Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200 REVIEW
My decision to purchase the Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200 was 100% based on my experience with it on the 2019 Death Hike. After a few trips to the field with it since I thought it was time to give this pack a proper review so you can decide for yourself if it’s worth pulling the trigger on.
And no, this is not a fanboy review. I own a lot of packs from a lot of brands so my canvas is pretty wide when it comes to keeping an open mind. If something doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. Regardless of how I came across a pack, who built it, or how much I like a person or a brand, being objective is my ultimate goal. That’s what you’ll get with these reviews.
Exo Death Hike 2019… Pretty sure my fly is down. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Lusk
CONTENTS
My Past Experiences with Exo Products
Why I Ultimately Bought The Exo Mountain Gear 3200
Initial Thoughts and Impressions
Tech Specs and Features
Noticeable Updates That I Care About
Things I Really Like About the New K3 and 3200
Things I Would Like To See Changed / Modified
Who The 3200 Is For
Final Thoughts
Links
MY PAST EXPERIENCES WITH EXO MOUNTAIN GEAR PRODUCTS
Before I dive into the K3 3200 from Exo Mountain Gear, let’s turn back the clock a minute to where my preference for Exo packs began. You shouldn’t read my review of the NEW pack without having context for where I’m coming from. It’s rare that we have the opportunity to see and experience multiple revisions of a product, but that’s exactly what I’ve been able to do.
Previous experiences with Exo products have provided a solid base for what has changed and who it impacts the user.
I wrote a review of my last Exo Pack which you can read here, however, my experience with Exo ACTUALLY dates back to 2015 when I was first getting into the backpacking game.
It was the summer of 2015 that my life changed for the better. It was in that year that I committed to learning how to backpack and purchased a very expensive Mystery Ranch backpack for all of my adventures. I backpacked with it one time and realized I had spent a lot of money on a pack that didn’t work for me. Only after a 30-mile backpacking trip did I finally know this, but once I did, I promptly began my search for a new pack.
How I first learned of Exo is lost on me, but I do recall searching through Craigslist for a used Exo pack, which I found, and decided to purchase. It was the first generation of the pack and within a week or so of having it, I was backpacking into the Goat Rocks Wilderness. I knew the minute I put that pack on that it was different, however only miles would tell the true story.
It wasn’t a long trip, but it was enough to know I had found what I was looking for.
I enjoyed wearing that first-generation Exo pack so much that when I returned home from that trip, I sold both of my Mystery Ranch packs (for some reason I had a couple of models….a day pack and a backpacking pack) and replaced them with a NEW Exo Pack which was referred to as the “Skeleton Frame" at the time.
I now had two Exo packs, one new and one a season or two old, and enjoyed the remainder of my summer hauling my things into the backcountry a number of times. Each time I went, I fell more in love with the feel and function of my pack (s). There are two, maybe three things that stood out to me about Exo Packs back then that hold true to this day
What I’ve always enjoyed about Exo Packs
They’re exactly what you NEED and not what you WANT. Sometimes our wants obliterate our ability to see what we actually NEED in a pack. It never fails that those wants build up to the point where you have a pack that has zippers and pockets and all kinds of “wanted” features on it that don’t do you a bit of good in the long run. Exo has done an excellent job of stripping down these packs to the essential elements while being careful not to go too far into the “want” category. Anytime I go to put my Exo packs to work, I’m always pleased with how functional they are. It’s functionality in the end that gets you to where you need to go.
Comfort. I didn’t know what I was missing until I put on my Exo pack. All I can say here is that I never feel the need to take off my pack when I’m on the trail. There are so many other packs that I couldn’t WAIT to take off, but the way these Exo packs feel makes it so you can literally wear them all day long. If you’re in the backcountry chasing elk or deer, you don’t want to be hating life with your pack on. You want it to be comfortable for all-day wearing and that’s exactly what Exo does well and continues to improve upon.
Load Hauling. Regardless of the weight in these packs, they haul weight extremely well. I don’t know what kind of voodoo Exo has on these frames, but whatever it costs, is worth it. You can feel the “weight” of the pack, but you’ll never feel the “burden” of that weight. Does that make sense? There are a hell of a lot of issues that come along with carrying any kind of weight and I’ve never once felt anything that was further induced by these packs. Take a look around social media for a minute and you’ll see post after post detailing how great these packs haul loads of all shapes and sizes. I can’t be sure how exactly they’ve been able to do this so well, but I’d like to think it all comes back to the idea of NEED versus WANT. The designers at Exo know that the cornerstone of these backcountry hunting packs HAS to be load hauling and if that’s not dialed in, there is no amount of fancy pockets or snappy designs of a bag that can make up for a painful pack out.
Of course, there are a number of other things I really like about Exo products, but that should likely be a different post altogether. Hopefully, this was helpful knowing a little background on my previous experiences so that as you read the remainder of this review you know I’m not just saying all of this because I’m jacked up on a new product.
The remainder of the review focuses on why I decided to upgrade to the K3 3200 from Exo Mountain Gear.
WHY I ULTIMATELY BOUGHT THE EXO MOUNTAIN GEAR K3 3200
I was fortunate (maybe unfortunate depending on how you look at it) to have been invited to the Exo Mountain Gear Death Hike in the spring of 2019 and as always it promised to be a ball buster. The hike was going to be mixed with a bear hunt and you had to hike a minimum of 20 miles into the Frank Church Wilderness to do so. If you didn’t notch your tag, you had to simulate doing so by adding an extra 40 lbs. of rocks to your pack for a minimum of 17 miles back to the trailhead. This brought my total pack weight to 71 lbs. for what was just over 17 miles of hiking…after having hiked in 22 or so miles the previous day.
Hauling rocks on the Death Hike
When we arrived at the event, Steve had a pile of K3 packs for demo since the pack was due out in the fall. Great idea right? Slap these new packs on the backs of a bunch of guys who were about to put themselves through a grind and see what issues crop up.
I’ll spare you the details of my experience, but let’s just say I wasn’t feeling 100% the entire time. It was a grind and the idea of hauling out 70 lbs. of weight for 17 miles was daunting. Here’s the shocker though…it honestly wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Sure, it wasn’t “fun,” but aside from the feeling of the weight of 70 lbs. I felt pretty good. I was lucky enough to be hiking with Steve himself and had him make sure I was wearing the pack properly.
I remember strapping that thing on for the first time and thinking how comfortable it felt for having so much weight in it, but I had fresh legs so we’d soon find out how I felt in a few miles.
After our first break, I adjusted the suspension to be a little shorter because the pack was sagging down on me. Once I fixed the torso length, it was good to go! For the next umpteen miles, I hiked out of the Frank Church with 70 lbs of weight on my pack with literally no issues at all. No hot spots, no pain points, no pinching. Literally nothing. Again, aside from the weight and what that can do to your body, I felt pretty great.
I remember getting back to the trailhead and thinking how the hell hauling that much weight for that many miles WASN’T all that bad. I’ve worn packs that only had 40 lbs. in them that within a mile or two had me hating life. And here was the K3 in all it’s glory acting like it was just warming itself up for the next haul. Whatever voodoo Exo is putting in these pack frames is working because I couldn’t stop thinking about it the entire drive home.
I recall telling Mark from Exo that I felt like the Death Hike was some sort of trust fall with the pack. I had my older Exo Skeleton Frame (pre-curser to the K2), but I hadn’t done what I just did with it and was seriously considering owning a K3.
I had gone through an experience with that pack that solidified my trust and gave me confidence in not only my abilities to haul out that kind of weight but the ability of the pack to do the same. It’s a team effort between you and your gear. If one fails, the other fails. In this case, I felt like that K3 would be in it with me and anytime I had it on my back, I’d know it would perform.
So I bought it…and that’s why you’re reading this.
INITIAL THOUGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS OF THE EXO MOUNTAIN GEAR 3200
The Death Hike was a whirlwind. I was so caught up in the event that I didn’t take the time to really examine the pack. When it arrived at my house I loaded it up and remembered why I liked it so much. Compared to my other K2 from 2015, the update, at least to me was significant in terms of how it felt when wearing it. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with the Skeleton Frame model, but the K3 has this feel of a higher quality cushion and it just feels like it’s hugging you. The update to the materials on the suspension and belt is the reason for this “Exo Hug.”
Aside from the pack feeling like it hugs me each time I put it on, everything was top-notch quality as expected.
Tech Specs and features (pulled directly from Exo’s Website)
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200 (stock image from Exo’s Website)
Weight:
Bag Only: 1lb 12oz
Weight:
Bag + Frame: 4lb 10oz
Weight:
Bag + Frame + Lid: 5lb 1oz
Capacity:
Bag Only: 3290ci
Capacity:
Bag + Lid: 3690ci
Dimensions:
Expanded: 7 x 11.5 x 35
Dimensions:
Compressed: 2.5 x 11.5 x 25
3200 BAG FEATURES
NEW Quick-Access Load Shelf allows you to detach the bag from the frame in seconds, without removing load-lifter straps, making it easier than ever to secure loads between the bag and the frame
NEW Water Bladder Storage pocket features dedicated zip access, making it incredibly easy to access your water bladder at any time
NEW Wet Storage Compartment allows you to use the oversized bladder storage pocket and it’s waterproof liner to keep wet gear separate from the dry gear inside the main bag
NEW Lid Design features two dedicated zip-access pockets for organizing and storing smaller items
NEW Roll-Top Design offers more versatility for securing the main bag when using the bag with or without a lid
NEW Expanded 26” Zip Access offers extended access to the main bag, making it easier than ever to retrieve or store items on-the-go
NEW Side Stretch Pockets feature increased depth and volume, enhancing their usability when the pack is full and providing additional security for smaller items
NEW Front Stretch Pocket features no-zip access, allowing for the stealthy storage and retrieval of gear
Full-length Side Pockets on each side can be used to secure a tripod, spotting scope, tent poles, water bladder, rifle, or similar items
K3 FRAME FEATURES
Weight of only 2lbs 14oz
NEW K794 Alloy is lighter than our previous titanium frame material, without sacrificing any strength or performance
NEW Frame Height Options ensure precision fit for a wider variety of individuals
NEW Reversible Frame Extensions allow you to change the frame height in seconds, providing greater mobility at the shorter setting or increased load performance at the taller setting
NEW Shoulder Harness Design provides excellent ventilation, easier adjustability, and refined stretch materials that increase comfort
NEW Lumber Design features user-customizable inserts to achieve the desired level of lumbar support
NEW Hipbelt Design offers increased adjustability for fit and comfort, as well as additional stability to prevent sagging with heavier loads
NEW 2” Hipbelt Webbing offers greater stability when mounting hipbelt pouches, holsters, bear spray, or other items
Modularity allows all Exo Mtn Gear bags fit the K3 Frame
Tested and Proven with loads weighing over 250 lbs, this frame can carry more weight than you will practically need to
Integrated Load Shelf between the frame panel and pack bag offers secure load-hauling and 2,500 ci of extended capacity
Torsional Flexibility enables the frame to move with you as you hike on uneven terrain or get into shooting position with a bow or rifle
Micro-Adjust Torso adjustments to fit 15-23" torso lengths
Assist-Pull Hipbelt provides a secure fit and prevents slip under load
Angled Compression Straps prevent loads from sagging or swaying
Heavy-Duty hardware and 1" webbing
NOTICEABLE UPDATES TO THE EXO MOUNTAIN GEAR K3 3200 (THAT I CARE ABOUT)
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Full Body Shot
The things that stick out to me right away are as follows.
Padding Upgrade - Making it feel like your pack hugs you better when you’re in need of emotional support
Flat Bottom - The pack doesn’t tip over when you set it down - My 3500 has this angle on it that I didn’t like. That has been changed in the K3 or possibly the version prior.
Roll Top - My 3500 from 2015 was a drawstring, the next version was a roll-top so this one is as well
Hip Belt Beefed Up - A little more rigid
Material Used for the Suspension - The mesh-type material that allows your back to breathe seems more durable than before. It has a nice texture to it
Wet Storage Feature - There’s an external zipper for accessing where your water bladder would go. It’s lined with a waterproof membrane that will protect your gear from getting wet. You can use this pocket to stow a wet tent fly as well.
Redesigned Lid - The lid on the pack is different now. It has two zippered pockets, one big, one small. I like it.
Frame Update - The material is now different. It’s not titanium as before, rather it’s an alloy that is lighter that doesn’t reduce performance
Adjustable Frame Height - Yes…you can adjust the length of the frame. Such a great feature for shorter folks.
Quick Detach - The bag is now a heck of a lot easier to detach from the bag when utilizing the meat shelf.
THINGS I REALLY LIKE ABOUT THE K3 3200
Roll Top
I’m a huge fan of roll-top bags. I can’t stand zippers because of how limiting they are. At some point or another, you’re going to find yourself struggling to zip something up and if you have a bag that only has zippered closures (Kuiu, Stone Glacier, Mystery Ranch, Kifaru) you’re going to be frustrated. The great thing about a roll-top is that you can load from the top and when you go to close it, you just roll it down and compress everything. No struggle, no frustration.
If you DO want access to your bag and don’t want to go through the top, the 3200 has a full-length zipper for you do utilize. It runs down the side and works great for accessing something you might need in the middle of your pack like a stove.
I can’t say enough great things about having a roll-top feature on a pack. It’s the hinge point for me and if a pack doesn’t have it, I won’t even consider it. As far as I know, Exo is the only hunting brand making packs with a roll-top feature and they’re smart for doing so. Those brands that won’t build a roll top are missing out.
It’s also worth mentioning that because this is a roll top, you can detach the lid and operate without it for the day for a lighter more compact bag.
My 3500 from 2015 was a drawstring enclosure that was updated in the K2 update a year or two later. The drawstring design isn’t terrible, but it can be a little sloppy when your pack isn’t full.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Roll Top
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Roll Top buckled
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Roll Top open. Full length zipper access.
Re-designed Lid
The new lid design is a nice upgrade. It’s nice to have a secondary smaller pocket for smaller items you don’t want getting lost in your lid. My old 3500 had a pouch you could velcro to the inside of the main compartment, but I wasn’t too keen on it. It flopped around and always got in the way. I like the new design and it’s much appreciated.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: New lid offers a secondary zipper for smaller items.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: New lid design
Adjustable Frame Height
A brilliant idea! For those of us with shorter torso lengths, having a shorter frame means we can avoid having a backstop for our head. I’m 5’8’’ and with my Skeleton Frame from 2015, it can seem a little tall at times. For the K3, Steve had the frame designed to where you simply flip a frame insert around to either shorten or lengthen the frame for our taller friends.
I’ve never seen this before in a design and I think it’s a pretty ingenious design that doesn’t add weight or complexity.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Adjustable frame height. In this image, the frame is secured.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Adjusted frame to shortest height.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Adjusted frame height extender to max height.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: In this image you can see both extension inserts. The top insert shows the short, the lower shows the long insert.
Quick Detach Bag
The new quick detach feature for the bag (on all bags now) makes life that much better when you’re taking the bag on and off the frame. I didn’t know it was a pain point until I saw the new feature. Prior to this, you had to slide the bag up over the frame and at times it could be a little frustrating. Not the case now. You just undo and redo the velcro and you’re good to go!
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Quick detach from the frame.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Quick detach from the frame.
New Suspension (feels better)
By far my favorite thing about the K3 design. Each time I go to put this pack on, it just feels good to wear. I don’t know how else to describe it other than to say that it feels extremely comfortable. You don’t get that rigid feel that other packs can give you, but it’s not too pliable either.
I’ll also include the waist belt in here as well. It’s an upgrade from my 2015 model and just feels really nice on the hips when you have it in the right place.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: New material used for the suspension feels incredible.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: New suspension material
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: New suspension material
THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGED OR MODIFIED ON THE EXO MOUNTAIN GEAR K3 3200
Front Stretch Pocket Sizing
The front stretch pocket of the 3200 is waivers on the side of being a little tight for my liking. I noticed this during the Death Hike as well when I got my hand on a pre-production model. I’m not sure if this is a result of a slightly smaller bag, material, or something else, but when I compare it to the sizing and feel of my 3500, from 2015 it feels a little more restrictive (the 3500 is obviously a bit bigger).
I’m a huge fan of front stretch pockets because they can be used for so many different things. More often than not, I store my smaller shelter in there so it’s kept away from my other gear if its wet and easily accessible when it’s time to make camp. The 3500 stretch pocket makes it easy to stuff items into, but for some reason either the shape or material of the new 3200 is tight. Stuffing an item down to the bottom isn’t exactly hard to do, but when I compare it to other stretch pockets I have in my arsenal, it’s just tighter or narrow.
If you compare the stretch pockets of a hunting pack (any brand) to that of a Thru-Hiking pack, you’ll see that Thru-Hiking packs have much looser material because thru-hikers REALLY make use of those pockets. They can get away with a smaller main body for storing items they won’t be needing throughout the day as long as they have a larger outside stretch pocket to utilize for things they need access to all day long (layers, food, etc.). If the front stretch pocket gets to be too small, it’s rendered useless and I think the 3200 is headed in the direction of being just a tad small. Don’t take that the wrong way, it’s NOT too small, but it’s just leaning in that direction if that makes sense.
If the material were a bit more stretchy or the pocket just slightly wider than it is tall, I think it would be perfect.
While we’re at it, let’s go down the rabbit hole a little further and offer up a possible suggestion for the material. I have a Thru-Hiking pack from Superior Wilderness Designs that features a front stretch pocket that’s NOT a stretchy material (seen below). Rather it’s what they call a 100D Pocket Mesh. It’s a netting like material and I know what you’re thinking…it’ll rip or risk damage to whatever item is in that pocket, but it doesn’t. It actually is more durable from a tearing standpoint than a 4-way stretch because it won’t keep ripping if you happen to catch it on something. I have it on a pack and actually really like it. Any concerns I had previously about that material being an issue are gone.
I think it’s worth looking into as a fabric option for front pockets.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Front stretch pocket feels small at times. I’d like to see this be a little looser.
A comparison to the material used for thru hiking packs. Notice the difference in material and fit. Yes, it looks “sloppy” when empty, but it does great when it’s full and it’s easy to get items in and out of.
Lid Attachment and Fit
I’d like to see a re-design of how the lid attaches to the bag. When the pack is empty and the lid is full, it just doesn’t sit right because of where it’s attached to. This isn’t just a K3 though, I’ve had this same experience on my old Exo as well.
The addition of a center attachment point or a redesign of how the lid attaches would be great. It’s as if the attachment points are too wide so the lid sometimes slips off to the side.
As a comparison, Osprey packs have this additional attachment point on their packs in the center of the lid to keep the lid in place and from sagging too far down. I’m not sure if something like this could be possible for an Exo lid, but it’s worth looking into.
I will say that when you’re designing a pack that detaches from the frame, things get a little weird. I’m aware that you can’t always compare a hunting pack like this to a normal backpack, but I do think some principles still apply.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: I’d like to see a center attachment for the lid to help keep it from falling too far down when the pack is empty and to keep it centered.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: These side buckles that the lid attaches to sometimes slide off to the side when the lid is full and the pack is empty. I’d like to see something like that center strap integrated to help keep it in place.
Hip Belt Accessories and Attachment Design
I’m not a huge fan of how the hip belt pouches attach themselves to the bag. On my 2015 pack, it was a little easier but it’s since changed and to me is frustrating to take pouches on and off. I’m not one for adding unnecessary buckles, but I think this would be a great place to have one. Buckles are quick easy, and simple to use or maybe even a MOLLE webbing? I really don’t know what the best way is to go here, but I would like to see it changed. Also, maybe I’m doing it wrong? That’s totally possible…
On that note, I’d like to see some additional accessories for the hip belt come out. Even just options for a larger pocket would be great. I think Steve is a proponent of reducing bulk on the hips because it can change the way it carries a load, so that makes sense. Still…I’d like a couple of different options….
OR
I’d like to see a waist belt option that has integrated hip belt pouches. Not sure this is something that everyone would want, but I know I would.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: The hip pouches are sold separate and work great, but attaching them isn’t my favorite thing to do. I’d like to see a redesign of how they integrate. maybe MOLLE webbing?
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: I’d actually like to see a belt come out that has integrated hip pouches. I’d buy that!
WHO THE EXO MOUNTAIN GEAR K3 3200 IS FOR
For those who have their gear dialed in and aren’t going out for more than 5 days, this pack is perfect. It’s also a great daypack option. Those that tend to haul a little more gear, you might consider the 4800, but for me, it’s just too big. I’ve heard it’s a great size, but the 3200 with a lid and that roll-top design is perfect for my needs.
In a daypack mode, it’s darn near perfect. I have the 2000 daypack that came out a couple of years back as well and love it. This 3200 is basically that exact pack with a little more room and flexibility so if you want to bring something for an overnight option.
Advice on Pack Size
We are all subject to overpacking, especially when there is extra room. Unless you’re headed out on some guided hunt for 10 days and won’t have access to resupply, I highly suggest going with the smallest pack available for a couple of reasons.
Smaller volumed packs force you to think about the gear you take. If you can’t pack 4 days’ worth of gear and supplies into a 3200, what makes you think a 4800 will solve your issues for a 4-day hunt? Smaller packs make you more streamlined and more efficient.
Smaller packs mean you won’t have extra room for unneeded gear. You’re going to have room in a larger pack and if you do, then you’ll find a way to fill it with things you don’t need.
Smaller packs mean less overall weight. If you can’t fit it in there, you won’t bring it and that means less overall pack weight. Being intentional about the gear you bring means you’ll be lighter and faster which in hunting terms means you’ll have more energy at the end of the day to chase that big bull down into a drainage or up over ridge. Think long term success, not short term. You’ll wish you could drop that extra 5 lbs. of gear when you’re tired from a couple of days of hiking.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Beefed up buckle
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Lumbar pad material updated.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Increased webbing width.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: Waist belt padding update
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE EXO MOUNTAIN GEAR 3200
I’m 100% impressed and happy with my decision to get the K3 3200. I think it’s a big upgrade to previous versions and after having experienced what it was like hiking 17 miles with 70 lbs. of weight on my back, I now know that if I have to, I can push a little further back there to find the game I’m looking for knowing that it’s not going to kill me.
If you’re in the market for a new pack, it’s a no-brainer. If you already have an Exo pack and you’re wondering if it’s worth the upgrade, I personally think it is, but it’s not “necessary.” I will say though if you’re running a different brand and wondering if Exo is all it’s hyped up to be, it is. You’ll be happy once it’s in your hands and you’ve experienced life under a load with it.
As always, if you have any questions at all, let me know! Always happy to offer my honest thoughts.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: A tripod easily stores in the side stretch pocket.
Exo Mountain Gear K3 3200: You can even toss a tripod or a rifle in the long pockets on the side. A great feature of Exo!
Emory, By Land
Thanks for stopping by the website and checking out this article! If you have any questions for me or want to connect, you can leave a comment below or shoot me a personal message at emory@byland.co.
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