Durston Kakwa 40 details + fitting everything that was in my Zpacks 60L pack into the Kakwa 40L pack

I sold my Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L backpack and bought a Durston Kakwa 40. I'll very likely make some more adjustments between now and the big CT finish, but watch this video for my initial thoughts about the pack and how I managed to get everything I had in a 60-liter pack into this 40-liter pack.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to leave a comment. I'm happy to help if I can.
-Tif
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Thanks for watching!

[@lovedogsontheloose]

For those interested in more detailed info re/ the Durston Kakwa 40, check out this great data-driven review by Ryan Jordan at Backpacking Light:

[@jeruncan]

Get a riggers belt with a d ring. Then use an elastic style leash one side clipped to the dogs harness/pack the other side clipped to the d ring. It’s the best version I’ve found for hiking with two large dogs. Additionally I love the dog tie put by rough wear combine that with a cable style metal cord that the dogs carry and it makes a great and safe in camp tie out solution. Trekking poles are a definite upgrade. They help me hike and give me something to create reach and space in case some one else’s or a wild animal takes too much interest in my dogs.

[@kerry1383]

Considering the 60L arc haul's main compartment only offers 47L of storage, I can see how easy it was to get your gear into the Durston.

[@ManivanAdventures]

I LOVE mine! Have taken it out on a few trips so far and it has been great. It is just such a good looking pack too!❤

[@rodoutdoors]

Great video. That's a cool trick with the stickers on the Nalgene.

[@thomashall7315]

cool vid ! this may be the first vid I have seen of someone actually loading their Kakwa 40 pack with actual gear. Most all videos about the Kakwa are only about the features and specs. I have just purchased my Kakwa 40 med , and waiting it's arrival. I am moving out of a 50 liter and was needing to see this type of detailed video review . thanks, see ya on trail 😊

[@MTtroutfisher406]

I love my Kakwa 55!!

[@muskadobbit]

Really helpful to see the pack on you, especially how the shoulder straps fit on a woman. Thanks

[@michelstronguin6974]

Great video! Dan probably didn’t do a curve for airflow because it reduces the integrity of the frame when approaching the max load capacity of the pack. This pack really is the best at weight vs load capacity, where else would you get a useful + bombproof 26-28 ounce pack that legit carries 45 pounds? Dan is a genius, can’t wait for more gear designs from him.

[@MrsStevenBrown]

The weight closer to yiur back should make the gear feel lighter..I found having it closer and more on the hip is better ergonomics for us girls especially ❤ A simple tie loop thru the “small” size tag easily holds my water bladder in place, it’s just an option if you really need a bladder.

[@youtubeuser5609]

Very helpful and inspirational. Thank you from Germany. (I envy your Durston 2p pro, haha! Will try to get one in october with the next release.)

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

I’ve been eyeing this pack and the Out Door Vitals Ultra CS400 I believe the name is, can’t really find a video or someone who can compare the two packs for a through hike. Great video enjoyed your insight.

[@parkerrabel636]

An updated review after using the durston kakwa compared to your experience with the arc haul would be awesome. I would love to know how they compare based on carry ability/overall carry comfort. I have a back injury and need the best weight transfer I can get.

[@nicolereneepeters5682]

Hey, thanks for posting this. I'm also switching from an Arc Haul to a Kakwa, size small, and eventually to an Xmid pro 2 when I'm able to afford it. This offers good insight into the load capacity and carry. I also prefer carrying my tent externally on the bottom of the pack and will be adding cordage to the lash points like you have. From the specs and info on the Durston website I also gathered that you can fit a lot more in this pack than one might think, due to the design. Your detailed review and packing experiment helps confirm this. After the massive, near bottomless, Mary Poppins mesh pocket on the Arc Haul, I already gathered there will be some adjusting to the smaller mesh pocket on the Kakwa...I look forward to hearing whether or not the Durston mesh stretches and has more give after awhile. I think I"ll be adding some mesh side pockets to the Kakwa like the add-on ones for the Arc Haul since I really like having easy access to a bunch of things without opening my pack. Anyway, thank you for sharing this video. Happy hiking!

[@FangDocFilms]

Hi. Enjoyed the summary. Not sure I understood the switch from Z to Durston (other than a great design and getting hit in the back of the head with the cross bar) …. I suffer from buying too much gear, a common affliction if hikers I suspect😂

[@rvator51]

I couldn’t gear all the gear from my Zpacks Arc Haul into my Kakwa 40 so bought the Kakwa 55. I got the first gen so miss not having the bigger mesh pocket on the back.

[@Greghikes1]

Good video cheers. I have the exact zpacks pack, so it's nice to see a comparison cheers! It does look to have more features though I'm not sure it's worth the extra weight? But I guess if it's more comfortable on your hips its well worth the weight.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

I might give up on my hiking poles too I have 4 huskies strapped to me at times oof

[@suesmith4197]

Looked pretty light actully when you swung it on your back. Does anyone bring GORP anymore on packing trips? Love that stuff. Great vid.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

I think it's fairly priced for the quality