Kakwa 55
The Kakwa 55 has been updated and now comes in two fabric options: UltraGrid and Ultra 200X (see FAQ for differences). Due to high interest, there will be gaps in availability as we increase production. Currently all sizes are in stock in the UltraGrid fabric, while the Ultra 200X fabric will be back in mid-November in all sizes. Sign up to be notified when the Ultra 200X version is back in stock:
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 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
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 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 fabrics 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 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 easily opened while on the move and provides quick access to larger items like hats, mitts, oversized phones, maps, and snacks.
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
Complete Pack (oz)
Ultra 200X: 29 oz (S), 30 oz (M), 31 oz (L)
UltraGrid: 31 oz (S), 32 oz (M), 33 oz (L)
Complete Pack (g)
Ultra 200X: 825g (S), 850g (M), 875g (L)
UltraGrid: 870 g (S), 910g (M), 950g (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 (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.
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 are the 2024 updates?
We are continually updating our gear with new ideas and in response to customer feedback to be as good as possible. For the 2024 Kakwa 55 we have substantially enlarged the 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, and changed the side tensioners to LineLoc3's for smoother operation.
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 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
Kakwa 55
I discovered Durston gear when I was looking to replace my bikepacking tent. Even though I wasn't looking for a trekking pole tent, I was absolutely struck by the thoughtful elegant design of the X-Mid series! So when I needed to get a pack for some backpacking excursions, I knew that the backpack from Durston would be an immediate frontrunner in the selection race. I'm very happy that the Kakwa 55 ended up as my pick.
I got a chance to test my new Kakwa 55 on Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail, and my hiking buddies were pretty jealous (in a good way) about my pack! One of the major compliments I got on it was about it's water resistance. The trip was pretty rainy and everyone else had exterior pack covers for their packs. The exterior covers prevented access to anything on the pack while moving, and didn't prevent water leakage along the backside. Whereas I had free access to the exterior pockets on my pack and complete water resistance (tested with a spare shirt that stayed dry right underneath the roll top). Make no mistake, Durston's choice of a durable, economical, waterproof pack material is a major advantage!
Since there were four of us, we were able to share resources and reduce overall weight. I'm the one who packed the bear canister, in this case a Lighter1- Big Daddy (650cu). It fit nicely upright in the pack with spare clothes used as padding along my back and stuffed on either side to keep the can from shifting. It was totally comfortable in this configuration and I still had room for the rest of my load (sleep system and spare clothes).
If I were to need to bring the can on a solo trip, I think I would put it horizontally on top of the pack. The challenge with that approach is the "Y" shaped overstrap isn't enough to hold the can in place on its own. The strap doesn't keep enough tension and the can slips out of the strap. However I figured out that I can use the synch strings on the side along with a double sided dry bag to really secure the can well from the side to side direction solving the issue.
Other nice features:
-The big mesh pocket on the front is great. It carried my rainjacket when I wasn't wearing it, water filter system, and several bags of trailmix and dried fruit. This was another feature which got compliments from my friends!
-I'm more used to bikepacking than backpacking, but I thought the Kakwa handled the weight fine. I broke my collarbone as kid and I have a bump there now (also where the strap goes). That spot is probably going to bruise on a extended trip, but it's not the pack's fault that my body is odd-shaped. Really, it was as comfortable with weight as you could reasonably expect. For body reference I am a 5'10" male, 155lbs, with a medium pack.
-Hipbelt pockets carried my poop kit and headlamp. Left side quickpocket was great for flexible cold weather accessories- gloves, hat, buff. Shoulder pockets I found to be too small for typical water bottles. If you could fit it in, bottle might still be too tall and whack you in the face. They were still great for energy bars and a pair of sunglasses. Wisconsin only has black bears so bear spray isn't really needed here, but if I was packing bear spray, the shoulder strap pockets would work great for it.
-The hydration port was too small to fit the bite valve of my hydration pack through. This is the only real design defect I have found with the pack! Instead I just decided to take more water bottles. Each side pocket fit two no problem.
Overall I am extremely happy with my choice and absolutely recommend the Kakwa 55 for your next lightweight backpacking pack!
I’ve taken one trip with the Durston Kakwa 55, and can officially say that it has taken one of my hobbies from me — that hobby being researching and trying to find the perfect pack.
I typically backpack once or twice a year for 2-3 nights at time. My group likes a mix of relatively fast hiking and enjoying time at camp, so we tend to take more stuff than someone who is mainly concerned with covering a lot of ground as quickly and simply as possible. That means I’ve usually got a load around the 30-32lb mark, carrying items like a chair, saw, and Kindle. (I could shave a couple more pounds if I swap out my tent for a Durston — maybe soon!)
I feel like I move better and enjoy hiking more when I’ve got the load closer to 30lbs than 35, so I’ve been looking for a pack that can carry the load well but isn’t a 5lb+ pack. I’ve tried the ULA Catalyst and the Granite Gear Blaze, neither of which transferred weight off of my shoulders nearly as well as the Kakwa 55.
On this last trip, I had a 4L water carry up a 1500’ climb, which put my pack weight around 36lbs, and the pack still carried comfortably. It didn’t magically make the climb *easy* by any means — perhaps I’m still looking for a pack that can do that.
I'm 5'9" and have the medium pack. Thought I might want to go w/ the large to elevate the load lifter attachment points a few inches above my shoulders, but they do the job just fine w/ where they are on the medium - I had no shoulder pain on this trip.
Lastly, I love the simplicity and inconspicuous design for loading it up and carrying around the neighborhood or local parks for exercise. What will I do with all of the time I save not researching packs anymore?
Thanks for the kind and detailed review. That is awesome to read that the Kakwa is working well.
- Dan Durston
I had a non-trip ending defect on the carry handle webbing. I finished my trip through the John Muir trail and contacted customer support which was great. They got me squared away extremely fast and easily. Definitely would recommend.
Glad we got that sorted for you. Congrats on your JMT hike!
- Dan Durston
I’ve used the Kakwa 55 on a couple desert trips with long water carries. (no water anywhere on trail) That combined with my outdated heavy tent made for a heavy pack for me.
This pack carries weight so well. Not only does it carry weight well, it doesn’t dictate where you go if you happen to stumble, or slightly roll an ankle. I’ve owned a few packs that no matter how much you tighten any of the straps they still felt attached to the middle of your back and flop around. This fits so well I can put in more miles and my pack doesn’t burn me out. I can hike more relaxed because I don’t have to predict or compensate for pack shifts.
The hip belt and shoulder straps fit great. The shoulder strap pockets and hip belt pockets are included. Pretty generous at this price. So easy to access a phone or water right on your chest. It has pockets where I need them, not pockets all over with straps hanging everywhere. Thank you Durston equipment.
Thanks for the kind review. Glad the pack is working well.
- Dan