New Backpacking Gear I'm Excited to Try in 2024 | Durston Kakwa 55 First Impression

[@underdgk9]

Very nice gear. What new gear did Otto get? Perhaps a new set of food and water bowls out of DCF would be nice!

[@ellihikes]

Otto got new hiking snacks, some special high energy treats :) I have a dcf bowl as a backup, but I don't really use it for his food as it's a bit wobbly and gets knocked over easily :)

[@patrikahlvik8607]

Great choice on backpack Elli

[@ellihikes]

So far I'm very happy with it indeed :)

[@Crazy-s8s]

This was a fun video to watch Ms Elli😃 The smile on your face and the gleam in your eyes as you were showing each piece of new gear reminded me so much of gifts on a Christmas morning❤️ Your excitement and enthusiasm is contagious even on here😃 Every bit of the new should be a welcome game changer and stepping up a notch for sure👍🏻 The air pump is awesome and will prevent any chance of getting moisture inside your sleeping pad to avoid any possible mold/mildew issues The pack looked great and looks like you’ve got the fit dialed in well, maybe a lil tweaking once on trail Looking so forward to seeing the next adventure begin Thank you again Ms Elli, I look forward to each of your videos and you always brighten my day with smile and excitement in whatever your doing Until then, take care, keep safe and we shall see you and Otto then👍🏻🙏🏻😃☺️

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for following along and leaving kind and encouraging comments!! Hahaha, it really felt a bit like Christmas - so excited to try out my new gear and tobput it to the test! You're right, using the pump should avoid getting moisture in the pad - definitely a benefit too 😊

[@Crazy-s8s]

You are most definitely welcome Ms Elli 😃 Love all of your content and I’m glad KZbin recommended your channel when it did👍🏻 Been working on catching up on your earlier videos from your big hike. Can feel your highs and lows and your being you. You’re definitely my favorite on here bar none. You are awesome and I thank you for all your hard work and time involved in producing these. Give Otto a head scratch for me, take care, keep safe and see you on your next offering👍🏻🙏🏻😃☺️

[@muskadobbit]

So grateful to see the pack on a woman. Thanks! I’m keen to know how it works out on trail for you. And have a wonderful time.

[@ellihikes]

Really happy that I could help, thank you :) thank you so much!

[@gerardgeometre1862]

Hello Elli, your information about the equipment is very interesting. It's amazing what has happened to equipment in the last few years. With my experiences from the “wandering stone age” I think your new backpack is great. With the rollable end, the compact filling of the backpack works really well. Finally, the dangling lid compartments of old backpacks are a thing of the past. And the weight of the new part is under 1kg - just great. Keep it up Elli!

[@Josephhikes]

I just came across your channel. I love getting new gear also. I hiked 760 miles or 1225 km ? on the Appalachian Trail last year and I am about to return to finish the rest next month. I saw several people using the Kakwa backpack last year and every one of them loved that pack . 👍👍

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for sharing! Yes, the reviews are amazing, can't wait to put it to the test :)

[@cittapolyglotta7414]

Ha, dacht ich mir doch, dass du dich für den Kakwa 55 entscheidest! Ich bin sicher du wirst es nicht bereuen. Ich war mit meinem Kakwa 40 jetzt 11 Tage auf dem GR 131 unterwegs und bin rundum zufrieden. Viel Spaß mit den neuen Sachen!

[@ellihikes]

Hahaha, ja hab mich dann wegen kürzerer Lieferzeit und den vielen positiven Erfahrungsberichten für den Kakwa entschieden 😅 Meine erste Minitour war schon mal super, er passt und trägt sich super :) Gut zu wissen, dass du auch nach einer längeren Tour zufrieden bist :) Dankeschön und liebe Grüße!!

[@alangauld6079]

I have the Cnoc water bag and it is great, just so easy to fill. I also have the old version of the Flextail pump and the ability to suck all the air out of the pad before packing it away is the biggest benefit IMHO. I was surprised by the Durston backpack because I didn't know they made them! I've only associated Durston with tents!

[@MrsStevenBrown]

The packs are wonderful, he put a lot of thought into them, just like the tent. ⛺️

[@ellihikes]

True, the pump really makes packing away the pad so much easier :) Yes, they also habe backpacks and from what you can read online, a lot of people really love them 😊 really excited to test it :)

[@hikingmovie]

I thru hiked the AT last year with the Kakwa 55. So comfortable. Also used the xtherm in the winter. Very warm!

[@ellihikes]

Thank you for sharing - that's great to hear! Really looking forward to using it 😊😊

[@RobbC.]

Hey Elli, always good to hear gear reviews. Everyone has a different opinion but you will at least put it through some tough trials and keep reporting on it. Look forward to your future adventures with Otto. Have fun, stay safe. Take care.

[@ellihikes]

Yes, I'll definitely do that :) thank you so much 😊

[@Curlew-Corner]

Thanks Ellie. That was most interesting.

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you following along :)

[@hope2someday691]

New gear is always exciting for me too. Can’t wait for it to arrive, then can’t to open the package(s) and lastly can’t wait to try it out. You likely can’t wait to also share the results with your subscribers. I will be looking forward to your videos! Hopefully there will be no rain.

[@ellihikes]

Hahahaha, yes! It's always exciting to try out new gear and I definitely will give a detailed review once I've put it to the test :)

[@s.richards6552]

I am envious of your new purchases, Elli. I have had my eye on a Cnoc bladder for a while but cannot justify the expense to myself when plastic bottles are free and can be made to work with a Sawyer filter! What really excites me is the pump. I have made a diy inflator out of a rubbish bag that works fine to pump up my mat, but deflating it is the thing I hate most abut camping and my bag cannot do that. I will be very interested to see how you get on with it. Happy hiking!

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for sharing! So far, the pump has been very handy for deflating my pad, I love it :) yes, very true - the bladder is quite expensive. The main reason why I got it is that I can roll it up and it doesn't take up any space. I often hike in wet climates where I rarely carry more than 1L at a time. If I have multiple bottles, it takes up to much space for even if they're empty. So that seemed like a good solution to have extra water storage that isn't bulky :)

[@gregbabay1798]

great upgrades, for sure You will be glad with it. I already have and use on my trips few from your choices and it really works. For example Kakwa - one of nice feature is easy access to water bottle in right site pocket

[@ellihikes]

Yes, that's so true! One of the most annoying things with so many other packs is that you can't reach the side pockets while you're wearing the pack! Thank you so much for sharing your experience :)

[@anaiabaker]

Thanks for reviewing the back, I really want to get it but was worried as a woman that it might fit weird and there's been very little feedback so far from women about this pack that it had me somewhat nervous. I can't wait to see how it performs!

[@muskadobbit]

I’m a 5’4” woman and just received my Kakwa 55 last week. I loaded it up and adjusted it and it seems to fit really well. I’ll try to come back and comment once I’ve been out for at least a shake-down hike. The internal frame seems to work exceptionally well.

[@easternmenace]

Enjoy your new gear. One thing to consider about the Cnoc and keeping the filter attached. If you dunk the whole thing in the water it might contaminate the clean end of the filter so just be careful about that.

[@ellihikes]

Thank you - good point! That's what I thought too that I need to avoid that 😊

[@ellihikes]

Thank you - good point! That's what I thought too that I need to avoid that 😊

[@Rueckfuehrungstherapie]

Hi Elli, I just ordered 2 days ago my Kakwa55 - after weeks of research. And I'm really soooo excited, too. Can't wait to unpack it and do my first trip with it. My old pack is a Salewa Peutery 50+15" with 1800 gr weight. So I will downsize to half the weight. Thanks a lot for you video. I like your enthusiasm 🥾😍🌲

[@ellihikes]

Aww, that's so cool! I really hope it works well for you. So far, I'm very happy with mine. It's the most comfortable pack I've owner in a long time 🥰😊

[@fittappintrails8731]

Hi Elle. I have just discovered your channel which is fantastic. I thought about the Durston backpack, as I have the Xmid 2 person tent, but it isn't waterproof and doesn't come with a raincover. I bought a Gregory one instead. I use the Pure Clear filter bottles because they do filter some chemicals. I also have the cnoc water carrier too. I also purchased a Nero Dagger tent for a bit more solidity as Scotland tends to be pretty windy as you know. Looking to hike the Great Glen Way in September when the midges arent too bad. Atb.

[@ellihikes]

Thank you for sharing and thank you for the kind words :) I really appreciate that! The raincover wasn't a real dealbreaker for me, as I always hike with a packliner anyway and the fabric doesn't get soaked too much. Worked really well for me so far 😊 have a great time on the GGW!

[@clairehannah1441]

Thanks so much Ellie - I'm so grateful for your input. I'm about to start a solo SWCP trek and you're giving me a bit of confidence in making those first steps. I was going to buy a pole tent similar to the one you showed on a previous video - did I see you are not using this tent this time round? Enjoy your walk - look forward to hearing all about it! x

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so so much - I'm really happy that my videos helped with that. The SWCP is incredible, I'm sure you'll love it 😊 I normally always take my Durston tent and will take it for my next hikes in the UK too. The only reason why I didn't bring it this time is because I was planning to stay in open wooden shelters and wanted the free-standing tent where I can just setup the inner tent with no pegs and still be protected from bugs, insects etc.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I am very impressed with my Flextail Zero!!

[@ellihikes]

me too, honestly! I never thought about a pump before, but it's so light and convenient - I love it!! Makes setting up camp a lot easier, especially for only 50 grams on top! :)

[@stephenvicary9243]

Excellent gear shake down Elli. 👍🏻 I also spent ages last year looking for a suitable backpack, but as I don’t do through hikes at the moment, it needn’t be too big. Good advice on getting the right fit. (As I’m 6’4” - 193cm I settled for the Osprey Talon 33 large as it’s just right for an overnight camp with room for enough for a dog kit/food/etc). Half the fun is searching for the right equipment and trying not to over spend 🙄 I like the flextain mini, lighter and smaller. Nice find. Looking forward to your ‘reviews’ on the new purchases. Happy hiking 😊

[@ellihikes]

Hahaha, yes - definitely part of the fun! I love reading reviews, researching,... 😊 thank you so much for following along :)

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Hello Elli and Otto, Great video and looks like you have some great new gear there (Christmas came bloody early for you lol) Just picked up that route map information you did and looking forward to having a good look at it later. All the best - Take care and a hug for Otto ✌😜 ----- Update 2 days later I think you just got lucky Elli because I think I just purchased your map again lol no worries Buy Otto a treat.

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate it :) hahahaha, yes - it felt a bit like christmas and I'm so excited to really put the new gear to the test :) thank you for following along!!

[@chrishiking8818]

Hi Elli, great video over your new gear , be really interested how it all works out. Seen the pump and looked into that and heard and read its does well so like to hear how you get on with it. Over your backpack looks really good hope it proforms well for you too. Like the size if the water bag . Have you a link over your sleeping quilt? Been looking for new one . Take care 🌷

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much Chris for the kind words! So far, I'm really happy with my new gear but I'll be testing it some more :) that's my quilt, it's custom made by gramxpert: www.gramxpert.eu/product/elite-quilt/ I have the version with Apex 233 :)

[@neverninetofive]

awesome video Elli! I just wanted to add that the Atom Packs Mo is also available in a non-custom version without any lead time :)

[@ellihikes]

Yes, true - I should maybe have made that clear in the video 😊 I don't know if I missed something, but whenever I checked, my configuration was sold out (I didn't see when it would be back in stock) and it seemed like a custom order would be my only solution....

[@neverninetofive]

@@ellihikes if it’s out of stock they will usually write in the description when the pack will be available again. but yes, they sometimes sell out really quick so you have to be fast :)

[@user-man-now80]

That was fascinating ; the decisions regarding equipment and clothing is so important, because as we have seen the weather and terrain will vary, and can be extremely challenging, sometimes dangerous for you. But it also highlights how much you value and love your life, hobby, as a long trail hiker. I also am about 5'4" and can relate to the problems that can arise. Another interesting vlog. Cheers. Sheffield South Yorkshire

[@teamforeyes]

This is so helpful!! Getting ready for my first hike of the year and have the kakwa!!! I’m a bladder hydration girl so this is my first time to use bottles. Also would love to know your “method” of packing your pack. Do you use a compression sac for your sleeping bag?

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much, really glad that you found the video helpful :) my quilt goes into the bottom of the pack, in a compression sack, sleeping pad folded next to my back, on top of my quilt heavier items (food, dog food), on top of that my clothes, small stuff, toiletries and my electronics for easy access. Rain clothes and snacks in the mesh pocket, tent strapped on top:)

[@anjakotitschke2869]

Ich habe mir die selbe Hose von Gramexpert bestellt. Freue mich schon darauf, sie nächstes Jahr zu testen.

[@Randolf4475]

Hallo Elli, tolle Vorstellung. Bin auf der Suche nach einen passenden Rucksack und bin zufällig auch auf diese von den beiden Herstellern gelandet...

[@ellihikes]

Beide haben ja super reviews und sind wirklich gut durchdacht, was Taschen, Design etc angeht :) bin sehr gespannt und werde berichten !!

[@Randolf4475]

Klasse, vielen Dank, wollte mir für September was neues holen, dann warte ich mal auf das Feedback ab😉. Den Harzer Hexensteig kann ich auch empfehlen, sehr schöne Tour und wenn man gerne Dinge sammelt, dann kann man auf der Tour ein Heft abstempeln, um am Ende eine kleine Stecknadel als Erinnerungsgegenstand in den großen Touristeninformationen einlösen. Wünsche Otto und dir viele tolle gemeinsame Touren, eine wahre Freude euch zuschauen zu dürfen 😊

[@ellihikes]

Der ist auch schon länger auf meiner Wanderliste 😊🥰 das mach ich! Dankeschön 😊

[@JCandCo.]

Hi Ellie! Exciting gear additions. I have the Vecto 2L and really like it. Mine finally developed a pinhole after 3 yrs but its still usable and I’d buy another in a heartbeat. With the Flextail pump, can you connect it and walk away or do you have to hold it to keep it attached while in use? Really like the Kakwa. Its a well thought out pack. Hope it serves you well! Happy Trails!🥾😎

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for sharing :) the Flextail pump fits really tight on the walve, you can just leave it, no need to hold it :) I'm really excited for the Kakwa, so far I'm really happy with it :)

[@davidhale1568]

Just to let you know the new flex tail headlight takes the same battery as the Zero pump and is also available with a slightly bigger capacity battery 900 mha instead of 650 mha. So its possible just to take the one battery to use in either device.

[@ellihikes]

Ohh, thanks for sharing - that's good to know 😊👍

[@z0uLess]

Would love to hear more about your experiences with the rain jacket. My last thruhike I went with a heavy fabric (polyurethane) minimalistic jacket with pit-zips and I cut out the pockets from it to make it lighter. Its still quite heavy compared to yours, but at least its 100% waterproof :D ... and it probably can take a lot of beating! +its much cheaper than those complicated technologies. I am interested in trying frog toggs though, to make things lighter.

[@ellihikes]

I'll definitely do a review after more testing :) so far, I'm really happy with it and I've had some very poor weather to test it 😅🫣

[@Daytona2]

Brave move with the backpack, hope that it's working OK and you're having fun, Elli & Otto! Was there an issue with your ?Osprey ?

[@ellihikes]

Yes, true! So far, I'm happy with it. Definitely more comfortable than my previous packs :) my Osprey was rubbing on my hips, I don't know if it wasn't padded enough, but it somehow didn't fit tight enough.... I had a swelling the size of a small golf ball for almost the entire time of my hike last year 😅

[@Daytona2]

@@ellihikesOhh... damn! I remember you had problems with the first JoGLE pack and swapped it for the Osprey iirc

[@safasilvana9313]

Ich bin völlig begeistert, dass du alles für dich und Otto in den 55l Rucksack bringst🫢 mit meinem Hund konnte ich die Ausrüstung noch nicht so stark reduzieren🙈 Hast du auch eine Isolationsjacke ohne Daune zu empfehlen?

[@ellihikes]

Je nachdem, wie viele Tage Essen ich mitnehme, wirds schon nochmal etwas voller. Ja, hab echt alles reduziert, wobei Otto ja auch recht klein ist :) ich nutze als Isolationsjacke die Patagonia Micro Puff :)

[@user-he8qc4mr4i]

will be nice to know how well the Zpacks lumbar pad worked

[@ellihikes]

It's been great. It fits perfectly, stays in place and adds a good amount of cushion. I like it a lot!!

[@syrus3k]

I wanna go hiking and camping now!! Arg.

[@ellihikes]

😅😇😊

[@archtographer]

Hi, I will be purchasing the Kakwa 55 and was interested in your addition of the Zpacks lumbar support. I don't see it as an available item on their site...I think maybe you mentioned that it came as a part of a Zpacks bag that you also own? How did you attach it to the Durstan bag? Looks like a good idea! Thanks. Sorry, I see that Zpacks does sell the pad separately and how it loops over the existing hip belt. Thanks!

[@ellihikes]

Sorry for the late reply! I got it second hand, but yes - zpacks sells them and it just slides on. It fits the kakwa perfectly and is very comfortable. So far, I'm very very happy with the Kakwa after about 300mi with it :)

[@luxlieb]

Hi Elli! Did you import the Kakwa from Canada or is there a European shop selling it? :)

[@ellihikes]

I got mine from Canada, but outdoorline.sk also sells them in the EU (Slovakia). But my size wasn't in stock back then and it's probably the same price (customs charges and taxes added to the price directly by them I suppose)...

[@MichalBraun]

Hi Elli, would you ever consider of visiting Isle of Skye? I'll be going there in September this year and looking for someone to join me.

[@ellihikes]

I've been to the Isle of Skye a few years ago. It's such a beautiful place :) I'm probably going back in April/May....

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Very nice video 😊

[@ellihikes]

Thank you :)

[@Oceanpreneur]

Thanks for sharing! I'm looking to get myself a proper backpack for my next trail with my dog:) Now you've hiked with the Kakwa, how are you liking it? Does it fit well and nice on the longer trails? Thanks!

[@ellihikes]

I like it a lot! It's the most comfortable pack I've had in a long time :) It's fits well and carries heavier loads (more food etc.) surprisingly well :) So far, I'm very happy with it :)

[@brianandpaulinemulcock538]

How did you manage to attach the lumber pad?

[@ellihikes]

The zpacks lumbar pad has two 'loops' and just slides over the hipbelt straps easily! No need to attach it or modify it, fits perfectly :)

[@Pasequale100]

why didn t you consider to buy the Hyberg Attila Ultra? Similar design and size but at only 600g and possible to shriken the size of the pack when needed as there is no frame.

[@ellihikes]

I've used frameless packs before, but I personally prefer backpacks with a frame even though they are a bit heavier. I need a pack that's lightweight but can still carry a bit heavier loads comfortably too. When I'm hiking with Otto, I'm not ultralight and with several days of dog food, I sometimes carry up to 13kg. And for that load, I prefer something with a frame, which is why I went with the Durston :)

[@Pasequale100]

@@ellihikes thanks a lot for your answer! Wuy not the framed zpacks? Because it is way to xpensive and too less pockets?

[@ellihikes]

I really liked the layout of the pockets on the Durston and since I'm very happy with my Durston tent and a lot of people seem to be happy with the Kakwa (esp. when carrying heavier loads), I thought I might just give it a try :)

[@Pasequale100]

@@ellihikesthank you for your informations :) Is the backpack comfortble enough on the back and hip area? I have read that it kind of hurts after a while on certain areas on the back and

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Great backpack review. New follower here. Crow

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much, so glad you found your way to the channel :)

[@CharlieBooker00]

how long did you have the helium jacket?

[@ellihikes]

2.5 years I think, maybe a bit less. But that's probably normal with a lightweight jacket after 2500mi in total...

[@CharlieBooker00]

@@ellihikes yeah you are right 😀I had one for quite some time but I dident use it much mine is a borring color and I was thinking about getting one in another color for summer you just made it sound like it was brand new and I dident know because I never watched your videos before 😀

[@Iml1529]

Hast du gar keinen Pumpsack genutzt? Denn wenn man das gegenrechnet bleiben vermutlich nur wenige Zusatzgramm übrig.

[@ellihikes]

Stimmt, so hab ichs noch gar nicht gesehen! Nein, hatte tatsächlich nie einen Pumpsack mit - gar nicht mal aus Gewichtsgründen, sondern weil es manchmal so fiddelig ist und ich wusste, dass ich den vermutlich eh nicht nutze, sondern eher schnell reinpuste - auch wenn das natürlich nicht ideal ist..... 😏

[@user-he8qc4mr4i]

that pump wont fully fill some pads

[@ellihikes]

So far, it worked really well for me and has been a great addition. Really surprised by how much I actually like it 😅😊

[@StevenOsler-m6r]

Hi Elli, new subscriber. Really enjoying your vlogs. I'm planning Te Araroa, NZ for 25/26 season. Got most of my gear but interested how you feel about Kakwa 55 now. tiv SteveO

[@ellihikes]

Thank you so much for following along :) I’m going to make a video on my experience with the Kakwa 55 soon, but just as an answer for you here: I’m very happy with it, it’s the most comfortable pack I’ve had in years and carries even heavier loads comfortably. After well over 1000miles with it, it has almost no wear and tear. I actually like everything about it :)

[@StevenOsler-m6r]

Thank you. I am binge watching your TGO Challenge right now. Love your energy and enthusiasm! I came down to Kakwa 55 and Mo (Prospector now) like you, but I have big shoulders so I am leaning towards the Kakwa. You are on Day 5 and no complaints about the pack yet, so I like it. Your vlogs make me happy.

[@larsjrgensen6753]

Subbed🙂

[@ellihikes]

😊🤗

[@AdminPDDental]

What is your torso size?

[@ellihikes]

44cm, I chose size S and it fits me very well :)

[@AtmosJourney]

The Durston backpack seemed overrated. There’s not really any new in design as it looks pretty conventional just like any other top loading backpacks except that this one is lightweight. Thanks for your video on gear ideas.

[@ellihikes]

Thank you for sharing! Yes, not a pack that hasn't been made in a similar way before. I guess it's personal preference what fits, what layout you prefer when it comes to the pockets etc. (for example I like pockets on the shoulder straps that are not on every pack etc....). As I was very happy with my Durston tent and its quality when it comes to the materials, I wanted to try the pack too and so far, I'm very very happy with it. Fits my needs better than a lot of packs I've had before :)

[@AtmosJourney]

@@ellihikesSubscribed to your channel. Keep more videos coming! 😊

[@ellihikes]

@@AtmosJourney definitely will do that :) Thank you so much!!

[@surlynguyen]

Our flextail is junk. Weak and already has a failing bushing or bearing. I don’t expect it to make even a dozen inflations. A waste of $50. Hopefully you have better luck.

[@ellihikes]

Oh, sorry to hear that! I'm very happy with mine. Been using it for over 40 nights already and so far it was perfect. I only had to charge it once a week/every 10 days....

[@long-long.]

Scotland isn't as cold as you are making out 😂 you don't need the heavy thermal sleeping pad or the down pants in my opinion. Definitely in winter. But it's just wet in the summer not really cold

[@ellihikes]

I didn't just get it for Scotland, but it can get quite cold near the Alps where I live. But I was also very happy to have it in Scotland in March in temperatures below freezing too 😉

[@megawhitesox0574]

who gives a shit its her choice!

[@yeahbutytho126]

Where is the Durston stuff made? I am trying to buy from western democracies.

[@ellihikes]

They are a Canadian brand, but I’m not sure where the gear is actually made/sewn..

[@Itsmylittleworld]

Vietnam

[@Rueckfuehrungstherapie]

@@Itsmylittleworld For the Kakwa55 you find little information on Dan Durstons homepage "...That's why the Kakwa 55 is fully double stitched with heavyweight thread by the same factory that builds packs for Arcteryx,..."

[@edgarp66]

You are absolutely beautiful 😊