Exo K3 bags on Kifaru Ark frames: how-to

krisn416

WKR
Joined
May 11, 2017
Messages
1,129
Intro:
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. K4 bags attach totally different and will not work. Kifaru and Exo accessories are able to be used with this setup. 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. Bump the thread with a pic when you’re done!

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.
    • IMG_6054.jpeg
  • 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.
    • IMG_6055.jpeg
  • Install Kifaru compression strap kit on frame as you would for a Kifaru bag
    • Screen Shot 2025-03-03 at 06.26.29 AM.png
  • Mount the Exo bag the same as you would a Kifaru bag
    • IMG_4719.jpeg
  • Attach Exo lid
    • IMG_6056.jpeg
    • IMG_6058.jpeg
Parts lists:
Bag attachment option 1
- bare minimum to attach Exo bag to Kifaru frame (not including lid attachment), this option skips converting the front buckles on the bag
  • Kifaru compression strap kit (one kit consists of two male and two female ended buckled straps that mate together) - QTY 1
  • Female slotted buckle - QTY 2
  • Male slotted buckle - QTY 2
Bag attachment option 2 - Exo bag fully converted using Kifaru components (not including lid attachment)
  • Kifaru compression strap kit (one kit 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 option 1 - Exo lid used as-is with the factory lid buckles
  • Exo K3 accessory lid strap sets - QTY 1 for 3200, 4800, 6400 - QTY 2 for 1800
  • Exo K3 factory male ladderlock/sliding lid buckle - QTY 1
Lid attachment option 2 - Exo lid fully converted using Kifaru components
  • Kifaru compression strap kit (same type noted above) - QTY 1
  • Female slotted buckle - QTY 2
  • Male slotted buckle - QTY 2
  • Female auto-locking buckle - QTY 1 for 3200, 4800 - QTY 2 for 6400 - not needed for 1800
  • Male auto-locking buckle - QTY 1 for 3200, 4800 - QTY 2 for 6400 - not needed for 1800
Optional:
  • Extra Kifaru compression strap kit (same type as noted above) for lashing meat directly to frame - highly recommended - QTY 1
  • 10-15lb industrial adhesive-backed Velcro for attaching the top flaps of the Exo bag to the top of the frame, and along the top edge of the frame to protect the bag from being abraded. Not at all necessary, just being OCD. It's cheap on Amazon.
    • IMG_6059.jpeg
  • Extra buckles for spares, the Kifaru spare parts kit will have a lot of what you need and is a great buy
  • Gatekeeper clips can be used for attaching lid straps to the bag, or you can use Kifaru K-Clips.
Pic of the full parts kit I use. This is everything needed if you want to fully convert to Kifaru, including the lid. Buckles and straps at the top of the pic are for attaching the bag, straps to the right are extra for lashing directly to the frame, and then obviously the straps around the lid are for attaching the lid. This kit will cover use with 1800, 3200, 4800, and 6400 bags.
IMG_4722.jpeg

Tips / notes:
  • You can use a Kifaru lid rather than an Exo lid if you want/need, just be aware the buckles needed may be slightly different than what I have in the parts list.
  • Exo 6400 bags have a second set of lid straps at the top of the bag inside the side pockets for when the bag is fully extended, which is why I call out a different buckle quantity.
  • If you choose to use the Exo lid unmodified with factory buckles, call Exo to order your lid straps and they’ll sell you the single male sliding buckle you need as well. Also, you can get Gatekeeper clips from them for attaching lid straps to the bag or just to have a few laying around, they’re pretty handy.
  • This sounds confusing, but it's just an FYI... If converting the lid to Kifaru buckles and using a 3200, 4800, or 6400 bag, and you're buying parts direct from Kifaru, you'll have one spare mating male/female compression strap left over for use elsewhere. This is because you only need one strap but they're only sold in pairs. If converting the lid and using an 1800, 1800's don’t have lid straps built into the front of the bag like the 3200, 4800, and 6400; they have loops sewn inside the pockets to attach accessory lid straps, so you won't have a leftover strap because you'll be using both straps.
  • Gatekeepers can be used in place of K-Clips if preferred.
  • Kifaru Sherman and/or Grab-It can be used, along with most (if not all) Kifaru and Exo K3 accessories
  • You don't have to use opposing/mating male and female 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. I think the strongest are made of acetyl rather than nylon.
  • Locking buckles don’t have to be used, they’re definitely an upgrade, but ladder-lock sliding buckles can also be used.
  • If you have multiple Exo bags you can either simply move the Kifaru slotted buckles from one bag to another, or buy enough buckles and replace them on each bag. You won't need to buy more straps for each bag though which is nice.
Add'l pics:
Lid attachment:
IMG_6056.jpeg
IMG_6058.jpeg

Completed:
IMG_4719.jpeg
IMG_4720.jpeg
IMG_4729.jpeg
 
My converted K3 6400 and drybag are listed for sale, if anyone is interested shoot me a ping.
 
YES! This is awesome and right up my alley. Its great to see that if needed we can swap some part of the setup (Kifaru vs Exo) without needing to change out the whole system, whether for comfort, functionality or otherwise. Thank you!!
 
I wonder if swap-ability is possible with the arc frame and Exo belt? Not sure if warranted but some belts have molle panels while other do not.
 
Don’t quote me on this, but that would likely require some surgery. The way the belts attach is totally different. For me personally an Exo belt on an Ark frame would not be an improvement. Everybody’s body type is different, but I could not get the K2 (tried K2 and K3 belts) or K4 to stay put, they just constantly slid down my butt under load. I didn’t try the K3 frame because from what I read it wasn’t much different fit-wise over the K2. After struggling with the K2 long enough I gave a Duplex Lite a try and never looked back. Tried the K4 on display with a 80lb load not too long ago, and I had the same issues as with the K2. I loved Exo bags and their layouts, and their dry bags though. Duplex and Ark frames have stayed put and are much more stable and comfortable under load, again, for me. Both make great products, I’d either go with the Exo frame or Kifaru frame and call it good, then throw on the bag that works for you.
 
Noted. Thanks for that; makes sense as that sort of connection is probably too different Brand to Brand. If anything i might try to see if I can modify the Kifaru belt I have or swap with other they make (within brand).
 
What are you trying to gain? Just curious, not to sound rude. I believe Ark and Duplex belts are interchangeable between frames, just not shoulder straps. Both have molle panels though.
 
Yeah that is what i might look into. All good. Basically I'd like to have two go to setups, depending on the hunt, hike, or scouting trip. I got excited with the cross brand adaptability, so it opened another door I had not thought of. Its also good to have limitations...
 
Gotcha, yah always fun to experiment with gear. Especially between brands. Feel free to reach out anytime!
 
Back
Top