Durston Kakwa 40 backpack | Efficient design meets revolutionary fabric (Level 2: Early Review)

[@charlessullivan5370]

This review packs maximum bang for the buck. It is thorough, crisp and clean, like a tightly written sentence, with no superfluities. Well done. I have this pack too and like it quite well thus far. To my mind, the Kakwa is a solid ultralight pack.

[@HikingNerd]

Thank you Charles!

[@naturalflow157]

This is truly what I need right now. It is very soothing and relaxing to watch, but also very inspiring to get out to the world, experience and explore the most amazing places in the world. As someone who has been struggling with life in recent years, I am very moved by this video and inspired to make something special out of my life. Thank you for sharing and wishing you the best on your journey :)

[@wandering_not_lost]

A most comprehensive review, thank you.

[@aaronbegg1490]

Some of the best reviews on here.

[@joanrusche6918]

“ If it doesn’t fit right…won’t make you happy.” I have the Katwa 40 and this past weekend did a shakedown hike in Tahoe. For me, the pack is comfortable, though I only carried about 22 pounds. I appreciated this review, especially learning that there is a hydration port and small loops on the outside pocket. Thank you for the concise and thorough review of this pack.

[@HikingNerd]

Glad it was helpful, Joan. What hike did you do in Tahoe?

[@joanrusche6918]

@@HikingNerd, Section 4 of the Tahoe Rim Trail. I’m backpacking the trail one section at a time. Fires are a hindrance.

[@don.poulson]

I have received my Kakwa 40L. I have a real issue with the straps. I'm 5'10" 185lb, 30" waist, and 44" chest. I'm far from a bodybuilder but I'm a bit muscular and broad. The straps put pressure on the front of my shoulders and it makes all the veins in my arms pop and my arms start to go numb. The best I can describe it is like having your significant other sleep on your shoulder causing your arm to fall asleep. I was planning on taking the pack on a 70-mile backcountry trip through Glacier NP last week but I ended up having to leave it at home. I love everything about the pack and really wanted it to work out. The shoulder straps are a deal breaker. I personally loved the hip belt though. It wraps around and hugs my hips nicely and is super secure.

[@markcummings6856]

Fantastic video. Superb presentation. Just may have to get me one! Thanks for sharing and your efforts.

[@whimpihastarobbi5700]

So cool-- absolutely amazing footage. Great work!! Glad everything went well and you were able to get this on video for all of us. Thank you.

[@pauls8456]

Litres and ounces - one day we will get you all to the full metric system……

[@Andy-Mesa]

You are *exactly* my weight, height, and dimensions, so this was very helpful

[@shaggyterrell8460]

Can’t wait for the new Kakwa 55L to get back in stock, it’ll probably have some new changes since Durston really listens to his customers and takes their recommendations seriously. Dan is the man.

[@DarrenYee]

Great review, I appreciate the detail in which you look at the features of the pack and looking forward to a real world and durability testing.

[@DarrenYee]

Have you done any reviews on Ultimate Directions 30/40L packs for backpacking? I am currently using a Montane Trailblazer 30 pack, but I like the shoulder strap pocket system you see on running vest and need a pack with a larger capacity and a decent hip belt for carrying heavier loads. Do you have any recommendations? Thank You

[@HikingNerd]

I’m glad you asked, I’ve been testing a couple of UD packs for a while. If you see a review on my channel, it means I’m pleased with the product or think I’ll likely be happy with it (in the case of a first impressions video). I’ve struggled with comfort on the UD fastpacks - the shoulder straps pinch the top of my collar bone once I’m carrying >15lbs. The more padded 40L Fastpack didn’t solve this, so I’m looking to see if I can add more padding/cushioning to solve.

[@BryceU]

Excellent and thorough review. Appreciate it.

[@chasee1563]

Really like your reviews and adventure videos! Some of the most informative reviews out there. Subscribing in hopes you continue to make videos

[@kbcovingtonsr]

Really objective and precise review. Thanks!

[@SpaklesDr]

Best reviewer I have seen. Amazing job.

[@jeket5007]

Bought the Kakwa 40 pack for my wife. I just got the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 65 for myself. Love both packs. Nice video.

[@georgepotcovaru913]

Hi ! Why not same as your wife ,or the Kawka 55 ? 😀 And how would you describe the OVS that you have now ? Thanks !

[@jonhunt8270]

Came here to here about the Kakwa… now looking at Flex Capacitor

[@joakimolsson1024]

That is spot on my problem with the ultralight packs i have tried so far - the flimsy hip belt. It kind of "hangs" in the back, just as seen in your footage, which i find very uncomfortable. I'm very happy with my "heavy" Exped Thunder as it is really comfortable and distributes the weight nicely, but a 800g pack would be awesome provided it carries comfortable.

[@BenPhanStudios]

Great review, thanks! I'm currently on the CDT, using an X Mid and wanting to try the Kakwa

[@eugenecaasi5776]

WOW I THINK I WILL BUY THIS. TNX FOR THE REVIEW BRO

[@barondavis5692]

Thanks for the review. The introduction of the pack made it look very appealing. After watching a few reviews I’m less excited by it and more interested in what the USA made cottage venders are producing.

[@shaunarundell]

Great review. Can you do the Durston X-Mid 2 Pro next ?

[@Ryan-yi5ro]

Just got it yesterday, best tent on the market hands down.

[@VandrefalkTV]

An insteresting pack for sure! I'm getting my X-mid 2p SOLID tomorrow in the mail. :D Can't wait to compare the two.

[@BRAINpl]

when did you place the order for your x-mid?

[@VandrefalkTV]

@@BRAINpl They went on sale June 16th for a few minutes. :)

[@MrEbeet]

great and thorough review. one comment you made about not having easy access to a rain shell though. unless you are going to drape it over the pack, you'll have to remove the pack anyway to put it on. curious why they didnt tape the seams. i use a pack liner anyway, but would prefer to keep moisture out of the pack as much as possible. very easy to forget stowing something properly over the course of a day as you pull and place gear/clothes from the pack.

[@David-vi1ex]

Great review. Very useful. Thank you!

[@splashpit]

I like it but it needs an option to carry the tent on the bottom like Atom do with the stretchy sleeve

[@Derrenf66]

Very helpful and considered review, thanks

[@davidstefani1]

You reviews have always been thorough and well informing. Yhank you for your effort. Excellent job.

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Albert!

[@Outdoorleben]

Thanks from Germany😊 love this review ❤

[@ClayAmero]

Great review! Just put mine on order.

[@logictd567]

Great review! Can you do a video or tutorial on how you pack it? I feel like it’s too small. Perhaps it’s user error

[@InlikeMikeQuinn]

GREAT REVIEW!!!

[@kimballisms]

Wow, that was a thorough tour of the backpack! Looking forward to a Level 3 review. In the meantime, any ideas on whether a Peak Designs Capture Clip to hold a camera could still be mounted to the shoulder straps? It sure looks like those shoulder pockets aren't removable unless one cuts them off.

[@HikingNerd]

I think some hikers in the Durston Gearheads Facebook forum were able to mount a PD clip. You’re right though, the shoulder pockets are not removable without cutting them off permanently.

[@kimballisms]

@@HikingNerd thanks! Looks like I need to join yet another FB group... sigh

[@hlchen9497]

Brian, I just took the Kakwa out for a 3 day trip. I basically mounted the PD Capture Clip directly over the shoulder pocket and it worked fine. It removes 1 shoulder pocket from usage, but that's the trade-off. For me, the capture clip didn't feel centered/comfortable when I mounted it above or below the shoulder pocket.

[@kimballisms]

@@hlchen9497 thanks, that makes sense and sure sounds like the easiest solution. Appreciate the testing and follow-up!

[@samuelkilpatrick4449]

just finished a 400 mile sierra section with some buddies. My friend got this pack in mammoth, and by day 6 sadly the frame was beginning to poke through the bottom. He looked it up and found that if you don't make sure your frame is inserted into its proper location, meaning out of the little sewn tubes this can happen. Thinking this was the issue he checked to see if it was out and it wasn't... We aren't really sure what's going on but it was a pretty catastrophic failure. Other than this, the pack seemed legit, besides maybe having too small of an exterior mesh pouch for my friend's carrying intentions. Take this as you will for I was not the one carrying the pack but we all couldn't help but be sad about this frame issue... Hopefully it gets fixed or even better hopefully my friend got a defected pack from the get go and others aren't like this.

[@HikingNerd]

That’s a bummer, thanks for sharing this data point.

[@microgreensgrower3946]

Curious how much weight he was carrying.

[@kennyle8640]

This is a great way of doing reviews with lots of details you don't find out until you've worn the pack for a while. It's not my style of pack, but it'd be nice if one of the bigger brands, like Osprey, would integrate bottle pockets on their straps on the lower capacity packs. Also, I don't have a single Osprey pack (between the Manta and Stratos lines) in which I can close the hip pockets with one hand. The Stratos you might able to do it if you're patient and tenacious, but that's a lot of unnecessary work. Just goes to show, there's no single perfect pack.

[@StevenJohnsonR]

Fantastic. I too have been using a Flex Capacitor (which I've been mostly happy with) and considering replacing it with the Kakwa. (I loooove the frame/straps on the FC but am not at all wild about the pack bag design, which is merely adequate. I'm hoping that the Kakwa will be a usability improvement on that front without regressing in load capacity/comfort.)

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Steven. I’m curious, what about the usability of the Flex Capacitor leaves you wanting?

[@morevananything]

@@HikingNerd I love the FC but really wish they would just have a set capacity of like 50 liters and remove all the adjustable straps and do a roll top closure. That would make the FC one of the best bags on the market IMO. I also love how well the FC carries weight and the shoulder pockets, but I just don't like dealing with all of the extra useless straps on the front.

[@StevenJohnsonR]

@@HikingNerd I don't think the compression straps pay for themselves, frankly -- I think conventional side-compression straps would be just as effective, and enable front storage on the pack (even a stuff pocket) that would improve usability. I'd also like to see side pockets made of durable packcloth instead of the fragile mesh stuff, and preferably of larger capacity.

[@nothingbutnut2767]

Extremely thorough, thank you! Were you ever able to get a more long term analysis, and if so how’s it holding up?

[@UGA.D]

Fantastic review!

[@enelnelson]

Great review!

[@cescmail]

I still can’t decide between Atom Packs Mo 50 or Durston Kawka 40. Both have internal frame. Durston seems more robust due to horisontal structure of the frame, while Mo 50 has only single insert frame & plastic sheet. On the other hand, shoulder strap & hip belt in Mo 50 looks thicker, therefore more comfortable. Also, Mo 50 has lumbar pad, while Kawka 50 not. Any suggestion? Thanks

[@Tanko3691]

20,000mm static head !!!! Are you sure about that !? Also, you didnt mention the specification of the frame tube.

[@richiewynne58]

Most excellent overview sir, new sub here 👌✌️

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Richard, and welcome!

[@samsmith8870]

Your review is excellent as always. Silly question, couldn't you just use DCF tape to make the pack waterproof?

[@HikingNerd]

Thank you! Yes I think for this pack there are multiple ways to waterproof it (liquid seam sealer or DCF tape) and may be worth the extra step for many people.

[@susietopspin]

Good review. Can you remove the shoulder pockets?

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks! You can cut them off but they are not designed to be taken off and put back on.

[@markcummings6856]

👍 👍

[@JamesTwomey-eg8hn]

Like everything I see about Kakwa but am a little concerned about back sweating with it. I know you mentioned the ventilation but any more comments.

[@HikingNerd]

If you keep this pack on long enough, there will be back sweat for sure. Whether it’s a deal breaker will depend on the individual.

[@songman3552]

Maybe I missed it in the video, but do you know the height of your size medium pack measured from bottom of aluminum stay to the top of the stay? Wondering if this is carry-on allowable, which is capped at 22”. Great review by the way!

[@HikingNerd]

Mine measures 21.5” to the top of the frame

[@NealBenson]

Do you think it's better to get the Kakwa 55 for the extra $10?

[@HikingNerd]

Depends on your needs, I think the price difference is moot compared to whether you want more flexibility for longer trips

[@NealBenson]

@@HikingNerd Thanks for the response. I do like to go out for 5-6 days.

[@soletrail]

Great review pal. I have just got my one.. really looking forward to hitting the trail with it. Loving the channel. New Sub from me 👏🙌 greetings from Ireland 🍀🇮🇪

[@TMNT3388]

Havent seen it yey. but this is going to be good.

[@texmexia49]

Great review with valuable details. I waited for the 55 liter, because I always use a bear canister and like to carry it horizontally. Do you have any updates to your original review and how has it been working for you?

[@HikingNerd]

Good call on the larger pack, I would probably prefer the larger size since it gives more flexibility for winter trips where gear may be more bulky, or to just make the space easier to use with a large bear can. No major updates but for winter trips where I will need to carry certain items on the outside of the pack (snowshoes, skis, shovel, etc), I’m going to stick with the Flex Capacitor for the 10oz penalty (bonus: less sweat on the back which helps in the winter)

[@blueneet84]

My torso length is 20 inches. Should I go large or medium? 🤪

[@davef5916]

great analysis! Are there any factors beyond trip length (food and water carry) or season (bulkier clothing) that would make you choose the 40 over the 55 or vice versa?

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Dave! I would personally choose the 55 over the 40 for versatility, though I had the first batch of the 40 so the 55 wasn’t available at the time. For the marginal weight difference, I like the extra capacity that would make it easier to carry gear for winter trips or luxurious backpacking.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Do you still recommend the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60L over some of these super light backpacks? Or is it a coin toss? The FC is a bit heavier, however, not by much. I just purchased a FC.

[@HikingNerd]

Still a super strong contender, especially if you need to lash things to the outside of the pack for winter travel (e.g. shovel, skis, etc). For summer, it’s more ventilated than Kakwa

[@fastneataverage]

I am interested in this pack but I live and hike in the sun of Arizona. I can’t use a black backpack because they heat up too much. Given its grey-ish color, does this pack get hot when in the sun?

[@w8stral]

In the desert, WHITE gets hot... and in the desert WHITE does not stay white, so you may as well just buy dirt tan color or grey anyways has been my experience. If in the sun a LOT of hours it really does not matter, all the straps die due to UV light anyways and you are buying a new pack. 1 year late but for whatever it is worth...

[@lancecolley6809]

Can you show how you put skis on this backpack?

[@HikingNerd]

Hey Lance, you can A-frame the skis by slotting them through the side compression cord (if your skis are light enough this should be fine) or attaching a loop to the back of the pack and an adjustable strap or hook to the top of the pack for a diagonal carry. There’s also an option to lay them horizontally flat under the Y strap on top of the pack.

[@panda2621]

What was that large clear container that you had in the pack/on top of the pack?

[@HikingNerd]

Bear canister

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

small torsos matter

[@stuartsteele9984]

Your backpack has 5 to 8 bio-mechanical inefficiencies. The pack sits at your hips or lower - you've lost your basic pace speed. Your water bottles are at the sides of the pack not at the center of your spine - the center of torso rotation. Being further away from your spine, you are thrusting the load back and forth with each step wasting energy, reducing endurance, increasing discomfort and fatigue. If your waist belt is not a few inches below your navel you've reduced your breathing capacity by about 25%, reducing muscle blood oxygen transfer for ascents and speed. If you are carrying a load of about 20 pounds or less you wouldn't need the hip belt but you do need it due to the side to side load thrusting generated by not having your lightest gear at the inside sides of the pack and the heaviest gear at the center. If your shoulder straps are not located at your trapezius muscles should rotation for gaining speed is reduced. Being a wide and deep pack along with the mesh addition, thrusting is further increased reducing speed, endurance, comfort and increasing fatigue. In Summer, the large area of the pack creates perspiration, heat related heat related fatigue. I could go on, but I've said enough.

[@HikingNerd]

What’s your pick on a backpack and gear when you need to have a week of food + bear canister that weigh a combined 14lbs alone not including other gear, water, etc? This would be for a summer hike in the Sierra.. asking on behalf of any viewers who would rather hear solutions than problems.

[@ULperformance]

@@HikingNerd Aarne from New Zealand, has the best pack to eliminate a number of the bio-mechanical inefficiencies that exists in the majority of backpacks. His packs provide front loading for quick access to a good amount of gear. The front loading will provide improved comfort and increased stride as your center of gravity will be further forward due to the front loading. My patented hiking and running packs that eliminate all of the eight bio-mechanical inefficiencies do not have the capacity you are looking for.