Exo Mountain Gear K4 5000 Unboxing and First Impressions: A Detailed Review

Exo Mountain Gear K4 Pack System Unboxing and Review: Your Gateway to Unparalleled Adventure

In 2017, after years of procrastination, I finally picked up a rifle and ventured into the woods. Little did I know that this would mark the beginning of a lifelong obsession. Fast forward to 2023; I'm 34 years old and have been hunting for six years. Despite the time that has passed, I still consider myself an adult-onset hunter. Hunting has become my passion, a skill that you continuously refine, never fully mastering, and that's what I love most about this age-old American pastime.

My experiences in the field have taught me that successful hunting requires patience and comfort, and I've learned the hard way that cheap gear often leads to regret. That's why I now seek out the best equipment to add to my hunting toolkit, with a particular focus on boots and a quality pack when venturing into the backcountry.

In 2020, after trying various pack systems and dealing with the challenges of transporting game with flimsy frame packs, I made a significant investment. After extensive research through YouTube videos and gear reviews, I decided to purchase a pack from Exo Mountain Gear. Initially, I bought the K3 3200, but I found it a little too small for my hunting needs in Idaho. So, I upgraded to the K3 4800, which proved to be perfect.

The K3 pack's simple yet efficient design made it possible for me to handle 100+ pound loads as if they were only 50 pounds. The K3 Spyder frame was clearly built by hunters for hunters, making it easy to navigate over obstacles in the field. The pack's streamlined and well-thought-out design allowed for quick access to my gear. My experience with the K3 pack left me a devoted fan of the Exo brand, thinking I'd never need another pack. However, in 2023, Exo introduced the K4 pack system.

Exo marketed the new K4 pack system as a ground-up redesign, with added features and increased volume to enhance efficiency and comfort. They also expanded the volume of the lid, introduced a Nalgene holder to carry the load through the frame, and re-designed the frame to accommodate various body shapes and sizes. Intrigued by these improvements and the potential for enhanced field comfort, I decided to try the new K4 pack.

Exo is a direct-to-consumer company based in Boise, Idaho. When you call their customer service, you often get the opportunity to speak with key figures in the company, such as Steve Spec, Mark Huelsing (the voice of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast), Jake Havlicek, Patrick Kelly, or Jack Reese. Their helpful and knowledgeable team has always been quick to assist me with any questions. When I called to order the K4 5000 pack system for an upcoming hunt, I was pleased to learn that they had ample stock and would deliver it in time. The pack shipped exceptionally fast; I placed my order on October 20th and received it on the 24th. Exo's swift shipping and excellent customer service have consistently impressed me, reflecting their attention to detail and genuine care for customers.

First Impressions and Overview:

The packaging of the K4 5000 pack system was simple and efficient, in line with my expectations from Exo. Inside the box, I found my K4 5000 pack system, Nalgene holder, hip belt pouch, locking buckles, quick-release rifle carrier, Garmin inReach holder, strap extensions, receipt, and a setup and use instructional guide.

Holding the K4 pack in my hands, I was immediately impressed by its build and quality. The new frame felt robust yet flexible, thanks to the incorporation of carbon fiber stays. These carbon fiber stays, available in four different sizes depending on your height, help the frame maintain its shape and prevent it from bending under heavy loads. Additionally, three horizontal carbon fiber stays were strategically placed to prevent "barreling," a common issue when securing heavy loads. The frame is adjustable by up to 6 inches for a custom fit and is constructed with a heavy-duty fabric called Squadron, providing extra strength and durability.

The hip belt has been designed to fit various body shapes and sizes and is available in five different sizes. The foams used inside the lumbar pad, hip belt, and shoulder harness are highly durable closed-cell foams, ensuring long-term comfort and performance. The hip belt also features two Molly panels for use with Exo's K4 accessories, allowing for customization. Molly panels on the shoulder straps are designed for in-reach holders and other forthcoming accessories.

The Nalgene holder is angled for easy access, and the frame itself supports the weight of the Nalgene and water, achieved by integrating three inches of plastic into the frame.

The hardware used for the pack is durable and nearly indestructible, made by YKK and Duraflex. While the pack comes with one set of locking buckles, you have the option to replace all the non-stitched buckles with locking buckles. Each set of locking buckles adds approximately 1 ounce.

Moving on to the pack itself, you'll notice several similarities to the K3 4800 bag, along with some notable upgrades. Exo packs are constructed with USA-made Cordura that is fully Berry Compliant and meets MIL-SPEC DTL-32439B standards, ensuring durability and resistance to fading from UV exposure and color abrasion. The Cordura is backed with a PU coating and treated with a Class 3 DWR finish, providing excellent water resistance.

The K4 features a Horse shoe zipper for easy top access, a feature now available on all models. Additionally, it has a front mesh zippered pocket with stretch and flexibility to accommodate gear of various shapes and sizes. On the back of the horse shoe zippered entry, there's a small waterproof zip pocket for storing essential items.

The side stretch pockets of the K3 4800 have been replaced with two large pleated zipper pockets, capable of holding larger items like a BTX spotting scope with a 90 mm objective lens. These pockets are highly abrasion-resistant and versatile for different types of gear.

The pack also includes a waterproof zipper compartment that runs the length of the pack on the back, ideal for wet gear or containing any potential water leaks, ensuring your gear remains dry.

Another significant improvement in the K4 pack is the larger K4 lid, which offers an additional 648 cubic inches of space compared to the K3 lid. This extra space enhances practicality and allows for better gear organization.

In summary, the new K4 pack system, including the pack, frame, and lid, weighs 5lb, 13oz and has a total capacity of 5,658 cubic inches. If you wish to reduce weight, you have the option to use the bag without the lid, which weighs a total of 5lb, 5oz. The K4 pack seems to be the ideal size for my style of hunting, with added features and rugged construction. While the K3 is an excellent pack, the K4 offers even more features and durability.

If you liked this article and want more detail then check out my K4 video. The link is below .