Kakwa 55
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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
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)
Complete Pack (g)
Ultra 200X: 810g (S), 845g (M), 870g (L)
UltraGrid: 820g (S), 860g (M), 885g (L)
Removable items
Frame (3oz / 90 g) and backpad (0.5oz / 15 g) are included but removable.
Main Fabric
Ultra 200X or UltraGrid
Front Pocket Mesh
Heavy duty polyester knit mesh
Torso Length:
Small: 15 - 18 " (38 - 46 cm)
Medium: 17 - 20 " (43 - 51 cm)
Large: 19 - 22 " (48 - 56 cm)
Hipbelt (Min - Max Circumference):
Small: 27 - 41" (69 - 104 cm)
Medium: 28 - 43" (71 - 109 cm)
Large: 29 - 45" (74 - 114 cm)
Hipbelt (Recommended Hip Size):
Small: 28 - 38" (71 - 97 cm)
Medium: 29 - 39" (74 - 99 cm)
Large: 30" - 40" (76 - 102 cm)
Circumference (Top / Bottom)
42" (107 cm) / 33" (84 cm)
Unrolled Height (S / M / L)
31.5" / 33.5" / 35.5" (80 / 85 / 90 cm)
Internal Volume (S / M / L)
43L / 46L / 49L
External Volume (S / M / L)
15L
Total Volume (S / M/ L)
58L / 61L / 64L
Features
FEATURES
The Kakwa is available in two fabrics: Ultra 200X and UltraGrid.
Ultra 200X is dominantly woven UHMWPE fibers which are 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.
The inverted U frame provides both vertical and horizontal structure while the hollow aluminum tubing makes it lighter than flat frame stays.
Load lifters are often omitted on lightweight packs but are a key component of the Kakwa's exceptional load carrying ability.
The shoulder straps use an ergonomic S shape that fits almost everyone better than straight straps.
The dual strap hipbelt cups your hips while the 2:1 leverage and reverse pull make it easy to tighten.
Y shaped top strap allows items like bear canisters and tents to be strapped on top.
Eight attachment points around the pack make it easy to attach a wide range of items.
Dual hipbelt pockets are standard and have a refined design that operates easily with one hand.
Shoulder straps pockets are standard and provide handy storage for phones, bear spray, sunglasses, and small water bottles.
Unique QuickPocket on the left side provides on-the-go access to larger items than previously possible, such as hats, mitts, and maps.
A hydration port enables compatibility with bladders.
The front pocket uses a durable knit mesh that creates volume with pleats (folds) instead of using a less durable stretch mesh.
Pack is assembled with the highest quality including double stitching and bound seams at the same factory that builds Arcteryx packs.
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).
Kakwa 55
Main Competitors
Inverted U frame provides vertical and horizontal support
Flat bars provide only vertical support (prone to rounding into a cylinder)
Yes
Sometimes
Yes
Rarely
Yes
Rarely
45 lbs
30 - 35 lbs
Yes
Usually
Yes
Optional ($)
Yes
Rarely
Yes
Sometimes
Ultra 200X (dominantly UHMWPE fibers) or UltraGrid (UHMWPE ripstop).
Usually Hybrid DCF or UltraGrid (dominantly polyester or nylon fibers).
Yes
Rarely
Yes
Sometimes
Yes
Sometimes
$220 - $260
$350 - $500 (with similar spec)
31 - 32 oz / 880 g - 905g
30 - 35 oz / 850 - 1000 g
FAQ
Q) How do I fit the pack?
We recommend measuring your torso with the method here and comparing that to the recommended torso length for our sizes under our specifications tab. If you are in between sizes, we recommend choosing the size you are more in the range for.
If you are planning on using the pack without the hipbelt then the sizing doesn't matter as much since either way you are carrying the weight fully on your shoulders.
Q) Should I choose Ultra 200X or UltraGrid?
Both are excellent fabrics for backpacking, with some advantages to each.
UltraGrid is a robust 210D nylon pack fabric with a ripstop grid of UHMWPE fibers (really strong) for added durability. It is a well proven and long lived pack fabric. Ultra 200X takes durability to another level by using about 2/3rds UHWMPE fibers, which makes it an uncommonly rugged fabric. This makes it better for severe use (e.g. bushwhacking). For most backpackers both materials will be more than durable enough.
For waterproofness, Ultra 200X uses an interior film while UltraGrid uses a PU coating. Both are waterproof fabrics, but user seam sealed is required to make the pack waterproof.
The main advantage of Ultra 200X is the exceptionally high durability (although most backpackers won't need this). The advantages of UltraGrid are the more affordable price, it has a softer/less wrinkly feel, and the tighter weave gives it stronger seams.
Overall, we recommend UltraGrid for regular backpacking while Ultra 200X is recommended for more severe use (e.g. bushwhacking).
Q) What has been updated?
We are continually updating our gear with new ideas and in response to customer feedback to be as good as possible.
Since the Kakwa was released in 2023 we have made a long list of updates including a larger front mesh pocket, added drain holes to the side pockets, changed to Ultra 200X fabric with a more durable internal film, added more attachment points, enlarged the attachment points with tougher webbing, added even more double stitching to the pack, enlarged the hipbelt and shoulder strap pockets and updated the hipbelt shape to be more ergonomic. The packs shipping now are fully up to date with all of these changes.
Q) What bear canisters can fit horizontally?
It is hard to fit canisters horizontally inside a 55L pack, but the Kakwa 55 uses a tapered shape that is wider at the top to enable many to fit. It tapers from a 33″ circumference at the bottom to 42″ at the top. A canister needs to insert about a foot into a pack to close it. At this position the pack has a circumference of about 40″, thus bear canisters with a horizontal circumference under 40″ should fit.
For the BearVault line, the BV425, BV450, BV475 and BV500 will fit. For the Bearikade line, the Scout and Weekender will fit while their Blazer and Expedition canisters are too large. Other canisters that fit are the Bear Boxer, Garcia Backpackers Cache and UDAP No-Fed-Bear. The Counter Assault Bear Keg is too large. Canisters that are too large to fit horizontally can be stored vertically inside, or horizontally on the top of the pack under the Y strap.
Q) How much can this pack hold?
Ultralight hikers (e.g. <10 lbs of gear) with kits that are compact (e.g. down sleeping quilt) will find they can fit a week of food reasonably and can stretch that to 10 days or beyond. Conversely, hikers with light but not ultralight baseweights (e.g. 10-15 lbs) will find it is a good 3-7 day pack. Traditional hikers with ~20 lbs baseweights will find this to be a good pack for 1-4 day trips.
Q) What is not to like?
The Kakwa 55 is one of the most popular ultralight packs and really is the complete package with excellent load carrying, features and materials a great price. However, it is not the right pack for everyone. If you are more of a traditional hiker with loads often near the 45 lbs load limit, you may prefer a heavier pack with more generous padding. Conversely, hikers with super light baseweights and preferring shorter hikes will find the Kakwa 55 excessive for their needs and will be better served by a smaller pack.
Lastly, the Kakwa 55 has a more substantial frame than other packs in this weight class which does complicate the construction such that we are unable to seam tape it. As such, you may wish to seam seal the pack or use a pack liner for wet conditions even though the fabric itself is waterproof and the pack will shed ~95% of water.
Q) Is this pack waterproof?
The Ultra 200 material is 100% waterproof with an impenetrable plastic backing on the Ultra 200 fabric that is much more durable than traditional PU coatings. However some water can seep in via the seams which are not taped. We do not tape the seams partly because we use seam binding which makes them stronger but too bulky to tape, but also because our more capable frame requires seams that are too complex to be seam taped (e.g. many layers of material sewn into the seams). As a result, the pack ends up being water resistant but not fully waterproof. If it rains for hours, a bit of water will seep into the pack.
We suggest to keep your sensitive gear like clothes and sleeping bag in waterproof sacks and then everything else will be fine, but for greater protection you can use a pack liner or seam seal the pack yourself.
Q) What does the “Kakwa” name mean?
The word "Kakwa" has it's origins in the Cree language where it means porcupine. This word is used to name the Kakwa region in the Canadian Rockies where you'll find Kakwa Park, Kakwa River, Kakwa Falls and more. It's usage to name this pack is primarily a nod to the northern terminus of the Great Divide Trail (the most scenic and wild thru hike in North America) which ends at Kakwa Lake.
Customer Reviews
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
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
I ordered the Durston Kakwa 55 (and X mid tent) as part of my effort to continue hiking with a lighter load after 55 years of backpacking. I did an 11mile overnighter in Yosemite followed by a 40 miler on the JMT. During that trip the metal frame wore through the pack and was poking out. I contacted Durston and after some back and forth they sent a replacement. They do have protocol in place to prevent this issue if you for some reason remove the frame, it must be put back in the reinforced pockets. They sent me a picture of a tag with a warning about this on the pack, but I have never located where that tag is. I only used the pack and never adjusted or moved the internal frame, so they sent a new pack. The customer service was outstanding, and I am extremely pleased with both the Durston equipment (pack and tent). Nicely done Durston, this is how to run a business! I'm a fan, hopefully for years to come! Happy trails!
I've been a user of Gregory backpacks for a long time, but as I began to transition my gear to be more ultralight (UL), I chose this product. The result has been very satisfying.
In my opinion, this backpack is an excellent choice for who:
/Reduce weight.
/Go UL without sacrificing comfort.
/Tend to be overly cautious and end up with a lot of gear.
/Can't do without some alcohol during backpacking trips.
I hesitated between the 40L and 55L versions but ultimately chose the 55L, which I believe was the perfect decision. The load lifters and hip belt are essential for comfortably carrying the weight of beer, and in winter, I can pack my winter gear instead. This makes it a 4-season pack for me.
I am 171cm tall, and as an Asian person, my legs are a bit short. The M size torso felt just right for me. However, I now think the S size might have been a good option too. For people who want to carry the load as high as possible, choosing a slightly shorter torso size than your own might give you more adjustability, especially with the load lifters.
If I were to point out any drawbacks, I would say:
1///As a certain YouTuber mentioned, there's no panel between my back and the pack, so I need to be mindful of back sweat.
2///The padding is a bit thin.
3///The torso length isn't adjustable.
For me:
1...This wasn't a big concern. If needed, I can always buy an aftermarket frame for back ventilation.
2...I solved this by cutting a roll-type closed-cell foam pad to 50cm x 90cm (enough to cover my head to hips) and packing it in a roll around the inside perimeter of the backpack. This method also helps the pack maintain its shape, so I highly recommend it (see photo).
3...As for the torso length, I think expecting that feature would compromise the UL design.
Something I noticed that reviews and YouTubers didn't mention is that the Y-top strap is not ideal for securing small items made of slippery materials, like plastic. They tend to slide and shift.
The comments above are not criticisms.
I've become a huge fan of Durston, and I hope my feedback can be useful for their future gear development.
Overall, this backpack has no unnecessary features and is a perfect fit for me. I will continue to support Durston.
Had a separate inquiry and sent it via email. The staff's response was incredibly quick and polite.
I truly hope that no matter how much your company prospers in the future, you will continue to maintain that same level of quality as a Canadian garage brand.
Big thanks to Dan & Team!
Purchased the Kakwa after tons of research and reviews. Took it on my first trip this past weekend with about 26 pounds and was so surprised by how comfortable it was. No rubbing, not hotspots, didn’t even really notice my back being sweatier than the rest of me.
So thankful I chose this pack for my first one!