Exo K3 bags on Kifaru Ark frames: how-to

krisn416 · Friday at 11:10 AM

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.

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 strap kit on frame as you would for a Kifaru bag
Mount the Exo bag the same as you would a Kifaru bag

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.
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

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.

Tips / notes:

You can use a Kifaru lid rather than an Exo lid if you want/need
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 male sliding buckle you need as well.
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.