Exo 5500 on Kifaru new lite frame

[worx53]

Messing with this setup. Exo 5500 bag, kifaru lite frame, kifaru guide lid

Just got the frame and bag this week. Fits really well on the kifaru frame. If I keep the bag I will cut the exo buckles off and replace them with standard itw buckles ( black exos don't snap in). I ordered extra sets of Kclips to eliminate more buckle setups on the side. This is a lot lighter than my fulcrum/ duplex hunting frame.

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[oldhorse]

I'm very interested to hear how this works out for you. I have considered trying the same thing. I'm currently running a Mountain Warrior on my Lite frame, but I am very curious about the Exo bags

 

[Finner-elk]

I as well am very interested how this worked for you.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

One thing to note on exo bags is they are wedged shaped, meaning the bottom is only about 9" wide and the top of the bag is probably 12-14" wide. Although its designed to keep stuff from sagging down I found it somewhat challenging to pack the bag uniformly. Now if you don't use stuff sacks it isn't as much of an issue.

 

[worx53]

I find that using small roll top dry bags works much better than medium or large ones. I only run a couple for sleeping bag and camera gear. The rest of the gear can float a little.
Curious if anyone packed meat inside an EXO bag and did it hold up ok?
The new kifaru frame fits and rides better than the duplex 2 on me although I thought that frame was awesome. I did just order a 24" light frame also. I haven't parted with my Fulcrum bag yet but may get rid of the duplex 2 frame.

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[MuleDeerMike]

I find that using small roll top dry bags works much better than medium or large ones. I only run a couple for sleeping bag and camera gear. The rest of the gear can float a little.
Curious if anyone packed meat inside an EXO bag and did it hold up ok?
The new kifaru frame fits and rides better than the duplex 2 on me although I thought that frame was awesome. I did just order a 24" light frame also. I haven't parted with my Fulcrum bag yet but may get rid of the duplex 2 frame.

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How'd you get the top of the lid to attach? On the exo the lid attaches to straps on the frame and the Kifaru attaches to straps on the bags. I'm trying to decide if I'm going to run this setup.

 

[worx53]

Check out these pics. The bottom of the lid is attached to the original EXO lid straps and it works fine even though their straps are narrower than the Kifaru buckle. The top has that double detachabke clip lock mathingy to attach to the extra loop on the top of the load lifter attachment.
The bag is now on a 24" ultralight frame and it fits really well on it same as 26"

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[MuleDeerMike]

Check out these pics. The bottom of the lid is attached to the original EXO lid straps and it works fine even though their straps are narrower than the Kifaru buckle. The top has that double detachabke clip lock mathingy to attach to the extra loop on the top of the load lifter attachment.
The bag is now on a 24" ultralight frame and it fits really well on it same as 26"

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Ah copy that. Pretty slick. Thanks.

 

[worx53]

This setup easily holds enough for 10-14 days out for sure. I may not use the Kifaru lid or detach it once camp is set up. I may see if someone can change the rolltop lid to a similar setup like Kifaru has where the top just folds over and clips in so there isn't a roll top bundle all bunched up at the top if you have no lid. Could probably sew some tabs for a large pocket on it as well. No issues packing the bag uniformly for me. I'm using a 24" frame now and getting ready for an archery elk hunt.

 

[flinginairos]

Looks pretty good! I just ordered a 24" Lite frame for my wife and we haven't decided on a bag yet. I might go this route!

 

[oldhorse]

worx53, just wondering how this setup worked for your elk hunt?

 

[worx53]

Really well. Hauled 2 muleys out no elk but the setup is money...I really like that exo bag. I took the big Kifaru guide lid off after a couple days and ran just the exo lid.


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[tdhanses]

The EXO to Kifaru works very well, I’ve had this combo for awhile.

 

[theCaptain]

I find that using small roll top dry bags works much better than medium or large ones. I only run a couple for sleeping bag and camera gear. The rest of the gear can float a little.
Curious if anyone packed meat inside an EXO bag and did it hold up ok?
The new kifaru frame fits and rides better than the duplex 2 on me although I thought that frame was awesome. I did just order a 24" light frame also. I haven't parted with my Fulcrum bag yet but may get rid of the duplex 2 frame.

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IF you decide to get rid of the Fulcrum, let me know.

 

[worx53]

Fulcrum is available. I have a new style 26" duplex frame with the arrow stays with it. Fulcrum has never been used.

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[oldhorse]

Really well. Hauled 2 muleys out no elk but the setup is money...I really like that exo bag. I took the big Kifaru guide lid off after a couple days and ran just the exo lid.


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Awesome! Thanks for the feedback

 

[colersu22]

The EXO to Kifaru works very well, I’ve had this combo for awhile.

I did the same as you with a exo 2000 and exo 3500 after seeing your thread a couple years ago. It was a great thread with instructions but photo bucket messed up all the pics but it is like the exo bag was made to go on a kifaru frame.

I saw one post about a guy using it on the 24” frame and when I had the Kifaru 24” frame and exo frame they are the same height so it fits perfect, if you use a 26” frame you could use the space below the bag to mount a roll top pod like I did.

 

[tdhanses]

I did the same as you with a exo 2000 and exo 3500 after seeing your thread a couple years ago. It was a great thread with instructions but photo bucket messed up all the pics but it is like the exo bag was made to go on a kifaru frame.

I saw one post about a guy using it on the 24” frame and when I had the Kifaru 24” frame and exo frame they are the same height so it fits perfect, if you use a 26” frame you could use the space below the bag to mount a roll top pod like I did.

Photobucket ruined so many good threads!

 

[MuleDeerMike]

I also used the exo 2000/5500 with the exo lid on the new kifaru 24" lite all season this past Fall. It's the perfect setup and it will take something drastic to come out in 2019 for me to change my setup. Pretty funny how perfect they fit together considering Kifaru has been around for like 40 years and exo maybe 10 years? Lol.

 

[tdhanses]

I also used the exo 2000/5500 with the exo lid on the new kifaru 24" lite all season this past Fall. It's the perfect setup and it will take something drastic to come out in 2019 for me to change my setup. Pretty funny how perfect they fit together considering Kifaru has been around for like 40 years and exo maybe 10 years? Lol.

You mean more like 4 years for EXO.