The Durston Kakwa 55 is an incredibly well-designed, comfortable, ultralight backpack decked out with user-friendly features and constructed with best-in-class, waterproof, hyper-durable Challenge Ultra 200 fabric. At time of publication, the size medium is backordered.

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• Weight: 29.0
• Price: $260
• Materials: Challenge Ultra 200
• Frame: Inverted U frame of hollow aluminum
• Load Capacity: 45 lbs
• Internal Volume: 55L
• External Volume : 15L
• Pros: Ultralight. Best-in-class materials. Comfy. Durable. Waterproof fabric. Great value. Excellent weight transfer. Good value.
  
• Cons: Not seam taped. Usually sold out. Built-in front shoulder strap pockets could be larger.

Construction & Features

This pack is constructed with Challenge Ultra 200 fabric. A waterproof material, 15x stronger than steel, and statistically superior to Dyneema and ripstop nylon in virtually every way. Note that while the fabric is waterproof, the pack is not seam-taped and dry bags or liners are still recommended.

Kakwa 55 has a famously excellent load carry for an ultralight pack thanks to its inverted hollow aluminum tubing frame and load lifters. It is comfortable with loads up to 45 pounds. The S shaped shoulder straps are ergonomic and comfy. The reverse pull hip belt straps are choice and easy to use. The whole setup is just so dang comfortable and user-friendly. Though it does tend to take on a barrel shape when full.

We also love the suite of pockets. It has a large static mesh front pocket which creates room via pleated slack, rather than more commonly used stretch mesh, which can be prone to ripping. Two large top entry side pockets carry water bottles, but one has a bonus zippered pocket for storing a hat or gloves that can be accessed while worn. The suite is polished off with two large hip belt pockets, and a pair of complimentary, built-in shoulder strap pockets. These can fit bear spray, a phone, or small bottle, but we wish they were slightly larger.

Verdict

Kakwa is in contention for one of the best ultralight backpacks on the market thanks to top of the line Challenge Ultra fabric, a sub-two pound weight, an intelligently designed external storage suite, and excellent weight transfer all for an incredible value. There’s a reason it’s almost always sold out.

Compare to more great options in our guide to the best backpacking packs.