The first cut is the deepest…cutting into a new pack box is fun and scary at the same time. Do you think you will seam seal it? Have you ever slipped the luxury item in the pack…hence, why it is on the outside?
I’m terrified of knifing a box every time. THAT luxury item will forever be relegated to the outside. 😂 I’m not sure about seam sealing. They don’t do it intentionally but say that you can. I doubt I’ll do it unless it presents a problem. 🦑
Nice video Squid! I bought the Kakwa 55 last year and my first trip was my 175 mile AT section hike. I cannot say enough about how well pleased I was with every aspect of the pack. I also ordered an extra sternum strap to create the option to clip the roll top on the sides of the pack. You might say it was a “pack hack”😊👍🏼
Pack hack 😂. I’m encouraged that you are so pleased with it. I have a question though. Since the seams aren’t taped, what’s the water situation like in a heavy downpour? 🦑
@@GoneFeralWithSquidly I had a couple of days of pretty good rain and did not have a problem at all. Full disclosure, I did use a compactor bag for my quilts/hammock and clothes along with a pack cover on the outside and poncho as rain gear. Yeah, I’m a poncho nerd. 🤓 I think my biggest concern was the sewn on belt but it did great. 👍🏼
@micah6-8 well, that satisfies some curiosity then. I use a compactor bag too so I wasn’t worried about getting critical gear wet but I did wonder how much water would come in. Thanks!! 🦑
Hey Squid. We met in December at POC with Terry Young Outdoors. I have the Kakwa 40 and love it. I just completed the Alabama prob of the Pinhoti and it was excellent for a full load. A couple if observations after using it. I pack my quilts loose in a compactor bag. On the shoulder strap, i use a collapsible runners bottle which works really well. Chair goes in the side pocket. I keep two Smart Water bottles in the other side pocket. Rock on! Trippster
I use a 20oz water bottle in the shoulder strap pocket. It's Walmart brand so it isn't compatible with a filter but i just use it as a clean water only bottle and filter from a dirty water bottle. I get sweaty back more than with an arc pack but I really like it for warmer months where I can pack less.
Ok, I thought about using a smaller 20 oz bottle in one of those sleeves. I’m going to use the other for glasses and maybe some smaller stuff. I’m still trying to work it out on my head but I’m going to have to get on trail to know how it all works. 🦑
@@GoneFeralWithSquidly I've been using a 20oz SmartWater bottle for one of the shoulder strap pockets lately. The other pocket I stick the action camera. I've been thinking of making use of the Cnoc Vesica 1L and put that in the shoulder strap pocket with a sports cap. It may conform to my chest better and shrink as I drink. For spare water I'll place at the top of my pack for better weight distribution vs the side pockets. Two 500L soft flasks were included in the fastpack but I might just use them for day hikes. I still need a place to put my camera.
Nice! Ive been eyeing the Kakwa for some time now but can’t decide if I want the 40L or the 55L. There’s a lot of praise out there for this pack. I’m glad your first impressions are positive. I’ll be looking forward to your reviews.
Heh I have the same 'R' mug in the background. I went through a similar journey lately. I've been using a heavier 40-60L pack but took some trips with my 23L daypack and it ended up going well with the reduced bulk. It was a bit overloaded so wanted to look for something between the 23L and my 40-60L framed pack. Feels good to find a pack that suits your needs. I ain't no Spring chicken so the reduced weight helps with these aging joints. Both the Arc Haul and Kakwa look awesome. I hope the smaller pack works out. Get better soon!
Thanks for the well wishes! Downsizing is going to be a serious upgrade I think. I’ve been working on this in my mind for a couple of years and I think the Kakwa 40 is going to be the perfect size. My aging joints will certainly appreciate it too. 🦑
I love this pack! It feels super comfortable, and it fits a lot of stuff with the size. I'm sure it will treat you well!. Don't forget the Durston sticker... I didn't see mine in the package at first. Enjoy! And welcome to the Not a Cult!
Totally not a cult. I didn’t see the sticker and I’ve thrown away the packaging … dang it. I’m all packed up for its maiden voyage and I think it’ll do great.
When I first saw this notification on my phone, it was small and I need to start wearing readers all the time...but I thought that it said "Durston Kwaka" and I was really trying hard to figure where this was going... LMBO!' It always takes me several trips to get a new pack to really sit right. Also, the shoulder mobility thing gets me too. Too many old football injuries and a dog walking injury that resulted in a surgery. Pitiful...I know...but he was a big dog. LOL! I am digging the new pack. Anxious to see a long term review in the future.
No stuff sack for my sleeping system so I can save space and stuff into all the small nooks and crannies of my kakwa. I utilize the zippered side stash pocket for poop kit.
I agree with stuffing into every possible corner but I’ve never had success in compressing my bag into my pack without a stuff sack. I put it in and it’s expanding the whole time. 🦑
I believe you said that you ordered a medium in another video. What is your torso length? There is a 3” range between the medium and large & my length is in the middle of each (19.5). Your thoughts regarding the sizing would be much appreciated. Durston’s response to me is that some like to wear the hip belt below the illac crest which would require a larger size. Thanks
I ordered a medium and I have a 19” torso. I like the way it carries but there is a significant overlap between the medium and large which you say is 3” - that seems right without going to look it up. I honestly believe that if I had ordered the large, it would also have been ok but I like wearing the hip belt on the iliac crest as much as I can but I have narrow hips and the belt will sometimes loosen and sag below the crest which I then have to remedy by raising the belt and tightening the belt. This has happened with other packs but did not happen while doing the Fiery Gizzard with this pack. My best guess is that if you like wearing your belt above the iliac crest, you’d be better served with the medium since I’m not sure how significant the difference of 1/2” torso length would be.
lmao you said “ok the one luxury item I always carry….” and held up a water bladder I am like that’s not a luxury item man thats your water…. then you said “pee bottle” ok yeah the tent pee bottle is probably in the luxury item category.
I love how you set up this video and put all your gear in it. Well done Squid. Great video. Looks like an awesome packs. Crow✌️
Thanks, Crow! Definitely wanted a video that would inform more about the pack. 🦑
The first cut is the deepest…cutting into a new pack box is fun and scary at the same time. Do you think you will seam seal it? Have you ever slipped the luxury item in the pack…hence, why it is on the outside?
I’m terrified of knifing a box every time. THAT luxury item will forever be relegated to the outside. 😂
I’m not sure about seam sealing. They don’t do it intentionally but say that you can. I doubt I’ll do it unless it presents a problem. 🦑
Nice video Squid! I bought the Kakwa 55 last year and my first trip was my 175 mile AT section hike. I cannot say enough about how well pleased I was with every aspect of the pack. I also ordered an extra sternum strap to create the option to clip the roll top on the sides of the pack. You might say it was a “pack hack”😊👍🏼
Pack hack 😂. I’m encouraged that you are so pleased with it. I have a question though. Since the seams aren’t taped, what’s the water situation like in a heavy downpour? 🦑
@@GoneFeralWithSquidly I had a couple of days of pretty good rain and did not have a problem at all. Full disclosure, I did use a compactor bag for my quilts/hammock and clothes along with a pack cover on the outside and poncho as rain gear. Yeah, I’m a poncho nerd. 🤓 I think my biggest concern was the sewn on belt but it did great. 👍🏼
@micah6-8 well, that satisfies some curiosity then. I use a compactor bag too so I wasn’t worried about getting critical gear wet but I did wonder how much water would come in. Thanks!! 🦑
Hey Squid. We met in December at POC with Terry Young Outdoors.
I have the Kakwa 40 and love it. I just completed the Alabama prob of the Pinhoti and it was excellent for a full load.
A couple if observations after using it. I pack my quilts loose in a compactor bag. On the shoulder strap, i use a collapsible runners bottle which works really well. Chair goes in the side pocket. I keep two Smart Water bottles in the other side pocket.
Rock on!
Trippster
I’m liking mine too!! Thanks for the tips on carrying bottles and the chair. 🦑
I use a 20oz water bottle in the shoulder strap pocket. It's Walmart brand so it isn't compatible with a filter but i just use it as a clean water only bottle and filter from a dirty water bottle. I get sweaty back more than with an arc pack but I really like it for warmer months where I can pack less.
Ok, I thought about using a smaller 20 oz bottle in one of those sleeves. I’m going to use the other for glasses and maybe some smaller stuff. I’m still trying to work it out on my head but I’m going to have to get on trail to know how it all works. 🦑
@@GoneFeralWithSquidly I've been using a 20oz SmartWater bottle for one of the shoulder strap pockets lately. The other pocket I stick the action camera.
I've been thinking of making use of the Cnoc Vesica 1L and put that in the shoulder strap pocket with a sports cap. It may conform to my chest better and shrink as I drink. For spare water I'll place at the top of my pack for better weight distribution vs the side pockets.
Two 500L soft flasks were included in the fastpack but I might just use them for day hikes. I still need a place to put my camera.
Nice! Ive been eyeing the Kakwa for some time now but can’t decide if I want the 40L or the 55L. There’s a lot of praise out there for this pack. I’m glad your first impressions are positive. I’ll be looking forward to your reviews.
There’s more to come for sure. Right now I really like it but I have some minor issues with a couple of the features I need to work out. 🦑
I cannot wait to hear the review! Looks awesome! Happy Hiking
There will be a series reviews coming. Probably starting later this spring. 🦑
Heh I have the same 'R' mug in the background.
I went through a similar journey lately. I've been using a heavier 40-60L pack but took some trips with my 23L daypack and it ended up going well with the reduced bulk. It was a bit overloaded so wanted to look for something between the 23L and my 40-60L framed pack. Feels good to find a pack that suits your needs. I ain't no Spring chicken so the reduced weight helps with these aging joints.
Both the Arc Haul and Kakwa look awesome. I hope the smaller pack works out. Get better soon!
Thanks for the well wishes! Downsizing is going to be a serious upgrade I think. I’ve been working on this in my mind for a couple of years and I think the Kakwa 40 is going to be the perfect size. My aging joints will certainly appreciate it too. 🦑
I love this pack! It feels super comfortable, and it fits a lot of stuff with the size. I'm sure it will treat you well!. Don't forget the Durston sticker... I didn't see mine in the package at first. Enjoy! And welcome to the Not a Cult!
Totally not a cult. I didn’t see the sticker and I’ve thrown away the packaging … dang it. I’m all packed up for its maiden voyage and I think it’ll do great.
Great initial impressions video, Squid. Looks like it will definitely work for you. Beautiful pack too.
I’ve been downsizing in my mind for over a year and I finally did it! I think this is going to work. 🦑
When I first saw this notification on my phone, it was small and I need to start wearing readers all the time...but I thought that it said "Durston Kwaka" and I was really trying hard to figure where this was going... LMBO!'
It always takes me several trips to get a new pack to really sit right. Also, the shoulder mobility thing gets me too. Too many old football injuries and a dog walking injury that resulted in a surgery. Pitiful...I know...but he was a big dog. LOL!
I am digging the new pack. Anxious to see a long term review in the future.
Yeah, that shoulder mobility is a real problem. I’m probably going to make the review in a series over a year or so. 🦑
No stuff sack for my sleeping system so I can save space and stuff into all the small nooks and crannies of my kakwa. I utilize the zippered side stash pocket for poop kit.
I agree with stuffing into every possible corner but I’ve never had success in compressing my bag into my pack without a stuff sack. I put it in and it’s expanding the whole time. 🦑
Looking forward to examining it in person!
I think you’ll be impressed. 🦑
Great info! I was surprised at how low the price of this pack is. It looks awesome! 👌
Oddly, of the 4 packs I was considering, the Kakwa 40 had more of the features I wanted and the lowest price. Kind of a no brainer. 🦑
I like your channel! Nice meeting you today at South Cumberland SP.
Bob Goodwin
It was a real pleasure meeting you!! 🦑
South Cumberland TN?
@@nathankoenegstein3253 yes. I was on the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
I’m so curious of the Y strap for a bear vault…. In California most places require and curious your thoughts
I have a bear vault and can test it. 🦑
Great video.
Would you mind sharing what pack size you have and your hight/torso length?
This is the medium size pack. I’m 5’10” and my torso length is 19”. The medium or large would have fit since there is so much overlap between sizes. 🦑
I believe you said that you ordered a medium in another video. What is your torso length? There is a 3” range between the medium and large & my length is in the middle of each (19.5). Your thoughts regarding the sizing would be much appreciated. Durston’s response to me is that some like to wear the hip belt below the illac crest which would require a larger size. Thanks
I ordered a medium and I have a 19” torso. I like the way it carries but there is a significant overlap between the medium and large which you say is 3” - that seems right without going to look it up. I honestly believe that if I had ordered the large, it would also have been ok but I like wearing the hip belt on the iliac crest as much as I can but I have narrow hips and the belt will sometimes loosen and sag below the crest which I then have to remedy by raising the belt and tightening the belt. This has happened with other packs but did not happen while doing the Fiery Gizzard with this pack.
My best guess is that if you like wearing your belt above the iliac crest, you’d be better served with the medium since I’m not sure how significant the difference of 1/2” torso length would be.
Thank you for your prompt response. It was helpful
I like it dude! We are over due to backpack together!
I think I’m gonna like this. Let’s get together soon. PMT?
lmao you said “ok the one luxury item I always carry….” and held up a water bladder I am like that’s not a luxury item man thats your water…. then you said “pee bottle”
ok yeah the tent pee bottle is probably in the luxury item category.
😂🤣🦑