K3 Exo bag on Kifaru frame with Exo Hardware

[Pn8hall]

Thought I would throw this out there on how to attach an Exo bag on Kifaru duplex lite frame. There have been a few threads but this details how to use mostly Exo buckles. You will need 4 1” Rock Lockster male tension buckles and either 4 kifaru k-clips or 1” gatekeepers. Not sure if k-clips are stronger than gatekeepers but I would think they would be more reliable and thsts what I used. I took some 1” webbing and sewed up 4 18” long straps. They are easier to sew and if you dont have the skills to sew them you could probably find someone to sew them or buy some kifaru straps and take the buckles off and replace them with the Exo buckles. This method does not require cutting of the Exo buckles and makes swapping back to Exo frame simple. The exo bag fits perfect om the Kifaru frame. If you want to use your exo lid you can buy the 1800 lid strap kit and 1 extra male lid buckle from Exo and it works perfect. The Exo lid buckles are different than the other ones so make sure you get the right ones. I called Exo and told them what I was doing and told them what I needed. They hooked me up for under $13 and had the buckles in a few days. This was super simple and for anyone not wanting to cut off the exo buckles this is the setup. I also mocked up putting a grab it on and that would be easy as well. I routed the bottom straps as normal but did not install the quick attach buckles but you can see the loop I am pointing to in pictures where you can attach them. Hope this helps someone out.

 

[TRD1911]

Looks good. I just traded some gear for a K3 6400 bag and this will come in handy. Thanks for sharing

 

[krisn416]

Thought I would throw this out there on how to attach an Exo bag on Kifaru duplex lite frame. There have been a few threads but this details how to use mostly Exo buckles. You will need 4 1” Rock Lockster male tension buckles and either 4 kifaru k-clips or 1” gatekeepers. Not sure if k-clips are stronger than gatekeepers but I would think they would be more reliable and thsts what I used. I took some 1” webbing and sewed up 4 18” long straps. They are easier to sew and if you dont have the skills to sew them you could probably find someone to sew them or buy some kifaru straps and take the buckles off and replace them with the Exo buckles. This method does not require cutting of the Exo buckles and makes swapping back to Exo frame simple. The exo bag fits perfect om the Kifaru frame. If you want to use your exo lid you can buy the 1800 lid strap kit and 1 extra male lid buckle from Exo and it works perfect. The Exo lid buckles are different than the other ones so make sure you get the right ones. I called Exo and told them what I was doing and told them what I needed. They hooked me up for under $13 and had the buckles in a few days. This was super simple and for anyone not wanting to cut off the exo buckles this is the setup. I also mocked up putting a grab it on and that would be easy as well. I routed the bottom straps as normal but did not install the quick attach buckles but you can see the loop I am pointing to in pictures where you can attach them. Hope this helps someone out.

Hey man, thanks for this! What size Kifaru frame is it? How do the two Ranger Green colors look together? Still happy with this setup? Is it truly the best of both worlds? Thx!

 

[Pn8hall]

Hey man, thanks for this! What size Kifaru frame is it? How do the two Ranger Green colors look together? Still happy with this setup? Is it truly the best of both worlds? Thx!

Its a 24” duplex lite and I think the 2 Ranger Green colors play very nicely together. I tried my Stryker XL for a few days this season but quickly went back to the Exo bag. The kifaru frame just sticks to my hips better than the Exo frame so yes it is absolutely the best of both worlds for me.

 

[krisn416]

Its a 24” duplex lite and I think the 2 Ranger Green colors play very nicely together. I tried my Stryker XL for a few days this season but quickly went back to the Exo bag. The kifaru frame just sticks to my hips better than the Exo frame so yes it is absolutely the best of both worlds for me.

Awesome, thanks so much for the reply

 

[krisn416]

Its a 24” duplex lite and I think the 2 Ranger Green colors play very nicely together. I tried my Stryker XL for a few days this season but quickly went back to the Exo bag. The kifaru frame just sticks to my hips better than the Exo frame so yes it is absolutely the best of both worlds for me.

Getting close to having all the parts finally. Favor, any chance you could measure the length of one of the Exo factory guide lid straps straps please? Thanks!

 

[Pn8hall]

I made my lid straps 18” long when i sewed them up. I can measure the ones on K3 frame tomorrow if you need it.

 

[krisn416]

I made my lid straps 18” long when i sewed them up. I can measure the ones on K3 frame tomorrow if you need it.

Thanks for the reply!

18” is good to know. Length-wise are the too long/short or just right?

Any particular reason you went with the gatekeeper buckles vs K-Clips? Was thinking of using K-Clips for all the compression straps just for consistency.

 

[Pn8hall]

I used k clip for main compression straps that attach to the frame and used the gatekeepers just because I ran out of k clips. As for length on lid straps i cant say because i dont normally carry a lid. If i recall from mocking it up I think they could be a little shorter. Easier to make them a little longer and trim them down the road assuming you are sewing them yourself.

 

[krisn416]

I used k clip for main compression straps that attach to the frame and used the gatekeepers just because I ran out of k clips. As for length on lid straps i cant say because i dont normally carry a lid. If i recall from mocking it up I think they could be a little shorter. Easier to make them a little longer and trim them down the road assuming you are sewing them yourself.

That makes sense. Ok thanks, really helpful info

 

[NSI]

Sorry for the necro-post, but @Pn8hall do you think this hack would work with this smaller Exo k3 bag?

k3 3200 bag + lid

Best,
-J

 

[Pn8hall]

Yes it will work for sure. I sold my 4800 and had the 3200 hooked up same way.

 

[NSI]

Thanks a mil, buying. Have you seen any short-guy duplex lite frames rolling around? Having trouble finding one.

-J