krisn416
WKR
- Joined
- May 11, 2017
- Messages
- 1,043
Been meaning to post this for a while, just want to help out some guys that may be considering this. I realize this has been discussed and posted about quite a bit, but a lot of the info on the web is either incomplete or lacking. This isn't a thread to say Exo frames or Kifaru bags aren't good, because they are, but I have had fitment issues and needs that neither companies’ products 100% address. To me this truly provides the best of both worlds. I have done this successfully with Exo K3 bags on both Duplex and Ark frames, and have helped others do it as well. K2 bags should work the same using the same parts, but note K4 bags attach totally different and will not work. Kifaru and Exo accessories are able to be used. If you want a setup where both are basically a made-for-each-other match go with K3 bags on Ark frames, which is what I'm focusing on here.
If it looks overwhelming, it’s not. Figuring out which buckles and straps you need is the most complicated part, and I have parts lists below. Once you have the parts in-hand it’s about 20-30min worth of easy work. Pics are at the bottom for visual reference. Feel free to ask questions.
Steps:
Remove factory Exo buckles. Some can be slid off and others will need to be cut off. You can do this carefully so they can be reused. I used snips but you can use a Dremel, just be careful not to damage the bag obviously.
Install Kifaru buckles. To make the locking buckles easier you can separate the locking part from the main buckle using a flathead to push from the underside, but don't use a ton of force. I've done this successfully numerous times, but broke a buckle the first time I tried it.
Install Kifaru compression straps
Mount the Exo bag the same as you would a Kifaru bag. I did use industrial adhesive-backed velcro to be able to use the K3 velcro flaps at the top, and also along the top edge of the frame to protect the bag from being abraded, but using Velcro is not at all necessary, I’m just OCD.
Parts lists:
Bag attachment...
Bare minimum to attach an Exo bag to a Kifaru frame (not including lid attachment):
Set of Kifaru compression straps (one set consists of two male and two female ended buckled straps that mate together) - QTY 1
Female slotted buckle - QTY 4
Male slotted buckle - QTY 2
Male auto-locking buckle - QTY 2
Lid attachment (you can do this with or without converting the lid to Kifaru buckles)...
Lid option 1 - If you want to leave the Exo lid as is and just use it with the original Exo lid buckles
Exo K3 1800 lid strap sets - QTY 1 for 3200, 4800, 6400 - QTY 2 if using an 1800
Male ladderlock/sliding buckle - QTY 1
Lid option 2 - If you want the Exo lid fully styled and compatible with Kifaru buckles, you'll also need these:
Female slotted buckle - QTY 2
Male slotted buckle - QTY 2
Female auto-locking buckle - QTY 1 if using Exo 3200, 4800 - QTY 2 if using a 6400 bag - not needed if using an 1800
Male auto-locking buckle - QTY 1 if using Exo 3200, 4800 - QTY 2 if using a 6400 bag - not needed if using an 1800
Set of Kifaru compression straps (same type noted above) - QTY 1
Notes - Gatekeepers can be used in place of K-Clips if preferred. If using 3200, 4800, or 6400 you'll have one spare mating buckle/strap set for use elsewhere.
Optional:
Set of Kifaru compression straps (extra set for lashing meat directly to frame - I would buy these) - QTY 1
10-15lb industrial adhesive-backed Velcro for attaching the top flaps of the Exo bag to the frame like I did (cheap on Amazon)
Extra buckles for spares, the Kifaru spare parts kit will have a lot of what you need and is a great buy
A couple spare Gatekeepers, handy to have if you place an order with Exo or find some elsewhere
Tips:
You don't have to use opposing/mating male and femal buckles/straps everywhere like I did, if you have Kifaru parts laying around and want to use what you have. I like opposing buckles and straps for maximum versatility, gives you a lot more strapping, compression, and connecting options.
You can also use a combo of Kifaru and Exo lid straps in places if you have stuff laying around.
Verify everything you need, I did the best I could to provide parts lists, but wouldn't want to have you miss something and come up short by 100% relying on my parts list.
I used Kifaru factory buckles, but you might be able to find IWT Nexus buckles cheaper elsewhere if cost is a concern.
Pics:
Cutting Exo buckles:
Separating Kifaru locking buckles:
Lid attachment:
Velcro:
Pics of the full parts kit I use, with all lid buckles converted:
Completed:
If it looks overwhelming, it’s not. Figuring out which buckles and straps you need is the most complicated part, and I have parts lists below. Once you have the parts in-hand it’s about 20-30min worth of easy work. Pics are at the bottom for visual reference. Feel free to ask questions.
Steps:
Remove factory Exo buckles. Some can be slid off and others will need to be cut off. You can do this carefully so they can be reused. I used snips but you can use a Dremel, just be careful not to damage the bag obviously.
Install Kifaru buckles. To make the locking buckles easier you can separate the locking part from the main buckle using a flathead to push from the underside, but don't use a ton of force. I've done this successfully numerous times, but broke a buckle the first time I tried it.
Install Kifaru compression straps
Mount the Exo bag the same as you would a Kifaru bag. I did use industrial adhesive-backed velcro to be able to use the K3 velcro flaps at the top, and also along the top edge of the frame to protect the bag from being abraded, but using Velcro is not at all necessary, I’m just OCD.
Parts lists:
Bag attachment...
Bare minimum to attach an Exo bag to a Kifaru frame (not including lid attachment):
Set of Kifaru compression straps (one set consists of two male and two female ended buckled straps that mate together) - QTY 1
Female slotted buckle - QTY 4
Male slotted buckle - QTY 2
Male auto-locking buckle - QTY 2
Lid attachment (you can do this with or without converting the lid to Kifaru buckles)...
Lid option 1 - If you want to leave the Exo lid as is and just use it with the original Exo lid buckles
Exo K3 1800 lid strap sets - QTY 1 for 3200, 4800, 6400 - QTY 2 if using an 1800
Male ladderlock/sliding buckle - QTY 1
Lid option 2 - If you want the Exo lid fully styled and compatible with Kifaru buckles, you'll also need these:
Female slotted buckle - QTY 2
Male slotted buckle - QTY 2
Female auto-locking buckle - QTY 1 if using Exo 3200, 4800 - QTY 2 if using a 6400 bag - not needed if using an 1800
Male auto-locking buckle - QTY 1 if using Exo 3200, 4800 - QTY 2 if using a 6400 bag - not needed if using an 1800
Set of Kifaru compression straps (same type noted above) - QTY 1
Notes - Gatekeepers can be used in place of K-Clips if preferred. If using 3200, 4800, or 6400 you'll have one spare mating buckle/strap set for use elsewhere.
Optional:
Set of Kifaru compression straps (extra set for lashing meat directly to frame - I would buy these) - QTY 1
10-15lb industrial adhesive-backed Velcro for attaching the top flaps of the Exo bag to the frame like I did (cheap on Amazon)
Extra buckles for spares, the Kifaru spare parts kit will have a lot of what you need and is a great buy
A couple spare Gatekeepers, handy to have if you place an order with Exo or find some elsewhere
Tips:
You don't have to use opposing/mating male and femal buckles/straps everywhere like I did, if you have Kifaru parts laying around and want to use what you have. I like opposing buckles and straps for maximum versatility, gives you a lot more strapping, compression, and connecting options.
You can also use a combo of Kifaru and Exo lid straps in places if you have stuff laying around.
Verify everything you need, I did the best I could to provide parts lists, but wouldn't want to have you miss something and come up short by 100% relying on my parts list.
I used Kifaru factory buckles, but you might be able to find IWT Nexus buckles cheaper elsewhere if cost is a concern.
Pics:
Cutting Exo buckles:
Separating Kifaru locking buckles:
Lid attachment:
Velcro:
Pics of the full parts kit I use, with all lid buckles converted:
Completed:
