Exo Pack Ventilation???

[TooLucky406]

Looking to purchased the Exo 5500 pack but want to get real world feed back from those that have used one. My question is how well does the pack ventilated on your back and how does it compared to others(also looking at Kifaru), as far as venting? Sweat horribly on my current packs(Badlands 2200 and Clutch). Thanks guys!

 

[byland]

Sir TooLucky,


That's a great question and one that if you sweat a lot, can't be taken lightly.  I've had the opportunity to backpack with both the 2014 and 2015 version of the packs and will say that though they are very similar in design, the torso changes to the 2015 version create less of a gap between your back and the bag which creates a bit more sweat from lack of airflow.  That said, I've come to realize that a sweaty back is just part of the game we play and even though there are new fancy ways to minimize it, it usually comes in the form of a poorly designed pack.  One thing you can do to reduce the stank from a sweaty back is to wear Merino Wool.  If you're not wearing it already, do yourself a favor and buy some.  Air your shirt out at the end of the day and you'll have no stink in the morning. 


Personally, the Exo bags are incredible.  They're everything you want and nothing you don't.  The design just makes sense and though there are other great bags on the market, for the size and the weight of the Exo bag, you'd be hard pressed to find a better one.  Kifaru is just too heavy in my opinion. 


I've posted a review of my Exo pack on my website.  Check it out if you'd like to see what you're getting into with one.


http://www.bylandco.com/bylandgearreviews/2015/11/22/exo-mountain-gear-3500


Best of luck man!


-Emory

 

[TooLucky406]

First of all.......WOW!!!! Great review of the pack and overall phenomenal site you have there. Just got a new subscriber here!  Please continue with your honesty on your gear reviews.  As gear become such an investment these days really appreciate folks like yourself putting in real world experience and unbiased reviews. Thanks again for your help!

 

[Backpack Hunter]

You know I don't have experience with the Exo, but the above review lost me when he said he thought Kifaru's were too heavy. You can get an ultralight duplex with an Argali bag which will get you 7000cu in for less weight than the Exo 3500.

 

[byland]

Backpack Hunter makes a good point with regard to weight comparisons.  I didn't mention why I think Kifaru is heavier so I suppose we should clear that up.


Kifaru Argali w/ Ultralight Platform Frame and Suspension


- Overall weight = 4lbs 9.4oz (73.4 total oz)

- The Argali 7000 ci bag =1lbs 14.4oz  (https://store.kifaru.net/argali-7000-ci--1147-liters-p198.aspx)

- Ultralight Frame and Suspension = 2lbs 11oz (https://store.kifaru.net/ultralight-platform-frame-and-suspension-p193.aspx)



4 lbs 9.4oz is the least amount the Argali pack will weigh empty.  It is a minimalist pack that features one main bag with no pockets.  If you want pockets, you'll need to purchase those separately which is where you will see your weight increase a little if you want to organize yourself.  Kifaru Long Pockets weigh anywhere from 3oz to 8.5oz and belt pouches range from 2.5 to 3.5oz.  That said if you decide you want 2 medium Long Pockets and 2 medium Belt Pouches, you'll add just over 1 lbs to your over a pack weight (5 lbs 9.4 oz).  Which is now more than the Exo 3500 and also more than the 5500.



The Exo 5500 which is actually a 6500cubic inch pack thanks to the side pockets, comes in at 5lbs 5oz  (http://exomountaingear.com/shop/exo-5500/)


The 3500 weighs in at 4lbs 14oz (http://exomountaingear.com/shop/exo-3500-backpack/)


As with the Argli, the Exo is the least heavy with no additional pockets added, but you can only add waist belt pouches.  The Exo features the two long side pockets, two small stretch pockets, one large stretch pocket on the back, and a top lid that includes a 1000 ci, pocket. 



It really comes down to the type of features you want.  When I mentioned in my first post that the Kifaru packs are too heavy, it was more a general comment because the majority of them are heavier than the Exo pack and it's because they come with more features.  I wouldn't mind giving the Argali, Tahr, or Markhor a shot, as I do like minimalist styles but I'd probably end up getting a pocket or two and would just assume get a pack with them already built in.


Thanks to Backpack Hunter for bringing up the Argali, however the only way that pack weighs less than the Exo pack is without extra pockets.  I'd imagine one day I'll snap up a Kifaru bag, but for now, the Exo pack is has what I need at the right weight.


Hopefully the above numbers help speak for themselves. 


Good luck!