Hey folks, just finally got both packs in after waiting quite a while. I am so torn. They are both GREAT packs but I'm kind of kicking myself because I'm really comparing apples and oranges. The Exo is 3500ci, while the Reckoning is 5000+. Not that this is a huge difference, but it almost seems like these bags are two different classes -- the hybrid day pack that's big enough to haul meat versus the multi-day pack that's capable of being compressed into a day pack.
Disclosure: I'm a rookie with no experience in the mountains so I really have no clue what will fit my needs better. I hope to do 2 night spikes and don't necessarily anticipate longer (but you never know) so I think either pack would work. Please feel free to interject if I sound like I'm being an idiot. I likely don't have the packs set up perfectly, so to let me know if you know something I screwed up.
Short Review:
Comfort: Both are extremely comfortable with the 70 pounds I loaded them with but I'm going to give the slight edge to the Exo. The Kifaru's load lifters come off the pad a little and dig into my collar bone. I can easily adjust it once it's on my back and then it stays on the pad, just a minor annoyance when first putting on the pack. That being said, the Kifaru stores weight on my hips a little bit better than the Exo which seems to hold some more weight on my shoulders (this may be an issue on longer hikes with more weight).
Balance: This is a tie. On my back, I'll say the Exo. As mentioned, it's a smaller, more compact pack so I guess that's to be expected. I think the angled compression straps help keep it tight to my body when I lean one way or the other. On the ground, the Kifaru is more balanced. It's nice while packing to not have my pack falling over immediately after I let go. The Exo seems to be in a hurry to fall over.
Durability: This goes to the Kifaru. This I can only base on short-term use. The buckles on the Kifaru feel much stronger than the Exo and the overall bag feels tougher. They both use 500d cordura so it's likely all in my head on the fabric. Also the Exo sags a little more than the Kifaru.
Layout: Exo. There are more built in pockets on this bag. I like the bottle holders on the sides and they're big enough to serve other purposes as well. The lid is a big plus for the Exo as the Kifaru comes without one (not looking to spend a lot more than I'm already dropping on these bags).
Overall, it kind of seems like I like the Exo better, but there's just something about the Kifaru. I like that it would give me the ability to take more should I ever want to go on a 5 day hunt and I really like Aron Snyder. But since I feel like it's a tie, I'll probably go Exo since I can save 100 bucks.
Anyone have some thoughts to add before I make the decision? Things I may be overlooking. Things I'm doing wrong. Etc.. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
Disclosure: I'm a rookie with no experience in the mountains so I really have no clue what will fit my needs better. I hope to do 2 night spikes and don't necessarily anticipate longer (but you never know) so I think either pack would work. Please feel free to interject if I sound like I'm being an idiot. I likely don't have the packs set up perfectly, so to let me know if you know something I screwed up.
Short Review:
Comfort: Both are extremely comfortable with the 70 pounds I loaded them with but I'm going to give the slight edge to the Exo. The Kifaru's load lifters come off the pad a little and dig into my collar bone. I can easily adjust it once it's on my back and then it stays on the pad, just a minor annoyance when first putting on the pack. That being said, the Kifaru stores weight on my hips a little bit better than the Exo which seems to hold some more weight on my shoulders (this may be an issue on longer hikes with more weight).
Balance: This is a tie. On my back, I'll say the Exo. As mentioned, it's a smaller, more compact pack so I guess that's to be expected. I think the angled compression straps help keep it tight to my body when I lean one way or the other. On the ground, the Kifaru is more balanced. It's nice while packing to not have my pack falling over immediately after I let go. The Exo seems to be in a hurry to fall over.
Durability: This goes to the Kifaru. This I can only base on short-term use. The buckles on the Kifaru feel much stronger than the Exo and the overall bag feels tougher. They both use 500d cordura so it's likely all in my head on the fabric. Also the Exo sags a little more than the Kifaru.
Layout: Exo. There are more built in pockets on this bag. I like the bottle holders on the sides and they're big enough to serve other purposes as well. The lid is a big plus for the Exo as the Kifaru comes without one (not looking to spend a lot more than I'm already dropping on these bags).
Overall, it kind of seems like I like the Exo better, but there's just something about the Kifaru. I like that it would give me the ability to take more should I ever want to go on a 5 day hunt and I really like Aron Snyder. But since I feel like it's a tie, I'll probably go Exo since I can save 100 bucks.
Anyone have some thoughts to add before I make the decision? Things I may be overlooking. Things I'm doing wrong. Etc.. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
