The Search Is Over - I Found The Perfect Pack - The Durston Gear Kakwa 55 

Hey Dennis thank you for the comment and watching the video of course.. best wishes to you too Tom

Hey great news and I really hope that you are happy with it.. I love this one... best wishes Tom

Hey thank you for the feedback and watching the video... Best wishes Tom

Hey Andi thank you for the comment and it's great that the video was helpful.. Have a great new Year.. Best wishes Tom

Hi Marty many great packs out there.. Never tried Fjallraven.. It's an ultralight one for me now that I have tried them.. Depends on how important the reduction in weight is. I must say I also really love some of the new fabrics in ultralight packs.. Especially this one... Hey best wishes Tom

Hi thank you for your comments... much appreciated. best wishes Tom

Hey thank you so very much fr sharing your experience with this pack... Mine is loaded as to 13 kg as I write this and am heading out for a gear test tonight.... best wishes Tom

Hey great to hear of your experience with the Blaze 60 and the Kakwa 55. I appreciate the detail you shared regarding the comfort with a 14kg load as I haven't tested mine to that weight yet... Awesome to hear also that you have and X-Mid and love that as well.. best wishes for many happy camping trips and new gear... Tom

Hey thank you for sharing your experience of the Kakwa 55. Awesome to hear that you are very happy with it. I also dont think I will be looking for another pack for quite some time as this one definitely sure suits what I need... yes the low cut pocket certainly helps water bottle access but you may need to be careful with larger bottles or attached some extra tie outs like you did... It's a very versatile pack and many options for carrying tonnes of kit.... best wishes Tom

Hey Dave thank you for watching and taking the time to comment... I still recommend the jacket too after much use.... best wishes Tom

Hey amazing that you have ordered fabric and made some gear.. Keep that up and you might be able to start a new business... Best wishes Tom

Hey great to hear that you enjoyed it.. best wishes Tom

Hi Mark, great to hear from you and thank you for watching and sharing your experience of the Arc Haul.. Yes the arc haul is still going but very expensive to start then you have the extras such as hip belt pockets if you want them... best wishes. Tom

Hi Peter, yes this one ticks the boxes for me... Really premium and all the features you need... Best wishes Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 I don’t know how it’s done, but a link in the description box where you get a small percentage would be great for your community. Peace.

Hey Craig, great to hear from you and your thoughts... I think with new fabrics you can save weight and not suffer durability... Challenge Outdoor who make the fabric on this pack are really pushing forwards with fabric tech and being used by a number of manufactures. It's great to see the move away from nylon and we have had it too long.... The Atom packs are really nice but honestly I am really happy with this Durston.... best wishes Tom

Hey Mark great to hear your experience of the 40... yeah I have added attachment cord a little lower down as I like my tent poles being super secure.. At least the attachment points are there allowing you to personalise it.... Appreciate your comments once again... best wishes Tom

Hey Hans, yes you need one especially when you have an X - Mid.. great to hear from you... I hope you have a new video out soon... best wishes Tom

hey Hans :) Which pack do you have at the moment?

I have Zpacks Arc Haul the old model

@@hanskirk-hiking9697 thanks a lot Hans

Hey David, great to meet you too and get a chat.. Could definitely have talked much longer.. I will get a review out in 10 days or so with the Ultra 😁. That Osprey Aether pro is definitely a great pack... I looked at them many times.. I think for me now though ultralight is the way forward as my pack weight was just over 6kg for this trip... Best wishes and looking forward to seeing your next video.. Tom

The side pocket with the additional zip compartment is pretty deep and the other one not too bad either.. Practically they work for me. Best wishes Tom

Hey great to hear of your pack experience... the Gregory certainly has a great looking back system ... really good to hear that you are happy with the pack... 1.3kg is very light for all the features and adjustment... best wishes and I really appreciate your comments...Tom

Hi Michael, thank you for sharing your purchase of the Kakwa. I am so very happy with mine and its showing absolutely no sign of wear after decent use.. Very impressed with the Ultra fabric. I wish you all the very best with yours and many great trips in the outdoors... Tom

Hey frosty, thank you for your comments on the video... great to hear from you.. best wishes Tom

Hey Jordy, thank you for the super thanks. It actually means so much as the viewers who do it represent about 1 in a thousand..... I really appreciate this so dont hesitate to give me a shout should you require any further detail on clarity on products that I have reviewed... best wishes Tom

Hey thank you for the comment... Tom

Hey thank you for sharing your experience.. All the ultralight packs have limited comfort once the weight gets high.. They just can't compete with the broader thicker padded hip belts and back system.. They are comfortable for their weight but there is definitely a cut off point.. Best wishes Tom

Hey Alan, great to hear from you... I thought you would have had sorted a pack by now... This one is the best of the bunch that we previously discussed... best wishes and hope you get sorted.. Tom

Tom, ... thanks. I have a new Kelty pack. Will be taking it out to see how it holds up. I'll keep you posted. Al @@TOMHEANEY100

Hi Gary thank you for sharing your thoughts on the Kakwa 55... You are spot on regarding the price here in the UK which I feel represents excellent value. Like you say the Z - Packs Arc Hauls are pricey even before you add features that are standard on the Durston. I am obviously aware how much you like the Atom Packs and they get a great reviews too... once again thank you for sharing your experience as I know that you are very well dialled in on the best kit..... best wishes Tom

Hi Sam, the import tax was £60 and 220 conversion into pounds. So I think still great value when you look at what you get.. It's definitely what I have been looking for for some time... Best wishes Tom

Hi Kevin, yeah I really love the pack and colour fine for me.. Its kind of a classic colour that you will never get tired of... Hey that you for watching and commenting on another of my videos... best wishes Tom

Hi Stewart, Yes and my camping partner has two of them... Definitely similar to the Durston buts as you say nice to be able to custom them a bit more... Many many cottage brands now making packs so its a difficult choice... best wishes Tom

Hi yes it is really great with such choice and value out there.. Ultralight packs are definitely the way forward IMO... Thank you very much for watching the video and sharing your thoughts.... best wishes Tom

Awesome pack but not durable enough for hunting. 45 pounds isn't enough strength capacity. The military surplus packs like the ilbe can carry 120 lbs. Hence why they weigh 8 pounds. I for one would save weight on pretty much anything else except the pack. If it rips good luck getting anywhere with the rest of your gear. Not applicable to your uses I guess. You clearly know your use case

@@ryaniam2245lbs or 120lbs is for sure not my use case. My use case is multi day hiking, 20-30mi a day in the mnts. Carrying anything over 20lbs for that just seems like overkill. We have a phrase when packing our backpack… don’t pack your fears.

Hey Jiffy great to hear from you and thank you for the comment.... The weight is some of those Fjallraven packs is serious but no doubts regarding comfort and durability... I suppose it just depends on how much weight you carry too, as this is still an ultralight pack... A year ago I was still using the Osprey Argon here and now I have dropped nearly 2kg. Even the Osprey Aether is 2.2 kg... . As I have got older the weight I carry has just become more of a major issue for me.. hey best wishes Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 Age is but a number Tom, keep chipping. I look at it as a free workout (my knees don’t appreciate it coming down though). I still haven’t ever weighed my kit other than lifting it in my hand and guessing, it won’t be light though because I like some comforts. The Aether was digging into the bottom of my back for some reason and I just couldn’t get it to sit right. Best wishes 👍

@@WildCampingWelshman I've figured a way to get down without hurting my knees. I regularly ruck with 16kg on my back (20% my body weight). Just to keep in shape, what I find is, if you don't already know this, that when you descend, bend your knees a good bit and sort of "bounce" softly down using your quads and thighs as support... if that makes sense. And to keep yourself in tippy top shape, ruck every other day, start at 10% our body weight, eventually going to 16%. Unless of course you already do all of this! But I agree, age is but a number. Lighter packs are not as comfy. It's a bit of a trade off, each to their own, really. I use Mystery Ranch and won't look back. 20kg feels like 13kg.

@@frosty_soda Bulgarian split squats help too, along with walking poles. You’re right about keeping fitness levels up. I never used to suffer with any knee pain so it must be a bit of wear and tear over the years 👍🏻

@@WildCampingWelshman Hey thank you for sharing your thoughts once again... I never weighed my kit either but once I did the ultralight search began.. Best wishes Tom

Hey great to hear from you and it's a hard call selecting gear.. While review s are great find some you tube channels that you think are credible and stick with them.. If you involve too many people when selecting gear they will all tell you something different and then things become confusing... Paul Messenger, Justin Outdoors are examples of great channels.. Paul presents his information very clearly and is well balanced.. Best wishes on your journey.. Tom

Hey thank you for the comment and sharing your experience with the Kakwa and your other packs . This helps me and many others too . I am always interested in the journey and different bits of gear people use . Best wishes Tom

Not really but there is a size tab you could add some cord to to make a loop or loop it to the aluminium frame... It does have holes in the side thought for the bladder tube... I hope that helps.. best wishes Tom

Thx

Hi, my camera goes in that side pocket no problem and its a Sony ZV - e10 to give you an idea of the size... When I do a second review I will demo some additional gear storing items such as a tripod... best wishes and thank you for the comments.. Tom

Hi thank you for the comment.. I will do my best to cover most of these in my review.. Best wishes Tom

Hey thank you so very much for the super thanks.. I really appreciate it.. I hope you are doing well.. best wishes Tom

Hi Robert thank you for your comments and sharing your experience of the Gregory Paragon 58... I see its quite a light pack at 1.6kg... The Atom packs get great reviews but I chose the Durston for two main reasons... First I had experience with a Durston tent and the build quality was fantastic. Second I prefer the more open mesh pocket with pleats on the front of the Kakwa... the fact that the pocket is looser and has an elastic at the top makes it easier to pack a greater volume of kit in there if that makes sense. Both your Gregory pack and the atom packs have a tighter mesh which I dont think will hold as much... Regarding the sleeping bag compartment - I always had packs with one and thought I would miss it but honestly I never have...best wishes and I hope that this helps.... Tom

Hi, I haven't but my friend has and loves both of his.. These lightweight packs have limited features so some fit better than others.. I definitely find this Kakwa very comfortable for what it is.. I have just had a look at both packs and both are quite s shaped. The Durston straps are much wider at the top though so will sit differently on your shoulders.. Have a look on their websites at this point if you haven't already.. Best wishes and hope you get sorted. best wishes Tom

I thought so too but I now find that's when its warm I still sweat even with a ventilated pack... When you get a larger pack with more weight inside it some ventilated packs push the weight away from your body which adds leverage to the weight placing more of a strain on your back... Not such a deal in smaller packs but more so with larger ones... BUT it may just depend too on your location and how hot it gets... best wishes Tom

you could use the kakwa with the vaucluse ventilation frame. they have really good reviews and weigh like 90gm or something

Done now. 👍

Hi I will pop the frame out and see how it compresses.. It's not really bulky at all so I'll get back to you again.. Best wishes Tom

Hope you enjoy it! that's great news.. I am out with mine again tonight.. Love packing it as so many options.. Best wishes for many trips and thank you for sharing.. Tom

Hi Patrick, Durston Gear sent me this pack so I didn't pay postage but did pay tax of about £60..The only experience I have regarding customer service is direct contact with Dan. He is very active on all social media platforms and shows real commitment to his brand. The contact that I had was absolutely first class so I would be of the opinion that customer service would be really excellent.. I hope that helps.. Best wishes Tom

Hi Marty, I think it mainly depends on how much saving weight is important to you.. I was using a 3kg Osprey Argon 70 which was nearly 3kg. This pack then saved me 2kg which is a massive reduction. But in my experience the Ultralight packs just don't carry heavy loads as well particularly if your pack weight is over 11 kg. The manufacturers of ultra light packs claim much higher than this but in reality it's impossible due to smaller less padded hip and shoulder straps.. So if you want to reduce weight and don't usually carry more than 11 kg then definitely worth it.. Osprey are also dragging their heels regarding the use of dyneema ultra type fabrics...

Hi Sam, When you construct a pack with lots of double stitching etc to make it strong and durable that means many holes.... Many holes make it difficult to seam seal. So reducing the stitching holes in the pack also reduce the features... You could make a waterproof pack easy enough but it would just be a dry bag with shoulder strap and a hip belt and that wouldn't be very popular... here is what Durston say - " 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". . I hope this helps... best wishes Tom

Let us know how it goes, have read that ultra fabric dosent take hole punching well, ie the pockets on the this kakwa 50 have folds to allow drainage, not punched holes.

No Pack on Earth is Waterproof. Anyone knows you should have a Trash Compactor Bag inside as a Liner Bag or something similar.

No more Argon's I am afraid.. The Aether is the closest model.. Hope that helps. Best wishes Tom

this helps alot thank-you tom ive just purchased the Hilleberg Nammatj 2 on your recommendation cant wait😂 @@TOMHEANEY100

Hi Alan, I measured mine at 22 inches and this large fits me really well... I hope that this helps.. Thank you for the positive feedback and best wishes on getting one of these great packs... Tom

Fantastic! My torso length is also 22 inches, thats a great help , I shall order one today in large , and thank you for the quick response . Happy camping to you 😊

@@alanrowland398 Hey you are very welcome.. Hope you get it really soon and I wish you many many great trips with it . Best wishes Tom

Hi Tom, I have received my kakwa 55 - really good pack as you say, all good 😊

Hi, it's always a tough one when I haven't tested the product that you are referring to. The unbound is $140 more expensive so it represents a greater risk at that money than the Durston. The website also doesn't give as much information re the fabric etc so I also see that as a slightly greater risk. Durston gear explain the products exceptionally well. There will always be pros and cons so its up to individual preferences... I hope that this helps... Best wishes Tom

Thank you for your reply and great reviews really appreciate all the detail and time you have taken. That does help think learning towards the kakwa is cheaper and seems to have a better frame

You need to get It directly from Durston.....Tom

Hey really sorry for the late reply but on holiday.. Yes the tie out options are not my favorite aspect of this pack but there are usually work arounds.. It has tabs that you can add cord and line lock s too.. best wishes Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 no problem my dear. Nice to read from you. I like a lot your reviews and comments. I think i will buy the Kakwa 55. It is only available in Ultra Grid. I don t know this fabric but the pack is relatively cheap like this.

Hello its the Cumulus Climalite jacket... cumulus.equipment/uk_en/men-jacket-climalite-full-zip.html. Definitely one of my favourite jackets ever... Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100Awesome I’ll check it out, thanks!

Hi, yes I definitely find it very comfortable for an ultralight pack... Up to about 12Kg is my carry weight... Tom

Just the two packs 40L and the 55L here in this video.. best wishes Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 By the way, I bought a Samaya 2.0 tent and vestibule after watching your videos and doing more research. It’s a great tent! I’m hoping to get that Mesh 2.0 add-on mosquito netting, but it’s been backordered since I first saw it on their website. Next time you do a Samaya video, you should let people know they can get Samaya re-use tents and accesories for much cheaper than new. I bought the tent new, but bought a re-use vestibule. Thanks for the great content!

@@korling99 Hey I am delighted to hear that you bought a Samaya and that you are happy with it.. I love mine and wanted to show it a bit more here too... Best wishes and great to hear that you have awesome kit.. best wishes Tom

Hi I dont know the size of bear spray as no bears in the UK.... BUT a 850ml smart water bottle will just about fit but its tight.. Obvisouly you need to be able to get it out quick....

Hi I am six foot one inch or 185 cm. I didn't measure torso length but this large fits me great.. I hope that helps.. Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 thanks a lot

Z packs more expensive but a shade lighter and more technical.. best wishes Tom

Hi David, I am not sure that you can.. I got mine from Durston USA and paid the import tax which at that time was £63.00... Hope this helps.... best wishes Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 thanks Tom will look into it best wishes

No but I hear its a pretty good pack... Tom

No I am afraid not... The pack just comes in different sizes. I am 6 feet 1 inch and ordered the large which fits perfectly.. I have used this pack now a lot more after this review and really love it. No signs of any wear. I hope that helps.. best wishes Tom

The Atmos is a great pack... I still have a 35.. Osprey do comfort really well.. Best wishes Tom

I had one a few years back, I find the Kakwa55 more comfortable.

Yes just tried a camel 🐪 back.. Hole in the side of the pack too for the tube.. Hope that helps.. best wishes Tom

Thanks very much@@TOMHEANEY100

hey thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.. I appreciate your thoughts on the tent too. I have tested one and used it on a number of occasions and actually the offset poles make t very practical and increase the height of the roof over a greater surface area ad its diagonal height and not just the width or length of the tent if that makes sense... best wishes Tom

Hi this is not a comparison review and I have chosen this model because it is a popular pack at a reasonable budget.. Lesser known brands make it harder to get views on RU-vid.. Best wishes Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 thanks a lot! But do you think that a frame is (very) important even if it adds weight, because the Hyberg weighs only 600g!

@@Pasequale100 Hi it also depends how important reducing the weight is... The frame will not weigh 400g so there must be other factors involved in the weight reduction.. Just looked and its made from Ultra100 whereas the Durston here is Ultra 200.. I think the frame becomes more important when the pack carry weight is over 11 ish KG.. I use a pack from 3FUL Gear with no frame and its just as comfortable up to 11Kg.. But instead of the frame it has more padding on the shoulders and hip belt. So if this pack also reduces the padding to reduce weight then its hard to say.. There are just so many small companies now making packs and more springing up every week... Hope this helps. Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 thank you so much Tom! :) The advantage of a frameless pack is that you can shrinken the size more easily when the pack is not so filled up. The advantage of the frame is for me the transfer of weight away from the shoulders to the hip.

Yeah that's what I thought when I initially changed from a pack with ventilation to one without... never looked back to be fair as I found on a warm day I still got sweaty with a ventilated pack... BUT each to their own and I appreciate that.... best wishes and thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.. Tom

Every inch one separates weight from body adds 5% of that weight's pull on the shoulder-straps. It's a tradeoff. Keep the weight in tight to the body vs holding it at arms-length.

@@tomnoyb8301 yes I totally agree.. Not so keen on packs that push the weight away from the body for ventilation.... best wishes Tom

Hi thank you for watching and sharing your comments and thoughts... Dan has made a few changes to this pack for 2024 so they are getting better all the time.... best wishes Tom

​@@TOMHEANEY100 - Am partial to LiteAF packs, which are 1) Waterproof, 2) Way cushier "S" shoulder-straps (vs "J"-straps shown), 3) Weigh less (my 46L's only 17oz), 4) with Joey-pouch, 5) Bigger rear pocket, 6) Symmetric side water pockets (it makes no sense to put all the water on one-side), etc., etc.. Point is, Packs are mature. Durston's playing catch-up with Packs. More importantly, Durston's contributed zero inventive-brilliancy to backpacks. In trekking-pole tents, Durston is the undisputed champion. There is no one in his league. Realize brilliancy is a rare commodity and maybe it's asking too much for it in every product, BUT... also hate to see such talent wasted chasing other's better designs.

@@tomnoyb8301 Hey thank you once again for your thoughts... Just had a look at the LiteAF packs.. yes they have some great options for customisation.... best wishes Tom

Glad you're liking our tents. For the packs, I think backpacks are a bit more of a mature area since the basic shape is fairly locked in (e.g. 2 straps, hipbelt, top opening etc) but I am trying to innovate in the details. For example, the hipbelt pockets work better one handed compared to most packs, the zippered side pocket is quite unique and a better solution for having larger items handy than a stretchy bottom pocket (that is more easily damaged) and other things like improving durability with protected elastics, non-stretch mesh etc. Also the Kakwa does have a bit of an S shape to the shoulder straps, and the inverted U frame is quite a bit more functional than the frame stays most UL packs are using since they don't have horizontal structure. I do agree that it's less revolutionary than our tents though. We've got some really cool stuff in the works on the tent side of things too that I'm excited to get launched, but also I have a new 30L pack coming out in a few months that is quite unique. I won't say revolutionary but it's way ahead of what's out there a lot of ways. With regard to the LiteAF packs, certainly they are very nice but I don't think the weight of 17oz is a good comparison because my packs include a lot of things as standard that are optional on theirs and thus excluded from the weight. A LiteAF 46L is 31oz with all the options which makes it the same weight and very similar features as the Kakwa, and the Kakwa is a bigger pack with a more capable frame (e.g horizontal structure) and more durable materials (e.g. non-stretch mesh).

@@durstongear - Thanks for the thorough response. Eschew frames entirely. They are always uncomfortable and are completely unnecessary. If one rolls their gear into long, skinny shapes (vs folding or stuffing), the gear itself provides more than enough structure to a (thru-hiking) pack. Long, thin packaging has the added benefit of making most or all items available without emptying the whole pack. No need to dig-down to whatever item is needed when they are all side-by-side. Further, every inch weight is distanced away from one's back adds 5% of that weight to shoulder-straps. Total weight obviously remains the same, but weight away from body pulls uncomfortably on shoulder-straps. Frames move weight away from body. Some prefer the tradeoff, this author doesn't. That's how 46L only weighs 17oz. Then there's integrated shoulder-strap-stretch-mesh pockets that hold way more securely (without anything flopping around in add-on pockets). Joey-pouch stretch-mesh is likewise plenty durable. Some like stiffer-mesh, but this author prefers secure gear and stretch-mesh holds everything tight and compact without snagging. Seems like fixed-mesh is forever catching in things and gear inside rattling around. Then there's the Ultra-fabric, which is both waterproof and bullet-proof. Each of these preferences comes through years of experiencing different options. They are no longer close-calls. At first-glance, one option might seem as good as the other. But there really is a 'best.'

Hey thank you very much for the comment.. Yes I love this Samaya Assaut2... Especially with the dyneema vestibule.🤣🤣

Sorry I don't understand.. Tom

@@TOMHEANEY100 Hi Tom. The backpack made by ULA called the Circuit. In standard Robic Nylon or Ultra fabrics. Have you considered / tried that? Seems to be extremely popular and comfortable with excellent owner feedback. Slightly less minimalist than the Durston’s too I think, but still very lightweight and spacious.

I don't have direct experience of an atom pack so that is why.. best wishes Tom

Yes it's pretty light for what it is . Good durable fabrics too.. best wishes Tom

Never heard of them but thank you for sharing your opinion... Best wishes Tom

It s well paded but too firm

Yes I was disappointed by mine and I feel pack construction and materials have move on quite a bit in the last two years... The main disappointment was the comfort just not being up to some of the hype... Thank you for sharing your thoughts here.. best wishes Tom

My pack in made in Vietnam.. If this is a deal breaker then there are many US cottage brands and Atom Packs for example that are made in the UK.... best wishes Tom