Durston Gear Kakwa 55 UltraGrid Ultralight Pack
THE KAKWA 55 IS OUR PREMIUM ULTRALIGHT, MULTI-DAY PACK.
Designed from the first principles of load carrying and ergonomics to provide the greatest function, comfort and usability for an ultralight pack. Developed from Dan Durston’s attention to detail and thousands of miles of backpacking experience, the Kakwa 55 has class leading quality, load carrying, materials, and pocket design while weighing under 2 lbs (900 g).
Explore our full range of Backpacking Packs here.
Need help choosing the right Durston Tent? Discover everything you need to know in our ultimate guide to Durston Gear tents.
KEY FEATURES OF THE KAKWA 55 PACK
- Ultra Fabrics - UltraGrid is a nylon based pack fabric that is not as tough as it's Ultra 200X sibling, but still is a very durable pack fabric with a ripstop grid of UHMWPE fibres and a waterproof PU coating. It offers a smoother feel, tighter weave, and more affordable price.
- Hollow Aluminium Frame - The inverted U frame provides both vertical and horizontal structure while the hollow aluminium tubing makes it lighter than flat frame stays.
- Load Lifters - Load lifters are often omitted on lightweight packs but are a key component of the Kakwa's exceptional load carrying ability.
- Ergonomic Shoulder Straps - The shoulder straps use an ergonomic S shape that fits almost everyone better than straight straps.
- Dual Strap + Reverse Pull Hip belt - The dual strap hip belt cups your hips while the 2:1 leverage and reverse pull make it easy to tighten.
- Y Top Strap - Y shaped top strap allows items like bear canisters and tents to be strapped on top.
- Attachments - Eight attachment points around the pack make it easy to attach a wide range of items.
- Hip belt Pockets - Dual hip belt pockets are standard and have a refined design that operates easily with one hand.
- Shoulder Strap Pockets - Shoulder straps pockets are standard and provide handy storage for phones, bear spray, sunglasses, and small water bottles.
- QuickPocket - Unique QuickPocket on the left side provides on-the-go access to larger items than previously possible, such as hats, mitts, and maps.
- Hydration Compatible - A hydration port enables compatibility with bladders.
- Durable Mesh - The front pocket uses a durable knit mesh that creates volume with pleats (folds) instead of using a less durable stretch mesh.
- Top Quality - Pack is assembled with the highest quality including double stitching and bound seams at the same factory that builds Arcteryx packs.
-
SIZE + SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT:
Complete Pack (g) -
UltraGrid: 870 g (S), 910g (M), 950g (L)
Removable items -
Frame (3oz / 90 g) and backpad (0.5oz / 15 g) are included but removable.
MATERIALS:
Main Fabric
UltraGrid
Front Pocket Mesh -
Heavy duty polyester knit mesh
SIZING:
Torso Length -
Small: 15 - 18 " (38 - 46 cm)
Medium: 17 - 20 " (43 - 51 cm)
Large: 19 - 22 " (48 - 56 cm)
Hipbelt - (Min - Max Circumference) -
Small: 27 - 46" (69 - 117 cm)
Medium: 28 - 47" (71 - 119 cm)
Large: 29 - 48" (74 - 122 cm)
Hipbelt (Recommended Hip Size) -
Small: 28 - 38" (71 - 97 cm)
Medium: 29 - 39" (74 - 99 cm)
Large: 30" - 40" (76 - 102 cm)
Circumference (Top / Bottom) -
42" (107 cm) / 33" (84 cm)
Unrolled Height (S / M / L) -
31.5" / 33.5" / 35.5" (80 / 85 / 90 cm)
Internal Volume (S / M / L) -
43L / 46L / 49L
External Volume (S / M / L) -
15L
Total Volume (S / M/ L) -
58L / 61L / 64L
WARRANTY -
1 year against defects
-
REVIEWS
"This was my pack for my 2024 AT thru hike (unfortunately not completed because of Hurricane Helene). The Kakwa was rugged and durable"
"I absolutely love this pack."
"Incredibly well made. Comfortable." -
WHAT WE THINK
When it comes to comfort, the adjustable harness and padded hip belt provide a solid fit, even when carrying up to 13kg of gear. While it's not the most cushioned pack on the market, it's more than adequate for those prioritising lightweight efficiency over heavy-duty support. That said, if you're carrying a particularly heavy load, you might want something with more padding and a more robust suspension system.
Where the Kakwa 55 really shines is in its versatility. It's not just for backpacking—the pack is also great for fastpacking, bike packing, and even overnight trips where every gram matters. The UltraGrid fabric holds up well under tough conditions, and the pack is incredibly easy to pack down when not in use, making it great for minimalist adventurers.
The Durston Gear Kakwa 55 UltraGrid Ultralight Pack is a fantastic choice for ultralight enthusiasts looking for a balance of comfort, durability, and efficiency. While it may not be the best for carrying heavy loads or extra gear, its performance and design make it a standout choice for the Valley + Peak team. -
Weight
870 g