FIXED: Two of Backpacking's BIGGEST Problems. 

The Kakwa 40 fixes two of the biggest problems with backpacks. It is my favorite pack right now. Check it out here: geni.us/vbcrj9 The Hoodie I am wearing in this video: geni.us/EGWb9nd Beanie: geni.us/nGL9JP

Thanks for the review and kind words. We'll see about other color options. When this pack was developed last year Ultra 200 only came in white (cool but gets dirty) and black (gets really hot and melts the chocolate), so we worked with Challenge to develop this grey and then opened up the color to other gear makers. At the time I looked at other colors too but there were only a few options and they were all pretty bad. I'll keep looking at it. Colors are a tough one though - the original green of the DD40 wasn't that well received.

I love this channel so much, just straightforward insightful info that explains actual design concepts behind the packs, not just a shallow “this” vs “that” brand/model!

This is very similar to the solution Outdoor Vitals came up with for their Shadowlight pack. Under 2 pounds but with a frame that has some horizontal rigidity. I have to admit it became my favorite pack very quickly. Now I am super curious about this Durston pack; I'm usually extremely pleased with the quality of Durston gear, so now I have to try it!

Glad to hear you like the pack! I was hoping this hit the mark of that in between space of being ultralight but still supportive. My Atmos 65 is definitely heavier than it needs to be and I found I didn't use half the pockets during our last trip so i'm trying to optimize my weight. Super excited for Kakwa 55L option they are working on for next year. Hoping to crack under 30lbs with bear can and 3L water!

It is now my favorite pack! Very comfortable. Very well thought out details, beautiful design and quality. I am very satisfied with my purchase

My Osprey Levity is sub 2 pounds, has a frame, tons of pockets and the air speed suspension. The most slept on pack in my opinion.

Love the pack! Most comfortable one I’ve ever had.

Have you tried the granite gear blaze series? They weigh a little more but are much cheaper and can carry up to 50lbs! They just won some awards too!

The problem with both of the Durston packs lies in the shoulder straps. They work ok for some, but the yoke of material between the straps doesn’t allow the straps to form to shoulders like independent straps. They’re a bit thinly padded too. Dan is really innovative, but I think spent soooo much time focused on the things other packs miss, he missed the things others get right.

ULA Circuit and Ohm both use the suspension hoop design, pack lifter straps, and are 2lbs or under.

Just used my Kakwa 40 on my 10day hike TMB in Sept and found it very comfortable. Also, I was concerned about losing my gear in transit from Australia to Geneva, Managed to pack all my essential gear into the pack and keep the size and weight to on airline carry-on 7kg limit.

I got the first Dan Durston pack and the HMG southwest 2400. I agree with the benefits of the reversed U frame however the DD40 was giving trouble with the gears rounding up the pack unlike the southwest. I guess it was improved with Kakwa. On a side note, Dan already mentioned a 55L version of this could be released. I’ll probably get one if it happens.

My Granite Gear pack is perfect. Nice middle of the road weight and style.

I have the Granite Gear Crown and I think it has most of these pluses and fewer of the negatives. Working great for me so far.

Thanks for the work you do, Steve. I'm with Kirk, below, about the 55L option.

40 liter too small for me, but I am intrigued about any ultra light stuff that has any kind of abrasion resistance and is generally somewhat abusable. The price isn’t insane given today’s prices for nearly anything. But I’ll stick with my 95 liter Gregory, the one with the zippers and pockets and straps and stuffs. It would make an ultralighter’s head explode, which would kind of be fun to watch if I’m being honest! 😂

Great review...always practical. Love the little note at the very end too. :)

That frame for the Kakwa is identical to the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight. And it is amazing!! With load lifters, comes in at the similar weight.

Dan Durston is the man! A talented hiker, making things for hikers! Imagine that!

Great review. I always need a 70+ litre back pack with multiple pockets as I’m looking after young boys on multiple day hikes. I’ll stick with my Osprey Aether plus 70L for now. Maybe in 5 years time I’ll look at getting one of these. Glory to all Outdoors creatures!

Ditched my atmos 50 for the kakwa 40. I couldn’t be happier with it!

Will be extremely interested in the 55L version once it comes out.

The Grey is a huge reason I’m happy with the pack. I can’t stand packs that are White or have colors.

Great post my friend. I appreciate all the information you are sharing here. 🏃‍♂️

I just used the kakwa for an overnight section hike in Pennsylvania, pack worked great, but.......seems like it would be better for summer pack for me, it was 34 degrees at night and the pack just seemed really high and full with temp appropriate gear. Gonna use my waymark 50l for a trip next wk

I got this as soon as it came out and is the best! I can’t wait for a full season with it but it serves me great late summer though fall. It’s the best thought out pack and I’m in love with it

Hip belt size options was the main reason I wasn't able to go with this pack. Hopefully in the future that may change cause I still think about the Kakwa almost everyday.

Totally agreed. IMO, the intermediate between standard and ultralight packs is the sweet spot. Something with a true frame that provides support but without the heavy bag materials and unnecessary pockets and zippers that most traditional packs have. Something that is in the 2-3lb range but has enough structure to carry a full load of gear comfortably is perfect. This Durston pack looks awesome, I hadn't heart much about it before this video.

I was waiting for your take on this pack...thanks

Looks like a really nice pack. 👍 Volume keeps my favorite pack (Granite Gear Crown 2) in the running for best pack that doesn't get near enough love. The side pocket design is my number one wish for the Crown 2.

Wow. This is pretty nice. Thanks for the review!

Great video! Love the content, keep it up!

Kluttermusen uses same system of aluminum tubing for frame. It does make a pack much more comfortable yet keeping it light at the same time. One negative about it is much easier to break aluminum tube and then it's a huge pita to make a new one. Apparently it is quite a skill to bend alumnium tubing without intoducing weak spots. But with regular stays any home depot sell them 3.50 a foot no biggie.

I feel you should take a look at Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. It weights a little bit mora than shown on video, but has far less compromises and suitable for far larger audience than the one presented.

My new favorite pack is made by Nashville Packs. It is an ultralight frameless pack that is more comfortable than any pack of any kind I’ve owned previously.

You need to do a review of the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60. This pack looks like it largely takes design elements from the OV pack, and the center zipper on the Shadowlight makes it absolutely super versatile. I’ve had one since they came out and almost never use anything else.

Granite gear crown 60l. It checks all my boxes. Long live the chair! I have to carry a chair.

I like white because of how it let's light in, making it easier to look in and find my gear.

I was torn between this and the Gossamer Gear Mariposa. I love Durston Gear, but the size ended up being a deciding factor. So anyone looking into this but are worried about the size, the Mariposa has similar features and weight, with the extra room.

Great, informative breakdown. This vid earned you a new subscriber.

Off topic for this video but had my feathered friends flicker quilt 20° down to 24° the other night. Did great! Slept in 250g merino wool base layers and was warm.

Great review. I wish they would make the packs with a larger diameter. I don't like going high in the tub of my pack. I've been using a home built Ray Way pack for about 11 years now. Great pack but I need more room down low. If you use the top it wants to fall away.

Whoa. The price on that's very reasonable. With those features, color me intrigued on my list next time I'm pack shopping!

Durston gear kicks all the ass. Waiting on the Kakwa 55 to restock! Great video as usual 🍻

The Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight series has a very similar suspension system. I own both the Shadowlight and the Kakwa pack and the Kakwa is my favorite. The fit and function is amazing!

Z packs are flat also, good idea, I have a 3400 Southwest and just picked up a Gossamer Gear Kumo for the kid. That back pocket needs to be bigger. The 3400 can feel overloaded, but WOW that extra space for a food carry and a full size pillow is something that I need. I carry the food for the family to keep their packs well under 15lbs. Im at 31lbs and under 20 on the way down cool vid thx

Interesting backpack! Thanks for sharing!

Waiting on the Kakwa 55, hopefully in Feb! Will address the volume issue for bear canisters, which i always use.

Great review. The six moon design packs have a similar design.

The most comfortable pack I've ever owned. I had a 750ml bottle in the ez grab pocket and a 1L in the taller pocket and was able to run and bounce down the trail with no jiggling around.

Am loving my Kakwa!

Would be interesting to see your thoughts on ULA packs, they share a lot of the things you enjoyed about the Kakwa and have a full line of pack sizes. They’re admittedly a bit heavier, their most comparable pack is probably the Circuit Ultra at 35 OZ, but it also has more external storage and additional hip belt load lifter doodads (load stabilizers?) They also make Robic Nylon packs that are marginally heavier but around $100 cheaper.

Love my Kakwa

Rumor has it that Dan in releasing a 55l version this winter

I see there is now a Kakwa 55 but both the Kakwa 40 and the Kakwa 55 are sold out as of Aug 6, 2023. I'd be ok with the grey or white. Still not sure if I'm going to buy an ultralight pack since I like the traditional packs but maybe I'll give it a try someday.

Osprey exos 58 is just a bit over 2#...and have all the comfort I want. I want this 40l pack but my Osprey is so good. Hard to spend the cash for a few oz.

I dunno...if you regard a pack not being "ultralight" but offering you lots of possibilities to fix gear you might want to access without unpacking half of your stuff - like your drinking bottle, money, small snacks, first aid kit, camera, trekking poles etc. - as a "big problem", then yes, that's what "traditional" packs are meant for. But I wouldn't speak of a big problem there, it's a different set of features and very handy for most beginners to have your stuff a bit more organized. This just becomes a big problem when gram counting gets more important then comfort to you personally.

Black and gray looks sharp.

So far I really like the Kakwa but I agree with your criticism of the front mesh. I wish it was the stretchy lycra and had more capacity. Also, the tall side pocket is a bit too snug. Wish it was bigger.

If I recall correctly, Sierra Designs uses a similar inverted "U" frame in its packs.

I got it when it dropped. I like it a lot.

True, this pack is only 40L which might be small for winter gear plus a bear canister. However, it should have been mentioned that a 55L will also be available and that should be plenty adequate.

Love the Kakwa, but HATE the SMALL stash pocket. I do not know what they were thinking to make it that small.

I did a quick search on your channel and nothing came up, but it'd be nice to know what somebody like you with all this gear does with stuff when you're done testing it. Is most sent back to the vendor? Do you just sell it? I like behind the scenes stuff of how various RU-vidrs run their channels. Amazing how many things aren't obvious until it's shown/explained to us!

Ultra fabric is approximately 2/3rd's UHMWPE yarns woven with approx. 1/3rd polyester yarns, and then a PET film is laminated to one side for waterproofing and dimensional stability of the yarns (UHMWPE fibers and yarns are very slippery). It is a *very* different material than DCF. The strength, abrasion resistance, etc. will vary depending on what weight and type of DCF you're comparing it to. But it will be much stronger and more abrasion resistant than almost all DCF materials. You may not like the dark grey color, but the darker colored a synthetic material, the better and longer it will last in relation to UV exposure. Organic synthetics like nylon, polyester, and to a lesser extent UHMWPE get broken down and weakened by UV faster than people realize (especially when in the form of relatively thin fabrics). With that said, UHWMPE material handles UV better than nylon, polyester, and PU. The colorant acts as a UV absorber, somewhat like the melanin in our skin, and just like with melanin and our skin, the darker the color, the more UV it absorbs. But if you had a white pack, even with it being 2/3rds UHMWPE, you'd see significant decrease in the various strengths and durability of the fabric within a few years if you're out a lot in the sun with it, especially in the higher elevations during summer and south to mid latitude. Personally speaking, I'm looking for ultra durability over ascetics. (One way to decrease this process is to use a decent sized reflective umbrella). I'm so anal about durability, that I may attach a sacrificial flap/covering of very light weight, black silpoly over the top and back, and over the straps.

Very curious about this. Have an Arc air which carries fine and a Gregory which is more mainstream but comfortable

Gossamer gear uses the same design. Love mine!

I hope you get to test the Kakwa 55.

Kakwa 40 doesn't have proper seam allowance for the Ultra 200 which is being corrected in the next iteration. Also, the foam padding is a little thin and light IMO.

Quick little tip for your supercool gear channel: the G for grams behind the weights you (thankfully!) provide in your videos should be small. At least for Europe it's common to write e.g. 354g, not 354G. Same goes for 10kg, if it's 10 kilograms. If it's a formatting issue with your typeface, just forget I wrote this ;-)

Hi. Love your content -- and as a fellow Texan I also like your TX trip recommendations on your website. I'm looking at backpacks and comparing the Durston Kakwa (which now also comes in 55L) vs Six Moons Minimalist vs Waymark Lite. All of which you've done great reviews on. Can you compare and contrast these packs? Also, as relatively new to backpacking, we're just now buying gear for the first time and bought our sleep system and tent first, as well as stove, etc. What's hard to figure out is whether I need a 40L or 50L pack. Are there any tools or tricks to plug in your gear with dimensions and figure out what size pack you need? It's be great to see a video on this type of topic. Thanks!

The REI Flash 55 is also a great hybrid pack that is very light

You try Eddie Bauer backpacks. They have a removable frame. They're aimed more at rock climbers and mountaineers.

Just started backpacking and used the Hyperlite 3400 and it was great, I loved how light it was. I am looking to buy a pack, I borrowed the last one, is the Ultra200 better than the material on the 3400, do you think it's waterproof to do you need a cover for this? I am new to this and not sure about companies, is this a reputable company I can trust to take on a good hike and not worry about it falling apart? Sorry so green to this, seem like the 3400 has been around so it seems like its built really nice and lots of great resources and reviews, this seems newer and fixes some issue like you said...Any other advise, thanks so much!

good presentation......

The old Alumuinum frame external packs were the best design if you got the right pack to use on the frame and were light too if you got the right combo. It is too bad now they are only made in hunting designs with extra framing people do not need for backpacking and often have to modify these packs to have them work with a backpack if you never plan to use it hunting. The other flaw with some fastpacks is they are designed for running packing and not really enough to the pack to do overnight packing, mainly made for running nonstop some longer routes over 38--40 miles depending on needs and size of pack at 20--25 liters up to 30 Liters when 39--40 liters on up is what you want in ultralight camping packs as 30--35 liters is really only good for overnight with a tube tent/tube tarp if you go Dinner of the night before and Breakfast as the only meals and basically sleeping the night. The 30--35 Liters category is where the old overnight rust-sack/stupidly named large/extra large nap sack fit in.

I once bought a separate metall frame to increase the load I could put on my back along with my small backpack with only the sleeping bag on my back I had it on and it cut the circulation to my legs what did I do wrong

One reason I like my granite gear back, nice solid back frame that works for my body

Well before the ultralight kick the original internal frame packs were almost all two parallel aluminum stays, usually 6061t. 7000 series aluminum is much stiffer.

You all need to try the English made Atom Packs Atom plus and the Mo. They both have frames which as you say have horizontal and vertical support. They easily challenge the weight of this and the Mo has load lifters and can carry 18kgs. They also have a better choice of customisations and capacities. Above and beyond what I've seen on offer elsewhere. Prove me wrong.

I have a 60l pack made by Vango with the U shape aluminium support from over 20 years ago, I think it might even date from the late 80s early 90's as it was my step-fathers hand me down to me. It's nothing new!

I know I may be the odd man out here but I couldn't find anything that fit my ideal version of a pack in any of the traditional backpacking packs. Just recently I found a pack by stone glacier called the terminus. It gets me 115L of space for less than 4 pounds and there isn't a single pack in the backpacking world that matches the comfort that this pack offers. I would be really interested in seeing more backpackers review these hunting packs.

Great review,. Did I miss the price of the pack? I went to Durston's site and it isn't there either. I apologize if I'm just dumb and missed it

I was looking at buying the Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 with the flight vest, how does this pack compare?

Z-packs arc series has a terrific frame and suspension package for the weight, and I’ve never had it “round out”. Sits equally on my shoulders and hips and not anywhere else. And they’ll send you one tomorrow

great vid

Do you have a ballpark $ range on this pack? Since it's ultra I'm assuming near the $400 which, for a framed pack at that weight is pretty pricy. While I think you make some interesting points in this one Steven I personally never saw an issue with bowing on a framed pack. With a slimmer frame profile or a frameless pack you need to be more aware of how you pack your bag or go with a full panel that weighs more. I don't see how this pack will take off based on the weight to price ratio. It's a lot like Waymark packs in that regard. When there are lighter or cheaper options it's hard to justify packs like these. Great video!

Hi @MyLifeOutdoors. I have a couple of questions about the Kakwa 40. The first is, how much was it when you bought it. I'm trying to get a sense of how it compares in price to something like the Zerk 40 or the Waymark Lite40 (although I'm not fond of the new small side pocket design). Second, how likely is it that Durston will make an upsized version of this pack, like a 50L for example? How have you been finding the pack since the video review? Thanks for your videos!

You can't use the Y strap to secure the bear canister?

Where did you find convertible pants with vertical zips for your boots? All I can find are the silly kind that require removing boots.

what is the wall thickness of the aluminum tubes?

*puts on external frame pack* but seriously be great if someone made an ultralight external frame. Also love loadlifters

Do you get a sweaty back as well? I'd love to get an UL pack that has back suspension, but the only UL brand out there that does it is Zpacks. Nothing else out there to compare it to. I'm hesitant to pull the trigger to replacing my Atmos because it just has great ventilation for my back. I don't think an Atmos vs ArcHaul is an apples-to-apples comparison.

Dan Durston has been a little busy bee. He'll really build a name for himself soon.

I love my Hyperlite but it can turn into a rolled up carpet of a feel on my back if not packed carefully. I'd 100% give the Durston a try if I didnt already have my 3400 and you could actually find a Kakwa in stock :)

ULA and gossamer gear both have horizontal frame support similar to this

I bought this pack the day it came out and was so excited- but that mesh pocket is just too small for my needs- now if I was as streamlined as DD I’m sure I’d be fine- but that dude barely even needs a pack- he can make due with a twig and a feather…

How comfortable is the hip belt? How padded is it? (Compared to almost no padding on an HMG, or lots of padding on Gossamer Gear). You didn’t mention the hip belt at all.

When are we going to see the 55L option review!