Did you opt for metal stays too Arne? Any of the padding options? guess that’d be the main difference from the Exodus. KS looks very interesting and so many options!
I went for the following:
– KS50 TX07
– Load Lifters (cord & linelock)
– External Pad Holder in 3D mesh
– Strong mesh front pocket
– Frame-set
– 2 hipbelt-pockets
Didn’t order the sternum strap since I can use the one from my Exodus.
Needless to say, I’m quite excited. I gave the options a lot of thought, and I wanted a simple and highly efficient pack. This should do it.
The reasons why I chose it over my trusted Exodus:
– The KS has a drawstring closure. This makes life considerably easier; my old ULA CDT had one and I really missed it on the Exodus. I use a cuben pack liner anyway for keeping stuff dry.
– The water bottle holders are more angled so I hope it will be easier to reach for my Platy while hiking without taking the pack off.
– Xpac, from what I have read, absorbs no/tiny amounts of water so it won’t get heavier whilst wet. In Europe, it can get pretty wet. :)
– It looks to have a bigger hipbelt. I like good hipbelts.
– I sewed in a pad holder in my Exodus. Although it provided great padding, it was a pain to get the sitpad in or out if the pack was loaded up. This should be solved now.
– It’s slightly lighter then my modded Exodus. The Exodus (with internal frame and two hipbelt-pockets) weighs in at 620g/22 ounces, while the KS50 with all the options included should weigh around 476g/16,8 ounces.
Or, at least that’s what I tell myself. :)
Weight is not the most important issue here, efficiency is. I’ll keep you guys posted!
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