AKEK Climax 5400 - Backcountry to Blind...It does it all!

Over the past year, this Akek Climax 5400 has traveled with me through the mountains of Colorado, the coast of Oregon and up to the northern parts of Alberta. It remains one of the most versatile, well built, and budget friendly packs on the market. Reasons you may need to buy now as these packs are often on backorder with such high demand.
Last summer I released a series of pack testing videos comparing the Akek with other top hunting packs such as EXO, Kuiu, Mystery Ranch, Initial Ascent, and Kifaru. This summer we are adding Stone Glacier to that series which have tested really well so far but still won't dethrone Akek as the best value pack in the bunch. Each of those companies produce fantastic packs but Akek still wears the crown for the best overall value with the initial price and included accessories.
The Climax 5400 has crushed 5-7 day hunts with pack weights from 50 to up over 100lbs. It has held up really well and still looks great after over a year of hard use on elk, deer, bear, and even turkey hunts.
There is a lot to love about Akek packs. Feel free to comment and ask your specific questions. Several hunters picked up Akek packs after watching the review videos last summer and I have heard nothing but good things from them.
Sorry I don't have an affiliate or discount code setup with Akek to sweeten the deal. Head over to www.akek.com to pick up your next pack.

[@OneWeekGetAway]

How does it compare to the Exo K4 and the Kifsru Ark Frame in terms of carrying comfort?

[@huntleague]

For the heaviest of loads 100+ lbs the Initial Ascent and Kifaru are in a league of their own. In the 50-70lb range they are all comfortable with different levels of flex. The Kifaru is the stiffest. The EXO is very narrow so there is a lot of side to side twist. The AKEK frame is wider but not as rigid as the EXO carbon stays.
When bow hunting with a pack I like the flex in the EXO and AKEK. When side hilling and cruising through deadfall I like how stiff the Kifaru frame holds the load. The EXO pack swings a bit more side to side with a full load.
For my height, I like that the EXO and Kifaru packs have a tall frame option.
You can’t go wrong with any of those options but you save $200-400 with the AKEK. It doesn’t really lack in any areas although there are a few packs that beat it in specific categories.

[@OneWeekGetAway]

@@huntleague interesting - I’ve rarely hear the K4 left out of the discussion when it comes to the best at carrying heavy loads. Thanks

[@huntleague]

@@OneWeekGetAway​​⁠ The EXO K3 won the best overall in the head to head with all of the packs tested. Then the K4 was released and only got better. I would put Initial Ascent and Kifaru at the top for extreme heavy loads. Then EXO and Stone Glacier probably as tier two with AKEK nipping at their heels.
I will often pack in with the AKEK or Kuiu pack but keep the Initial Ascent pack in the vehicle while elk hunting. First heavy load comes out and then the Initial Ascent makes an appearance for the dirty work.
Probably more info than you need and I am sure this is somewhat subjective based on body types. I struggle the most with Mystery Ranch packs under a heavy load as the yoke system hurts my neck and the belt digs into my waste. I have buddies though that swear by that pack and think it’s amazing.
If you are narrowing down between Kifaru, AKEK, and EXO you have done your homework and will end up with a great pack. Those packs are way more than just marketing hype and you will be happy for the next 10 years with any one of them.

[@OneWeekGetAway]

@@huntleague thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I am looking at these for very long expedition style treks with less weight (let's say approximately 70-80lbs); I am a big guy - 6'2 and 230 with a broad chest; so hard to get sizing and comfort right on cottage industry packs that you cannot try on at a local store.

[@DigbyMaccus]

@@huntleagueoh man this is the sauce i needed!