Kakwa 55

Sale price$260.00 USD

Size: Small
Fabric: Ultra 200X

The updated 2025 model has larger shoulder strap pockets, larger hipbelt pockets, a more ergonomic design for the hipbelt and shoulder straps, and 1 oz reduction in weight. These packs are in stock now.

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 quality, load carrying, materials, and pocket design while weighing under 2 lbs (900 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 large mesh style front pocket quickly swallows the largest items like rain jackets, tents, and cook kits.

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

10 Best Ultralight Backpacks

"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 Ultra 200X and UltraGrid fabrics from Challenge Outdoor, where the face fabric is partly (UltraGrid) or dominantly (Ultra 200X) woven UHMWPE fibers which are several times stronger and more abrasion resistant than traditional nylon pack fabrics. The Ultra 200X material is laminated with an eco-friendly adhesive to a film to create a waterproof fabric, while UltraGrid uses a PU coating for waterproofing.

Simply using a tough main fabric is not enough if the pack has vulnerable aspects in the stitching, mesh materials, or construction. That's why the Kakwa 55 is fully double stitched with heavyweight thread and uses stronger folded seams. Pocket elastics are a common failure point, so the Kakwa uses protected elastics inside the seams rather than using exposed elastic edging. Lastly our front pocket avoids easily damaged high stretch mesh and instead uses a much tougher low stretch knit mesh while creating generous volume through shaping.

Ultra Fabrics

The Ultra 200X fabric option 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.

The Kakwa 55 is also available in a more affordable UltraGrid version which uses a 200D nylon fabric interlaced with a UHMWPE ripstop. While not as tough as Ultra 200X, it is still quite a tough fabric.

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 a double layer pocket that can hold tall objects inserted from the top, while a separate compartment accessed by the front zipper is easily opened wearing the pack - providing quick access to larger items like hats, mitts, and maps.

Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

WEIGHT

Complete Pack (oz)

Ultra 200X: 28.5 oz (S), 29.8 oz (M), 30.6 oz (L)

UltraGrid: 28.9 oz (S), 30.3 oz (M), 31.2 oz (L)

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Complete Pack (g)

Ultra 200X: 810g (S), 845g (M), 870g (L)

UltraGrid: 820g (S), 860g (M), 885g (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 or UltraGrid

Features

FEATURES

Ultra Fabrics

The Kakwa is available in two fabrics: Ultra 200X and UltraGrid.

Ultra 200X 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.

UltraGrid is a nylon based pack fabric that is not as tough as it's Ultra 200X sibling, but still is a very durable pack fabric with a ripstop grid of UHMWPE fibers and a waterproof PU coating. It offers a smoother feel, tighter weave, and more affordable price.

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 475 reviews
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(422)
8%
(36)
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D
Dave Custance
The best pack I've owned!

Every backpack that I have owned up until now have ben Ospreys. My last one was the Exos 58 and it worked great but there were some things I didn't like and I decided I wanted to try and go "Ultra-light" with my pack. After reviewing every pack out there and watching tons of youtube videos, I decided on the Kakwa 55 and I couldn't be happier! The fit and comfort is incredible and being able to zip and unzip the hip belt pockets with one hand is amazing! While all the guys I hike with have gone the way of the smart water bottle, I still prefer the water bladder. it's so convenient and easy to hydrate while on the move. This pack does not have a bladder hanger but luckily it does have a built-in port for the bladder hose. Also, I found a guy on Etsy called "Some Dave" who makes after market accessories for the Durston packs. I purchased a kangaroo pouch which is a small pocket that mounts to the inside of the pack for misc. accessories and the water bladder holder. Both of these items attach to the existing velcro strip in the pack and they work great! I loaded the pack with my full load-out for a 4 night trip and everything fit great with lots of room to spare. I transferred the magnetic catch for the bladder hose from my osprey to the Kakwa's sternum strap and I couldn't ask for this pack to work any better for me or to be any more comfortable. I literally forgot it was on my back. Thanks Dan.

Glad to hear the pack is working well. Yeah Dave on Etsy has some really nice accessories. Thanks for the kind review.
- Dan Durston

M
Mark MacDonald
Shoulder and Back Pain gone! Kakwa 55 - Ultra200X

I am getting older and my pack was leaving me with a lot of back / shoulder pain .....for 4-5 days after backpacking trips - I know how to adjust packs, I tried every adjustment possible to fix this - nothing worked.

I bought a Kakwa55 pack early in the spring, I now have about 150km on it and feel I can offer a reasonably informed review. I had to make some adjustments on the first trip, to dial in the straps etc... for me, and now, I am pain free after backpacking trips. This pack is awesome, the 'after the trip pain' no longer being a concern, is my main comment - it was the most important thing for me.

The 55's size is more than enough for how we backpack - usually 2 or 3 nights. I know this is a small part of the pack - but I love the 2 front pouches on the chest straps, sunglasses and bear spray.

The large mesh pocket on the back is perfect for a damp tent, I just got back from Yoho and used it for this purpose. We had to get moving and did not have the time to wait for it to dry in the sun.

The side pockets work perfectly for water and whatever else you need easy access to all day (I use one for water and one for water filter / sunscreen). The zipper pockets on the hip belt are easy to access, these zippers work flawlessly - I use them for keys, DEET, permit and a knife.

What also makes a statement about this gear, is that our family now has 2 Durston Packs and 2 X-Mid tents, these pieces of gear are, by far, our favorites (along with Nemo Tensor mattresses). I intend to get a set of Durston poles for next year and would love to get an XMid2+ Dyneema fabric tent in future, but my old school XMid2P is still in great shape after 2.5 seasons of trips.

The Kakwa 55 pack has made a very positive difference in my backpacking activities, I recommend it to anyone considering getting one. Other points I would like to make is that I am happy to support a local business that produces superior gear at reasonable prices and that cares about customer satisfaction. We are in Calgary, so close enough to say local! Thanks Dan and T!

Thanks Mark! I appreciate the kind words and long time support. It's great to hear the pack is working well.
- Dan Durston

C
Customer
Kakwa 55

Have used this on local trails but not overnight yet. Feels comfortable to carry looking forward to getting on the AT in Virginia in April

R
Richard
Excellent Kit Once Again

Wonderfully thought out pack, feather light but hard wearing. It really does tick all boxes! Great bit of kit at an affordable price. Keep it up Dan, the outdoors community bloody loves ya!

D
Daniel MacDonald

Works great just make sure you pack it write bc the pad on the back is a little thin