Durston Kakwa 55 Ultra Grid Ultralight Backpack

The Durston Kakwa 55 size Medium is an ultralight backpack for people who still expect their pack to carry like a real backpack.

Designed by longtime backpacker Dan Durston, the Kakwa 55 combines a structured aluminum frame, functional load lifters, supportive hipbelt, and smart pocket layout in a pack weighing around 2 pounds or less, depending on size and fabric.

The result is a lightweight pack that doesn't require you to give up load transfer or comfort just to shave ounces. Durston rates the Kakwa 55 for loads up to 45 pounds, giving it considerably more carrying capability than you might expect from a pack this light.

With 55 liters of capacity, it's a strong choice for multi-day backpacking, long-distance trails, lightweight trips with extra food or water, and hikers making the move toward an ultralight setup without wanting a frameless pack.

Built to Carry

The Kakwa uses a hollow aluminum frame with both vertical and horizontal structure. The frame connects directly to the hipbelt and load lifters, helping transfer weight away from your shoulders and onto your hips.

S-shaped shoulder straps contour around the upper body, while the dual-strap hipbelt cups the hips and uses a reverse-pull 2:1 tightening system for easy adjustment.

Trail-Friendly Storage

Durston kept the pocket layout simple but put a lot of thought into what you can reach without taking the pack off.

• Dual hipbelt pockets for snacks, sunscreen, headlamps, and other small gear

• Dual shoulder-strap pockets for phones, sunglasses, small bottles, or bear spray

• QuickPocket zippered compartment built into the left side pocket for maps, gloves, hats, and other frequently used gear

• Large front mesh pocket for jackets, shelters, cook kits, and wet gear

• Side storage designed for easy access while hiking

Details

• 55-liter multi-day backpack

• Hollow aluminum frame

• Horizontal and vertical frame structure

• Functional load lifters

• Frame connects directly to hipbelt for efficient load transfer

• S-shaped shoulder straps

• Dual-strap hipbelt

• Reverse-pull 2:1 hipbelt adjustment

• Dual shoulder-strap pockets

• Dual hipbelt pockets

• QuickPocket side-access storage

• Large exterior front mesh pocket

• Recommended for loads up to 45 lb

• Removable frame and back pad

Removable Components

• Frame: 3 oz / 90 g

• Back pad: 0.5 oz / 15 g

Materials

• UltraGrid by Challenge Outdoor

• UHMWPE-reinforced construction

For backpackers trying to cut pack weight without giving up a supportive frame, usable pockets, or the ability to comfortably haul a few extra pounds when necessary, the Kakwa 55 hits a pretty impressive middle ground between traditional and ultralight pack.