Exo K4 3600/5000 or Kifaru Manimal 25" ARK

[Colorsblend]

I'm considering the K4 series (probably the 5000) or the Kifaru Manimal with a 25" Ark Frame. After consulting with Kifaru, they suggested the 25" frame for carrying loads over 40 lbs.
I'm curious if anyone has experience with both setups and could share their thoughts. I am in search of a pack for Midwest public land whitetail hunting, as I typically walk more than a mile in. I need the capability to pack out if required. My back now prefers the stability and structure of a frame pack when carrying a platform, sticks, and all my gear. I also tend to pack more rather than less, so having extra room is important to me. Additionally, my late-season outer layers are quite bulky.
TIA

 

[Pilarczyk85]

I would try both out to see which one fits you better. Im using the Ark and love it.

 

[LucasAnderson14]

I’m basically in the same boat. I do mostly public land hunting nowadays and at minimum pack in 4 sticks and a saddle platform. Most times I pack in some camera gear too. I definitely need the meat shelf for a packout. I’d like to have this pack work for an elk hunt too, or at minimum the frame be good to put an elk pack on.

I’m interested in the K4 3600, but fear for most sits it has almost too much capacity unless I’m packing some bulkier layers in. Alternately I’m considering the Kifaru Duplex frame with a Stryker XL. I think unless I have bulky layers this would be plenty for most of my hunts.

 

[wnelson14]

[EMBED content="post-4384927"]https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/exo-mountain-k4.279017

EXO k4 thread has 158 pages that should be your answer.[/EMBED]