Exo 3500 or Exo 4800

[AOW]

I have an Exo 3500 that I love but was thinking about upgrading to the Exo 4800 with K3 frame; has anyone used both and is it worth the upgrade? I use it almost exclusively for backcountry elk hunts - 3 to 7 days. Thanks!!

 

[couesbitten]

I'd go to the 6400, it only weighs 2 ounces more, costs $25 dollars more and gives you about 1700 cubic inches more space than the 4800. The thing with these backpacks is that you can cinch them down to compress unused space, but once they're full, there's no way to make them bigger. Another option would be to purchase the K3 bag of choice and attach to your existing frame, should be a simple swap. I was looking to purchase a 6400 bag to swap out my existing 5500 bag and the general consensus here was to keep the 5500 and upgrade the belt on my K2 to the K3 belt.

 

[mlgc20]

I had the K2 3500 and liked it a lot. I first upgraded the bag to the K3 4800. Later I added the K3 frame, the 6400 bag and the 3200 bag. What size bag depend on your gear. I can fit a weeks worth of gear in the 3200. I use the 6400 when I do winter trips with my daughters. I almost never use the 4800. I really like the K3 bags better than the K2 bags. They are definitely worth the upgrade. And while I like the K3 frame and believe it was an improvement, I don't think it was as big of an upgrade. Overall, I think its worth it. Especially if you get a decent price selling your K2 setup.

 

[roosiebull]

I'd go to the 6400, it only weighs 2 ounces more, costs $25 dollars more and gives you about 1700 cubic inches more space than the 4800. The thing with these backpacks is that you can cinch them down to compress unused space, but once they're full, there's no way to make them bigger. Another option would be to purchase the K3 bag of choice and attach to your existing frame, should be a simple swap. I was looking to purchase a 6400 bag to swap out my existing 5500 bag and the general consensus here was to keep the 5500 and upgrade the belt on my K2 to the K3 belt.

i will second this, won't really notice the difference compressed down into day hunting mode, but will be beneficial when hiking in/out, and offers more versatility. i have the 3500 for my K2, but doing it over again, i would just get the 6400 for versatility even though it will be a day pack more than a 5+day bag, they compress down well, with such a small weight penalty going to the 6400, would be an easy choice for me.

for my longer hunts i'll use my kifaru, but if i had one pack system (and it was EXO) i would have a 6400 and maybe their little day pack (but probably just stick with the 6400)

 

[Rob5589]

Had the 35, have the 48 currently, K2 frame. I like the 48 lay out better, especially the horseshoe zipper and the ease of removing the bag from the frame. I opted to keep the K2 frame but upgraded to a K3 belt. That is a significant improvement over the K2 belt.

 

[sneaky]

I'd go to the 6400, it only weighs 2 ounces more, costs $25 dollars more and gives you about 1700 cubic inches more space than the 4800. The thing with these backpacks is that you can cinch them down to compress unused space, but once they're full, there's no way to make them bigger. Another option would be to purchase the K3 bag of choice and attach to your existing frame, should be a simple swap. I was looking to purchase a 6400 bag to swap out my existing 5500 bag and the general consensus here was to keep the 5500 and upgrade the belt on my K2 to the K3 belt.

The straps on the K3 bags are wider than the K2 bags, they'll work just take some fiddling to get through the buckles. I've got a 5500 and 2000 myself. May wait for the next generation to get another one. I don't NEED a new pack but....

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Meridian90]

As a person who went from the K2 5500 to the K3 4800, get the 6400.

 

[Foster_65]

I’ve got the 4800. It has worked very well for me for my style. Most of the time I don’t come close to filling it. They cinch down so nice I cannot see the down side of going bigger just in case.

 

[CTXhunter]

I have a k3 4800 bag and lid in fusion if you’re interested. Would save you a little money over going with a new one.

 

[GunsAreFun]

Just upgrade the belt. That’s a big improvement. Everything else is personal preference or marginal improvement that probably won’t feel worth the money.

 

[chutinlead]

I'm looking at upgrading from my Mystery Ranch Sawtooth with about 2800cu in to the k3 4800. I will probably keep the 2800 for a smaller daypack option and eventually a kids pack, but would it be worth it to go all the way up to the 6400 for 2-3 nights? I think I like the horseshoe zipper layout of the 4800.

 

[Ope]

I'm also partial to the layout on the 4800. I'm in a similar position was considering the 3200 vs the 4800 but with all the recommendations on the 6400 it's looking like the real question is 4800 vs 6400.

 

[Jbxl20]

I have a 6400. I don’t regret the extra space at all. Packs down just as small as a 4800/3500

 

[Gone4Days]

I'm looking at upgrading from my Mystery Ranch Sawtooth with about 2800cu in to the k3 4800. I will probably keep the 2800 for a smaller daypack option and eventually a kids pack, but would it be worth it to go all the way up to the 6400 for 2-3 nights? I think I like the horseshoe zipper layout of the 4800.

I was in a similar spot. I went with the 4800. I don’t think there is a wrong answer. However, if you are sticking with 2-3 nights, a 4800 is a tad cheaper and will be great for that purpose. I also like the horseshoe access. I can get 5 nights in my 4800 but I have a lot of really light, packable gear.

 

[md126]

They all compress down so well it doesn’t matter as far as cubic inches

For me it came down to layout/design. I like the pockets and features on the 4800 a little better so I went with that.

 

[Zoso5150]

K3 vs K2 not a huge difference IMO. I actually prefer the K2 setup and sold the K3; just personal preference though. Didn’t care for the smaller stretchy pocket on the 4800 vs the K2 3500’s larger one (seemed larger anyways).
Upgrade the K2 belt as others have said and you’ll be pretty close. I couldn’t tell any major difference between the two when hiking with weight. Couldn’t go wrong with either though.

 

[RGARNER]

I bought the 4800 because of the U shaped zipper, I can fit gear for a 7-10 day hunt but it is pushing it. I would probably get the 6400 if I did it again. I cant say enough good things about Exo. I have owned other "high end" frame packs and the Exo is by far the most comfortable.

 

[Flipnitalian]

I have the 4800, I love it. The horseshoe zippers is super convenient and packs down really small for day hunting. But I would probably agree with most of the other on here that the 6400 is probably a better fit for longer backpacking hunts.

 

[Stoop383]

Have the 4800, used several seasons and have the 6400 on order for more room.

 

[MoxieOutfitters]

Used the 4800 for 6 days trip, came home and immediately got the 6400. You won't be disappointed, I thought not having the horseshoe zipper wouldn't be a deal-breaker. I love having the extra room.