Lightweight, Durable, Comfortable...and Unusual: The Durston Gear Kakwa 55

Dan Durston: Backpacker, Gear Creator, Cult Leader(?). Here I review the latest lightweight, durable backpack from Durston Gear: the Kakwa 55. (For the Kakwa "Soak Test, see link at end of video!)
0:00 Dan Durston Gear Original Drop (DD) 40
1:03 The Kakwas (40 and 55)
1:23 Kakwa Size, Weight, Materials
3:03 Kakwa Features
3:28 Body and Frame
3:48 Harness and Shoulder Strap / Hip Belt Pockets
5:25 Hydration Bladder Compatibility
5:52 Front and Side Pockets
6:26 Build Notes
7:00 The Kakwa's Performance, Fit, and Comfort
8:02 Some Minuses
9:57 Conclusion
---- LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO ----
Kakwa Backpacks - durstongear.com/packs
Bladder Hanger for Kakwa - www.etsy.com/listing/13948849...
Garage Grown Gear Ultra Article - www.garagegrowngear.com/blogs...
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[@halifornia2001]

Thanks for the excellent and informative review!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

My pleasure!

[@BackcountryTreks]

Best review of this pack I’ve seen. Thanks for putting this together! 🍻

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rodoutdoors]

Nice. Glad this pack fits you well.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The large actually felt pretty good too, but the medium ended up being best. :)

[@Mike_Blanda]

Great video breaking man! Between this and the OV CS40 ultra- this video was helpful

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@DarrenYee]

Nice review Doug, I have been eyeing this pack for a while to upgrade from my exos 48. You can't beat the price and listening to Dan Durston on a pod cast you can really tell he pays alot of attention to detail and he knows his materials. Yeah, I wish there was a way to try on these packs somewhere. Thank You

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It'd always scary buying sight unseen (or fit unworn!), but these seem to be unusually adaptable even without much in the way if size adjustment. So far it seems that the recommended torso lengths are accurate with most mistakes being sizing up.

[@ManivanAdventures]

Great review! Just got my Kakwa 40 and am very much looking forward to taking it out! 🤙🏼

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great! That's a good size for many adventures!

[@johndoobus]

I have one and its really nice. Fits all my gear and it holds the weight like a pack with double the weight of the Kakwa. I believe its the lightest pack out with a full frame, back pad, load lifters, and hip belt with pockets. Definitely a good pack, enjoy it.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Right on! Yeah so far very good!

[@jeffbonzerpeterson]

I just got back from a over night section on the PCT with the 55 amazing pack, I was able to stay under 20 pounds with food, water, chair and a 2 person tent. The pack felt great my old pack was a Gregory Baltaro and I didn’t really miss the extra suspension or the pack weight. I really like the see through mesh on the back to find things, and the side pockets are set up perfectly for Smart water bottles.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great to hear! Yeah moving from a Baltoro to a Kakwa would be dramatic! Both great packs but the Baltoro is more of a power lifter. :)

[@rungavagairun]

Good review. I was glad I opted for the 55 instead of the 40. My previous packs were all more traditional packs with more padding, so the minimal padding, especially at the hips, has required a little adjustment for me. Having said that, I like mine.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The 55 only weighs like 2 oz. more - so worth it for storage if you want an all-around pack and not just a thru-pack. Glad you like yours!

[@user-dy6qn2zz5b]

love the review. very informative! Thank you for putting out this video. I have made the choice to purchase one from kaviso with the discount coupon as well bringing it down to $199. :) Looking forward to using this! My only big concern was the missing back ventilation, but I figured heck I'll just have to find a way to mod it so it has a bit of a ventilation for my back. Again, thank you!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice! It'd already been upgraded so if you get it now you'll prpbably get the new model. :)

[@user-dy6qn2zz5b]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Sweet! Can't wait to get mine and test it out :D

[@OutsideChronicles]

Really well done video, thank you for the walkthrough and detailed specs. After using it more, would you still recommend it?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah I've taken it out a time or two since and it's pretty great! I really like the material and it's got the best volume-to-weight ratio of any of my packs.

[@MrJLewis59]

Very good and thorough review. Thank you for sharing. I just bought the 2024 version of the Kakwa 55 and I was loading it up in my garage this evening comparing to my Osprey Exos 48L. I must say that so far it rocks! The only feature I dont like so far is the Y strap at the top. I can see how that could be a real problem. Im taking it on a 12 day bp trip to New England in a few weeks and I will be able to tell more about it then. Thanks again for sharing your review with us.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Let me know how it goes!

[@dekcarc]

Why don't you like the Y strap? I have the original "Drop" pack and a Kakwa 55 on the way. I wish the original pack had a Y strap (and a longer overall strap) so I could cinch down stuff on the top of the pack more securely.

[@MrJLewis59]

My fears about the y strap were unfounded. The pack worked great and I had no issues whatsoever with the Y strap just was something new to get used to

[@jfifield20]

Nice review! I never considered putting a water bladder in the outside mesh pocket and looping the hose over the top. I definitely want to try that on my Kakwa. My only concern doing that would be moving the higher weight further away from your back. Did you try this with and without? If so how did that affect the balance and distribution of weight over your hips? Does this method create extra potential fatigue?... since I imagine the pack would pull backwards more on your shoulders?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's an important consideration - if full it would definitely be more of an issue. I did not do this because I usually only use bladders on day hikes and on those I don't carry enough to worry about it. :)

[@MaryannHazel]

Dude...how many packs are in your collection? Yeowza! Love the thorough review on the pack Doug. So far, I'm really happy with my HMG Southwest 3400, and I bought the 4400 for winter backpacking this year. They seem to fit me well. But I know what I will get if they stop working so well for me.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Some would say too many. I would not. Lol! HMG makes great stuff, I doubt you'll need anything else! One of these days our paths need to cross again!

[@MaryannHazel]

@@BackcountryPilgrim - we need to make that happen!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Shoot me an email if you have any ideas! [e-mail]

[@robertcaudill4209]

Great and informative video. I am torn between the Kakwa 55 and Waymark Embr 60. I keep going back and forth. I know the Kakwa is lighter and made of a more durable material. Have you had any experience with the Waymark Embr60? These things are not cheap and I want to try and make a good decision. I usually go on 3-7 day outings. Base weight around 17 lb.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've never tried an Embr but I am a big Waymark fan. Tough call without being able to try them on. The kakwa has about 3 more liters of internal volume if that matters to you. The Embr is more adaptable. The weight difference isn't huge. Let me know what you decide!

[@Community-Action]

Interested in the kakwa for hiking the wet AT. How well does the ultra 200 sailcloth keep rain out, how much weight is added while carrying the kakwa when saturated, how fast does it dry compared to silnylon?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great question (and probably something I should have done before I made this video!). You inspired me to do a soak test (see video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3LKgHuqrdyCaNE). RESULTS: The material really does not saturate as it is natively water repellent - but the Kakwa is not seam taped, so it is not waterproof. When I did my soak test, the pack retained 5 oz. of water after a brief dry off and dump - but that was mostly due to pooling and not material saturation. Note that neither the side pockets nor the main pack body have drain holes - so water can leak through the pack seams and pool up. The hipbelt pockets use AquaGuard YKK zippers and the interior stayed dry in my test. I can't really do a fair comparison with silnylon because packs differ by denier, coating, stitching, sealing, etc.

[@CharmingGecko]

I have a LOT of packs, but every time I use anything other than my Kakwa, I understand why I always go back to it. I think I may just sell everything else.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's how I feel about my Waymark Mile - it just replaced all my daypacks before I even realized it had haha!

[@CharmingGecko]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Also, try clipping the top, then fold the corners in and roll it. I get a very clean appearance with the Y strap holding it down.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That is how I do it on packs with no side clips, you're right it's way better than the top buckle!

[@lougrzybek2816]

Hi Doug - are you able to reach a water bottle in one of the side pockets without having to take it off? Thanks.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yes, although I am not super flexible these days I can very easily reach and replace bottles in the small pocket (right arm) and pretty easily for the large pocket (left arm). I got a Gatorade bottle in and out of both on my first try. :)

[@daven.7685]

I hope you found that trekking pole!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You noticed!!! LOL, yeah that was actually part of a separate gear test for an upcoming video and thankfully I DID realize it came off when I went back for the camera hahaha!

[@lukedarcy3]

Did the squeak go away or is it still there? Squeaking is the only reason I'm buying a new backpack so would hate for my new one to squeak as well

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Honestly I forgot I ever mentioned it. I've taken it out several times since then and didn't notice anything. :)

[@Canadaman4403]

Is that an insulation cover over your water hydration bottle hose? If so can you tell me the name of the product and even to provide a link if possible to purchasing one? Or provide the name of the business? thank you for the video

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Camelback! amzn.to/3xs8JVa

[@SumGuy255]

Thinking about buying this pack. The ultra 200x is currently out of stock, is it better to wait or is buying the ultra grid version ok?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm not a good enough materials guy to know really. There's a cool cult....group....on Facebook that could definitely help: facebook.com/groups/durston.gearheads

[@billb5732]

Durston gear is impressive. Suggestion for future: The most important thing in a pack is how it carries. The fine points you discuss only matter after the suspension and belt (which you did mention, but could benefit from closer analysis and/or testing). I understand that many packs do an adequate job at low weights, and any old sack is fine under about 15 lbs. The rubber hits the road when carrying extra water or gear for Winter/packrafting/mountaineering or just heavier gear. The best design appears to be Seek Outside, followed by Mystery Ranch and Osprey Aether, but it is hard to tell without side-by-side comparisons, and these are more expensive packs which makes it a more important decision.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Agreed 100% - it will take some more testing to really see if it holds up. I wanted to get an initial review out since a lot of people are looing for new packs right now and I thought I had enough data for that. :) I don't know much about Seek Outside - thanks for the tip! Mystery Ranch is the bomb, I've never owned one but I've tried a few out in store and seen enough reviews to know they rock. Finally, I know it's not cool to like Osprey but I still do haha! And for comfort, the Atmos / Aether AG suspension is hard to beat!

[@billb5732]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Seek Outside is the only pack company that openly discusses changes in pack geometry at higher weights. Their frame size can be adjusted in the field, which could be helpful for water carries or hunters who may have to carry out 100 lbs more than they carried in. (Not just moving the shoulder harness, but actually extending the frame.) I really love their honest discussions. At one point even their hip belt included a "frame"; not sure they still do that.

[@halifornia2001]

Per other reviews, the Kakwa is able to handle rather heavy loads much more comfortably due to the unique frame having both a horizontal and vertical component (versus most other packs which only have vertical). That frame does an amazing job of transferring almost the entire weigh to the hip belt.

[@Canadaman4403]

Can you tell me what the model is on the mystery ranch backpack and bag you were referring to?

[@isabellakathleen3533]

How would the Kakwa 55 hold up on the rain soaked Appalachian Trail?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The fabric is waterproof but the seams are not. Basically unless your backpack is a dry bag with shoulder straps, I'd use a pack cover or liner or both. :)

[@isabellakathleen3533]

I planned on using a liner and using Gear Aid Seam Grip Waterproof Sealant on the seams. Whatcha think?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Mixed reviews on trying to seam seal packs in general, but the ones in favor with regard to Ultra fabrics seem to prefer Aquaseal. Challenge makes a seam tape for Ultra and DCF tape will work on the inside but it has to be wide enough to cover the grossgrain binding and still stick well to the fabric. Probably going to be a tough job! You should join Durston Gear Heads on Facebook or the Durston Gear Reddit and see what the current thinking is (plus they're awesome folks!). :)

[@davek1515dk]

So I take it that the ULA Circuit is still your favorite?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah - but it was custom made so kind of an unfair comparison haha!

[@richardk7692]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I'm looking for a pack and have narrowed it down to the Kakwa 55 and ULA Circuit. Can you share any or your thoughts regarding how they compare to each other?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Oh man that's tough, there are so many differences. Off the top of my head I'd say the Kakwa comes in "stock" pretty well featured, but it is not customizable which for me is an issue because I definitely would want some things changed. As far as stock goes, I like Ultra (Kakwa) over robic nylon (Circuit) for waterproofing and weight, but I am not sure about its durability yet (and you can now get the Circuit in Ultra!). Ideally I like the frame in the Kakwa better because it adds horizontal stability, but it's not something I ever really had an issue with on the Circuit. The Kakwa has higher interior volume if you prefer to pack that way, but the Circuit has way more exterior if you like more things handy. I also prefer the Circuits big stretch mesh front pocket over the Kakwa's net. I am a big fan of modularity and adaptability so I am not a fan of sewn-in shoulder pockets (Kakwa) and prefer daisy chain webbing (Circuit). If you have to carry a bear cannister it will fit easier (if somewhat awkwardly) inside the Kakwa better than the Circuit. If I lost both packs and had the insurance money to replace one I'd probably get my customized Circuit in Ultra. :)

[@richardk7692]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. Gonna be ordering one of these 2 packs in the next couple of days (although also considering the Catalyst!). If a ULA pack, it will be the standard Robic version. For the $'s the Kakwa 55 has so many included features, especially the Ultra fabric. It wins hands down except for two concerns I have. In the past I've had difficulty dialing in fit on packs w/out torso adjustments (I've been measured at 17.5"), and it appears the Kakwa has no means to adjust torso, and Circuit does. Also, some reviews have said the Kakwa has pretty light padding on the straps and hipbelt. FYI... I am not an ultra-light backpacker but try to be all in at 30 -33 lbs. But I do have bad knees, so weight does matter to me! Thanks in advance for any add'l feedback you can provide!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I mean, you're kind of comparing the Mercedes to the BMW at this point, haha. It's probably just going to come down to 1 or 2 features that really matter to you. Sounds like the Circuit would be better for you because nothing else will matter if you can't get a proper fit. If I lost all of my packs right now, I would probably get the ultra catalyst.

[@ScottOwens28]

What is max capacity spec? Thanks.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Internal volume: 51 L (S), 54 L (M), 57 L (L) External volume: Approximately 15 L

[@ScottOwens28]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Sorry, I meant max weight capacity....

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Ah - well the website doesn't list that spec (and I don't pay a lot of attention to those reports anyway), but I'd say 35 lbs or so would be fine.