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Gear Review: Durston X-Mid Pro 2 & Kakwa 55
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ม.ค. 2024
- In this video I review the new lighter weight gear I invested in - Durston Kakwa 55 pack and the X-Mid Pro 2 tent. Lots of positives, some not so great aspects, and an honest overall review of both items. Thanks for watching, and please leave any tent tips in the comments!
Thanks for putting this together and trying our gear.
Glad you're mostly like the gear. For the tent, yeah a singlewall tent is a trade off where it's not ideal for all conditions. If you have cold/wet conditions, near water etc, then condensation can be unavoidable. Our double wall and/or larger tents can be more comfortable in these conditions, but those swedish cloths are pretty amazing for drying the tent. A singlewell tent + swedish cloth is a good combo in dry-average conditions, but in cold/wet a doublewall is pretty nice.
I didn't have enough time to watch the full video, but if you do have any specific questions feel free to send an email.
Best,
Dan
Thanks for the comment and taking the time to provide input on the tent, it means a lot! I’m excited to try the tent in warmer conditions, but regardless yes that Swedish dish cloth is a great help! My parents have two of your double wall tents, and I’ll be trying a one person version out later this year. Thanks for the great gear and taking the time to comment! If I have any questions, I’ll be sure to let you know!
FYI. Pack is not waterproof. The fabric is waterproof but the seams where sewn, water will seep through. Always use waterproof liner or stuff sacks with this pack.
Thank you for correcting me! I definitely plan to use my pack liner on the inside and have my pack rain cover with me regardless, but I did explain that wrong in the video. Thanks, again!
Hey there! Came here to see your thoughts on the Kakwa (We recently ordered them). You made pitching the X-mid look too easy! We were on the struggle bus the first time we attempted to set it up in the yard....we still uploaded the video...lol! Thanks for sharing. We subscribed after watching the videos of you backpacking with your parents....such a happy family!
Thanks for the comment and the subscribe! I appreciate it 😊 and to be honest that pitch was my fourth or fifth time - my first was a massive struggle bus as well! I put it up and took it down probably 3 times that first try lol. And the kakwa I love! So happy I went with this one.
Interesting. I think this is the first review I have seen of the 2024 X-mid pro 2. I have the 2023 version with a sil-poly bathtub. Your stuff sack is bigger than mine. The door lash magnets on mine were improved over the previous model, but it looks like yours has 2 lashes with magnets. Mine only has one. I have only ever used my Pro 2 by myself. I can't imagine sharing that space with a second person unless they were very small, like a child or pet. The X-mid pro 2+ would be much better for two people.
Yes, it's a bit tight with 2 people. My boyfriend and I are both fairly small / short, but it was still a bit tight. I agree that the 2+ would have been better, but I am hoping in warmer weather we won't care. Oh, the stuff sack is from Z-packs, the Durston one was smaller than I wanted because I like the tent folded up longer. Sil-poly bathtub would have probably also been a better choice! Dyneema isn't bad or uncomfortable, just different and definitely feel like you have to be more careful and delicate. That's not always easy do to on a backpacking trip. Again - mixed feeling over here! Thanks for the input!
I've got the XMid Pro 2 ... good tent, easy setup, big vestibules - but I don't always bring trekking poles and if you're on uneven ground it can be a pain to get it pitched correctly. It's not my go-to tent though - I prefer my Tarptent DR LI ... more interior space, about the same amount of time to setup, and I've got the roofnest option which provides excellent storage and gives me a place to hang my lights at night! I also think it handles condensation better. As far as the pack ... I also started out with the Aura and hated it honestly - fit was terrible, hip belt pockets were useless. Switched to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa and hadn't looked back (I love all the pockets and it carries weight unbelievably well). I like the waterproof/resistant material on the Kakwa along with the shoulder pockets - hopefully it continues to work well for you! Happy trails!
Thanks for the input! My dad got a gossamear gear pack and he loves it. I tried his on and it does fit really well. I’ve been really happy with this pack so far, but I’m thinking the tent won’t be my always go-to either. But I do admit I need to try it out more. It may end up being the tent for myself and my boyfriend to use during summer months only. Thanks again!!
I have the pro1 and love it. Seeing the dyneema floor reminded me how noisy DCF floors are, lol. I think the 2+ is more of a realistic, comfortable 2P tent. You can put the foot box of your bag/ quilt in a bag to keep condensation off but then your sweat can make it wet inside. Maybe I’ll try DWR on my katabatic and see what happens.
Try using the guy on the middle of the door for the side you aren’t using. Makes for a lot more headroom. Love the Kakwa, I have the 40. Good review!
Thanks for the input! Yes the noisy floor makes me think I should have been ok with a couple ounces more and gotten the other floor. But it’s ok. If I use this as a one person I’ll have plenty of room. And I’m definitely going to try using the guy lines on the doors to make more room. Didn’t think of that so thank you for the tip! The kakwa is great so far! Thanks again for watching.
Great review. I've literally started researching the Kakwa as a replacement to the wife's Aura 50 and so glad I stumbled across your review. You brought up several unique observations that I have not seen anywhere else (like how the Auro "hugs" you vs the Kakwa or the stiffness that you family didn't like). One question...are you glad you went with the 55 over the 40 liter pack? Thanks.
I appreciate the comment! And yes I am very happy I went with the 55. I am planning to do some week long hikes and a thru hike with my mom, so the 55 is perfect for me. If my goal was only weekend hikes the 40 would be perfect. I’m really glad I got this pack because it’s so hard to pick when you can’t try things on in person. Most outdoor stores have limited brands. My mom doesn’t love this pack but she’s coming around to it more. On a hike this past Sunday we switched packs and she started to like the kakwa a little more. She was trying an Osprey Exos (men’s version of women’s Eja) and I have to say the older version of that pack is pretty great too. But the Aura, as much as I have enjoyed it, I don’t think I can do that one anymore knowing that I can be much more comfortable with other packs. It destroys my hips where it rubs against my hip bones.
Can I ask how tall are you? Is the size S of the backpack fitting you well?
Hey! I’m 5’4” and yes the small fits me very well.
I’m only watching these xmid reviews because I’m considering buying one. I’m from Australia and realistically most of my backpacking is going to be in summer or at least sunny conditions and one “possible” downside I see is that while it might be great from wind and rain, the sheer material of the thing doesn’t offer shade. If you were sheltering to avoid the heat of the day it seems this is just no relief from the sun. Just saying as it seemed evident from your reaction inside it.
That’s a good point, and even though I had that reaction I didn’t really think about that. A lot of my hikes end up with camping at a site pretty covered with trees. I don’t think I’ve ever set up a tent for the night in full summer sun. But if I was doing a long trail with desert section, this would be something to think about for me, as well. Thanks for the input!
Consider Nemo dragonfly 2p osmo. If you do use it with another person, I believe you have to both use mummy style mattresses as footbox narrows slightly.
Will do! I’ve looked at this many times and I like the material they have!
Good call, don’t lash anything to the bottom of your pack. I see it all the time and it is just a terrible idea for the reason you stated.
I’ve seen a lot of people do it too, but I can’t get with it lol.