Exo K3 4800 Pack System Review ***Updated 2/10/20***

[Billy Goat]

Great review! I’m in the market for a new pack now.

Going from your screen name we might not be far apart. Let me know what your interested in and I might have one you can try.

 

[Justin Crossley]

How is the lid working on the k3? I talked to a guy who has one and his top of frame lid straps keep going to the outside of the frame and the lid then settles down. Did he not have the straps tight enough? It seems like I might of had that issue some on my k2 at one point but I think I fixed it by strap adjustment. I don't have a k3 yet, waiting on it to show up. Curious if anyone is familiar with what I'm talking about.

They recalled a bunch of bad lids. Have your buddy contact them if he's having issues.

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[TN731]

Thanks for the review, it was very helpful!

 

[BullsDeep]

Thanks for the review. Im looking at this model for my first backcountry elk trip

 

[Justin Crossley]

Thanks for the review. Im looking at this model for my first backcountry elk trip

For elk or if multi-day trips are going to be the norm, I would also consider the bigger bag. All depends on your gear and intended use.

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[BullsDeep]

Trying to go with ultra light gear as much as i can, was hoping to get away with the 4800 but will definetly look into bigger.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Trying to go with ultra light gear as much as i can, was hoping to get away with the 4800 but will definetly look into bigger.

That's totally doable for sure.

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[OeauxMy]

Thinking about this exact setup. Thanks for the review!

 

[Justin Crossley]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I'm still happy with the pack and thinking about adding the bigger bag for longer trips.

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[akearns82]

I am thinking of getting the K3 4800. Do they still make the BRO edition? Is it better than the regular?

 

[Justin Crossley]

@akearns82

Looks like the BRO edition is sold out and you would have to backorder. Here is a video showing the differences.

 

[ostagg]

Great review. Just received my 4800 looking forward to getting in the field

 

[Samson7x]

May be a dumb question, but does Exo ever run sales? I’ve about decided on a K3 4800 for next season.

 

[Buckeyebarnes]

I’ve had my K3 4800 for two hunting seasons now and can’t brag about it enough. I’ve never owned a better hunting pack and every time I take it off, I can’t wait till the next time rolls around that I can strap it back on.

 

[EVO100517]

I have the 4800 in MC and love it. I've used it for rucks and hunts. It's extremely comfortable.
Haven't had a chance to take it on any overnight hunts yet but hopefully I'll be out west during my career and experience some elk hunting.

 

[IanCOLO]

Well after packing out a cow 4 miles from the truck I still like K3 4800 a lot. It was digging into my hips on the first trip so on one of my breaks I lowered the shoulder straps. That helped a lot, I probably just didn’t have it setup right to begin with. First trip out weighed 90# and the second was 100#, but was having a hard time with the scale, it did feel heavier than the first trip. The last trip was definitely lighter than the other two.

I also like that I can fit all my cold gear day-pack gear without having to run the lid.

So far it is doing everything I hoped it would and then some.


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[Buckeyebarnes]

Been using my K3 4800 compressed as a day back for the past weeks and couldn’t be happier. I was originally planning on buying the new 2000ish bag, but the 4800 compresses so well, there is no need. Pack is really comfy. Hiked 30 miles in the first 3 days of season with about 15-20 lbs and have zero complaints.

I totally agree. I take mine in 5 miles, drop camp, and then have a day back until I move camp again. The K3 Exo is the best pick by far, a hunting pack made by serious hunters.

 

[Bigbenhunter98]

View attachment 120529

The trip was awesome. The bear hunting not so much. We took horses into my best bear spot and set up a small base camp. Then we spent five days hiking and spiking out and only ended up seeing two bears. Both were a long ways away and when we got closer we couldn't find them again.

View attachment 120530

The pack performed very well with my gear in it and a heavy rifle strapped to the outside. I really like the hip belt and the ability to customize the length for a perfect fit. There is a lot of organization built into the bag and I feel it compresses as well or better than any I have ever used. The rifle carrier works well even with a 12-pound rifle. I wish the compression straps had auto-lock buckles so they would loosen up. It's not a problem all the time but it can be depending on the angle the strap is at. For instance, the upper strap over the rifle would loosen sometimes. I would also like to see a water bottle pocket option added for the hip belt.

I appreciate the insight on the straps. I'm investing in a new Exo and hopefully don't have that kind of an issue

 

[JEdwards1278]

I have enjoyed my K3 4800. I have used it to pack help pack a bear, my largest buck yet and my duck hunting fear in and out of my spots. I don’t think you could go wrong with it.
When I first set it up I was getting a bunch of hip pain and fatigue, I think I had the waist belt too low, I move the shoulder straps lower and that has stopped. When packing the buck out I had weighed the pack and it was 90lbs. 90lbs sucked but it was manageable I packed it about a mile and through some nasty swamps. The bear was lighter but much more technical terrain and the pack and frame never made me feel off balance.
I have attached a few photos.

 

[Jonn44]

Thanks for the review. I’m debating between the exo 4800 and the MR Beartooth 80.