Durston Kakwa 40 Ultralight Pack - First impressions - Bag Transfer

[@soletrail]

Wanna Join the adventure? Subscribe for FREE and LETS GET AFTER IT👊 kzbin.info/door/YE4K4_iqrjau_Zj0GGlR7w

[@williethejones]

New viewer here, love the vids! Coming from the US and hearing US based video makers all of the time, it's incredibly refreshing hearing a lovely Irish accent! Keeps me super entertained :) haha. Cheers and keep crushing it!

[@soletrail]

William thank you so much. Really appreciate that sir. 😊 thanks for the comment and support 🍀🇮🇪🇺🇲

[@aranha9365]

I've just subscribed your channel, I liked this pack ( I'm not an ultralight guy) cause it is well thought, very functional.

[@Floki1624]

I swapped from a 50+ Liter to this Kakwa 40 and had room to spare as well. Very impressed. I've seen a few posts about the waist belt ripping out due to the type of fabric (not craftsmanship) but that was after the equivalent of about 1 thru hike and may have been an earlier version of the pack. Can't wait to see how long mine holds out! Great video.

[@soletrail]

That's some serious downsizing win right there! Going from a 50+ Liter to the Kakwa 40 and still having room to spare is seriously impressive. And thanks for the heads up about the waist belt fabric - sounds like the craftsmanship is solid but the material might need a little extra love. Here's to many more adventures and a long-lasting Kakwa 40 for you! Your support means a lot, and I'm stoked you enjoyed the video. If you've got more stories to share or just want to chat gear, I'm all ears. Happy trails and keep rocking that pack! 🎒🌄🌟

[@joshscott9905]

I just got this bag earlier this summer and have taken it on two backpacking trips so far. I was worried about sweating on the back, as I'm used to Osprey bags where I have more air flow there, but honestly, I wasn't even bothered. I did get a bit sweaty, especially it's been so hot this summer, but it didn't bother me while hiking honestly. I really love how comfortable this bag is on my back and the weight savings over my old Osprey 70L is amazing.

[@soletrail]

Likewise.. the backseat didn't bother me at all but I did notice it. Working on a few tricks to prevent sweat. Stay tuned 🙂

[@brianthornton4991]

Many thanks Martin for an excellent review. The Durston Kakwa 40 really looks the business. Weather permitting I will be following your tracks to Inisheer next week however, I doubt if I will fit through the gap in the stone Wall !! Once again many thanks for taking the time to post this review.

[@soletrail]

No bother at all pal. I'm looking forward to trying it on the trail. You will love Inisheer. Send me some pics when you set up.

[@ExoticIdiotics]

I just switched to this bag from an Osprey Atmos 65. I took it for a 20 mile overnight this past weekend and absolutely LOVED IT. It was hot and humid, but I didn't really notice too much more sweat than normal (I sweat a lot anyway). The amount of space I still had left in the pack was also really shocking. I was expecting to struggle fitting all my gear in after switching from a much larger bag, but everything fit perfectly and I still felt like I had only used about half of the available space. The most mind blowing thing to me is not a lot of people are talking about this bag in their "ultralight" videos (even though it's lighter than the Hyperlite 40L). You hear about Hyperlite, Outdoor Vitals, and Z-Packs all the time, but the Durston is flying a little more under the radar--and in my opinion it gives you way more bang for your buck! Great video!

[@soletrail]

This is my 1st ultralight and I am blown away buy the build quality. Really am. Loving it. I pack very differently with this one. Using the external stow on the go pockets much more and worked so so well.

[@MiriamKennedy]

A lovely looking bag Martin! My own Osprey bag has served me well for the last 9 years with frequent use - great to see an alternative with such fab little quality features!! Hope it works out well for you!! 🤩

[@soletrail]

Yeah I didn't know how I would feel about the bag but to be honest it's brilliant. The back sweat is something I did notice but not a show stopper. 😊

[@alanrobertson5497]

Top class. ❤❤

[@soletrail]

Cheers man.

[@terwils7492]

Great pack, my favorite. I put loose stuff in a dry bag and use the front pocket or a side pocket for easy access. I also add bungie shock cord to the top attached to the Y strap for the tent and/or cook kit. My only wish for the kakwa 40 is a larger front pocket with more stretch. Enjoy!

[@soletrail]

I'm a fan of this pack too! Using a dry bag for loose items is a smart move, and the extra bungee cord for the tent and cook kit is a clever addition. I totally agree about the front pocket - a bit more stretch would be great. Thanks for sharing your tips, and I'll definitely enjoy it!

[@RamblingOn]

Looks like a cracking backpack. I'd imagine that you will notice a big difference when you take it out camping. Great review, it's mad how much free space you still have in there too

[@soletrail]

Cheers man. Really looking forward to trying it out. Have a few tricks to beat the sweat on the back. Will see how it goes. Cracking build quality of the Durston I must admit.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

I have a custom-made backpack from my country of New Zealand, and it has a lot of similarities to this pack. Also has ultra fabric, that fabric feels so space age so light yet so strong, reminds you of the first time you smell dyneema z packs tent. Lol. Very expensive, but when I put on the pack, it felt exactly as you described. It was like an extension of myself

[@soletrail]

I would love to see the custom packpack. Love items built to your style of backpacking. Love the pocket styles and ultralights. Fotlrces you to think more about your packing. So far, so good 😊

[@michelstronguin6974]

Really good review! I got the Kakwa 40 and you got all the right points in it, Dan hit this one out the park! The only thing I would change in this bag is to move the belt pockets a tiny bit forward, because as a big guy I end up with these pockets too far in the back, not a big issue, but I feel that if I am ordering the largest size pack, then the pockets would be located a few centimeters forward to account for a wider waist size. And even for a thin tall guy, if the pockets are a bit more forward they wouldn’t be in the way anyway, and would even be more easily accessible.

[@soletrail]

Thanks pal! Kakwa 40 is a winner.! Totally feel you on the belt pockets - a little forward shimmy could work well. But hey, still a minor thing in a very well designed product bag. Enjoy rocking that Kakwa 40 on your adventures, Happy Trails man 🎒🌟

[@ervinslens]

Thsi backpack looks brilliant, the quality seems excellent and there is room for two drones for longer hiking adventures! 👌👌

[@soletrail]

Cheers Pal... What kind of bag do you use?

[@ervinslens]

@@soletrail I have several backpacks, but my faithful companion and main backpack is the 50L Jamten, a very high-quality backpack that has served me well for 3 years.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Martin, an interesting design👍 The material really does look very different to what I have been used to with bags and as you say has a real strength to it. Disintegrating mesh side pockets are a real hazard and are just hanging in on my Osprey bag, though it has had some use. The top looks just like a dry bag closure without the lid. Would be cool to access a water bottle (or sweets) on the go from the side pocket👍It would be interesting to get feedback on that air circulation to see how it performs versus the Osprey. A cool first look👍

[@soletrail]

Hey Gerry. Big thanks for the comment. Honestly it's so well built. You can see the craftsmanship in it. Never had a bag without the airflow. But like you said.. the stretch mesh is a disaster. I have 2 bags that's are still in very good condition but the mesh is destroyed. I will be out this week camping so will keep you updated. Only 770 grams. Impressive.

[@Brandstifter3D]

My problem with non-ventilated backpacks is simple, I spend my days on the trail during summer months relying on function clothing to keep me dry. While using packs like Osprex Exos Pro or Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra, with my Polartec Alpha fleece my back is nice and dry, but when I cover it with something that has breathability on zero I am much more sweaty as the moisture cant escape properly

[@briantoro3946]

Kakwa 55 in the mail. Wanted the extra space for winter gear, bear can, and for those occasional social triips where you wanna bring your liquor cabinet 😉

[@soletrail]

Great choice Brian. Someone said in the comments, place your foam seat up your t-shirt for cushioning and prevent sweaty clothes.

[@alanrowland398]

Great video, I’ve just revived the new 2024 55L in large … loads of space and comfortable, took it for a walk yesterday fully loaded and felt great , I normally use the Fjallraven Keb 52 as a mountain day pack but the Kakwa is so much lighter on my old bones 😅 . Which I will use for wild camping for sure ! …. I also have a Fjallraven Keb 72 backpack which I’ve only used once ….this is for sale if you know anyone or the. Best place to sell it ? Dan Durstons gear is fantastic! Loving my new pack so far … what x mid do you have ?

[@ScottRosa2008]

I like the roll down top packs. I’ve got an Exped Lightning 60L that I used last month on the TMB with full camping gear within, there was room to spare, it does weigh more than the Durston pack does (but is 60L) but it has the hydration sleeve inside and inner zipped pockets which I liked for my passport and items I wanted to keep safe like my house keys Really great so I will take that on the Walkers Haute Route next summer

[@soletrail]

Thanks for the update. This is my 1st ultralight backpack and loving it so far. Will check out the exped.. I am going down the backpacking rabbit hole now. 😂

[@ScottRosa2008]

Yeah I could have got lighter but for the secure inside features it was worth it and still lighter than the Deuter pack I used for the first TMB I did The TMB is a great first thru hike

[@MTtroutfisher406]

I had an HMG Junction 3400 and changed to Kakwa 55. Its much more comfortable of a pack though it seems a little smaller than the “same” sized HMG.

[@soletrail]

"Nice switch! Comfort is key, even if it's a bit smaller. Enjoy your new adventure with the Kakwa 55! 🏞️🎒" I find I have more room than my Osprey.

[@cerrinis]

For the airflow in my black, I put my sitpad under my first layer directly on my skin, so clever ! 😊

[@soletrail]

That is a brilliant idea 👏👏👏

[@cerrinis]

@@soletrail Of course ! I'm French !😅

[@cheefussmith9380]

@@cerrinis😂🇫🇷 also it keeps your body heat from warming the wine in your pack😉

[@cerrinis]

@@cheefussmith9380 no problem for the wine, I put it directly in my hydratation system !

[@trickofthetrail]

I think you'll really enjoy the Kakwa mate. I'll be doing a comparison of it against the Atom Packs The Mo EP50 soon. I do have a couple of niggles with the Kakwa, so I'll be interested to see how you get on with it. Overall though, I think it's an excellent pack.

[@soletrail]

1st trip was amazing. I found the pack so so comfortable. I did have a sweaty back but forgot about that very quickly 🙂 I organised my pack differently which works so so well. Delighted. I must check out the Atom pack. 🙂👏

[@delongdesign]

FYI the pack is not “waterproof.” The Ultra material is, but the seams are not, so I’d say the pack is water resistant. You’d hate to have a wet sleeping bag or ruined electronics. The Nylofume pack liners are light and cheap. I seam sealed my Kakwa by painting all the interior stitching with flowable silicone but I haven’t tested to see if it’s truly waterproof and am continuing with the liner for now. Happy hiking!

[@MTtroutfisher406]

I also use the Nylofume liners for down gear/clothes as the bag has leaked in a long drizzle and moderate rain. 🌧️

[@soletrail]

Thank you for the info! It's important to clarify that while the material itself may be waterproof, the seams can be a potential point of water entry, making it more accurately described as water-resistant. Using Nylofume pack liners or seam sealing with flowable silicone are practical precautions to keep your gear dry during your hikes. Happy hiking to you as well, and may your adventures stay dry and enjoyable! 🌧️🎒🏞️

[@tijanakrajisnik8311]

Great video, thank you! Do you have a video of Kakwa 55L🙏? I would love to start getting ultralighter. The Kakwa 40 would not fit my Trangia stow, alkohol, food, water and especially the non-ultralight sleeping equipment I have, clothes, etc. Cheers!!

[@soletrail]

@@tijanakrajisnik8311 thank you. I do not have the 55L. What I did do is order a Chest Pod which can be added to set up. Just a thought. The Kakwa is made so well. Very very strong material.

[@tijanakrajisnik8311]

@@soletrail alright, thank you, I'll look that up!

[@tijanakrajisnik8311]

👌 Is there a video of your thoughts after your hike?

[@soletrail]

Hello, which hike? Hiking with ultralight gear?

[@tijanakrajisnik8311]

@@soletrail Hi, oh, sorry, I thought you could see what I commented on. I saw your very much appreciated Kakwa 40 bag transfer video and back then you had still not tested the Kakwa yet. :-)

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

Great video, I’ve just had my 1st outing with the x mid pro 1 and loved it, the bag is next on my list, I’m currently on the osprey Exos 38, the only thing I’m worried about is no back vent, you had a problem with this?

[@soletrail]

Thanks a bunch for the love on the video! That X-Mid Pro 1 sounds like a winner, and kudos on the adventure. As for the bag, transitioning from the Osprey Exos 38, the lack of a back vent might be a minor concern. It's worth keeping an eye on, but remember, comfort is key. But stay tuned. I have a game changing ventilation hack that you will like on the way. 🎒🌄

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

@@soletrail look forward to that one then ( the Kakwa 40 is being delivered next week)

[@user-dy6qn2zz5b]

how was the back comfort on it? also, seeing how it doesnt have the air vents for the back, i'm assuming your back can get so sweaty when using it on the trail. I would love to hear from anyone there who has used this backpack

[@soletrail]

Honestly I find the back super comfortable. Really do. I did get back sweat but I got over it quickly. Think except the sweaty back and bring a spare t-shirt. The bag is worth it. Or the frame I found. Thanks for the comment

[@MrKevin3140]

Looks like the fit is a little small. be sure before you get it dirty. The load lifters should at least be above your shoulders to be able to do their job. It looks like it is wrapping like how you would want a frameless pack. It's a pain sending stuff back but might be worth it. Just trying to be helpful. Aloha

[@olex.p6447]

Ultra and Dyneema are two different fabrics

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

Honestly after having a roll top I couldn't go back to a top pocket or brain style backpack they feel outdated and they are finicky and annoying

[@soletrail]

Likewise. I really like the roll down. Weirdly I organised everything better using drybags and the external pockets. Loved it so far.

[@garyh3228]

Wouldn’t trust that tent on top walk 100 yards and your back will be wet with sweat

[@soletrail]

Time will tell. Looking forward to trying it on the trail.

[@johnmccarron]

Can't compare it with the Osprey 48. Looks like a big coal bag!

[@soletrail]

Yes, a very different bag. Find the build of the Durston much higher thou.. Time will tell. Will still be using the osprey now and again.

[@johnmccarron]

@@soletrail There are tons of bags like that, and they have been for a long time.

[@sl4383]

@@johnmccarronwhy so negative?

[@shaggyterrell8460]

I think he compared it with the Osprey 48 nicely. This Durston pack is great, just like his tent. Always going to be haters though.

[@jh9911]

Great first impressions. I’ve been looking at atom backpacks which look similar. I look forward to your in-depth review. 🫡

[@soletrail]

Cheers man. The Atom backpack looks impressive as well.