Exo 1800 or 3200?

[Vernon]

I've researched this topic to the point of exhaustion and I believe a post here will be the final straw I've decided to go with an Exo backpack and have always run backpacks around 3200. I usually just day hunt either from my horse camp or trail head. I do have a larger pack for any over night backpack trips. I do agree with the adage of better to have it and not need it then need it and not have as it relates to room/space in a backpack. However, majority of the time my 3200 isn't full. I'm also aware the weight and size is somewhat minimal between 1800-3200. Lots of my friends love the sizes around 1800 for day hunting so they are not packing too much gear and also not wasting space. I know this is strictly a personal preference decision but I'm pretty torn and ready to pull the trigger just can't decide which one. Look for thoughts, ideas, input, and suggestions on which size to go..1800? or 3200?

thanks in advance.

 

[Vernon]

I think the 1800 would be plenty to hold my gear for a full day outing but really have no experience with that size of daypack. Like mentioned before, i have a few hunting buddies that swear by the 1800 size

 

[timberlinehunter]

I have had both the 1800 and the 3200. I sold the 1800 shortly after buying it. The 3200 gave me the flexibility to be more efficient in packing my gear and get it organized the way I like it. I found the 1800 was just too small and limited how I could keep stuff organized. I mostly day hunt from a base camp but it is nice knowing I have the room to pack for an overnight or two as well. I feel the 3200 is the perfect all around pack size for day hunting from a basecamp for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JB33806]

I just ordered an Exo 3300 to use just as you descibed. Mostly day hunts particularly Kodiak deer type hunts. I like the option to have a little extra and they do appear to compress well. Heck, I've been doing this exactly with a 6900 Stone Glacier the past 5 years. I debated between a smaller SG bag or the Exo and just really wanted to experiment with a second pack.

 

[PhotoHunter]

I started with the exo 2000 for day hunts. Now I use the 3200 for day hunts and quick overnighters. The 3200 is just more versatile.

 

[md126]

If I were you I’d go with the 3200

 

[Jbxl20]

3200. I have a k3 6400 and don’t regret the extra space. I did the same as you and debated over the 6400 or 4800 and then when I ordered the 6400 I had second thoughts and almost changed the order to the smaller size. Go with the 3200

 

[krohboy]

I prefer to use the 1800 with a lid. Most of my day hunts I have food/essentials in the lid and utilize the side pocket for spotter/Tripod. In the end the bag itself is mostly empty other than a puffy or other layers. It Keeps everything really tight to my back and low profile.

 

[TheTone]

I’m really debating right now between the 3200 and 4800. I think the 3200 is a better size for the majority of my hunts but the horseshoe opening on the 4800 just seems so much better to me. I’m hoping to check them all out in person in a couple weeks

 

[DRUSS]

If you go 1800 I would add a lid. It just helps out with misc add ons and packing a head out? I have the k2 2000 and just got the 3200 to try out. I like the 3200 for the capacity for later season hunts when could be carrying puffy and rain gear with spotter and tripod. If you dont carry a spotter and tripod much, I would go 1800 with a lid. Just my thoughts....

 

[ryjack70ss]

For what it’s worth, I had the same post about a year ago. Went with 3200. In hindsight, and my lack of experience, I should have went 4800. Not much bigger for a day pack but could hold much more. Now I need to buy a second bag for future hunts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ryjack70ss]

3200. I have a k3 6400 and don’t regret the extra space. I did the same as you and debated over the 6400 or 4800 and then when I ordered the 6400 I had second thoughts and almost changed the order to the smaller size. Go with the 3200

I agree with this. I will probably get a 6400 on top of my 3200 and be done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Prrstonpaulh]

In my opinion, if you're always going to use the bigger bag you already own for overnight trips, I would stick with the 1800. If you want something more versatile that you could get a few nights of, but also packs down extremely well for day hunts, go with the 3200.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[CentexBowhunter]

I ran the 1800 for day hunting last year and i thought it worked great. Made me keep unnecessary stuff back at the truck and it hauled out a couple elk quarters just fine.

 

[ThunderCalves]

I really like the 1800 with a lid. Carries everything I need for a day hunt and survival gear for the unplanned night out. I have the 4800 for extended trips but use the 1800 from a base camp.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SecretSpot]

4800, you wont regret it. Horseshoe zipper, versatile, the added weight is negligible. I guarantee you will regret not going bigger and the 4800 is just right.

 

[87TT]

OK. I have the K2 set up. I went into the EXO store and had the intention of getting the 2000 and a lid. Well after trying them on, I left with the 3500. I never looked back. I thought I might like a smaller pack for spring turkey hunting and to loan to family when they came to hunt so now have a 2000 also. If I had just one though I would keep the 3500.

 

[Mike Islander]

It costs nothing to "waste space" in a 3200 pack.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

Not to make your decision anymore difficult but I'd get the 4800. You won't need the other pack anymore and the 4800 gets tiny. I use it for day hunts all the time and don't notice any slop. Used to switch back and forth the between my 5500 and 2000. Sold the 5500 2 years ago and got the 4800 and haven't touched the 2000 since. 4800 is perfect all around pack and the bag layout is better than the smaller bags.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

 

[Marbles]

The 3200 compresses down really well. I have it and have never felt the bag is too big. A 3200 with no lid and 3 stash pockets for day hunts.

Even the 6400 makes a good day pack and compresses down to be really clean even with small loads. The 3200 is 8 ounces lighter than the 6400 (and 6 lighter than the 4800). The 1800 is 5 ounces lighter than the 3200, if you add a lid to the 1800 it will be an ounce heavier than the 3200 without a lid.

I'm not a fan of zipper layout of the 1800 or the 4800 for backpacking. That is just personal preference though.