The Kakwa 55 brings genuine load carrying capability into the sub 2 lbs weight class.
Other packs this light generally sacrifice load carrying by omitting load lifters, using frame stays that lack horizontal structure, and relying on less ergonomic shoulder strap and hipbelt shapes.
The Kakwa 55 improves this tradeoff through more efficient design and advanced materials to provide better load carrying in an ultralight pack. The hollow aluminum tubing is a more efficient use of structural weight than the solid metal bars found in competing packs and allows us to create a rigid frame with both vertical and horizontal structure at a similar weight to competing packs with only vertical frame structure.
Our frame connects directly to the hipbelt for maximum load transfer and directly to the load lifters, which are rare on packs this light yet highly functional for shifting more of the weight off your shoulders and onto the hips.
A capable structure is nothing without an ergonomic connection to your body, which is why the shoulder straps have a carefully developed S shape to contour around your upper body, while the hipbelt uses a dual strap design which cups your hips and has reverse pull 2:1 leverage for easy tightening. The result is a pack that comfortably and effectively manages loads up to 45 lbs.
Efficient access to gear is a key element of effective pack design, as it allows you to spend more time covering miles instead of digging through your pack.
What is needed is not a high quantity of pockets but rather a pocket layout that has been carefully considered to provide a diverse range of storage options while remaining simple enough to be easily organized.
For this, the Kakwa 55 has four types of pockets to optimize on-the-go access to your gear. First are the hipbelt pockets, which are designed to reliably operate one handed and easily accommodate small-medium sized items such as snacks, sunscreen, phones, and headlamps.
That storage is augmented by dual shoulder strap pockets which provide an ideal place for your phone for quick photos and navigation. These pockets also work well for small water bottles, sunglasses, and bear spray.
Additionally there is the innovative QuickPocket which consists of an easily reached zippered compartment in the sidewall of the left side pocket. This allows you to quickly access even larger items than normally possible, such as hats, mitts, and maps. Finally, a large mesh style front pocket quickly swallows the largest items like jackets, tents, and cook kits - still without opening your pack.
Collectively, the Kakwa’s pockets are carefully considered so you can hike with maximum efficiency.
DURABILITY & QUALITY
In our backyard in the Canadian Rockies we often spend more time off trail than on, so durability in materials and construction is a top priority. With the 2026 Kakwa 55 Ultragrid we are using UltraGrid fabrics from Challenge Outdoor, where the face fabric is partly (UltraGrid) woven UHMWPE fibers, which are several times stronger and more abrasion resistant than traditional nylon pack fabrics. UltraGrid uses a PU coating for waterproofing.
Simply using a tough main fabric is not enough if the pack has vulnerable aspects in the stitching, mesh materials, or construction. That's why the Kakwa 55 avoids common weakpoints including low durability stretch mesh, single stitching, and exposed pocket elastics.
Instead, the Kakwa is double stitched with heavyweight thread and uses stronger folded seams. The Kakwa also protects the pocket elastics inside the seams while the front pocket uses a much tougher low stretch knit mesh and instead creates generous volume through shaping/pleats.