Kifaru Lite and Exo K3

[LongWayAround]

On my 4800 k3, I doubled up on the lumbar shims and turned the two-piece lumbar pad around so the stiffer, black foam faces my back. This seems to have helped get it to stick better than before. So far, I really like the bag but the suspension hasn't been a perfect fit.

 

[cityhunter]

Hey guys. So back when Exo came out with their first pack, I bought one and used it for a fall. Like the other packs I’d tried, it didn’t stay up on my hips very well. Even with little weight. From that pack, I bought a Kifaru duplex pre 2015 off of the classifieds here and have been sold on their frame/suspension ever since. Its solid when I throw it on and the belt sticks like glue. Have also come to love their bags and modularity.

But, with all the rave on the new K3 from Exo and looking at the redesigned hip belt I decided to order one and compare with my Kifaru lite. I’m not going to be digging into the bags as much as the frames, but I did order it with the 4800 bag as that’s the layout I would rather use over their other bags. I’ll do some comparisons with the 4800 and the Kifaru Reckoning from a size perspective, but not really a bag review.

I chose to do this kind of head to head thread because these are two frames with bag options I like and would use. So if you have any questions or things you’d like to see let me know.

Exo K3 - small belt and short frame

Kifaru lite - small belt and 24” frame

I’m 5’ 10”

Pictures coming soon.


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cityhunter​

Newbie​

JoinedOct 2, 2020Messages1
Wish i'd stumbled on this thread sooner. I know this is not a bag review, more about frames.. But i am considering either a bag upgrade in my current setup (from an exo k2 3200(?) to k36400) OR Kifaru Hoodlum plus new Duplex Lite frame for 5-7 day pack.. Exo so far has been good to me (carries well easy to use), but i ve only used for Day trips until recently, when I packed for a 4-day AK Mtn goat hunt. I worked REALLY hard to get everything to fit for 4 nights. Also, the older K2 straps were thinner... and more prone to twisting in the buckle... maybe because they were constantly wet on my hunt. So I am looking to upgrade either to an Exo 6400 bag, OR... the gear junky in me has me eyeing the Kifaru Hoodlum as well. (Clearly the less cost-effective choice, but I am all ears! I do 2 western hunts per year. I normally carry a rifle, tripod and 15x binos on occasion in addition to the 0 deg slick bag, food, 3 season tent etc. Thanks

 

[AD338]

I just want to say that this thread has been enlightening to me as someone who was specifically looking to buy either the EXO OR Kifaru. Thank you everyone for taking the time to give honest feedback on these great packs and their experiences!