Take a look at your hunting style as well. Some packs function better for a bush whacking still hunter than others.
Some are more ideal for guys with a more curved back
Some fit the skinny athletic guys better.
You will get Quality and dependability in all the top packs- but fit, style and...
Slick standards were my choice for years until some QC issues - went to Tooth of The Arrow 4 blade 1”. They are not as sharp as the slicks - but I can get them sharp enough. So far they are working well for blacktail, mule deer and hogs. Elk on the hit list this year.
Effective range currently...
1- I have always favored the ability to use a meat shelf over the bag so I can adjust the meat higher to fit my frame and curved back better. I was disappointed when I saw the new meat shelf was Soo long- however after some testing - for me maximizing the height of the meat shelf fit perfect for...
I don't have a K4 5000, however all of EXO bags over the years have had the same basic layout.
For day trips: I would divide my first aid kit, game bags, knives, saw This would fill about 1/3 of the bottom and leave the main bag open for rain gear, clothing layers, food, etc.
backpack trips: I...
I would recommend the 3 blade Wac’em .. never liked the 2 blade- even with bleeders. They penetrate, but overall cut is smaller and can produce poor blood trails.
Wacem is true COC head, not the chisel kind with razor sharp blades.
I owned all EXO frames (25”- until the K4) 24 & 26 kifaru frames. I can make a 25” work- but that extra angle of lift the 26 gives me feels so much better not only with daily pack weight- but especially with heavy loads.
If the pack won’t be on your back all day for day hunts (stop and glass...
Still waiting for more real world reviews- but I think this pic showcases my initial concerns of the new frame height. Looks to be an average guy (5’10”).. with a heavy load (leaning forward in pic) and you can clearly see he has almost zero load lifter lift! Assuming it’s a 25” frame- that’s...
For me I feel the EXO gives the least resistance when shooting my bow of the top packs. However- when the adrenaline is going I don’t feel the resistance as much- but do notice my shot groupings not as on point with packs that had more resistance.