Kaviso, LLC

I can't tell you how many times in my life I've thought, "You know how they could make this (insert here) better...if the engineers that designed it were forced to USE IT!" Which is why it is so delightfully obvious that Durston gear is designed by folks that actually walk the walk (literally and figuratively speaking).

The Kakwa 40 is as close to perfect as I have ever used, and I've been backpacking for over a half century, so I've seen some things, I assure you. From the minute you put it on, you can just tell that every detail and nuance was designed with the foundation of real world experience, and then further refined based on actual consideration of constructive criticism from the user base. It's comfortable, fits well and carries a 30 pound load without so much as a whimper.

A couple specifics:
First, the one handed zippers on the belt pockets are worth the price of admission in their own right. That one small detail will have me wearing one of these until I can no longer walk. And the fact that they are wide/deep enough to actually carry things is much appreciated. Too often once the waist belt is properly tightened the pockets become useless, but not so here. A full days' worth of snacks in one and sunscreen/lip balm/bug spray/electrolytes in the other...unheard of!

Next, the shoulder strap pockets (NOT sold separately, by the way) have so many uses it's ridiculous. Cell phone, GPS, sat comms, bear spray, notebook/pencil, eyeglasses, monocular, carrots, road flares, a full salami....you get the idea.

Also, the front pocket is generously sized to a full 3 liter flexi-canteen AND groundsheet AND extra wind layer AND (something else) can all fit quite easily. I tried out REI's entry into this weight class and once the main compartment is loaded their front pocket is good for pretty much nothing thicker than a map or shopping list. Another point to Dan and the gang, a pocket you can actually use...what a concept!

The materials and workmanship are all first rate and I expect this piece of gear to last for years with just basic care and maintenance. And let's not forget, all in a package that is less than 2 pounds!? I come from a time of aluminum H framed torture chamber packs that were heavy AF, so this much comfort and functionality in a 30 ounce pack? INCONCEIVABLE!

A special shoutout to whoever decided to name these packs based on their main compartment capacity. While the rest of the market is out there counting every little nook, cranny and glove compartment to come up with the biggest number possible to slap on the tag (it's marketing psychology man), Durston is just being straight with their customers. Because I've been conditioned by the Outdoor Gear Retail Industrial Complex I figured I would need the 55, but no! With good packing and gear selection, the 40 is perfect for 5-7 day trips and there's no need to Beverly Hillbillies crap all over the outside because you have a TRUE 40+ liters in the main hole.

IN closing, I hope you guys don't have much of an advertising budget because I doubt you even need it. I heard about you by word of mouth (at least that's what us old farts call it) and I'm gonna be a lifer.

Under the heading of constructive criticism, I have 2 thoughts:

1) I wish the outside pockets had drawstrings instead of fixed tension elastic. I'd like to be able to control how tight/loose those are.

2) I'd gladly take the 1 ounce weight penalty to have a more substantial buckle on the waist belt. I know we're chasing grams here, and my back and legs appreciate that, but that size/type of buckle is not the most user friendly. That buckle is notorious for being challenging to line up for a good hard dock, and when you add in the folds of your shirt and my enormous yeti hands it makes me long for a bigger chunk of plastic there.

Both suggestions are nitpicks and personal preference to be sure. This is a 5 of 5 piece of gear all day and twice on Sundays.

Great pack comfortable easy to use. Great size

Cool , sharp little knife did I say sharp ? Very well built solid.\n A little stiff out of the box had to loosen it a little bit to be a good flipper, but anyway, excellent little knife, good price, fast shipping. Thank\nYou I recommend this item

Awesome and quick delivery

Great bag!

Fast shipping nice item A+ thank you!

Super snappy! Great ergos!

Love the glow in the dark scales, knife is good quality, blade came sharp.

Kaviso has amazing customer service! Will be purchasing more items from them in the future hands down.

Incredible knife! Kaviso’s customer service was also top notch, and I’ll be buying more knives from then in the future for sure!

Found a great price on a Durston Kakwa 40 pack - that included FREE shipping! The purchase was painless and the pack arrived quickly and exactly as described. I will check back on this site often

I was a little unsure at first, but once I got it set up for my needs I was good to go. Lightweight and can carry as much as I would want or need. Seems to be very durable and is quite comfortable. Highly suggest!

I love this thing i work on boats with my teacher and this is was he uses and he loves it when he loses one he buys a new one so i figured it would be good and it was its slim and bright i love you i would definitely but this again

Exactly what I wanted. I wanted to get the 0° bag before they were discontinued so I can zip it up with my 0° bag. This setup takes up way less space than my teton bag.

Couple other options out there from Gossamer Gear or Durston but at more than double the cost. These are so streamlined and the closed length is awesome to stow in pack or luggage.

50” needed (125 cm) for most trekking poles tents come in at 48” when these are set to 125 cm. I have compact 4. Just adjusted each section up slightly and all good. Might be user error too.