Durston Kakwa 40 Review
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- The Durston Kakwa 40 Pack attempts to solve one key problem suffered by most ultralight packs in this weight range: how to maintain load-carrying comfort across both light and heavy loads?
In this review, we measure the Kakwa 40's load-carrying performance, discuss our observations of EPL Ultra 200 fabrics vs. DCH150, and more.
** See the full review: **
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** How we measure the load-carrying capacity of a backpack: **
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** Outline: **
0:00 - Introduction to the Durston Kakwa 40 Pack
1:31 - Kakwa backpack suspension overview
9:14 - How much weight can the Kakwa 40 carry comfortably?
12:39 - What (torso) size should I get?
17:12 - Performance of EPL (Ultra) 200 in the Kakwa 40
23:21 - Q&A
23:37 - EPL Ultra 200 vs. DCH150?
25:11 - Does the Kakwa 40 hip belt collapse under heavy loads?
26:42 - Can you carry a bear canister in the Kakwa 40?
28:32 - Is the Kakwa frame so stiff that it causes discomfort over long days?
30:35 - Can the hip belt pocket and side pocket zippers be operated with one hand while wearing the pack?
32:08 - Can you access a water bottle in the side pocket while wearing the pack?
32:56 - What's the maximum recommended torso length for each size pack?
34:16 - Is the Durston Kakwa 40 waterproof?
34:32 - Does the Kakwa 40 absorb much water weight?
35:18 - What's the best strategy for keeping your pack and gear dry in a pack like the Kakwa 40?
36:06 - How do you carry large volumes of water in the Kakwa 40?
37:12 - How effective is the double-webbing-single-buckle hip belt strap?
38:01 - What hurts when you carry a lot of weight in a Kakwa 40?
38:26 - How much weight can you save by removing the internal frame and foam sheet from the Durston Kakwa 40?
39:03 - How durable is the rear pocket mesh for bushwhacking?
39:14 - The problem with the Kakwa 40 in heavy rain is...
40:13 - Will the Durston Kakwa 40 fit a large woman with wide hips?
41:28 - How to make the Durston Kakwa a more capable pack for just a few more ounces...
42:13 - Does the hip belt slip down when the pack is loaded to its weight capacity?
43:02 - Delamination issues with EPL Ultra 200
44:51 - Final thoughts
45:36 - How much gear will the Kakwa 40 actually hold for such a small pack?
46:35 - Is the Durston Gear Kakwa 40 comfortable?
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This is crazy in-depth and detailed, and it seems like you go out of your way to be as neutral and unbiased as possible. Probably the best outdoor gear review I've ever seen on UA-cam. Fantastic!
I am impressed by the testing you do, a real contribution to the outdoor community.
I've watched a TON of gear review videos. This was the best hands down. Data driven, concise, and honest. I love your answer to "is this pack comfortable". GREAT job!
This is by far the best and most comprehensive backpack review that I've seen. As a female thru hiker with an extra short torso and one who has to carry extra weight due to a chronic health condition, finding light weight packs that fit me correctly and comfortably is somewhat of a nightmare. I'm hopeful that an as in depth Kakwa 55 review is forthcoming. Right now it's at the top of my list as a prospective backpack for my next long distance thru hike. On the last 1,200 mile one I suffered immensely due to an ill fitting pack that was listed to fit my torso in the smallest size but turned out being too long and miserable with heavier carries even though they fell within the manufacturer's stated load carrying range. Thank you for this. I'm looking forward to a Kakwa 55 review!
Thank you for another great informative gear review!!
so well rounded, and with sources. Just great review
Incredible, high quality educational content. Everyone could benefit from watching this video even if they're not considering the Kakwa.
So remarkably helpful, thank you for the great depth to your review!
Outstanding detailed review.
What an incredible review! I was not expecting this much depth.
Best review I have ever seen on any backpack. Very well done!
The best pack review I have ever seen. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Excellent review!
this review is so amazing and answered all my wonders!!!!!!
That was an awesome in depth, thought provoking review. I never knew a lot of that information. Excellent work!
Absolutely fantastic review and seriously informative.
Best gear review I've seen so much great info. PLEASE DO MORE BACKPACK REVIEWS!
Thanks for your indepth, nonbiased reviews. They're very informative and a real help in educating people about outdooor gear selection!
Best discussion on hip belt placement I have ever heard, and very helpful! Thank you.
You are one great gear reviewer. Thanks. Just ordered the new Kakwa 55.
unreal review man, you're of the most succinct, articulate and efficient communicators i've ever heard on youtube. cheers 🤙
Good Dog. Thanks for the Im depth review, I was looking at this pack recently. I especially appreciate the observations on the overall capacity, features you would add and the hip/shoulder ergonomics under load.
Amazing review of this pack. Comprehensive seems an inadequate word to describe how much into the woods you go. Also, great questions by the community.
This is the most detailed review ive ever watched
The most in-depth pack review I’ve seen thus far for an UL pack on UA-cam 🙌
I'll echo what others have said: this is one of the clearest, most detailed pack reviews I've ever watched. Extremely helpful. Thanks.
easily the best review of this backpack and one of the best reviews of frankly anything I’ve wanted reviews for, thanks for this treasure trove of field-tested insights
Thank you for the excellent, excellent, excellent review. I'm an older backpacker than you, yet there was some important new information I learned.
You earned a new subscriber.
Excellent video. Just what I needed in my Durston shopping. I was going to go with a Medium, but have decided on a Large because of your suggestions. Thx
This is by far the most informational and in-depth review I have seen. Might as well be watching Dan himself! Lol Thank you! I am so excited to get mine! 🤙🏼
I’ve been following you for a few years now (newbie) & I swear you’re some kind of god- I am so deeply impressed by your knowledge, your thoroughness, intelligence and ease of explanation. You rule.
hands down the best review i have ever seen for a back pack
not only did this review exceed expectations in terms of illuminating this pack specificislly - it was a crash course in understanding backpack fundamentals...
thank you so much, seriously
the graph illustrating pack peformance vs weight carried is insane.. amazing information. would love to see this review for the packback designs framed backpack
Your explanation on the subjectivity of comfort and how personal anatomy affects hip belt placement was an ah ha moment for me - Thank you!
Wow, i have to give you props for saying Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene so many times in a row with out fudging it up. Or was that the power of editing? haha. thank you for the great video.
Very informative review - thank you 🙏
I just used the Kakwa 40 on a thru hike of the Timberline Trail in Oregon over 4 days, 3 nights. The pack performed well, and I agree with many of the points you bring up in your review. I would also like to see this pack made in a 55-70l range. I don't know that I like how narrow and tall the pack is, as I am used to having a slightly wider pack that I can pack my tent, pad, clothes, and other gear horizontal across the pack, and I had to resort to packing the Kakwa vertically, which caused me to run out of room sooner than I had expected due to having to "Tetris" different gear above each other to make it fit within the vertical confines of the pack. Otherwise, the price point to pack feature list is right on point, as the Kakwa has built in pockets on the shoulder straps as well as ample room in the hip belt pockets.
Thanks for taking the time to give a detailed review of backpacking gear. Your reviews are always informative and well defined, articulated, and fact driven.
FYI, the Kakwa 55 is coming out sometime next month. I need a pack that will fit a bear canister (BV475), so I need a little larger pack in terms of volume even though my total weight is 25# average.
You are the first reviewer I’ve heard saw what I’ve always thought, comfort is subjective and what works for one doesn’t work for the others
Best pack review I've ever seen, and a fund of info for MYOG pack designers! I like the way you're challenging the small volume. The weight penalty for an extra 20-30 litres is minimal, and you get more flexibility, easier packing, and the potential to carry a bear canister internally. With a decent compression system, it's pretty much all upside. All you really lose is bragging points for your trendily small backpack...
Quality of this content is unbelievable. Concise, data driven and neutral to top it all off? Take a bow
Good day, I am a subscriber from France and I just finished the Grande Traversée des Alpes mostly using the GR5 trails (600 km) and I used the subject backpack - your comments are spot on and as usual your reviews are worthy of being categorised as scientific.
I was mostly affected by a) the pockets with no drain and b) the way the belt concentrates discomfort in the single (not very wide) buckle. I will admit that the extra belly fat is my fault and that obtaining a six pack stomach would probably solve this, but l will remain realistic, after 600 km I didn't loose a gramme (tartiflette in the refuges and wine) .
A McHale or Seek Outside double buckle and a bit more matter in the belt will turn this pack into a much better pack.
Cordialement
Pedro
Pete, hi !
Read your comment, would you consider buying this pack again given your conclusions or which other would you consider amongst the ultralight packs (brands/models) ?
Many thanks !
(I'm 176 cm,93kg -athletic, medium-sized belly , considering buying size of this pack Large).
@@georgepotcovaru913 this Durston pack is comfortable up to about 7 or 8 kg max, water food and all, after that the cinching required starts to dig in at buckle.
I made a first modification and with out permanent changes went to a two buckles closure, things were a lot better. Then I went to a dual-single buckle, so upper strap and lower strap independently fixed to dual buckle, this made it into a much more comfortable carry around bellybutton.
I can send you pics of the mods if you tell me where to send them to.
Cheers
Excellent review.
I've really been debating between this pack and the significantly heavier Osprey EXOS 48.
I was willing to pay the price of another pound and a half for the perception of much greater comfort.
But you've persuaded me otherwise with the extremely detailed review that you gave, and breakdown of the equipment.
Thank you.
Excellent information ,well presented. Thanks.
I'm trying to decide on the light backpack than I'm going to buy to replace my older and heavier pack. I love my Durston X-Mid 2 tent, and this pack is definitely on my short list. Thanks for the comprehensive review!
Try the Six Moon Design backpacks and the Zpacks backpacks. They are more time tested.
Such a great video. Very comprehensive; I love how you break down the specs and explain the features and real world use of this backpack. You have a new subscriber.
Awesome review and great advice. I was one of the first to get the Kakwa 40 and I had some discomfort with early hikes ( about 26-29 llbs), but I think now after watching your video it may be because I had it cranked down hard over my hips. Will try refitting.
One of the best talks on torso, hip belts, and load lifters I've seen. My hips are so high and narrow I've about given up on finding a lightweight pack that has a hipbelt that works for me without slipping or having to compress so much I can't breathe right. Ironically it's pushing me to go more and more ultralight since I end up carrying everything on my shoulders anyway.
Great comment. I'm the same. Got the Kakwa 55 and it's a really comfortable pack, especially the shoulder straps. Getting the weight to rest well on the hips when the weight goes up over 14 kg is tricky for me, just as you describe. So going lighter, rather than expecting too much of the pack, seems to be a better option.
Excellent. Very informative.
I just ordered this pack and got a discount. Cost me only $199.00. Screaming good deal.
Thank you for such a detailed review
Beautiful lab!
Very impressive review. Guess you got your wish with the 55 liter that just came out!
Very helpful, thank you
“If you’re trying to carry 60 lbs in a 40oz pack you have problems that I can’t solve….” I fully got that quote wrong but we all get the idea….❤️
Thanks, very impressive and comprehensive review.
I have a ULA Circuit, I wonder how that would go in your compression test? as it is a hybrid of the two packs has one flat centre aluminium stay with a carbon fibre rode on either side with a flimsy delirium u shaped connector.
Thanks Jordan. After watching the "Torso Size" section, I now know why I have such trouble getting packs to fit. I don't have much shape to my hips. I do have belly fat. And I am a stomach breather. I have always had to crank down on the hipbelt straps super tight to keep it in place. This consistently caused pain in my "gluteus medius". I now use a frameless hipbelt-less pack whenever my loads allow, but I never knew why hipbelts gave me so much trouble. I guess my physiology just isn't well suited to it. However I cannot avoid them altogether especially with winter loadouts. Are there any features to look for in a hipbelt for someone like me?
Just got back from few days out in the high basin on the Olympic peninsula, using Superior Wilderness Design Long Haul 40 made of Ultra 200, very similar to this one, it’s by far the most comfortable pack I’ve ever used, carries weight so well, just giving them props since I don’t hear or see them mentioned much. Great review as always.👍🏻
Ps, at the end you basically described all the features missing that the SWD long haul has, ultra 400 at bottom, longer hip belt straps, lumbar support and longer y straps..
All that said, this is all custom w price tag, so the Durston is out of the box and affordable…thanks again
Would love to see a comparison of this to the Kakwa 55 when you can get one!
Great review. Would like to have heard something about barreling. I am used to Osprey packs where barreling is, for the most part, a non-issue, however, I am always concerned about it on these UL packs....that and a sweaty back, again, more so than on the packs I am used to.
wow! 👏🏻
Pretty much the Jedi Master of Gear Reviews! Would love to see a review of the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra.
BRILLIANT video, really, Amazing level of detail, thank you. One question, what is the spec of the aluminium tube? .... I have subscribed.
I do like this pack. I noticed at first glance the ultra 200 fabric kinda reminds me of the frogg toggs rain jacket fabric. Do you notice any similarities there? I'm sure its better than simple frogg toggs ultralight rain jacket fabric but... I do wish this pack had a mesh padded lumbar pad. I really like the fact Dan durston is thinking outside the box on this pack. Only time will tell. Awesome indepth review as always! Hike on!!
Thanks!
I think Craig Mains' LiteAF pack is made from Ultra. It wasn't on the market yet when he received it while hiking the AT, so he didn't tell us what it was.
I’m considering this or the 55L for a thru hike of AT. Which would you recommend?
Nice review! Always indepth! I see similarities in this pack to seek outside packs and even hill people gear packs. Atleast with the shoulder harness. I used to prefer internal frame packs only but recently purchased Mystery Ranches new Bridger 55 pack and it too has a similar external/internal style frame. Although the bridger 55 has a little more room for torso adjustment with their endurance yoke. Similar to their older futura harness. It seems some of these ultralight pack companies are recognizing their packs becoming uncomfortable when carrying heavier weights and are going with a sorta half rigid frame which kinda gives you the best of both worlds. Lightweight, water resistant materials that can handle heavier loads. As for load lifters my uncle who used to ice climbed alot taught me they were very helpful when going uphill drawing the pack in closer. I do use load lifting straps alot but as you said some companies predesign their packs to fit and carry with no need for load lifters. Hyperlite mountain gear being one of those pack companies. Great lookin pack! Hike on!
when I first got the pack and looked at the hip belt sewn into the body the pack, I thought to myself oh that's kind of a weak spot.
Turns out there is a percentage of these packs where the belt fabric is too short sewn into the body at the factory. Dan says there is a percentage of failure there when I had to send mine back for warranty.
Unfortunately, because of the construction they can't just replace the belt. They had to send a whole new pack. I'd much prefer a removable/replaceable hip belt.
Also, for some reason I couldn't get the belt not to cause pain at the origin of the tensor fasciae latae. No issues there w my hyperlite porter pack or my 7lb Dana Design arcflex (that'll probably outlive me!)
If you want to stiffen up the frame a bit more at low weight, you can spray expanding foam in it.
My only concern is how small the mesh pocket on the back looks. Do you (or anyone else) think a Hammock Gear Winter Palace and two 15 foot hammock straps would fit back there securely? If not, that would be the only deal-breaker for me.
the best backpack review till date !
As soon as you get into carry weight distribution testing (9:15), I somehow knew this was going to be a great review.
Thank you for providing such data - very happy with the amount of details you dived into (e.g. summary on torso sizing + how 'iliac crest' can impact on ways we carry + different body types need to think about techniques for better carry weight distribution; therefore, comfortable carrying). There's an abundance of information here (not just for Kakwa 40 pack)!
Honest feed back is much appreciated - 'comfort is subjective and would be different for everyone' !
Bravoooo ! Thank you so much ! 😄👏🏔🏕
Would really like to see this compared to the shadowlight
What kind of modifications might be necessary for a female hip structure? I've read a review where one female user said there were nerve pain issues because the belt wasn't tapered to fit.
I am interested in this pack but I live and hike in the sun of Arizona. I can’t use a black backpack because they heat up too much. Given its grey-ish color, does this pack get hot when in the sun?
I'm shopping right now for a backpack. I'm concerned that the sailing cloth fabric will go the way of the dyneema type cloth, and not last as long. I have a buddy who sports an Aarn pack. He packs 45 pounds in it and it feels like 20 on your body and it's very stable. I'm probably getting that.
Superb video, thanks.
Question- say you have no backpack, and you have to carry your 4/5 liters of water. Where on the human body would be the most efficient place to carry?… around the waist… central part of the body.?
Water bottles with some hook, like the aqua clip worn over the waist belt would be ideal.
What’s the bear canister you show in your title picture for this video?
Does the fact that the frame terminates below the hip belt and will hit the ground causing wear on the fabric worry anyone? The fabric at the frame terminus looks stressed, and that was on a brand new pack.
I like this pack however mine had an issue with the frame puncturing two holes through the base of the pack. This was my fault as I had too much weight however a hiking companion fixed it by sticking two bottle caps to each arm and then using gaffer tape to seal the holes. It worked and I can now use this pack although I need to be careful to not overload it. Good for overnighters and lesser multi day hikes but not for week long and plus hikes.
I had the same problem on my 40L. This was a "weakness" in the first iteration of the pack which was since fixed I believe. Mine went back on warranty due to this issue.
I still can’t decide between Atom Packs Mo 50 or Durston Kawka 40.
Both have internal frame. Durston seems more robust due to horisontal structure of the frame, while Mo 50 has only single insert frame & plastic sheet.
On the other hand, shoulder strap & hip belt in Mo 50 looks thicker, therefore more comfortable. Also, Mo 50 has lumbar pad, while Kawka 50 not.
Any suggestion? Thanks
Did you decide on one? I'm looking at the Mo 60 or Kakwa 55.
impressive review! please let me know what pants you we are..thank's a lot
On the PCT I was able to carry my gear and my bear canister in my Hyperlite Windrider. I was hoping that I could do the same with the Kakwa. Thanks for letting me know that isn't possible and that I need to write off the Kakwa.
The Kakwa 55 just came out and I purchased one for use on the PCT this year. I only just received it, but I can fit my gear and bear can inside.
@@hobbesct how have you like the Kakwa 55, do you think things have been addressed that were talked about in this video?
@@Learningwhileonlineyes.
I began backpacking in 1965, and have probably had more than 20 backpacks. In my experience, the most common reason people have problems with their backpacks is that they are too short to allow the load lifters to work as they are designed to. In my 25 years as a wilderness guide I have been able to help more people by adjusting the pack's torso length if possible. I have found that the most common problem with internal - or frame-less -packs, is how they're loaded. In this type of pack, the load needs to be part of the pack's structure, which allows the pack to be more of a rigid structure. This is just my own experience. I have carried a LuxuryLite pack since the 2003 ADZPCTKO, and it is the most comfortable pack I've ever carried.
Need to talk about that good dog more.
Why would you ever want or need to remove the frame?
How tall are you? and which Patagonia Jacket are you wearing? Is it the Houdini?
The frame looks identical to the titanium frame on the Crux AK47
On abrasion, please be aware that these new laminates have a limited lifespan compared to traditional bomber fabrics like Cordura.
I have a Cordura mountaineering pack I bought in the '70s that has lasted for dozens of alpine routes and literally thousands of mountain day-walks. I scramble and bushwhack and use it as a seat and it's still perfectly usable.
A pack only uses around a square meter of fabric, so the weight penalty of a more robust fabric is relatively modest.
The laminated fabrics offer better waterproofness, but that's easily remedied with a cover or liner, which is more reliable anyway.
So the buyer has to decide whether the modest advantages (and cool factor) of the laminates is worth the fact that you're essentially getting a disposable item compared to a robust pack that will last for decades.
Personally I'm not a fan of expensive items that will end up in the landfill so soon.
For some of us, who are "of a certain age," the longevity of a backpack is not important. "A robust pack that will last for decades" will long outlast us. A robust pack that will last for another five years might be sufficient.
Excellent review and Q&A. Unfortunately this and every other ultralight backpack suffer from bear canister afterthought. As more places and common sense require their use the designers of these packs need to be serious in finding a solution to carry them. The Garcia/UDAP designs have a seam around the center and taper off on both ends making them very difficult to strap on top with a single strap. That single strap on top, when it's long enough, still isn't the answer. As for this pack, it is at the top of my list although I'm waiting to see what they come out with on the next version before I pull the trigger.
What does 0 performance factor mean mathematically? How do you calculate to 0?
Could be a good choice for women with the hipbelt and fairly wide shoulder straps.
Dan is listening
Is this pack a good choice for thru-hiking and does it have the capacity to carry 4-5/6 days of food and up to 4 liters of water for long water carries. Specifically, would this pack be a good choice for the PCT or CDT?
I’d say yes! But you definitely have to have a pretty ultralight load out but I’ve never had to use a bear can with mine but have a 13 pound baseweight and can carry 6 days of food with it.
@@b_outside3608 Thanks
If i didnt have the exos 58...id get this pack. Over 200 bucks for a few oz. Cant justify that. But if i need a splurge. It will be this pack
I appreciate your detailed description of the biomechanics involved with fitting adjustment and limitations. These are details that most channels do not go into . This is the first time I've viewed one of your videos, but it won't be the last.
In thanks to you for your sharing this work, I want to share something with you as well. ua-cam.com/video/3BCl_qkqVVo/v-deo.html
I've had a few close calls in the wilderness, so I suppose you have too. The video link is the most important thing any of us backpackers can be assured of. ☕🙂👍
Kakwa means shark in the Tongan language, durston is leaning heavily on his Pacific Islander heritage with this one.
Boy o boy that beautiful Dog is bored out of his bracket, a back pack 😄 get over it
I do not need another pack..... I do not need another pack.....I do not need another pack.
Good review but no need to describe what you're gonna talk about. Just start 😂
Re reading this sounds too negative, the review was really the best one out there. Very in depth
Why is it called the Kakwa 40 when it provides 45+ litres of storage? Seems a buit misleading
Too serious man. People forget; it's a backpack not an MIT physics paper.
Great depth of information wish you’d included more closeups of the pack and fabric as you discuss it instead of just holding on a wide shot would love to see details and fabric texture but amazing review far beyond the usual thank you