First impressions, initial review and a day hike with the new Durston Kakwa 55l. Is it a winner? 

Definitely a huge weight savings! Awesome!

Thanks! So far it’s a great pack!

It’s coming I promise lol. Just initial looks, this seems like a very durable pack. I’ll for sure be testing it this year!

@@Beardedbackpacker Kenny, if I remember correctly, you have, or have had the ULA Circuit, another pack I am looking at. Can you tell me how you find the man internal capacity of the Circuit compares to the Kakwa? On paper, the Circuit’s main compartment looks smaller than the Kakwa, but the Kakwa has the v-shaped taper. Also, how differently do they feel when it comes to how you gear carries on your back? Do you find any appreciable differences in balance, etc.?

@@daven.7685 I had the circuit in the past. I think technically they have almost identical capacity between all the pockets, however, if you filled the Kakwa to the absolute top, it would be a little taller. The mesh pocket on the front of the ULA packs are bigger and hold more stuff. The ULA packs also have a little bit thicker padded shoulder straps. The Kakwa is a bit more durable in the ultra fabric vs the ULA, and weighs about a pound less. For me, the question would be how often would you be carrying over 30lbs. If I knew I would be over that weight more often, then I may lean toward the ULA with the extra padding. At that weight, the Kakwa is fine and plenty comfortable, but I would give the edge to the ULA. If you would be usually lower than that weight, except for the odd longer food or water carry, than the Kakwa would be perfect! I’ve loved it on every trip I have taken so far!

@@Beardedbackpacker Thank you, Kenny, for this very helpful reply. The info about the straps and weight bearing capacity was something I needed to hear, since I will be starting to section hike the PCT from Campo in October and the water carries are going to be long at that time of year, and I am at about a 13 lbs. base weight right now. Much appreciated!

It’s pretty awesome. You’ll love it I think

Thanks!!

Thanks!! The pack carries so well.

They are great packs. Still loving mine!

No trouble swinging my arms. I’ll try and record some shots with the pack on in the next video.

@@Beardedbackpacker I'm sold! You might want to get about 10,000 more subscribers if you want free dyneema tents lol. BTW this is what he told me about the current wait time for the US "We have them in stock (except for the large size of the 55L version). Delivery is about 1 week for the 40L (ships from USA) or 1.5 - 2 weeks (55L, ships from Canada)."

I had no issue with the 24oz smart water bottle trying to come out, even when empty. Just my experience so far.

Awesome!

Osprey makes solid packs. The pro line is intriguing. And their warranty is good so if you do tear it up at least they will fix it!

@@Alex.n.outdoor I did the medium. They have instructions on the site for measuring your torso. It’s not so much by overall height. But I am 6’2” for reference.

I didn’t notice this until my last trip with it. It is much larger than I thought!

@@Beardedbackpacker , excellent! Like you, this pack is really comfortable with a 25 lb load, and I think it’s going to be just fine with loads a little over 30lbs. With the Garcia can and 7 days of food and fuel I’m going to be right at or just under 30lbs, and that suits me just fine! Just a few years ago I was carrying 40 + for a week long trip. In my youth, 50+, and this Kakwa 55 feels like a daypack in comparison, lol!

That’s it!

The front pocket is pretty good size. I was able to shove everything in it that I would shove in my flash 55 front pocket. Seems to me to be the same size as the ones on the HMG packs, but a little smaller than the ones on my ULA Circuit or the Gossamer Gear G4-20. As for the Y strap, I don’t have a bear can, but I’d still think it is too short if the pack is fully loaded. But there Kakwa 55 is big enough to fit a bear can down in horizontally. Hope that answers your questions!

@@Beardedbackpacker I've just got my Kakwa 55 and have used it on an overnighter. The Y-strap easily accommodates my Garcia bear canister when the pack is fully loaded. By fully loaded I mean that it's loaded as much as you can get in it and still have enough left to get it rolled up.

@@Muhlenburger good to know! I know that’s a concern for a lot of people.

Yes it is, in corydon IN. Here is the video I did there… ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tVxaexVTUIc.html

@@Beardedbackpacker Thanks for the link. I’ll check it out. It’s a nice trail. I’ve hiked it a few times.

@@mikepfau2240 it was a very wet experience for us lol. But lots of fun.

That would really depend on how you pack it I think with this pack.

I can answer both of those actually lol. The pack will hit your hat if it’s backwards depending how full it is, at least it did on me. As far as comparing to the HMG pack, this one actually has a bit more space in it, but not by much. Hope that helps!

You can’t go wrong with either, although the frame in this is more similar to the circuit than the ohm. This will carry a bit more weight.

@@Beardedbackpacker I have about a 12 pound bw without a bag. Mainly looking at the OHM just because it is made in America.

@@Xerute they are both great packs for sure!

In theory, the ultra 200 fabric will behave similar to dcf and should repel water very well.

@@Beardedbackpacker yes that’s why I’m kind of surprised that it retained moisture from my back sweat, yuck.

@@Beardedbackpacker There's nothing theoretical about the fact that the fabric itself is waterproof and holds no water. Ultra repels water 100%.

It can be waterproof and also absorb water. Silnylon is the poster child for this.

@@ddff5242 I find it funny that most folks revert to strawman arguments to prove a point that never existed in the first place.

Ironically I just got one of those for my girlfriend at the same time I got this 😂. I’ll have a video on that one soon as well! The Durston pack was $260. Which is a steal for a pack made from ultra 200 fabric!

Thanks!