Exo Mtn Gear - How to Load Your Pack for Backpack Hunting

[@theworldsmostaveragehunter3911]

I seriously just struggled for the last hour trying to pack my 4800. Watched this and had it in 5 min. Thanks Steve!

[@ExoMtnGear]

Glad the video helped. Let us know if you have any other questions. - Steve

[@caleostrom3882]

I’m here for the same reason, been struggling with my 4800 for the last hour 😂

[@georgehunt182]

Clearly Steve loves saying the ‘puffy pants’ - great work sir and congrats to Mark!

[@g.mumford7980]

Where's the medpac at? Often things go wrong out in the wild and you should seriously consider taking one built on what you would consider necessary for an ooops in the field.

[@Alberta_MTN_Bear]

Excited to try an exo k3 6400.

[@JohnnyJQuest]

Curious to know what you pack in each daily food bag to get 3400 cal in that small bag.

[@1977Mappy]

Love my EXO Pack. Great content, thanks for sharing. I appreciate all of the educational/application/how to use, content.

[@FishingTheOdds]

Excellent , Exactly the video I was looking for ! thank you!

[@dojocho1894]

My Down Puff pants and jacket I compress them into their own pockets....Then I had a small nylon sack I stuff the jacket in at night and it becomes my pillow if I get cold I just have it under my head so I take it out and put it on while in my bag......I use a compression sack for my sleeping bag.

[@davidgendron1953]

I have a few questions, I didn’t see rain gear? And if you get rain, is the pack waterproof enough that your gear ain’t getting wet, like slipping bag, puffy pants and jacket, change of clothings etc? I’m more and more leaning towards you guys packs! Most likely the 4800 just cause up here(Yukon) we need a bit more stuff, winter is always around the corner hahaha!

[@vithakatsa5451]

Been waiting to get one for a while cant wait to order a 5000 ❤

[@M.H357]

Great set up, I like it, I was wondering if the 4800 is enough for me, clearly it's more than enough. Thanks for the insight.

[@austinjohn21]

Have you gone over your food choice? Always trying to improve or mix up ideas on what to bring so it doesn't get boring.

[@ExoMtnGear]

We'll do a video on that during our next backpack hunt. In general I like to keep things very simple so that I can grab what I need on a moments notice and hit the trail. Steve

[@joeybennett1491]

Mix it up, variety is important but just as important, make sure it’s stuff you like to eat. Don’t grab some heather choice meals and then get 4 miles in and realize, they aren’t your favorite.

[@jcashkelley646]

Love these packs! The side pockets are the best!

[@RayGrau]

4:55 do you have a video breaking down the 3400 calories? What are you packing in those little bricks?

[@ExoMtnGear]

We will work on sharing more specifics about our food bags.

[@philiplucky7170]

Whgreat video thank you, what pack is that your running, and what is your rifle setup

[@farmerwayne1404]

Looks great! Is there a rifle carrier you can buy if you already have a pack. Ty!

[@ExoMtnGear]

Yes, we have a K3 Rifle carrier, which works on K3 (and previous) packs, and we also have a new K4 Rifle Carrier releasing in just a couple of days.

[@ericduncan3864]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Question-what shelter is that?

[@ExoMtnGear]

It's a Tarp Tent Aeon LI.

[@1024Pete]

In comparison to backpacking for long hikes, videos for backpacking always show tent and sleeping bags in the original manufacturer’s bag or stuff sack. This way, how would you stuff a tent inside the bag if it is wet? It has been suggested backpackers place tent and sleeping pad outside the bag. As well, all food must be in a bear canister or food sack. Confused.

[@grantparker8645]

Looks like a struggle…a 4800 or bigger would make it a lot easier getting stuff in and out. I have a few different size bags and always end up back with the big one because I get sick of fighting to get gear in and out. I also didn’t see changes of underwear, socks, rain gear, spotting scope, tripod, extra bladders of water for dry hunting areas etc…

[@stevenb2]

Interested to know what rifle model & scope you have attached to the pack.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Custom rifle with a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10 scope.

[@01tangodown]

​@ExoMtnGear who was the builder? Specs?

[@realrussclarke]

Great video

[@alexstoermer]

Not the tent you put in the pack, but what is the shelter behind you in the video? It looks niiice…

[@ExoMtnGear]

It is the Hilleberg Atlas shell.

[@alexstoermer]

@@ExoMtnGear Thank you kindly…

[@robertnevarez7599]

29lbs…I’m jealous…stuffing things w/o stuff sacks seems to cut weight. Approximately how much does the pack weigh w/o gear?

[@TularaWarmbloods]

How do you fill the water bladder? do you do it before it goes in or after?

[@ExoMtnGear]

There is a quick connect water filter adapter we use that allows you to fill it without taking the bladder out. Here is a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqfblqOimNp6o68

[@karow8086]

Thank you very much for the illustration, it looks so easy, especially with the "little" 3200. Question: the rainwear - dry and wet - where does it go?

[@ExoMtnGear]

If my rain gear is dry it would just be in the main bag. If it's soaking wet I would put it in the front stretch pocket.

[@thatkoakid]

nice. thanks

[@Bobb1julie]

Nicely presented Steve… How about securing your compound/ crossbow..?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Bows strap on securely to the face of the pack with out built-in compression straps. We also have a Bow Carrier accessory if you'd like more protection/coverage for the bow.

[@myarascavitch]

Puffy pants and glove… brand/model? Nice and compact. Great video.

[@ExoMtnGear]

They are both from First Lite. The Brooks down Mitt and the Uncompahgre Puffy pants.

[@123-JDAWG]

What rifle is that?

[@ExoMtnGear]

It was built by Divide Gun Co.

[@Zman-Outdoors]

Where do you pack the shelter? Mine is slightly larger than a nalgene bottle and weighs about 3lbs. I'm considering the 4800 but I know I'll just pack more weight if I do. My hunting buddy runs the 3200 and uses as a day pack. We are wanting to start going on extended hunts to avoid traveling back every day.

[@jeffbaltzer9994]

The shelter looks great...what is it? Did you talk about it in the podcast episode for this hunt? Its on my listening list for tonight! Keep up the great content, much appreciated.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Jeff, this was a Tarp Tent Aeon Li. It can be a little tricky to set up but is an outstanding 1 man tent that can handle a lot of weather and weighs roughly 1lb.

[@rbljackson]

I just found this video and was curious about that sparen Bipod. What length do you have, and do you find it useful for a steady rest? Been contemplating a bipod, or just carry my spotter and tripod with a shooting rest attachment.

[@ExoMtnGear]

We like the Spartan as a good, lightweight option that is out of the way (not attached to the rifle), but can be attached and used quickly. That said, we take most of our actual hunting shots from a non-prone position - using Wiser Quick-StiX on our trekking poles, or a tripod.

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@shaungalea1713]

Great video Steve, what Knife are you running at the moment? That fixed blade with the orange handle looks sweet 👍🏻

[@ExoMtnGear]

That orange-handled knife is from Eagle Hawk

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Nice pack I miss hunting Idaho but they cut disabled veterans nonresident tags to 300 better chances winning powerball then getting a DV elk tag

[@TheTyrider427]

How can you pack a folding chassis? Like the mdt hnt26? It doesn't fit in the rifle carry attachment

[@ExoMtnGear]

Im working on a solution as I personally hunt with the Hnt26 Chassis. Right now if I want quick access I just run without the stock folded. The geometry of the chassis and the direction it folds are just a couple of the barriers on why it doesn’t work right now.

[@goinglight5169]

I also have a question about your sleeping bag. Particularly if you run a down sleeping bag, how do you make sure that it stays dry (if you pack it loose around your other gear and not in a dry sack)?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Our packs do a very good job at keeping light to moderate rain out of the pack so it's a non issue for 95% + of our hunting here in Idaho. If the forecast is calling for heavy rains / a lot of moisture I would bring our dry bag insert: exomtngear.com/collections/accessories/products/k3-dry-bag. I typically always have one in my truck in case the weather turns bad but pay attention to the weather right before I leave town to know what I need.

[@01tangodown]

What rifle is that? What are the accessories on it?

[@tedtiller5144]

I’m assuming no spotting scope/tripod were used on this trip?

[@DrDanTDC]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Correct, I rarely pack a spotting scope and tripod for Elk hunting. This is pretty thick country where you can't see much more than a mile from even the best vantage points so a good pair of binos more than suffice to glass up elk. Steve

[@tedtiller5144]

@@ExoMtnGear Thank you for your time

[@artb1974]

I bet with the use of a crib load panel you could press the 3200 into several more days worth of food if the food was carried between the bag and frame. Thoughts?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Yes, you certainly could go that route. Just remember that if you are using the load shelf area for additional gear/food, you'd need a strategy to take care of those items if you kill something early in the trip and also need to pack-out meat in the load shelf area.

[@artb1974]

@@ExoMtnGear Sure would. I’d probably stash the food and come back later. I don’t hunt too far from the house. Thanks for the reply!

[@chadwallace3598]

What kind of tent do you pack around?

[@ExoMtnGear]

We use and have used a lot of different tents over the years. My preferred shelter is a bivy sack and tarp.

[@paulhad9823]

What gun are you using?

[@der.schurke]

Looks like an anTi X 👍🏼

[@ThomasRader72]

Can you break down what chow you pack (generally). I'd be interested to see what you pack for a typical day's meal.

[@ExoMtnGear]

We'll try to get that video done here soon for you.

[@landonboomsma2594]

What tent is that?

[@johnksully]

How are you filling your bladder with that platypus filter??

[@ExoMtnGear]

The Platypus filter doesn't have a quick-connect solution yet. We love that filter when running bottles (as opposed to bladders), but typically choose the Katadyn BeFree filter when running a bladder.

[@brettbehm3486]

No tripod or spotting scope?? Not enough room? Just curious

[@ExoMtnGear]

This was a rifle elk hunt in mostly timber covered country, a spotting scope and tripod weren't not needed. There is plenty of room for them however, as they would go on the side pockets on the outside of the main bag.

[@sandcontour]

You guys don’t carry a rain jacket? We don’t go anywhere overnight without one in New Zealand. 😀

[@stevespeck4704]

Yeah, two extremely different climates.

[@123-JDAWG]

What can are you running on your rifle?

[@ExoMtnGear]

I have a Thunderbeast Ultra 5 on there. I've been very happy with it.

[@intotheforge3954]

So jealous my pack, gun and sleeping bag come out to almost 29 pounds 😢, I need lighter gear

[@eddiekane1202]

Missing a medkit/TQ’s. Your inreach is useless without that kit. Rescue often times takes up to 8hrs. Be safe out there fellas

[@torreyintahoe]

Where's the flask?

[@BRTreedogs]

The problem with Steve make day length vs size recommendations is he is small. Try fitting xl or 2xl layers in there and see how many days you can get out if a 3200

[@ExoMtnGear]

Steve is average sized. We do recommend that guys with 2XL sizing or above may need more space. That said, even a lot of guys with XL gear can typically pack the K3 3200 for 3-4 days. There will always be variability because of an individual's size, gear choices, and preferences.

[@bobwendel34]

Wild not putting your sleeping bag in a dry bag.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Not wild at all, it comes from 15+ years of backpacking experience and knowing how the pack performs in different conditions. If there was heavy rain in the forecast for multiple days on end then yes we would be using our integrated dry bag system. If there is just a slight chance of rain or no rain at all in the forecast we don't even think twice about not using a dry bag. It's just extra weight and bulk in the pack that isn't necessary. People who pack their packs for every single possible fear they have are the ones who end up with 60lb backpacks on a 3 day hunt.

[@lanetaglio]

...THAT Rifle...; ) ,....Make n Model ???

[@luckyshotammunitiongunsllc2369]

Not rolling your sleeping bag up hurt me greatly

[@Just1nFR]

I'd know your environment before you pack like this. Not water proofing your insulation is a death wish.

[@markio2010]

Must be nice not to have to carry water..

[@ExoMtnGear]

Yeah it's definitely nice. I find that I can get by for at least a week without drinking any water. If you can't do it yet you just need to learn how to train your body so it doesn't need water.