Durston Gear Kakwa 40 Review (New Ultralight Backpack!)

[@judeoliver5256]

Another great Durston product. His products are always well thought out and unique. Thanks for the thorough review, ShastaBubba...!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for watching!

[@porlando12]

Thanks for the helpful and thorough review. Not everybody would think to test their pack out in the shower! This pack seems like a really solid choice.

[@ShastaBubba]

Still enjoying mine. Thanks for the comment!

[@porlando12]

@@ShastaBubba just placed an order for one today! Happy hiking!

[@ShastaBubba]

@@porlando12 Same to you and hope you like the pack!

[@CharmingGecko]

I'm out on a 20 mile trip myself woth the pack and I LOVE it. I keep my Enlighted Equipment wind suit in the stash pocket. They are easy to grab when I have a 1.4 L water bottle in the pocket.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for sharing! I had my windshirt in that pocket as well when hiking.

[@joanrusche6918]

I backpacked 25 miles last weekend with my new Kakwa. Love, love, love the pack! I received a tip on the trail from another backpacker who told me to carry the bear canister empty on top and get the food inside the pack. The saves neck strain.

[@ShastaBubba]

Great to hear that the Kakwa is working out for you too and thanks for sharing the great tip!

[@pemborsky]

Your assessment qua water resistance is correct; the Ultra200 fabric itself *is* waterproof, although because the seams are not sealed, the Kakwa overall is not. I use Ultra200 dry sacks to organize my gear and place it all inside a nylofume pack liner. I encountered a sustained torrential downpour hiking the hardwood forests of New Hampshire's White Mountains over the weekend and everything stayed perfectly dry. Even my Timmermade DCF Pullover I had stuffed into the large front mesh pocket as well as my Kuiu Kenai synthetic puffy in the larger side pocket, both of which were also zipped inside Ultra200 dry sacks.

[@ShastaBubba]

Wow, didn't know Timmermade has a dcf pullover! Is that a rain shell? How do you like it? I got some hipbelt pockets from him that are the Best.

[@pemborsky]

@@ShastaBubba It's incredible. And, to my knowledge, the lightest legitimately waterproof jacket ever made.

[@ShastaBubba]

@@pemborsky Good to know. Thanks!

[@Nomadmike425]

Too bad you are not getting kick backs from Durston, because of your review i just ordered mine! Thank you for the review and love your channel.

[@ShastaBubba]

Tell me about it! I don't even rate a pro discount. ;-) (although, to be fair, I haven't asked, so I guess that's on me) Hope you love your new pack!

[@tamahagane6083]

Great review Dan. I bought this same pack a few weeks ago and am looking forward to taking it out. I’ll be packing for two so I’ll need to rig something to carry an extra sleeping bag and tent on the outside. This pack seems like it’ll do well with the load. Hike on!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much and good luck on your hike!

[@syindrome]

I also shove my umbrella in the shoulder strap pocket, but use a hydration hose clip to secure it. I have one pack with a vertical daisy chain and one with a horizontal strip of webbing right above the pocket. The clip keeps the umbrella from moving side to side, and is held against the handle to keep it from sliding up (horizontal webbing is more secure).

[@ShastaBubba]

Great tip! Using a clip would be much easier I imagine. Thanks!!

[@DrJohn493]

Another Dan certified piece of backpacking gear 😉. Enjoyed the review and explanation of the features.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support John!

[@peteperez5455]

Bonjour Dan I wrote you a while ago about the Kakwa 40, I had two minor issues, side pockets lack of drain holes and the biggie, the single buckle at the end of the double belt straps which, in my opinion, concentrated the force on the belly button area. I made a change to the pack's belt to modify it from a single buckle to a two-buckle system, not dissimilar to some older Seek Outside packs and all of McHale packs for the past 50 years - I can tell you that this Kakwa moved from an OK pack during my 600 km Traverse of the Alps, to one of the most comfortable packs I have ever worn because the tightening of the belt gets shared by two complete independent belts, very good for even mild cases of fat around the belly guys - I will try sending you a pic of the mod by Instagram. Keep up the good work and maybe I'll see you on the European trail one day. Cordialement Pedro

[@ShastaBubba]

Hey Pedro! Thanks so much for writing this follow-up report and sharing the tip/modification you made. So glad you're now enjoying the pack. I've liked mine so much I took it on my long trip this year, even though it was a bit of a squeeze for volume.

[@peteperez5455]

Hi Dan, this is your subscriber from France, I am hiking the 600 km North-South Alps Traverse using the Kakwa 40, I agree with most of your assessment, I wish the belt was a two buckle system to lessen the concentration of pressure in the belly. Of course I can always eat less cheese and get a leaner belly. Regards Pedro

[@ShastaBubba]

Eat less cheese??!!! What would be the point of life then? ;-) Thanks for subscribing my friend!

[@pemborsky]

I don't follow. The straps already attach at two points on each side of the belt so as to cup it around the hip bone. What do you mean by two buckles?

[@peteperez5455]

@@pemborsky hi Peter a strap that tucks in the top of the hip belt and another the bottom is a proven method to cup the belt around hips, however concentrating the forces into one rather small buckle in the bellybutton vicinity will cause discomfort to those without a fit figure (no belly fat). What do I mean by a two belt system, have a look at McHale backpacks in the Web, these are the best packs in the world period, he has made hand made packs for the most famous explorers of all times and still does (more than extremely expensive). Another American pack maker that will fit the double belt is Seek Outside, they also have an option of a single but much, much wider buckle.

[@pemborsky]

@@peteperez5455 *Kifaru are the best packs in the world.

[@peteperez5455]

@@pemborsky Kirafu is an excellent hunting pack, McHale does not manufacture packs, he will only make you a pack if he can fit you in his shop, he has been doing so for many years and does not advertise. His packs have been wore by famous alpinists (like Reinhold Messner) and explorers. Kirafu and McHale are not comparable. Cheers

[@_Chris390]

Good review, thanks. ULA CDT might be a similar option to consider. About the same weight and capacity (ULA includes the external pockets in their number whereas DG adds 15L - so they both end up about 54-56L), but the ULA is $50 cheaper and you get to choose the colour and hip belt size for that standard price (and back length, like the DG), whereas the DG comes in only grey and the hip belt is one size. Also has bungee cord on top of the large mesh pocket, and loops for trekking poles etc - Both useful and the DG lacks. CDT doesn't have those mesh shoulder strap pouches but you can add your own. Also no daisy-chain loops there but two little plastic ones. No loads lifters or internal frame on the CDT, but full custom options for a bit extra $ so you can add the load lifters, select a removable hip belt, choose the fabric, more colours, etc etc. Should also be very water resistant. Unless you need the internal frame as standard, seems like for $50 less the CDT offers lots more options and features for the same weight and capacity.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for this feedback. I agree that ULA makes great packs; however, I think the Ohm would be a closer competitor, considering that the CDT is a frameless pack, and therefore certainly does not have the same capacity. The Ohm has the full, comfy shoulder harness and a inverted "U" type of frame, as well as a beefy hip belt. 6 oz. heavier than the Kakwa, 10$ more, but 63 L versus around 55 for the Kakwa. Certainly worth taking a look at! Of course, the Ohm comes in Robic, which is not as waterproof as Ultra; you can get the Ohm in Ultra, but that adds another $100.

[@panhandlejake6200]

One modification I made to my HMG Southwest was to bend the top part of the frame stays so that they better fit the pack against my upper back / shoulders. This reduced the stress on the front of my shoulders after tightening up the shoulder straps when I wanted to loosen up my hip belt. I wonder if this might help make the load lifters more effective on the Kakwa.

[@ShastaBubba]

Good tip! I'm scared to bend the stays in case it makes things worse rather than better and I'm afraid I'll never get them back to where they were originally, but might be worth the risk.

[@ManivanAdventures]

Excellent review! So excited to get mine in the mail next week!🤙🏼

[@ShastaBubba]

Hope it treats you well!

[@nicebopo]

Dan, great review, per usual. I had same issue w umbrella, I discovered the Gossamer Gear umbrella clips and they works great, I used to use the hydration tube clips but didn’t last long. Being a ginger having umbrella handy for those open burn out areas has been game changer. I have SWD custom pack and really happy w it, has same hip belt system. Anyway, big fan of your channel , happy trails👍🏻

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much Lance and thanks for the great tip re: umbrella clips! That sounds like a much better solution.

[@hustlas4ever]

Thank you.

[@ShastaBubba]

You are very welcome!

[@gzahnd]

Great review! Thanks.

[@ShastaBubba]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Thanks for the review Dan and for the link, I'll give it a look see.

[@ShastaBubba]

It's really won me over, as you could tell. ;-) Thanks!

[@Mike_Blanda]

Awesome video! I appreciate it sir- Question, how is the Y strap for bear vault?

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks! Can't speak from personal experience since I don't even own a bear vault (thankfully not required where I hike!), but it should be fine. The straps are designed to be long enough for that, but I think it does appear a bit top heavy with a vault on top.

[@Mike_Blanda]

@@ShastaBubba that’s what I figured … and most places out in the the Sierras and Inyo require bear can unfortunately

[@birddogfarms6981]

I'm in the market for a new pack.....thanks for this review. Tom

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks and hope it's helpful!

[@grueneauen]

Nice review! I am worried about the airflow between the pack and the back. Looks that you will have a really sweaty mess. 😢

[@ShastaBubba]

No more so than any other pack, IMHO. My experience has been that 'trampolene' style packs give a false sense of air flow and I sweat just as much with them.

[@grueneauen]

@@ShastaBubba Thanks for your reply! Interesting to hear!

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

Hey Dan. Long time no talk. What is the latest in the season you would hike/camp in the Bob Marshall or Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness ? Maybe Sept 15th ? Maybe Sept 30th ? Is end date for the season the same in the Bob vs the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness ? ( these questions are assuming I am not brining winter gear )

[@ShastaBubba]

Really depends on where specifically you're going, particularly the highest elevation point. I'm comfortable hiking into mid October, but always bring winter gear after Labor day for the cold nights. Bigger issue in both wilderness systems is the hunters who descend in droves after about mid September through Thanksgiving weekend. Make sure you have hunter orange to wear if you go then!!

[@TimShelnut]

Just discovered your channel actually for different piece of gear but seen you also had some of Durston gear. I have the original first X-mid 1p love it. And have recently gotten the pack yet to try and trying to figure best way to pack it. I'm fairly new to the backpacking world but have already had decent gear due to my camping and ultra running. Wanting to backpack more when my daughter gets bit older so getting the pack and few other things I should be ready to go when the time comes. Thanks for the review and one thing I have to agree on is lack of attachment points. I'm use to running with a Salomon advanced skin 12 think it has spoiled me for being like a Swiss army knife of running packs.

[@ShastaBubba]

Wow, ultra running. That's impressive!! Glad to hear your experiences with the X-mid 1p -- thinking I would really like to try that out, based on my positive reactions to the 2p. Happy trails with your daughter!

[@TimShelnut]

@@ShastaBubba thank you sir! Yes you should and hear I'm watching for a X-mid 2p lol. Both have their place. Keep it up and you're doing some impressive hikes. Love the trails out west just way way harder to run.

[@nicholasarkis6116]

@@TimShelnut I love my X-Mid 1p. I have the original version. Does the tent fit into the taller pocket of this pack?

[@TimShelnut]

@@nicholasarkis6116 it would be tight and probably not the best place to place it. Depends on what you have in the pack. I found it works in the larger side pocket but not the front pocket as well.

[@nicholasarkis6116]

@@TimShelnut Perfect, the larger side pocket is what I was thinking of (sorry if that wasn't clear). Thanks!

[@pedro1970maya]

Get a cheap grommet punch and grommets at Harbor Freight to protect the hole you put in the backpack for a permanently secure option. Cheers

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@VandrefalkTV]

Great review Dan, seems like a great pack! :) I'd love a bottom thick mesh stash pocket, I've seen some great ones, for instance on a "Atom Packs" backpack I had, instead of that "quick pocket".

[@ShastaBubba]

Right! Those look handy. Thanks!!

[@pemborsky]

Atom Packs makes some incredibly high quality gear. The Mo 60 is still my favorite pack of all; probably only to be dethrowned by the soon-to-be released 55L Kakwa. The 40 is superb for it's weight class and even punches a bit above in my opinion. The next iteration is gonna be a killer.

[@pemborsky]

Atom Packs makes some incredibly high quality gear. The Mo 60 is still my favorite pack of all; probably only to be dethrowned by the soon-to-be released 55L Kakwa. The 40 is superb for it's weight class and even punches a bit above in my opinion. The next iteration is gonna be the tits.

[@ShastaBubba]

@@pemborsky We have some great options for sure! Thanks for mentioning Atom.

[@seanPar]

Do you have a xmid pro coming your way? Love your reviews.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much! No Pro for me, I'm afraid. But I did spring for the X-Mid 1p silpoly version and can't wait to get that out on the trails!! More reviews coming!

[@seanPar]

I bought both the 1 and 2 pro….. ugh.

[@ShastaBubba]

@@seanPar Your back will thank you!

[@charlescoutret6808]

Hey Bubba, I’m a big guy and i am having a hell of a time getting all my stuff in my Kakwa 40. I’ve got 3 XL jackets, an XL quilt and a XL sleeping pad - none of which makes it easy. The good news is I no longer care about weight, only getting everything in. Let me know if you have any advice.

[@ShastaBubba]

Yeah, that a tough problem to deal with and I feel your pain because it seems that folks with base weights under 10 lbs tend to be size medium and never take that fact into account. ;-) Only suggestions would be to keep your shelter on top of the pack, secured with the Y-strap, and maybe consider using a compression sack for the quilt. Generally, I avoid those out of fear of overcompresing the down, but it might be worth it for the volume-reduction. 40 liters is really a fairly small pack size and it might also be worth sizing up to the 55 or the 3600 HMG windrider (which has tons of extra space with it's high collar) to solve this issue. Happy trails!

[@charlescoutret6808]

Thanks again. Moving the x-mid 1 up top will definitely get me a few more folds on the closure. Because i am new to this I am relying heavily on REI bought freeze dried food which i may need to try to pack nore efficiently. I seem to have filled up a 10 day food bag with 4 days of food. Another edge for the size medium guys . A K55 may be inevitable but i woould really love to make this 40 work and i believe they have sold thru the long torso size already. Thanks again.

[@ShastaBubba]

@@charlescoutret6808 It might help to repackage the food in ziplocs and cook freezer bag style

[@0815-p1n]

Hey Dan, awesome Review! I saw your video about the junction as well and wondered how they compare - i really like the fact that the HMG is sealed and therefore waterresistant. If price was no concern, which one would you choose and why? I also like the larger volume option on the 3400 Junction… Cheers Sebastian

[@ShastaBubba]

For me, the Kakwa was is a better load handler, but the space gets tight for anything more than about 4 days, although, I managed that on my recent longer trip by carrying the shelter outside. I think the level of water resistance is about equal with both packs; maybe a slight edged for HMG there. Tough call really, still love my Junction and plan to use it on longer hike and keep the Kakwa for shorter ones. You also might wait a bit because they are supposed to be coming out with larger versions of the Kakwa, which might solve the size issue. One final consideration is that not much is known yet about durability of the Kakwa, whereas HMG has been around a long time and is a big company, so more likely to provide support.

[@0815-p1n]

@@ShastaBubba thank you for sharing your thoughts, really appreciate it :)

[@briankable2713]

Do they make a rain cover for it thanks

[@ShastaBubba]

Not really needed in most circumstances due to the pack being nearly waterproof. If encountering a typical summer rain lasting 2-3 hours, no problem. If you were expecting an all-day downpour, might want to just use a liner inside, like a trash compacter bag. I do alway pack my sleeping quilt in a waterproof stuff sack in the bottom of the pack, to be safe.

[@iCupcake01]

How about waterproof kakwa vs HMG?

[@ShastaBubba]

I believe that the Ultra material has about the same level of water resistance as the dcf used in HMG packs. We just can't call either 'waterproof' due to minor factors like the access port for a bladder hose and lack of seam sealing on the Kakwa (I think).

[@soletrail]

Job Dan. Great review. Really considering getting this bag. Been using the Osprey Exos 48 for years. I like the air vents at the back. This bag sounds great. Sub from me Dan. Greetings from Ireland 🍀🇮🇪

[@ShastaBubba]

Hey, thanks a bunch! I love Ireland (spent a month there on my honeymoon) and see that you have some great trip videos of your own, so I subbed right back. Cheers!

[@billprice6458]

I've been looking at packs for months. I'm down to two. This or the arc blast/haul. Kind of want both. Any thoughts?

[@ShastaBubba]

I've owned and still occasionally use an Arc Blast and, for me at least, there's no comparison. The Zpacks mindset is minimalist everything (tiny buckles and straps, etc.) versus the Kakwa leaning more in the direction of 'smallest/lightest that's still durable.' But by far the biggest advantage of the Kakwa is the load-carrying ability via beefier shoulder straps, hip belt and the inverted 'U' type aluminum frame versus vertical stays in the Arc Blast. The Arc is a fine pack, but only really comfortable if your total pack weight is around 20 lbs. Kakwa is rated to 45 lbs. (don't know if that's valid in the real world, but I've carried up to 32 lbs. and it felt fine).

[@ryanb3908]

Avoid Zpaks at all costs.

[@peteperez5455]

My side pockets got full of water during an afternoon heavy downpour - then I realize that there are no drain holes in the pockets...

[@ShastaBubba]

Good point! Kind of a silly oversight for a designer who is so focused on minute details. Next version will no doubt correct this.

[@wanttogo1958]

@@ShastaBubba just came across your review. I don’t own this pack but it does have some very redeeming design features. As far as drain holes in the pockets go, I saw another review where the host poured water in the pocket to demonstrate that it does drain out slowly via the stitching along the bottom of the pocket but some of it also ran to the inside, bottom of the main compartment. Sounds like it needs drain holes in those pockets.

[@ShastaBubba]

@wanttogo I think under 'normal' conditions it wouldn't be a problem. Pouring water into the pocket is a thousand times more than what enters when hiking in a summer rain. Also, that's why I always pack my quilt in the bottom in a ultralight dry bag.

[@wanttogo1958]

@@ShastaBubba I agree that it was an Eastern trails downpour sort of test. I too always pack my “need it dry when I stop” things in either a waterproof stuff sack and/or pack liner. Have you had this pack out again since your Yellowstone trip?

[@ShastaBubba]

@@wanttogo1958 Yes! I like it so much, I took it on my 'long' trip of the year in the Wind River Range. Worked great with 4-5 days food, but wouldn't want to push it more than that. Not much rain on that trip though to speak to this particular issue.

[@MultiBassman62]

check out packtoter on how he mounts his umbrella

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks, will do!

[@MTtroutfisher406]

Great review! Just bought the Kakwa 55 - can’t wait for it to get here. It seems like the Kakwa has a better yoke design and load lifters to distribute weight better than my HMG pack - I hope anyway! 🏔️

[@ShastaBubba]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the comment Mr. Glacier Rod Company. How about dropping a link to your awesome rods?!!

[@MTtroutfisher406]

Quick update! I received my 55 a couple days ago and so far it seems well made and comfortable! Seems like a great bridge between Cadillac-cushioned 6-7 pound traditional internal frame packs and scant, bare bones trad ultralight gear! Stoked to try it on the trail! One point to know: as I was going through the pack and inspecting it, I partially removed the aluminum stay and when I pushed it back in, I didn’t realize I’d missed the stay sleeves at the bottom of the pack! Make sure to have the stay in all 4 sleeves so it is secured and doesn’t damage the pack!

[@ShastaBubba]

@@MTtroutfisher406 Glad you like the pack. Your tip about the stays is HUGE! I made the same mistake and I believe that resulted in wearing through the hip belt at the end of the first season of use. Kaviso was fantastic in replacing it quickly, but it's a very important warning for people. Thanks and happy trails with your new pack!