pack feel like an extension of your movements, even under substantial loads. Complementing this design, three independent carbon fiber stays run horizontally between the two vertical stays, fortifying the pack's weight-bearing capabilities and guaranteeing you can haul even the heaviest loads, with a remarkable rating of 150+ pounds. The K4's frame design once again prioritizes user mobility. While the frame itself isn't adjustable, it can be resized to specific needs through modifications, either via a frame kit or by trimming down existing stays. Constructed with squadron fabric—a 1000D Cordura laminated down to 500D—the frame gains enhanced strength and rigidity. Notably, this fabric facilitates the innovative shoulder strap adjustment design, eliminating the need for Velcro and allowing for seamless and personalized adjustments of up to 6 inches. Personally, I greatly appreciate this new frame design, as I've discovered that previously simple tasks, such as adjusting your pack and accessing the load shelf, are now even simpler and more user-friendly.

Section 5: Price and Value

K3 4800: Although discontinued, the K3 4800 may still be available through specific channels or found used online, potentially offering a budget-friendly choice. Accessories for the K3 4800 are still available on the Exo Mountain Gear website. So, if you are thinking about upgrading your pack to an exo, but if you don’t want to spend 700+ dollars plus the cost of accessories on a brand new k4 but you still want the reliability and comfort of an exo, than this might be a more budget friendly option for you.

K4 5000: Competitively priced with other packs in its class at $699.00, the K4 5000 aligns with its advanced design and functionality of this new modern backpack hunting era. The pack is currently in stock with multiple customization options available instore or online. The cost of the pack with the nalogene holder and the hip belt pocket comes out to be $766 dollars plus the local sales tax for your area. For me the price is worth the money with this pack and if you have the extra money to spend, I would recommend that you opt for the K4 as it is more feature rich, has more organization capabilities and is an overall more comfortable pack out in the field.

Section 6: Additional Features

While the K3 is undeniably feature-rich for its time in production, it lacks certain elements that would grant it the versatility and functionality seen in the K4. Despite not having the newer features of the K4, the K3 frame does allow for easy adjustment and the frame height can be adjusted out in the field within minutes. This added feature, enables you to make the pack shorter or taller, and can be a valuable asset that ensures preparedness for any heavy load scenario that might arise. If you're in search of a reliable pack that empowers you to push your limits in the backcountry and carry substantial loads, the K3 is a solid choice.

K3 4800 adjustable frame stays

On the flip side, the K4 has undergone meticulous design refinement over the past 5 years, with a strong emphasis on accessory compatibility and comfort. The introduction of new MOLLE webbing not only facilitates the seamless integration of Exo K4 accessories but also offers the flexibility to include accessories from other manufacturers. Additionally, the inclusion of the new insulated Nalgene holder proved to be a game-changer for me in the field. No longer did I have to lug around my Swig rig to hydrate; instead, I can effortlessly reach behind me, grab my Nalgene bottle, and take a drink on the move. This not only allowed me to shed a couple of ounces off my total pack weight but also has provided me with peace of mind, knowing I didn't have to carry a water hose to access my water supply.

K4 Nalgene holder

In my opinion, the K4 exudes a more streamlined and integrated, user-friendly accessory system. Additionally, the independent carbon fiber suspension frame strikes a balance between rigidity and flexibility, resulting in a more comfortable and responsive experience. The redesigned pack and load shelf access design further contribute to making the K4 even simpler to use. If you're seeking a pack with enhanced accessory compatibility and a comfortable, user-friendly design, the K4 stands out as the ideal choice.

Section 7: Key Features

K3 4800

·      Quick-Access Load Shelf

·      Water Bladder Storage Pocket

·      Wet Storage Compartment

·      Lid Design with Zip-Access Pockets

·      Roll-Top Design

·      Horseshoe-Shaped Zip Access

·      Enhanced Side Stretch Pockets

·      Front Stretch Pocket

·      Full-Length Side Pockets

·      Two frame sizes with 1.5 inches of additional adjustment (24” and 25” frames)

·      Three hipbelt sizes: small, medium and large

·      Continuous titanium frame

K4 5000

·      Roll-Top and Efficient front Horseshoe Zip Access

·      Front Zip Access mesh zip panel

·      Full-Length Side Pleated zip pockets

·      Side Mesh Pockets with dual top and side access

·      Water proof zip pocket located on the back of horseshoe zippered entry

·      Laser-Cut MOLLE Panels on hip-belt and shoulder straps

·      New MOLLE style shoulder strap adjustment features

·      larger Lid with larger Storage Compartments

·      Water Bladder & Wet Storage compartment

·      Squadron Fabric Frame (stronger and more durable)

·      New frame to bag attachment system that is easier to assemble

·      4 new frame sizes 22’,23.5”, 25” and 26.5”

·      5 hip belt sizes: extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large

·      Carbon Fiber independent suspension frame

Conclusion:

In the ever-evolving landscape of backpack hunting gear, the Exo Mountain Gear K3 4800 and K4 5000 stand as milestones in a journey of continuous improvement. This comprehensive comparative analysis aimed to unravel the nuances of these two exceptional backpacks, exploring their features, capacities, frame materials, accessibility, functionality, pricing, and additional features.

The K3 4800, a workhorse with a rich history, has proven its reliability over the past five years. Despite being discontinued, it may still offer a budget-friendly option for those seeking Exo Mountain Gear quality. Its quick-access load shelf, water bladder storage pocket, and roll-top design are testament to its enduring appeal. The K3, with its continuous titanium frame, allows for on-the-fly height adjustments, showcasing versatility and reliability in the backcountry.

On the flip side, the K4 5000 emerges as a meticulously designed, feature-rich successor, reflecting the culmination of five years of refinement. The introduction of new MOLLE webbing, a larger lid, and a waterproof zip pocket enhances its organizational capabilities. The independent carbon fiber suspension frame, coupled with a new frame-to-bag attachment system, signifies a leap forward in comfort, durability, and ease of use. The K4, with its innovative features like the insulated Nalgene holder, presents a streamlined and user-friendly accessory system, providing enhanced versatility and comfort.

When considering the price and value proposition, the K4, priced competitively at $699.00, aligns with the advanced design and functionality expected in the modern backpack hunting era. The K3, while potentially available through specific channels or the used market, may offer a more budget-friendly choice.

In conclusion, both the K3 4800 and K4 5000 have their unique strengths, catering to different needs and preferences. The K3, with its proven track record and adjustable frame height, is a solid choice for those seeking reliability and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the K4, with its cutting-edge features, accessory compatibility, and enhanced comfort, emerges as the ideal companion for those wanting a top-tier backpack with no compromises. The choice ultimately depends on the individual's priorities, preferences, and budget, but either way, Exo Mountain Gear continues to set the standard for excellence in the realm of backpack hunting.