Kakwa 55

Sale price$260.00 USD

Size: Large
Ship Date: Pre-order (Ships early April)

Our Kakwa 55 packs have been updated for 2024 with a larger front pocket, new Ultra 200X fabric and more. Due to very high interest, there will be gaps in availability as we further increase production. The large size can be pre-ordered now and ships early April. Pre-orders for the small and medium sizes in Ultra 200X have sold out but we are working on more expected early summer.

Additionally, we will have the medium and large sizes in stock on April 10 in a new UltraGrid fabric. Sign up below to be notified when these are released:

The Kakwa 55 is our premium ultralight, multi-day pack designed from the first principles of load carrying and ergonomics to provide the greatest function, comfort and usability for an ultralight pack. Developed from Dan Durston’s attention to detail and thousands of miles of backpacking experience, the Kakwa 55 has class leading load carrying, materials, and pocket design while weighing just 31 oz (880 g).

LOAD CARRYING

The Kakwa 55 brings genuine load carrying capability into the sub 2 lbs weight class. 

Other packs this light generally sacrifice load carrying ability by omitting load lifters, lacking horizontal structure, and relying on less ergonomic shoulder strap and hipbelt shapes.

The Kakwa 55 solves this tradeoff through more efficient design and advanced materials including UHMWPE fabric and hollow aluminum tubing. Hollow aluminum tubing is a more efficient use of structural weight than the solid metal bars found in competing packs. We use this material to create a rigid frame with both vertical and horizontal structure at the same or less weight than competing packs that only have vertical structure.

This frame connects directly to the hipbelt for maximum load transfer and directly to the load lifters, which are rare on packs this light yet highly functional for shifting more of the weight off your shoulders and onto the hips. A capable structure is nothing without an ergonomic connection to your body, which is why the shoulder straps have a carefully developed S shape to contour around your upper body, while the hipbelt uses a dual strap design which cups your hips and has reverse pull 2:1 leverage for easy tightening. The result is a pack that comfortably and effectively manages loads up to 45 lbs.

EFFICIENT ACCESS

Efficient access to your gear is a hallmark of ultralight pack design as it allows you to spend more time covering miles instead of digging through your pack.

What is needed is not a high quantity of pockets but rather a pocket layout that has been carefully considered to compliment and allow for a diverse range of storage possibilities while remaining simple enough to be easily organized.

For this, the Kakwa 55 has four types of pockets to optimize on-the-go access to your gear. First are the hipbelt pockets, which are designed to reliably operate one handed and easily accommodate medium sized items such as snacks, sunscreen, phones, and headlamps. That storage is augmented by dual top opening shoulder strap pockets which provide an ideal place for your phone for quick photos and navigation. These pockets also work well for small water bottles, sunglasses, and bear spray.

Additionally there is the innovative QuickPocket which consists of an easily reached compartment in the sidewall of the left side pocket. This allows you to stow and quickly access even larger items than normally possible, such as hats, mitts, maps and bulky snacks. Finally, a mesh style front pocket has been substantially increased in size for 2024 and quickly swallows the largest items like rain gear, tents, and cook sets.

Collectively, the Kakwa’s pockets are carefully considered so you can hike with maximum efficiency.

BackpackingLight

Most Comfortable

"The Kakwa is one of the most versatile and comfortable packs I've ever used for loads exceeding 35 lbs....this pack has my favorite carry feel".

Section Hiker

Impressive

"The low weight is impressive for a framed pack....and it provides excellent weight transfer to the hips. The pocketing is fantastic for accessing what you need during the day without stopping."

The Trek

I Could Not Be Happier

"I’ve become a huge fan. It has smart places to put all the stuff, and carries all that stuff comfortably. I could not be happier to have it for the remaining 2,000 miles of the Eastern Continental Trail this winter."

Adventure Alan

Incredibly Well Designed

"The Kakwa has a famously excellent load carry. The whole setup is just so dang comfortable and user-friendly. It is in contention for best ultralight backpack on the market."

MATERIALS & QUALITY

In our backyard in the Canadian Rockies we often spend more time off trail than on, so durability in materials and construction is a top priority. With the Kakwa 55 we are using the innovative Ultra 200X fabric from Challenge Outdoor, where the face fabric is dominantly woven UHMWPE fibers which are several times stronger and more abrasion resistant than traditional nylon pack fabrics. This material laminated with an eco-friendly adhesive to a backing film to build a material that is incredibly durable, lightweight, and waterproof. For 2024 we are using the even tougher 200X version that adds additional reinforcement and a thicker internal film.

Simply using a tough fabric is not enough if the pack has weak points in the stitching or supporting materials. That's why the Kakwa 55 is fully double stitched with heavyweight thread by the same factory that builds packs for Arcteryx, and uses stronger folded seams. We’ve also used the same tough Ultra 200X material for the hipbelt pockets and side pockets so these exposed areas also have maximum durability. The front pocket is generally less exposed to the brush, but still we’ve sourced a durable knit mesh for this pocket that is much tougher than typical lycra mesh.

Ultra 200X Fabric

This fabric is dominantly woven UHMWPE fibers (more commonly known by the brand name Dyneema®) which is several times stronger and more abrasion resistant than traditional nylon pack fabrics. This material is laminated to a film backing to make the material waterproof.

Hollow Aluminum U Frame

The hollow aluminum inverted U frame provides vertical and horizontal structure at less weight than frame stay systems for more effective load transfer and comfort at loads up to 45 lbs / 20 kg.

Dual Strap Reverse Pull Hipbelt

This hipbelt design cups your hips, and makes tightening the belt much easier with 2:1 tightening leverage and an ergonomic direction of pull.

Shoulder Strap Pockets

These pockets provide an ideal place for your phone, bear spray, sunglasses, small water bottles and more. We attach them permanently for a more solid and user friendly connection.

Quick Pocket

The Kakwa's unique Quick Pocket is easily opened while on the move and provides quick access to larger items like hats, mitts, oversized phones, maps, and snacks.

Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

WEIGHT

Complete Pack (oz)

29.8 oz (S), 31.0 oz (M), 32.2 oz (L)

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Complete Pack (g)

845g (S), 880g (M), 915g (L)

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Removable items

Frame (3oz / 90 g) and backpad (0.5oz / 15 g) are included but removable.

MATERIALS

Main Fabric

Ultra 200X

Features

FEATURES

Ultra 200X Fabric

This fabric is dominantly woven UHMWPE fibers (known by the brand name Dyneema®) which is several times stronger and more abrasion resistant than traditional nylon pack fabrics. This material is laminated to a film backing to make the material waterproof. This pack uses the new 'X' version which adds a tougher inner film.

Hollow Aluminum Frame

The inverted U frame provides both vertical and horizontal structure while the hollow aluminum tubing makes it lighter than flat frame stays.

Load Lifters

Load lifters are often omitted on lightweight packs but are a key component of the Kakwa's exceptional load carrying ability.

Compare

COMPARE

The Kakwa 55 provides best-in-class load carrying, usability, and durability for a sub 2 lbs pack. To illustrate, the table below compares the Kakwa 55 to what is typically seen in this niche (50-60L packs under the 2 lbs mark with premium fabrics).

LOAD CARRYING

Kakwa 55

Main Competitors

Frame structure

Inverted U frame provides vertical and horizontal support

Flat bars provide only vertical support (prone to rounding into a cylinder)

Load lifters

Yes

Sometimes

FAQ

FAQ

Browse the FAQ to learn more or get in touch if you have further questions.

Contact Support

Customer Reviews

Based on 180 reviews
93%
(168)
5%
(9)
1%
(2)
1%
(1)
0%
(0)
S
Scott Weaver
Great backpack

This backpack is super comfortable. Love to have a spot for my bear spray, an easily accessible belt pocket for my phone, snacks and an additional pocket next to the pack for more snacks or quick access pocket.

M
M
Good carry load. Little things matter.

The sun finally came out in the PNW to test this new pack.

The two big pros. Lightweight. And very comfortable for the load it can carry vs other UL packs I have.

Annoyances. Though already past its first iteration, there are a few usability details.

Hip pockets. Advertised as large and able to hold phones. The length barely fits an iPhone 11. The pockets are the same height (using height to define the rise of pocket away from hip) front to back. They wrap the sides of your hip, so the effective depth is barely a finger. Leaving them not very useful. Thus you will feel your phone flexing across your hip bone and possibly cracking. Boo. Lets say the 2024 Kakwa took a year to design its update, so the 2022 gen phones were iPhone 14, Pixel 7, Samsung S23. Doubtful any of them were used as a test (or even a small piece of wood cut to similar size). I wonder if someone physically tested this instead of just specifying a pocket size to be sewn on. A taper in depth, or just better depth, would have alleviated this and improve usable volume.

Zip access on deeper side pocket. Placed way too close to body for practical access. You would notice that having it an inch out would make access a lot better. I failed to notice this when watching youtube videos of people wearing the kakwa.

Both side pockets. Made of the same material, which is water resistant. With their design, and no drain holes/grommets at the bottom, any rain/liquid that ends up in the pocket stays there and never will never air dry.

Hopefully future iterations will test usability of these before final production.

Thanks for sharing your feedback and glad are finding it carries well.

With regard to the side pockets, there are drain holes on these pockets. They are hard to see because they aren’t traditional grommets but the lowest corner is folded to create a drain hole.

For the side zipper pocket (‘QuickPocket’), I put the zipper quite close to the body because if it is further out there is more flex/movement in the material so the zipper doesn’t operate as well. I used to have it about an inch further out but moved it closer for more reliable zipper operation. The location takes a bit to get used to, but once you develop the sense of where it is then it should operate well.

With regard to phones, the best location for these is usually the shoulder strap pockets which I try to make a sufficient size and those should work well for most phones but it is hard because shoulder straps are only so wide, and if the phone is a lot wider yet then it could dig in. So larger phones are better in the hipbelt or side zippered pocket. I do actually test these pockets with modern phones. I have a iPhone 15 and I do find it fits well. The phone is 148mm tall (or about 155mm with a case) while the pocket is 165 mm long. Pocket length is a tough one because we can only make the padded portion of the hipbelt so long and with a need to put the buckle at the tip and avoid the pocket rubbing on the pack at the back end, it’s hard to get much more length. I am looking at this and hoping to find ways to add another 5-10mm of length to the pocket but it should work reasonably well now for regular sized phones. Plus sized phones would need to go in the side zipper pocket.

Thanks again for the feedback. I do really appreciate and value customer feedback so I am working on ways to steadily improve the functionality of these pockets.

H
Heather Yeary
I have FINALLY found a great pack!! And so have you

I just got back from my first trip with the Kakwa 55 and I’m exhausted…but this pack was so wonderful I’m willing to fight though that to give it a thorough review. For background, I am 5’5, 115 lbs or less 41 yo female. I have been through multiple packs and they have all cause pain or uncomfortable fit despite being like Cadillacs…first I had a Gregory Deva 60 L that weighed in over 4.5 lbs. My usual load out with 3-4 days of food is around 30-32 lbs average. I loved the deva at first but the hipbelt was too large, I got a smaller size…it was still awful and too wide for my shoulders. I switched to a Deuter 60+10 SL. Still had issues even with a 25 lb load and the pack weighed more like 4.7 lbs. The first pack I ever bought, but never used was a gossamer gear Mariposa, but that pack was way too small to fit all of my gear. After that I figured I would never be able to use an ultralight pack. I’ve had an XM pro for about six months now and love it and after seeing some reviews of women around my size that seemed to be narrow in the shoulders and small waist, I figured losing over 2 lbs of pack would be a bonus and I couldn’t imagine that it would be more uncomfortable then all my previous packs. This trip was by far the most challenging ascent, decent and mileage days consecutively. Besides, still struggling with the fact that the waist is a touch too big for me everything else about this pack was wonderful. We hiked the section on the AT from Standing Bear to Hot Springs and by all accounts if I was going to have an issue with the pack, it would have been on this trip. My only modification was adding a zpacks lumbar pad and a gossamer gear sit pad for a little extra cushion for the back. I also used the HMG zipper pods to make packing easier. I struggled a bit getting my quit to compress enough to sit in the bottom of the pack bc it’s a bit narrow. As a small famed woman the shoulder pockets aren’t super great for water which made me a bit sad. I eventually did develop shoulder pain from having one of the small smart water bottles in there but I think if I could find a soft water bottle with some structure that would take care of the issue. I am incredibly thrilled with this pack, especially because I have 2 other long sections coming up in the next month and I am hopeful that with warmer weather on the way I can drop even more pack weight and my feet will thank me!!
Also want to add that Dan and his wife are wonderful when it comes to customer service. If I could make one wish it would be for this same pack with an XS hip belt and shoulder pockets that count fit a bottle more comfortably for those of us that lack our own personal padding 😂.

Thanks for the kind words Heather :) Glad you're liking the pack and tent. I am looking at ways to make more of an XS hipbelt. It's going to take some time but I'm working on it and hope to have it out in 2025.
- Dan

T
Tyler Gunther
Great pack, great business

As for the pack, it’s a great design. Everything is accessible while walking. I especially love the all absorbing outer pocket, and I think the choice not to use a more fragile stretchy material was a good one because I often find myself laying down the pack on its back. Despite not stretching, the pleats allow the pocket to really eat up everything you shove in there. It also carries the weight shockingly well. The way the hip belt kind of cups the hip bone combined with the shape of the straps really helps when carrying heavier loads. As far as fit goes, I’m 6’4 with 30” waist and the large size fit perfectly, but I do have to crank the hip belt almost all the way down.

Besides the pack being great, Dan really was super helpful. I emailed him asking about the restock and he actually shipped me one of the last packs they still had kicking around in the warehouse, so I was able to get it early which was cool. My pack ended up having a bad zipper on the hip belt, but Dan was super cool about the warranty process and put in the order for a new one right away. Making good products is one thing, but as a business, Durston really is a class act.

D
Deb
Fabric not waterproof

I am carrying this pack on the AT right now and had to get a poncho to cover the pack. It completely wets out, even the hip belt pockets hold puddles of water. Everything that needs to be dry is safe in either ziplocks or pack liner but having puddles of water on the bottoms of the pack and water seeping through the fabric after only a couple hours in the rain isn’t what I expected from the Ultra fabric. The back also gets wet from sweat if you don’t have a jacket on. It carries great: able to use the side zipper pocket now that I got the hang of it. Just wets out faster than a dollar store raincoat.

Hi Deb. Thanks for sharing your experience. The Ultra 200X fabric is a woven exterior fabric combined with a film glued to the inside. The outer fabric is a woven fabric that is a mix of polyester and UHMWPE which don't really absorb water inside the fibers (like nylon does) but certain they can still get wet and have water soaking into the weave.

That water shouldn't be able to get right through the fabric because there is an actual plastic layer glued to the inside (visible inside the pack) but we don't say the pack is waterproof because the seams are not sealed. We don't seal the seams due to the more complex frame that is integrated inside the seams and prevents seam taping, but the pack can be seam sealed by the user. So some water will get in through the seams if it's not seam sealed. In the near term you may prefer a pack liner to keep your stuff dry, and then longer term you may prefer to seal the pack. We can provide more info on how to do that.

Good luck on the AT!
Dan