Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Assessment

Backside Line

For those who plan on dwelling out of a pack and doing a little scrambling, this is likely to be your match. The Durston Kakwa 55 shines as one of the crucial sturdy and thoughtfully designed ultralight packs we’ve examined.

Throughout our testing, the Extremely 200X cloth confirmed minimal put on over lots of of path miles and intensive publicity to abrasion and moisture, instilling confidence in its long-term efficiency.

The sturdy development does include some sacrifices to consolation, nevertheless. The inflexible body prioritizes help over luxurious.

Whereas the laminated backing gives further water resistance, seepage via seams and the hydration port create weak factors that forestall the pack from being 100% waterproof.

Regardless of these drawbacks, the Kakwa 55 provides immense worth for severe ultralight devotees who demand unyielding resilience and ample storage. Its considerate pocket structure and quick-access options increase effectivity on long-haul treks. The mix of the Kakwa’s inexpensive price ticket, distinctive development high quality, and useful characteristic set makes it a worthwhile funding for ounce-counters looking for a dependable, trail-ready companion.

For different top-tier choices, try our information to the very best ultralight backpacks.

consolation

The Durston Kakwa 55’s consolation leaves one thing to be desired in comparison with different prime light-weight packs we’ve examined. The body and again panel really feel fairly inflexible and laborious, missing the plush cushioning present in some rivals. That stated, Durston makes use of a gentle cloth to again the body, upping the consolation factors.

We discovered the shoulder straps decently padded, hanging an affordable stability between cushion and weight financial savings. Underneath hundreds as much as about 35 kilos, the Kakwa rides easily and stably on the again. Durston claims the pack can deal with 45 kilos, however in our expertise, that’s a bit formidable. In most situations, most light-weight backpackers received’t even come near that weight until you’re shuttling gear to a base camp.

The Kakwa’s load lifters are a pleasant inclusion and technically practical, however they don’t present a significant increase in help past what the stout aluminum body already delivers. 

We admire the easy-to-reach facet pockets however discovered the elastic to be very tight, making stowing and retrieving objects tougher than it needs to be.

Total, the Kakwa 55 sacrifices some pure consolation within the identify of weight financial savings and an exceptionally sturdy development. For light-weight purists who need sturdiness with out the load, the slight tradeoff for consolation is worth it.

Performance

The Kakwa 55 provides a thoughtfully designed characteristic set with a number of pockets inside arms attain, rising on-trail effectivity.

The entrance mesh pocket gives first rate storage capability, however its tapered backside makes stuffing gear tougher than packs with a extra rectangular entrance pocket form.

A standout characteristic is the pack’s facet zipper pocket, which provides fast entry to smaller objects like maps or a compact guidebook. Whereas it received’t accommodate bigger objects, it’s a neat characteristic, and we admire having a devoted spot for navigation supplies.

The hipbelt pockets on the Kakwa are generously sized, offering ample room for smartphones, snacks, or different small objects you need shut at hand. We additionally just like the inclusion of twin shoulder strap pockets, a characteristic usually omitted on light-weight packs. These simply accommodate objects like sun shades, sunscreen, snacks, and even small water bottles.

One potential downside for some customers is the dearth of a devoted ice axe loop. Whereas many light-weight backpackers might not miss this characteristic, it could possibly be a consideration for these planning early-season adventures that require an axe.

Water Resistance

The Durston Kakwa 55 owes its water resistance to its laminated waterproof backing. This development technique creates a bodily barrier towards moisture intrusion quite than counting on a floor coating that may deteriorate over time. Theoretically, this laminate ought to present long-lasting safety from the weather, making the Kakwa 55 an interesting alternative for hikers who steadily encounter moist circumstances.

Nonetheless, throughout our water publicity check, we have been shocked to find a major quantity of water had penetrated the principle compartment. Upon nearer examination, we suspect the moisture seemingly entered via the hydration port or alongside the pack’s seams.

Whereas we significantly admire the Kakwa 55’s totally waterproof zippers, the pack’s general water resistance falls in need of its superior supplies and development expectations. This potential vulnerability is price contemplating for hikers who want a totally waterproof pack.

Regardless of this downside, the Kakwa 55’s laminated waterproof backing and sealed zippers nonetheless provide a notable diploma of safety in comparison with many ultralight packs. With a pack liner and concerted effort to maintain the hydration port out of the rain, the Kakwa 55 can nonetheless be a viable choice for hikers who worth its different strengths and are prepared to take further precautions to maintain their gear dry.

Development

The Durston Kakwa 55 showcases outstanding development high quality and sturdiness, setting a excessive bar for ultralight backpacks. Crafted with cutting-edge Extremely 200X cloth, this pack provides distinctive resistance to abrasion and punctures.

Throughout our rigorous discipline testing, the Kakwa withstood intensive brushes with jagged rocks and dense undergrowth with out seen indicators of wear and tear. The Extremely 200X materials, a high-tenacity mix of UHMWPE fibers, delivers distinctive strength-to-weight efficiency.

Weighing in at simply 0.6 ounces per liter of capability, the Kakwa achieves a powerful stability between light-weight development and long-term sturdiness. Durston’s meticulous consideration to element within the pack’s meeting is the cherry on prime. Each stress level is bolstered with double stitching and sure seams, making certain the pack’s structural integrity even beneath heavy hundreds. 

For these looking for final sturdiness, we advocate the Extremely 200X model over the lighter and extra inexpensive UltraGrid model.

Ought to You Purchase The Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack?

The Durston Kakwa 55 is a wonderful alternative for severe ultralight backpackers who demand long-term sturdiness. With its cutting-edge Extremely 200X cloth and meticulous development, this pack is constructed to resist the pains of prolonged adventures and rugged off-trail pursuits.

Though the Kakwa 55 might not provide the plushest padding or most luxurious carry, and the waterproofing isn’t good, its considerate design and have set make it a good selection for knowledgeable ultralight hikers who prioritize gear entry and sturdiness. 

Durston’s extremely inexpensive worth tags are laborious to beat, given their distinctive construct high quality and superior supplies. Much more cash and weight financial savings might be discovered by way of the UltraGrid model of the Kakwa on the sacrifice of some water resistance and sturdiness.

What Different Ultralight Backpacks Ought to You Take into account?

Don’t suppose you want the sturdiness or need one thing a bit extra wet-weather prepared? Take a look at quite a few different choices on our full information to ultralight packs.

Zpacks Arc Haul Extremely 60 Assessment: Though Zpacks gear comes at a premium price ticket, the Arc Haul Extremely 60 provides related development and sturdiness however with higher water-resistance and important weight financial savings.

Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Assessment: The Pulse can also be designed with an goal at on-trail effectivity. We particularly admire the Dyneema mesh pockets. The Pulse can also be moderately waterproof and made with sturdy supplies.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 Assessment: A standout contender for sturdiness and weather-resistance, the Southwest 55 encompasses a minimalist design and carries weight exceptionally effectively.