Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review

Bottom Line

If you plan on living out of a pack and doing some scrambling, this might be your match. The Durston Kakwa 55 shines as one of the most durable and thoughtfully designed ultralight packs we’ve tested.

During our testing, the Ultra 200X fabric showed minimal wear over hundreds of trail miles and extensive exposure to abrasion and moisture, instilling confidence in its long-term performance.

The durable construction does come with some sacrifices to comfort, however. The rigid frame prioritizes support over luxury.

While the laminated backing provides extra water resistance, seepage through seams and the hydration port create weak points that prevent the pack from being 100% waterproof.

Despite these drawbacks, the Kakwa 55 offers immense value for serious ultralight devotees who demand unyielding resilience and ample storage. Its thoughtful pocket layout and quick-access features boost efficiency on long-haul treks. The combination of the Kakwa’s affordable price tag, exceptional construction quality, and handy feature set makes it a worthwhile investment for ounce-counters seeking a reliable, trail-ready companion.

For other top-tier options, check out our guide to the best ultralight backpacks.

comfort

The Durston Kakwa 55’s comfort leaves something to be desired compared to other top lightweight packs we’ve tested. The frame and back panel feel quite rigid and hard, lacking the plush cushioning found in some competitors. That said, Durston utilizes a soft fabric to back the frame, upping the comfort points.

We found the shoulder straps decently padded, striking a reasonable balance between cushion and weight savings. Under loads up to about 35 pounds, the Kakwa rides smoothly and stably on the back. Durston claims the pack can handle 45 pounds, but in our experience, that’s a bit ambitious. In most scenarios, most lightweight backpackers won’t even come close to that weight unless you’re shuttling gear to a base camp.

The Kakwa’s load lifters are a nice inclusion and technically functional, but they don’t provide a major boost in support beyond what the stout aluminum frame already delivers. 

We appreciate the easy-to-reach side pockets but found the elastic to be very tight, making stowing and retrieving items more challenging than it should be.

Overall, the Kakwa 55 sacrifices some pure comfort in the name of weight savings and an exceptionally durable construction. For lightweight purists who want durability without the weight, the slight tradeoff for comfort is worthwhile.

Functionality

The Kakwa 55 offers a thoughtfully designed feature set with several pockets within arms reach, increasing on-trail efficiency.

The front mesh pocket provides decent storage capacity, but its tapered bottom makes stuffing gear more challenging than packs with a more rectangular front pocket shape.

A standout feature is the pack’s side zipper pocket, which offers quick access to smaller items like maps or a compact guidebook. While it won’t accommodate larger items, it’s a neat feature, and we appreciate having a dedicated spot for navigation materials.

The hipbelt pockets on the Kakwa are generously sized, providing ample room for smartphones, snacks, or other small items you want close at hand. We also like the inclusion of dual shoulder strap pockets, a feature often omitted on lightweight packs. These easily accommodate items like sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, or even small water bottles.

One potential drawback for some users is the lack of a dedicated ice axe loop. While many lightweight backpackers may not miss this feature, it could be a consideration for those planning early-season adventures that require an axe.

Water Resistance

The Durston Kakwa 55 owes its water resistance to its laminated waterproof backing. This construction method creates a physical barrier against moisture intrusion rather than relying on a surface coating that can deteriorate over time. Theoretically, this laminate should provide long-lasting protection from the elements, making the Kakwa 55 an appealing choice for hikers who frequently encounter wet conditions.

However, during our water exposure test, we were surprised to discover a significant amount of water had penetrated the main compartment. Upon closer examination, we suspect the moisture likely entered through the hydration port or along the pack’s seams.

While we greatly appreciate the Kakwa 55’s fully waterproof zippers, the pack’s overall water resistance falls short of its advanced materials and construction expectations. This potential vulnerability is worth considering for hikers who need a completely waterproof pack.

Despite this drawback, the Kakwa 55’s laminated waterproof backing and sealed zippers still offer a notable degree of protection compared to many ultralight packs. With a pack liner and concerted effort to keep the hydration port out of the rain, the Kakwa 55 can still be a viable option for hikers who value its other strengths and are willing to take extra precautions to keep their gear dry.

Construction

The Durston Kakwa 55 showcases remarkable construction quality and durability, setting a high bar for ultralight backpacks. Crafted with cutting-edge Ultra 200X fabric, this pack offers exceptional resistance to abrasion and punctures.

During our rigorous field testing, the Kakwa withstood extensive brushes with jagged rocks and dense undergrowth without visible signs of wear. The Ultra 200X material, a high-tenacity blend of UHMWPE fibers, delivers exceptional strength-to-weight performance.

Weighing in at just 0.6 ounces per liter of capacity, the Kakwa achieves an impressive balance between lightweight construction and long-term durability. Durston’s meticulous attention to detail in the pack’s assembly is the cherry on top. Every stress point is reinforced with double stitching and bound seams, ensuring the pack’s structural integrity even under heavy loads. 

For those seeking ultimate durability, we recommend the Ultra 200X version over the lighter and more affordable UltraGrid version.

Should You Buy The Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack?

The Durston Kakwa 55 is an excellent choice for serious ultralight backpackers who demand long-term durability. With its cutting-edge Ultra 200X fabric and meticulous construction, this pack is built to withstand the rigors of extended adventures and rugged off-trail pursuits.

Although the Kakwa 55 may not offer the plushest padding or most luxurious carry, and the waterproofing isn’t perfect, its thoughtful design and feature set make it a good choice for experienced ultralight hikers who prioritize gear access and durability. 

Durston’s incredibly affordable price tags are hard to beat, given their exceptional build quality and advanced materials. Even more money and weight savings can be found via the UltraGrid version of the Kakwa at the sacrifice of some water resistance and durability.

What Other Ultralight Backpacks Should You Consider?

Don’t think you need the durability or want something a little more wet-weather ready? Check out numerous other options on our full guide to ultralight packs.

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Review: Although Zpacks gear comes at a premium price tag, the Arc Haul Ultra 60 offers similar construction and durability but with better water-resistance and significant weight savings.

Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Review: The Pulse is also designed with an aim at on-trail efficiency. We especially appreciate the Dyneema mesh pockets. The Pulse is also reasonably water-resistant and made with durable materials.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 Review: A standout contender for durability and weather-resistance, the Southwest 55 features a minimalist design and carries weight exceptionally well.