Both are excellent fabrics for backpacking, with some advantages to each.

UltraGrid is a robust 210D nylon pack fabric with a ripstop grid of UHMWPE fibers (really strong) for added durability. It is a well proven and long-lived pack fabric. Ultra 200 takes durability to another level by using about 2/3rds UHWMPE fibers, which makes it an uncommonly rugged fabric. This makes it better for severe use (e.g. bushwhacking). For most backpackers both materials will be more than durable enough.

For waterproofness, Ultra 200 uses an interior film while UltraGrid uses a PU coating. Both are waterproof fabrics, but user seam sealed is required to make the pack waterproof.

The main advantage of Ultra 200 is the exceptionally high durability (although most backpackers won't need this). The advantages of UltraGrid are the more affordable price, it has a softer/less wrinkly feel, and the tighter weave gives it stronger seams.

Overall, we recommend UltraGrid for regular backpacking while Ultra 200 is recommended for more severe use (e.g. bushwhacking).

The key change is the switch to UltraGrid fabric, a highly durable option now available at a more competitive price—$60 less than the Ultra 200 pack. While UltraGrid is slightly less abrasion-resistant and a bit heavier (4.3 oz/yd vs. 3.5 oz/yd), it remains a robust pack fabric with excellent durability and seam strength. The updated UltraGrid Kakwa also boasts a larger front pocket (nearly double the volume), drain holes, custom Durston Gear logo buckles, additional lash points, and a variety of small refinements to further improve durability.

Yes, we will have an updated Ultra 200 pack shipping in late 24’ or early 25’. This pack will be available in all three sizes.

Our 2023 design incorporates user feedback to make a few enhancements and refinements to the pack while shaving a bit of weight. This includes additional lash points on the front and bottom of the pack, longer hipbelt adjustment to accommodate larger waists, and a variety of refinements to improve durability including at the frame ends where we have adjusted the design and used more durable Ultra 400 to avoid the potential for wear points. We have done all this while reducing the pack weight by 1 oz (now 27 oz).

Kakwa refers to the northern terminus of the Great Divide Trail (the most scenic and wild thru hike in North America). Kakwa is a park in the Canadian Rockies where you can find Kakwa Lake.

Ultralight hikers (e.g. >10 lbs of gear) with kits that are compact (e.g. down sleeping quilt) will find they can fit 5-7 days of food reasonably and can stretch that to 10 days with a quite full pack (e.g. strapping the tent on top). Conversely, hikers with light but not ultralight baseweights (e.g. 10-15 lbs) will find it is a good weekend pack.

The Kakwa 40 has a genuine 40L of internal volume, not counting what is provided by the exterior pockets. That interior volume does vary based on the size of the pack, so the actual interior volume is 38L (small), 41L (medium), or 44L (large). That assumes you have closed the pack via the minimum of two folds in the roll top.

The Kakwa 40 is the complete package for a lightweight or ultralight hiker who will find they can hike from 2-8 days depending on how compact their gear is. However, it is not ideal for hikers with heavier baseweights and bulkier loads since you will need a larger pack (we hope to offer a 55L version in 2023). On the other end of the spectrum, hikers with extremely light baseweights and preferring shorter hikes will find the Kakwa 40 excessive for their needs and will be better served by a frameless pack.

The Ultra 200 material is 100% waterproof with an impenetrable plastic backing on the Ultra 200 fabric that is much more durable than traditional PU coatings. We think it is functionally waterproof since the fabric is waterproof and the roll top closure keeps out water, but trace amounts of water can get in via the seams which are not taped. We do not tape the seams partly because bound seams are stronger, but also because our more capable frame requires seams that are too complex to be seam taped (e.g. many layers of material sewn into the seams). You will only find seam taped packs with frameless or more rudimentary frame designs. If you would like to take your pack from extremely water resistant to truly waterproof, we recommend seam sealing the pack.

The UltraGrid fabric has a 1500mm PU waterproof backing.

Yes, both the frame and foam backpad are removable. Please be aware that re-inserting the frame into the bottom frame channels can be a frustrating process the first time and it is not recommended to remove the frame unless you have a specific need. It is crucial the frame is re-inserted correctly into the reinforced bottom channel, or the frame may rub through the bottom of your pack eventually. The below illustration helps to visualize the four separate channels your frame needs to pass through to ensure proper installation.

The Kakwa 40 does not include a dedicated pouch inside the main pack (to save weight) but there is a tube portal at the top side of the main compartment. Your tubing and bite valve can be affixed to the daisy chains on the shoulder straps.

Challenge Sail Cloth (the manufacturer of the Ultra200 fabric) recommends the following:

Using a mild soap like Simple Green or Dawn,
Wipe the pack with soft cloth or sponge,
Rinse with fresh water,
Pat with a cotton towel if desired,
Air dry.

Do not use bleach, turpentine, acetone, or any harsh chemicals.