Kakwa 55

Great pack

After loads of research trying to find the perfect replacement pack, I made the decision to upgrade my old Osprey to the Kakwa 55 in Ultragrid. The green color is lovely and more importantly, it carries weight well. I was quite pleased to note that it was able to handle the extra weight from crew gear as well as extended water carries like a champ. (part of the reason I wanted to reduce my base weight was our upcoming Philmont trek where I knew that we would be packing heavier crew gear for cooking, etc...) Highly recommend this pack! It works perfectly and also looks cool.

Kakwa 55 Size & Fit Review from Japan (M/W/S Specs)

I'm posting this from Japan in hopes that it helps someone with sizing in the future. The following size setup worked out perfectly for me: • My Measurements Height: 174 cm (5'9") Torso Length: 50 cm (1' 7.7") Weight: 56 kg (123.46 lbs) Waist: 70 cm (2' 3.5") Hip: 79 cm (2' 7.1") • Kakwa 55 Pack size: Large Waist belt: S/M I’m planning to go to Kamikochi in Nagano, Japan, which is pretty much the holy grail of trekking here. It’s going to be our first family tent camping trip with my wife and 4-year-old daughter. Thanks to the weak yen, the pack was quite expensive, but I’m super excited for the trip!

A well thought out pack

I bought this after reading several reviews and watching Elli Hikes, she loves this pack. It is much simpler than the ones I have been used to…no frills, no “brain” and very easy to fit. I used it recently over 7 days on the West Highland Way where I was carrying around 13kg…3kg of which was water which brings me to my first minor criticism. Whilst there is a hydration tube outlet, there is nothing internally to attach a hydration bladder to. A simple, internal attachment point for a bladder, or even a small carabiner would make a real difference. I realise that most ultralight packers don’t bother with them, but to be honest I would rather carry one in my pack than festoon myself with bottles…just an observation. Like all packs with waist belt pockets I find the zippers quite difficult to open and close…maybe my arms are too short, but I had to attach para cord loops to them in order to be able to reach around comfortably. It’s not the zippers, which work well, it’s the toggle attachment that is too small, in my opinion. Still better than every Osprey pack I have ever owned where they might as well not bother with them! I attach dayglo zip toggles from OMM to the shoulder harness tightening straps which makes them easier to see, lots of dangling black straps is a bit annoying when you are tired, wet and beset by clouds of midges! Perhaps making the ends of the straps another colour so that they stand out? I have only given the pack 4 stars, I never give 5….for anything…after 25 years in the Royal Marines I always leave room for people to improve! Having carried massive loads in the past, often in terrible kit some of which probably breached my human rights , this pack probably the best I have ever used. A couple of minor adjustments and perhaps some other colours?? and it would merit 5 stars. ;)