Durston Kakwa 55 Review: Why This Ultralight Pack Surprised Me on the PCT
Justin with the Durston Kakwa 55 at the PCT Southern Terminus
Some gear reviews come from quick weekend trips. This one comes after a full PCT thru hike. The Durston Kakwa 55 was my pack of choice for the entire trek with Anna, plus a few warm-up hikes in Arizona beforehand — and after thousands of miles, I’m convinced this is one of the best ultralight backpacks out there right now.
For the record, I bought this pack with my own money. No freebies, no sponsorships — just my honest trail-tested thoughts. (That said… Dan, if you’re reading this, I’d love to try more Durston gear ;-)).
Quick Overview
The Kakwa 55 is exactly what the name suggests — a 55-liter internal-frame pack — but it comes in at an incredibly light 30 ounces (just under 2 pounds). That’s rare for a framed pack with durable fabrics.
I used the 2024 version, but there’s now a 2025 update with a few tweaks:
No more yoke on the shoulder straps
Larger shoulder strap and hipbelt pockets
Slightly lighter — 29.8 oz for a size medium (down from my 30.6 oz)
Otherwise, the core design remains the same.
Materials & Durability
You get two fabric options: Ultra 200x or Ultragrid. Ultra 200x is the pricier choice (+$60), but it’s more abrasion-resistant, more water-resistant, and tough enough to handle the PCT’s mix of branches, rocks, and long miles.
Is it waterproof? Not exactly. While the fabric itself doesn’t let water through, the seams aren’t sealed — so a liner is still smart in bad weather.
After the PCT, the pack shows only minor wear. No fraying straps, no shredded mesh — the biggest “damage” came from a mouse in the Sierra that chewed into my shoulder strap pocket. Shout out to Anna for patching it for me!
Design & Storage
The Kakwa 55’s layout is refreshingly simple:
Roll-top closure
Huge front mesh pocket for wet gear, filtration kits, or that all-important poop kit
Two side pockets — right angled for water bottle access while hiking, left more horizontal and roomy for bulkier items
Bonus zip pocket above the left side pocket (perfect for permits or a wallet)
Y-strap on top for a bear can, snowshoes, or a foam sit pad
The hipbelt pockets fit plenty of snacks, while the shoulder strap pockets handle water bottles, bear spray, or in my case a mini tripod and my cell phone. The 2025’s larger versions should make them even better.
Capacity is a little misleading — my medium actually gives me 46L inside plus 15L external space, for a total of 61 liters.
Comfort & Carry
This is where the Kakwa really stands out. It uses a hollow aluminum inverted U-frame that transfers weight efficiently to your hips while adding lateral stability.
I carried this pack loaded with 40+ lbs during a long, dry PCT section — 6 liters of water, 4 days of food, and some of Anna’s gear when her foot was hurting — and it still felt surprisingly good for an ultralight pack.
At my more typical 20–25 lb trail weight, it practically disappears on my back. The wide shoulder straps distribute pressure well, and the supportive hipbelt keeps it all balanced. Load lifters are a rare feature on UL packs, but they work here thanks to the pack’s slightly taller profile.
Value
Ultra 200x: $260
Ultragrid: $199
That’s $100 cheaper than many comparable ultralight framed packs from Hyperlite or Zpacks — without sacrificing comfort or durability.
Durston Kakwa 55 with Ultra 200x fabric
Durston Kakwa 55 with Ultragrid fabric
Downsides
They’re minor, but worth mentioning:
Color choice is… gray. Or lighter gray with the Ultragrid fabric.
No trampoline mesh back panel (your back will sweat — but that’s true for most packs)
Simple structure inside the frame means careful packing helps
Minimal compartmentalization — no lid, no extra organization pockets
Not seam-sealed waterproof (use a liner in sustained rain)
Real-World Impressions
From weekend trips to the entire PCT, the Kakwa 55 just works. It’s light, it’s tough, and it doesn’t demand constant adjustment while hiking. It’s not a flashy pack — but that’s the point. Everything it does, it does well.
Justin with the Durston Kakwa 55 at the PCT Northern Terminus
Final Verdict
The Durston Kakwa 55 strikes a rare balance: ultralight weight, real load-carrying ability, and long-haul durability.
If you want a simple, comfortable, and hard-wearing pack that’s ready for anything from a weekend trip to a 2,000-mile thru hike, this one’s worth every penny.
When my current one finally wears out, I’ll be buying the newest version without hesitation — unless, of course, Dan sends me one first.
If you’ve used the Kakwa 55, I’d love to hear your experience. Drop a comment below — and if you’re curious about my full gear list nowadays, you can check it out here.
Check out the full video review below:
