Kakwa 40

I had tried numerous other light weight packs that were about the same weight from well respected companies. While I like each of them, they all had 1 or 2 compromising issues that affected how the load carried. For me, the Kakwa 40 carries as much weight as I can store in it and quite well. I think this is attributed to the load lifters, the way the frame is designed to put the load truly on the hip and then the hip belt. The only improvement I hope to see is a larger front pocket, similar to the 55 expanded one. So glad to have found the perfect pack. Thanks Dan

Have been very impressed with the design and build quality of this pack!
Agree with many of the comments already posted so will not repeat those.
Here's the Desired Tweak: As noted in Jeffrey Levy's 8/31/23 comment, the left side vertical zip pocket is somewhat constrained by what is loaded in the left side open pocket. Suggested Improvement: move the vertical zipper about an inch outward; doing so will help reduce the need to thread and reach your hand around whatever is protruding into the shared space/volume. Perhaps another idea would be to add a small bellows to the zippered pocket near the bottom.
The pocket works as is but could be improved and make a great pack even better!

I was finally able to get the Kakwa 40 out on a longer 10 day trip through challenging off trail routes in varied terrain and with a full load – no resupply. I was a little reluctant to pull the trigger on the 40L knowing that the 55L going to be back in stock but I am glad I went with the 40L For reference I am 5’9” 165lbs with an athletic build despite my age and got the LRG size and it fits great. My torso is 19.5” and the fit was perfect for me – I also wanted the extra capacity that the large offered as well. Fit and finish are impeccable, it’s a good looking pack without lots of straps and loops and extras that add little value to me. I had to readjust how I packed to get all my gear and 10 days of food in, but I was able to pull it off with two rolls on the top closure day one, with nothing strapped to the top or outside. In the back mesh pocket were my maps and rain gear. My primary change to packing was stuffing my quilt into the bottom of the pack directly, sans stuff sack, which is something I wish I had adopted years ago. I have been actively backpacking for 50 years and still learning new tricks.

The comfort and the way it carries are great. I have been through 15 or so packs over the years and all have caused my right shoulder to ache after 6-7 hours on the trail and I then start playing with the shoulder straps and load lifter straps to change the position to find relief. The Kakwa 40 didn’t eliminate this but it was at least 80% better to the point that it wasn’t really noticeable. I attribute this to how the yoke of the straps keep things aligned and how closely this pack hugs your back along, with the slim profile of the pack ,keeping the load very close and not requiring me to lean forward to compensate for the pull I typically feel with other packs. I have been carrying a ULA Ohm 2.0 for the past 5 years and really like it except for the previously mentioned shoulder pain – not the packs fault as I blew it out many years ago lifting weights.

The “one handed” zip pockets delivered as advertised and are the first pack I have owned that actually worked with one hand. I can also retrieve and replace the water bottles in the right side pocket but really enjoyed the using the shoulder strap pocket for my .5L water bottle. It was positioned outside of my peripheral view but ready for easy access. I haven’t liked having a bottle on the shoulder straps with last few packs because of them feeling like they were in my face as I looked down for footing – particularly when off trail. The back mesh pocket could certainly be taller and I would imagine that with the changes to the latest Kakwa 55 in that regard, the 40 will follow suit with the next manufacturing run. It’s certainly adequate for my use but would increase capacity and functionality with very little weight.

Just about perfect for me. I do worry about the longevity of the plastic film adhering to the Ultra 200 fabric over time – particularly the top of the pack which is rolled and cinched down. Time will tell but I don’t rely on the pack fabric to keep my keep my gear dry, it’s more of my memory of all those packs in the 70’s and 80’s that looked like they had gotten a sunburn and the film was peeling getting flakes all over the contents of the pack. If I could change anything it would be to make the back mesh pocket higher and add two more inches in circumference top to bottom and call it the Kakwa 42. I am very happy without both of those but I thought I’d float that out there. Well done Dan!

I've had the Kakwa 40 for about a year now and I've taken it on several 2-3 night trips, including carrying a BearVault 450. It's very comfortable and easily holds everything. I consider this pack my reward for a few years of shrinking my gear's size and weight.

My only quibble is that the utility of the zippered side pocket depends heavily on what you have in the open pocket - they share the same volume. That said, even with a camp chair and sit pad in the outer pocket, and sometimes hiking poles, I still fit my wallet and keys, a small sunscreen bottle, and a compass into the zippered pocket. Just put them in there first!

Tried this out on a backpack at Mt Rainier. Poor timing though as I had thought about also getting 55 which was announced when I was on trail/no cell coverage and all sold out by the time I got online. 40's Pro's: lightweight but sturdy, support from pad and U frame, shoulder pockets, clean lines, reasonably priced. Cons: not enough give in back mesh pocket (changed on new 55) or side pockets, could use additional way to secure gear bag on top of pack such as a couple of side loops (will try different approaches to this). For 65+ female, who should have knee replacements - this pack is important in my ability to keep hiking. Thanks. PS Purchased pack from Kaviso, good customer service.