Quick answer
Choose the Back Panel Zipper Extension if your carrier already has a zipper interface and you want 2.25 inches of extra space between carrier and back panel. Choose the Back Panel MOLLE Zipper Kit if your rear plate pocket is MOLLE-only and you need to add a zipper interface so ADAPT back panels can attach at all. They solve different problems: one adds space, the other adds compatibility.
Back Panel MOLLE
What each product actually changes
The Back Panel Zipper Extension is a spacer. It provides a 2.25-inch expansion between your carrier and your back panel, and both zipper extensions feature laser-cut slots. That space lets you run items such as the RADio Pocket, General Purpose Pockets, or breaching tools between the carrier and the panel. It assumes your carrier already has a compatible zipper interface.
The Back Panel MOLLE Zipper Kit is an adapter. It gives owners of The Slickster MOLLE Rear Plate Pocket, Slickster Molle Base, or virtually any MOLLE plate carrier the ability to use all Ferro Concepts ADAPT Back Panels. You install the kit on the rear plate pocket, zip on your preferred ADAPT back panel, and gain the added scalability. It is not compatible with the regular Slickster.
How to check your carrier before buying
Start by identifying what is already on the back of your carrier. If you see a zipper track around the rear plate bag, you are in the Extension camp. If you see only MOLLE webbing on a rear plate pocket, you are in the Kit camp. If you are unsure, the product pages list compatibility notes, and the MOLLE Zipper Kit page explicitly excludes the regular Slickster.
One practical check: the Zipper Extension adds length, so it changes how the panel sits against your back. The MOLLE Zipper Kit changes how the panel attaches, but does not add the same 2.25-inch standoff. Decide whether you need space or attachment first.
Where the trade-offs land
The Zipper Extension keeps your existing zipper interface and adds usable depth, but it is only useful if that interface exists. The MOLLE Zipper Kit opens up ADAPT back panels to MOLLE rear plate pockets, but it is a one-time compatibility fix rather than a space gain. If you need both, the two products are not mutually exclusive in concept, but your carrier determines which one is actually installable.
Also consider what you plan to carry. The Extension is the better fit when you want to run a RADio Pocket or breaching tools between carrier and panel. The Kit is the better fit when your only goal is to mount an ADAPT back panel on a MOLLE rear plate pocket.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Zipper Extension: adds space, needs existing zipper: 2.25 inches of expansion and laser-cut slots for accessories, but only installs on a carrier that already has a compatible zipper interface. Pick this if you already zip on back panels and want more room between carrier and panel.
- MOLLE Zipper Kit: adds compatibility, not depth: Converts a MOLLE rear plate pocket to accept ADAPT back panels, but does not provide the same 2.25-inch standoff. Pick this if your rear plate pocket is MOLLE-only and you want to run ADAPT panels.
- Compatibility exclusions matter: The MOLLE Zipper Kit is not compatible with the regular Slickster; the Zipper Extension assumes a zippered carrier. Verify your exact carrier model before ordering either product.
Product facts
- Back Panel Zipper Extension: Provides a 2.25-inch expansion between your carrier and Back Panel, with laser-cut slots on both zipper extensions. Creates usable standoff for items like the RADio Pocket, General Purpose Pockets, or breaching tools when your carrier already has a zipper interface.
- Back Panel MOLLE Zipper Kit: Lets owners of The Slickster MOLLE Rear Plate Pocket, Slickster Molle Base, or virtually any MOLLE plate carrier use all Ferro Concepts ADAPT Back Panels; not compatible with the regular Slickster. Adds zipper compatibility where only MOLLE exists, so you can attach ADAPT back panels without replacing the rear plate pocket.
- Back Panel Banger: Updated version of the popular Assault Back Panel with 3 multi-fit pockets along the top; thermoplastic color may vary from images. A representative ADAPT back panel that either the Extension or the Kit can enable, depending on your carrier's starting interface.
Which one fits your setup
Best for
- Carriers that already have a compatible zipper interface and want 2.25 inches of extra space for accessories
- Users who want to run a RADio Pocket, General Purpose Pockets, or breaching tools between carrier and back panel
- Owners of The Slickster MOLLE Rear Plate Pocket, Slickster Molle Base, or virtually any MOLLE plate carrier who need to mount ADAPT back panels
Not for
- Carriers without a zipper interface if you are buying the Zipper Extension
- The regular Slickster if you are buying the MOLLE Zipper Kit
- Anyone expecting the MOLLE Zipper Kit to add the same 2.25-inch standoff as the Extension
