Let me start by saying the Exo K4 is my all time favorite pack. Exo customer service has been exceptional, and any issue ive ever had has been taken care of quickly and efficiently.
As others have said, these are a necessity to manage the length of the straps on the K4. That said, I think there are several things on these strap keepers that could use a little re working. I use my K4 pack year round between shed hunting, backpacking and guiding big game hunts. Therefore the load size on my pack is constantly changing, and im constantly adjusting the length of the straps, and strap keepers. After about 6mos of adjustments, the velcro no longer sticks to itself on about half of the strap keepers. A potentially longer or "shaggier" velcro would likely resolve this. I also feel that 4" instead of 3.5" may work better because in some applications, when my pack straps are all snugly rolled up, the keepers are barely long enough to catch themselves.
Pictures show me pinching the velcro together, and the strap separating once I remove pressure.
