I just converted to the Kakwa55 a couple of months ago and I agree with your assessment....brilliant. All my gear, camera (R6II, RF24-105, RF100-500), Bearcanister all fit. I've had it to 43lbs and still very comfortable to carry all day. Three trips with no issues and on each trip I find new ways to make it work even better. Thanks for the heads up on the Ortleib.
I do a few weeks of backpacking and landscape photography in the mountains every year, and after trying several backpacks and systems, I've also ended up with the exact same system (I bought the Six Moon Designs Swift V which looks identical, and it helps me carry my backpacking & camera equipment and food). I've carried lenses and filters in a small chest pouch (designed for fishermen!), but I've decided to go even more minimal by switching to a 2-lens system on my MFT camera: the 14-150mm Oly lens that sits on my camera, and the 8-18mm Pana lens which I can just put in the shoulder strap holder... so I no longer need the chest pouch.
I have two of those little ‘orange’ bags, though one is blue. They store some of my lenses and yes, they are light and useable in a backpack. I’ve also gone through some very uncomfortable packs and bags, am now down to a bag - due to age! I often think of those non-waterproof bags made from canvas (we sprayed it with waterproof spray when that was produced) we used to carry to the ski slopes when we were young, and walk several km in the dark, in a blizzard to our ski lodge - and in Australia! Thankfully materials have now got lighter and are waterproofed. Enjoy your new bag and I sincerely hope it is successful. Have a great time in lovely Chamonix too and look forward to seeing some videos of the gorgeous mountains around there.
Hi Jonas. Thanks for this gear tip video. I am using those toploader pods since a decade. There where some Ortlieb waterproof toploaders, that where great, but the zippers malfunktioned always after a year of use due , to heavy use. Probably the reason Ortlieb dont produce taht anymore . I am using a lowepro toploader now which i dont like so much. So this hyperligjt looks interesting. I would like to ask you if the zippers hold up for heavy professional use. I usally open the pod hundrets of times a day when I am out and if you can leave the zipper half open, when walking what I do a lot.
Thanks Jonas for the video. The Durston bag is certainly interesting. The continuous weight versus protection and practicality conundrum plagues me - especially when I am either travellling abroad or hiking a distance. I have a shimoda action x bag (great but heavy) and an Osprey Talon 22 (very small, very light but not very practical for multiple lenses). The Durston Kakwa 55 seems a great compromise but not sure how secure a tripod would be - the strap looked a little thin.
@@john_norris I think that conundrum plagues us all haha. The strap is totally fine for the tripod. The pocket Carrie’s the weight and the strap just balance it. Even the other way around it would be fine for a normal tripod. And you can always replace the strap. Thanks 🙏
@@JonasPaurellUnscripted Thanks for the reassurance (and sorry for not replying sooner). I shall now being studying the Kakwa55 versus 40 and the range of Yimidear - all the while trying to find more storage space at home for my ever increasing bag collection! Plus the four different sized suitcases that I bought over the last year to "finally solve" the air flight weight/size challenge - and never quite succeeding. 😀 Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you're liking the pack.
- Dan Durston
I just converted to the Kakwa55 a couple of months ago and I agree with your assessment....brilliant. All my gear, camera (R6II, RF24-105, RF100-500), Bearcanister all fit. I've had it to 43lbs and still very comfortable to carry all day. Three trips with no issues and on each trip I find new ways to make it work even better. Thanks for the heads up on the Ortleib.
I do a few weeks of backpacking and landscape photography in the mountains every year, and after trying several backpacks and systems, I've also ended up with the exact same system (I bought the Six Moon Designs Swift V which looks identical, and it helps me carry my backpacking & camera equipment and food). I've carried lenses and filters in a small chest pouch (designed for fishermen!), but I've decided to go even more minimal by switching to a 2-lens system on my MFT camera: the 14-150mm Oly lens that sits on my camera, and the 8-18mm Pana lens which I can just put in the shoulder strap holder... so I no longer need the chest pouch.
@@RomainC99 I looked at that one too! So many great options in the ultra light outdoors industry!
Your spot on as there is no perfect backpack, You need 2 or 3 and then you are covered 95%. Enjoy your outing in Chamonix.
@@seandavis6458 thank you! 🙏
I have two of those little ‘orange’ bags, though one is blue. They store some of my lenses and yes, they are light and useable in a backpack. I’ve also gone through some very uncomfortable packs and bags, am now down to a bag - due to age! I often think of those non-waterproof bags made from canvas (we sprayed it with waterproof spray when that was produced) we used to carry to the ski slopes when we were young, and walk several km in the dark, in a blizzard to our ski lodge - and in Australia! Thankfully materials have now got lighter and are waterproofed. Enjoy your new bag and I sincerely hope it is successful. Have a great time in lovely Chamonix too and look forward to seeing some videos of the gorgeous mountains around there.
@@trishf29 I still remember the smell of the spray haha. Considered toxic these days 😊
Hi Jonas. Thanks for this gear tip video. I am using those toploader pods since a decade. There where some Ortlieb waterproof toploaders, that where great, but the zippers malfunktioned always after a year of use due , to heavy use. Probably the reason Ortlieb dont produce taht anymore . I am using a lowepro toploader now which i dont like so much. So this hyperligjt looks interesting. I would like to ask you if the zippers hold up for heavy professional use. I usally open the pod hundrets of times a day when I am out and if you can leave the zipper half open, when walking what I do a lot.
Thanks Jonas for the video. The Durston bag is certainly interesting. The continuous weight versus protection and practicality conundrum plagues me - especially when I am either travellling abroad or hiking a distance. I have a shimoda action x bag (great but heavy) and an Osprey Talon 22 (very small, very light but not very practical for multiple lenses). The Durston Kakwa 55 seems a great compromise but not sure how secure a tripod would be - the strap looked a little thin.
@@john_norris I think that conundrum plagues us all haha. The strap is totally fine for the tripod. The pocket Carrie’s the weight and the strap just balance it. Even the other way around it would be fine for a normal tripod. And you can always replace the strap. Thanks 🙏
@@JonasPaurellUnscripted Thanks for the reassurance (and sorry for not replying sooner). I shall now being studying the Kakwa55 versus 40 and the range of Yimidear - all the while trying to find more storage space at home for my ever increasing bag collection! Plus the four different sized suitcases that I bought over the last year to "finally solve" the air flight weight/size challenge - and never quite succeeding. 😀 Keep up the great work!