Welcome to the "WHY DO WE?" video series.
Every stitch and square inch of our K4 Packs are designed on purpose and built for a purpose. The videos in this series will go behind the design to explain why we build our packs the way we do.
When we first started Exo, we had one frame height and three hipbelt sizes. Then we launched K3-generation packs in 2019, and introduced a Short frame and a Tall frame. Having those two frame heights, paired with our micro-adjust harness to customize torso length, allowed us to fit almost everyone. Or, more accurately said, almost every man.
Although we offered size options to fit most hunters (since most hunters were men), we noticed that more and more women (and youth) were getting serious about backcountry hunting, including packing out heavy loads of meat.
At that time, we would put our Short-size K3 Frame on women, and it would kinda sorta fit, but it wasn't ideal. And we also realized that no other pack company was making a hunting pack frame that fit women and youth well, but didn't sacrifice on features, performance, capability, or comfort.
So, we made the EXS ("Extra-Short") Frame.
WHAT IS THE K4 EXS?
The K4 EXS is a small frame system with full-size performance. The EXS Frame is built with the same design and materials as our standard K4 Frame, but comes in a shorter 22" frame height, and also features a unique shoulder harness that is designed for women and youth.
The K4 EXS is available as a complete EXS Pack System with a 2200, 3600, or 5000 bag, or can be purchased as Frame-Only option.
HEIGHT ISN'T EVERYTHING
Obviously, the average woman is shorter than the average man, but even when you have a woman and a man of the same height, that woman will generally have higher hips and a shorter torso than the man of the same height.
Even relatively tall women, such as those in the 5' 6" to 5' 8" range, will have a short torso and need a short pack frame. Our 22" EXS frame adjusts to fit women who are not-quite 5' tall, all the way up to women who are 5' 8". (For ladies who are taller than that, we offer a 23.5" frame height.)
Additionally, the K4 EXS features a unique shoulder harness that is shorter, narrower, and has a different curved shape than the standard K4 shoulder harness. The EXS harness provides a better fit through the upper back, over the shoulder, and for a woman's chest.
SMALLER-THAN, NOT LESSER-THAN
The K4 EXS Frame is built with the same capabilities, quality, and features as our standard K4 Frame. The K4 EXS is a small frame system with full-size performance.
The EXS Frame features our integrated load-hauling capabilities, which support loads of 150+ pounds with our carbon fiber frame stays, but remains light and nimble as you move through dynamic terrain with a variety of loads.
The EXS Pack System is compatible with 2200, 3600, and 5000 bags, and all K4 Accessories, except the shoulder-mounted InReach Mini Holder and Elk Call Kit.
If you have any questions about fit or features with any of our packs, our small team is here to personally help you out.