Durston Gear - Kakwa 40 Backpack - Review & Thoughts After 79 Miles on Trail.

A follow up on my overview video of the Durston Gear Kakwa 40 Backpack.
I've now had chance to use the pack over two and a half days to hike the hugely enjoyable 79 mile Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail.
In this video I share my thoughts on the pack and my experience hiking with it in both warm & dry and wet conditions.

[@PaulandaPack]

*Update* The HMG shoulder strap pouch I mention at the end of the video easily attaches *over* either mesh pocket using the daisy chain, without the need to cut them off/remove them. Excellent news for me!! 👌

[@durstongear]

Thanks for the comments. Great to get thoughtful feedback like this. For the side zipper pocket, yeah it does trade space with the top opening so some strategy is required. I usually put a fuel bottle in there and then there's quite a bit of space in the zip opening, but with a 1L water bottle certainly there is less. You might be able to swap to a 1L smartwater bottle here (skinnier) so your phone fits easier, but it sounds like you've got that HMG pocket working anyways. I did try to design the current shoulder strap pockets so you could basically slide them out of the way to put on something else on top without cutting them off, so glad that's working for your HMG pocket. For the shoulder strap pockets, good point about moving the cinches to the center. I'll look into doing that next time I update the design. For ejecting the bottles, yeah this will happen when they are too light. Usually not all the way but they'll move up some because the pocket is fairly skinny (higher tension) at the bottom. I've had this on a few different packs so I've always accepted it as normal, but it would be good to improve. This will get a bit better as the pockets stretch out, but a more complete solution would be to use a 3D shape with a bottom panel that reduces tension at the bottom. That seems do-able. I'll look into it. Cheers, Dan

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to comment Dan, keep up the awesome work! 👌 Looking forward to many more miles on trail with the Kakwa in the future.

[@amythinks]

Dan, I think you have replied personally to every video I've watched of someone who has reviewed your gear. I have never ever seen that. I'll buy your stuff based on that alone.

[@durstongear]

@@amythinks Thanks Amy!

[@Olan...]

Dan what about making the synch cords for the shoulder strap pockets slightly longer because that way you can utilise the loop and make it sit around the neck of the bottle...i do this with my shoulder pockets on the Sierra Flex capacitor.

[@michaelbroyer3918]

@@amythinks agreed!

[@merlinbrid]

Great video, great comments. I finally got the X-mid tent after a year long wait and am considering this kakwa40. Keep smil‘in

[@PaulandaPack]

Awesome! Great that you managed to get hold of the X-Mid!

[@janmariolle]

Thanks for the detailed review. I’m waiting for my pack to arrive, but it looks like a winner.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks, currently have mine out in the Pyrenees! Hope you enjoy yours when it arrives 👍

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Nice review! Great looking pack. ✌️

[@PaulandaPack]

Cheers Crow, getting on well with it so far.

[@thomasmorrison6068]

Bless you to the guy in the background sneezing.

[@PaulandaPack]

🤣

[@osceolaseminole5596]

Very good review.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks! 👍

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Solid review. Just ordered the 55l version to test and review on my channel. Seems like a pretty solid competitor to the ULA Circuit, which I really like. If this pack is anything like his tents, I imagine it will become my go to multi night pack when my gossamer gear pack is too small.

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks! Hope you get on well with your 55L, will keep an eye out for your review. I've found the 40 to be a really comfortable pack so will be interested to hear your thoughts on the 55.

[@melaniegarden3416]

that vertical side zipper storage on side pocket..perfect for cash/credit cards/drivers license/passport I think (in a little zip lock sandwich bag or something). Stuff probably not frequently accessed but needs to be somewhere separate and safe. That's what I was intending to use it for anyway!

[@PaulandaPack]

Not a bad idea Melanie, they'll be safe in there in a ziploc. I think I'll be trying it out as the snack pocket on my next trip!

[@shaunarundell]

I've replaced the shoulder pockets on my Kakwa40 with 2 Zpacks shoulder pockets - one that can take a 1 litre smart bottle and the other a zipper waterproof DCF pocket that takes my iPhone 13 pro max with room to spare - I haven't cut off the Kakwa pockets off yet, but i will soon. But I love the pack, its light and beautiful.

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey Shaun, sounds as though we had similar thoughts about the phone pocket - glad you got sorted, and totally agree with you about the pack 👍

[@Chrizatch]

Great review video! Thanks for sharing. Sorry if I missed a comment around this, did you mention how much water during your rainstorm got into the main compartment?

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks for watching. I don't think it's been mentioned actually. There was hardly any that got into the main compartment, certainly nowhere near enough to make me question the functionality of the pack. (I wasn't using a pack liner on this trip either). I did have my foam pad strapped to the top, though I doubt that made much difference. The roll-top closure does a great job of keeping water out.

[@danagantt2474]

Returned the Kakwa 40 due to the shoulder pockets. Couldn't bring myself to cut them off a brand new pack. Like you, I carry a CTUG waterproof shoulder pocket for my phone (on my left strap) and a Garmin mini on my right strap. The mesh pockets really didn't work for me. Reconsidering my return and may give the Kakwa 40 medium another try if Kaviso is cool with it since they already processed my return. Also, I couldn't figure out a good use for the side zipper pocket as there wasn't much room left with a 1 L water bottle in there. Perhaps a mesh layered left side pocket would work better in a future iteration like on the Zerk 40. Other than that there is a lot to like about the pack.

[@PaulandaPack]

I know what you mean about cutting the pockets - I was happy I could fit one right over the top of the mesh one easily. Hope you get something figured out, as you say, there's a lot to like about it 👍

[@envman67]

Great review. I ended up buying the same exact pack last year. And my biggest gripe was also the water bottle pockets. I despise them and I really wish he never put them on and allowed the consumer to decide what kind of water bottle pocket or accessory And just leave it with Daisy chains. I ended up buying a chicken tramper water bottle holder, but that stupid pocket keeps getting in the effing way….🙄🙄🙄 Also, I find the 40 L just a little small so I’m planning on buying a 55 L. I’m hoping Dan will finally get rid of those god-awful water bottle holders.😂

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks! I had the same thoughts on the pockets/bottle holders. It seems they were designed with bear spray canisters in mind. I nearly cut mine off, but found that other pockets would fit over them without much trouble. I also found the same thing as you regarding space, so I bought an SWD Ultralight Long Haul 50. I've not used the Kakwa since.

[@envman67]

@@PaulandaPack quick question does the SWD pack have better padding on the straps and are they more comfortable than the Durston? Thanks for your time.

[@PaulandaPack]

It sure does, the SWD uses half inch thick evazote foam on the hipbelt and shoulder straps. I've had zero discomfort so far.@@envman67

[@envman67]

@@PaulandaPack tremendous thank you for your information. Happy hiking.

[@jcmeyer4157]

Thanks Paul for the gréât assessment ! Can you easily get the water bottles from the side pockets?

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks Jc! The low cut pocket on the right is very easy to get water bottles in and out of while walking. I wasn't able to do so with the taller pocket on the left though, but this wasn't a problem for me. The low cut pocket can hold 2 bottles.

[@alpineearth]

The pack was kinda made for the GDT in the rockies and we need a spot for bear spray. That I think is why there are two pockets up front. I have the oposit problem to you and removed my hyperlight zip pouch and added a second water bottle pocket on my hyperlight for bear spray.

[@PaulandaPack]

Yeah, I guess the UK market is a lot smaller than the US/Canada market, and with slightly different needs. I'd still love to see some different add-on options for the shoulder straps allowing users to customise it to their needs. That being said, I'm happy with adding the HMG pocket over the mesh and not having to damage the pack.

[@alpineearth]

@@PaulandaPack ya I think Dan’s company is just a bit too small to make options and such. Maybe in the future cause his tents are going nuts here. Sold out in minutes. Still waiting for mine. Should be here soon

[@rungavagairun]

They need to make some of the external pockets modular and interchangeable so people can customize to fit their needs and use cases.

[@PaulandaPack]

I agree, it's nice to be able to customise dependent on situation. I've fitted a zippered pocket over the top of one of the lycra shoulder pockets and that's been working well for me.

[@delongdesign]

I have a Kakwa too but haven't done more than walk around the house with it. Is yours a Medium? A forum poster was saying their load lifters were horizontal and was worried they should have ordered a large. But yours seem similar and you like the functionality just fine it seems. Re: 12:00 Both the Gossamer Gear and Chicken Tramper bottle sleeves use the idea of a loop of shock cord over the neck of the bottle to secure it. Having a longer shock cord and the toggle at the front on the Kakwa would give it that functionality but you could add your own loop to the end as it is (or through the strap daisy chain) and accomplish that. I'm also not sure about the location of that toggle but more because I wondered if it would poke into my arm and become annoying over time. Note however that it is a one handed design: just pull the cord end to tighten, and pinch the toggle button to loosen. I bought some snow gloves with a similar design/function. (Possibly you couldn't do the one handed style if it was at the front?)

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, mine's the large torso size. I didn't have any problems with the toggles poking my arm, it just felt awkward trying to operate them, although, to be fair, I didn't actually find them necessary for the items I was carrying in the pockets. Let me know how you get on with yours 👍

[@GeauxHomeImprovements]

I’m a bigger guy 5’11 260 what size torso large or medium?

[@trickofthetrail]

Excellent review Paul. I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to checking out your other videos. I'm about to embark on the West Highland Way and am thinking about giving the Kakwa 40 a go. However my pack weight including consumables will be around the 13kg mark. Any thoughts on how it will handle that load? Are you still enjoying it?

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks for watching and commenting - much appreciated. Hope you have a great time on the WHW, it's an awesome trail. I'm still using my Kakwa 40, and still very much enjoying it for trips of up to 2 weeks or so. I'm planning a longer trip later this year and have ordered a larger pack for that, (on my last 3 week trip I found that I could have done with a bit of extra space). I think that the pack is supposed to be able to handle about 45lbs (about 20kg), although I've not taken mine that high. I think the most I've had was around 15kg (about 33lbs) and the pack handled that without any problems or discomfort for me. You're welcome to try mine out if you're ever anywhere near the Scarborough area, just drop me a line.

[@trickofthetrail]

@@PaulandaPack Thanks so much for the info Paul and for the very kind offer of trying the pack out. I would take you up on that, but I live in the Midlands, so it's a bit of a trek for me to get over. However, if you ever fancy meeting up for a hike and possible wild camp in the Peaks, which is my nearest stomping ground, just let me know. Always good to meet up with like minded hiking buddies. 👍 Maybe I could take you up on trying the pack then. May I ask what larger pack you have splashed out for your next trip?

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey no problem, hope the info helps you make a decision. It's always tougher when you can't see something or try it out before spending a load of money. A hike and camp sounds cool sometime for sure. Pack wise, I've been wanting one from SWD for a long time and finally went ahead and ordered one of their Ultralight Long Haul 50 models. It will be a while until it arrives as there was a 13 week lead time when I ordered it, but I don't need it until late August so I'm in no rush. I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on it though!!!

[@trickofthetrail]

@@PaulandaPack I've not come across SWD. The Long Haul looks great, will be interested to see how you get on with it. I'm out for a hike and wild camp on the 15th April, so if you're free and fancy joining me, just let me know.

[@daltonfury_]

on the shoulder pouch/water bottle issue maybe try a collapsible bottle??? or a fix would be to add some shock cord to secure the bottle.

[@PaulandaPack]

I think I'll stick with a standard bottle, it's really just more of a slight annoyance than a problem but I like your thinking 👍

[@captaincobolt9350]

Very nice review, very detailed. I was wondering, since you also have a HMG2400, which one you personally like the best. You might already have mentioned it and if so I apologize for asking an already answered question. I have a HMG3400 which I used on the 100 mile wilderness in Maine and I was struggling with the weight and the fit. I really like the pack but my trapezius was hurting quite a bit. It got better over the days (maybe as the food got less) but never really went away. I know they are not the same size packs, but I just wondered if you like the Kakwa better.

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks for watching. To answer your question, I sold my HMG a little while ago. I never really liked the cut of the side pockets, the hip belt caused me some pain on multi-day hikes and the pack never quite felt 'right' when I was carrying it. After the 79 mile trail with the Kakwa I was sold. For me, the main difference was the comfort. I also really like the material. I've just been in the French Pyrenees for 3 weeks with it, fully loaded, and I've not experienced any discomfort at all.

[@RuneArn]

@@PaulandaPack Thanks for taking the time to reply. And with that answer that leaves no question about your preferred one :) I really want to like the HMG and on paper I think it's awesome. It might fit certain people better than others, but I certainly struggled with it. Granted my frame of reference is close to nothing. It was my first trip for that amount of days with that weight (starting at 41 lbs). So I probably accepted some of the problems as being unavoidable. But I've been trying to dig into the negative reviews more and I can see the issues mentioned mostly mirrors the issues I've had with the pack. So it might just not be for me. The Kakwa has certainly made me interested. Can I ask if you picked the same size as the HMG you had? I went to a store to get the HMG and it turned out I got the measuring wrong at home, so I'm glad I went to a store or I would have got the wrong size, had ordered online. I won't have that option if I decide to go for the Kakwa.

[@PaulandaPack]

@@RuneArn no problem at all. I got the large size in the Kakwa, the same as the HMG I had. I'm 6ft tall and I've found it to be a good fit for me. At 41lbs, you're probably going to encounter some discomfort with any ultralight pack, but that said, the Kakwa has carried the best so far for me when compared to the HMG and the Exos 58 I used on the PCT. I think there's a larger version of the Kakwa in development if that interests you.

[@RuneArn]

@@PaulandaPack Thank you. I agree with having to accept some sort discomfort with that kind of weight. I was okay with some. I did get better as the food got less heavy. Thank you for answering my questions, I really appreciate it (the caption one is me as well) :)

[@1john52]

One thing I haven't seen addressed yet is back ventilation. I have a tendency to sweat a lot and the Osprey and Deuter packs have great airflow because of the gap behind the mesh. I was wondering how the 40 and 55 Kakwa's deal with this. Thanks

[@PaulandaPack]

Good point John. I used an Osprey Exos 58 for a year or so and know what you mean about the venting on the back panel. The Kakwa has no such mechanism though, and simply sits tight up against your back with no gap. So far for me, this has been something I'm willing to put up with because of the carrying comfort of the pack. I've only really noticed a lot of sweat on some long hard climbs and I've got used to it now.

[@1john52]

@@PaulandaPack Hey Paul, thanks for the quick response. The Exos 58 is actually the pack I'm looking at. It gets good reviews from some respected websites. It doesn't sound like a deal breaker for you though. Since you've had both is there anything else as an advantage between the two? I haven't backpacked in a few years, just turned 70, and want something that would check the weight and comfort thing. I would probably concetrate mostly on short 2 to 5 day hikes at most, FYI.

[@PaulandaPack]

I think it would partly depend on the gear you have - I stopped using my Exos because I'd slimmed down a lot of my kit, and it was simply too big for my needs. The Exos 58 is much bigger than the Kakwa 40 in the main compartment. I much prefer the material of the Kakwa, the roll-top closure method, and I also find it more comfortable than the Exos - although it's worth noting I used the Exos on the PCT where I was carrying much heavier loads than I have been recently. If it's possible for you to try both packs out, I'd definitely recommend doing that, but I know a lot of the time that's very difficult for a lot of people. If you're anywhere near Scarborough you're more than welcome to try mine out!

[@andrewbrinkman5506]

How would you describe the difference between this pack and the HMG2400SW? Do you feel like it fits and carries better? I like the features of it but it seems like the hipbelt doesn't wrap like the HMG.

[@PaulandaPack]

Good question Andrew. I much prefer the Ultra material of the Kakwa when compared to DCF. It's more durable and I think I'm right in saying it will retain it's water resistance longer than DCF. The Kakwa seems to be a bit narrower and taller than the HMG, and *feels* smaller in the main compartment, but I sold my HMG before I could compare properly. The outer front pocket on the Kakwa is also a little smaller I think. My HMG never felt really comfortable around the hipbelt - I always got marks on my hips but this hasn't happened with the Kakwa, and I've used it much more than I used my HMG. The Kakwa is easily the most comfortable pack I've carried so far, and handles weight very well. It fits me much better than my HMG Southwest did, so the weight transfer to my hips is much better. I also prefer the hipbelt pockets on the Kakwa. Both packs have excellent water resistance but having used both, I've had a small amount of water enter both of them, so if you want total waterproofing - use in conjunction with a pack liner. If you're wanting to use it as a carry on, the large torso size Kakwa is borderline too big for some of the European low cost airlines - if you get checked, you might not get away with it, but that's just my experience of the large torso size. I didn't have any problems with my HMG Southwest. For me, the Kakwa's strengths are the material, the carry comfort, and the price.

[@andrewbrinkman5506]

@@PaulandaPack Thank your for your experience. What do you end up doing with your tent stakes and trekking poles?

[@PaulandaPack]

@@andrewbrinkman5506 I always have my stakes in a small DCF bag, which I put in the stuff sack with my tent. That's usually at the bottom of my pack and I've never had any problems carrying it through airports or onto planes as a carry on. I actually ended up buying a new pair of trekking poles - some Leki Micro Vario ones - as they split down into 3 sections (my lod ones only split into 2) and would fit inside my pack much better. I usually put the tip protectors on too. So far, I've not had any problems. I have heard stories of people having them confiscated at airport security, but I'm not sure if that's because they've had them strapped on the outside of their packs, or if they've just been unlucky at security checks.

[@GeauxHomeImprovements]

I’ve always wanted to start backpacking Im trying to decide between which pack to buy there quite expensive and wanna buy the most comfortable durable pack for the money. It’s between this pack a hyperlite, zpacks, or ula. a one pack do it all hunting and backpacking .

[@PaulandaPack]

Hi, unfortunately I've no experience of hunting so have no idea how much extra gear you need when compared to just hiking, but I would guess that the Kakwa 40 might be a little small for that, but maybe someone else can advise. Durston do make a 55L litre version that might be better suited. All of the manufacturers you mentioned make excellent packs, and you wouldn't go far wrong with any of them. If you're wanting durability, it might be worth considering Ultra material instead of DCF, as it will take more punishment and last longer - DCF will degrade over time with repeated use. It's difficult to do, but if you can find any of them to try on before you buy, it will definitely help you make your decision and figure out which is the most comfortable for you. I hope you manage to find one that fits your needs!

[@robertwaite9742]

If the side pocket seams drain through the stitch holes, won't they drain into the main pack body?

[@PaulandaPack]

Hi Robert, I don't think they can - I didn't have that happen anyway. The seams are right at the very bottom of the pack, so when water enters the pocket it runs down to the bottom and doesn't have a chance to enter the main body before it drains out.

[@delongdesign]

Yes they can. To me this argues for seam sealing the inside of the main body with flowable silicone like Permatex, and using a pack liner. This guy poured water right in the pockets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLVXpqOacxnpq8

[@PaulandaPack]

That could be a solution, but I'd be worried that by sealing the seams, it would mean that water would then have no way of escaping the side pockets. Maybe sealing the main body of the pack and most of the side pocket seams, but leaving a small amount of side pocket seam unsealed would work? As I said in the video, I was hiking in rain for a good 4 hours, with an hour of that being consistent and heavy, and I didn't encounter any problems. Prolonged exposure might be a different story, but any more than 4 or 5 hours and I'm ready for some shelter anyway!

[@delongdesign]

@@PaulandaPack Yes I plan to leave the pocket seams completely unsealed so they can drain, but to seal the seams within the main body. I don't expect it to work 100% so the pack liner is insurance. It's great that you are stress testing things with real world conditions and sharing the results!

[@ManivanAdventures]

@@PaulandaPack Good to hear that the side pockets drain nicely! That was my only concern with this pack when I got it and saw no drainage holes. Great review! I’m extremely excited to take this pack out this weekend!

[@Bosko57]

Why don't they make if more waterproof? I'm sure a lot of us would pay extra for a water "resistant" version.

[@traditionalbowhunter5862]

please don't wear your hat backwards .....lol

[@PaulandaPack]

🤣 noted!