DURSTON GEAR
If you’re looking for an ultralight pack then the Kakwa 40 should be a serious consideration. Its versatility makes it a competent choice for going fast and light on the AT or for hauling huge water loads on the CDT.
THE TREK
Most Capable Ultralight Pack / Best Value of 2025
The Durston Gear Kakwa 40 Backpack is a small-volume pack capable of carrying heavier loads. The Durston Kakwa 40 offers a light but strong internal frame that can support heavier loads.
Backpacking Light
2022 Members Choice Awards
An incredibly durable pack that can comfortably haul heavier-than-average loads and comes equipped with handy features such as shoulder pockets. Oh yeah, and it also weighs less than two pounds and is one of the cheaper picks on this list, hence the additional “Best Value” award in addition to "Most Capable Ultralight Pack"
The Trek
Best Thru-Hiking Backpacks of 2024
The X-Mid was among the most popular tents in our annual thru-hiking survey and has also developed a devoted following since its days as the always-sold-out tent of mythical status. It’s easy to see why.
The Trek
It’s reasonably lightweight, simple to pitch, and has plenty of space, including two doors and vestibules—a luxurious touch for a one-person shelter. A laundry list of well-thought-out details makes this tent exceptional in rough weather. And on top of it all, it’s among the cheapest tent on this list (especially considering it comes with factory-taped seams).
The Trek
Best Thru-Hiking Tents of 2023 (Best All around)
The X-Mid was among the most popular tents in our thru-hiking survey this year and also got a strong vote of support from the comments section last time we published this list, earning it the title of Fan Favorite. It’s easy to see why.
The Trek
The Best Thru-Hiking Tents of 2022
It’s easy to see why the X-Mid a fan favorite. It’s reasonably lightweight, simple to pitch, and has plenty of space, including two doors and vestibules—a luxurious touch for a one-person shelter.
The Trek
Best Backpacking Tents of 2021
“Exceptionally high quality. Field performance was outstanding…an excellent size-to-weight ratio for a dual-pole, double-wall, two-person tent….Overall, it has simply been a joy to use.”
Backpacking Light
Highly Recommended
The X-Mid 1P is a double-wall trekking pole tent for one person that is simple to set up, well made, and quite affordable. Weighing under 28 oz, it's also quite lightweight and a really great deal for backpackers who want to reduce their gear weight.
Section Hiker
One of 10 Best Backpacking Tents
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GETTING TO KNOW
Dan has been a hiker and adventurer for nearly 20 years. He has amassed hundreds of nights in the outdoors and written thousands of technical gear posts in ultralight online communities like BackpackingLight.com and r/Ultralight. Never content with the status quo, Dan has been building his own gear for over a decade, including building a tent with DCF way back in 2009 before most other companies working with DCF even existed.
