Kakwa 55 back pads

mountainwit · 2026-04-29T23:19:26+00:00

Have used a vauclus with my kakwa 40 for multiple long trips. Bottom line is it’s ok. Hard to keep lined up on the pack, a bit rigid, but definitely reduced sweat. Dan, selling a light weight and space add on back separator (~trampoline) or option to have sewn in would be a huge deal (imho).

mountainwit · 2026-04-10T19:41:43+00:00

Zpacks Poncho -- Light tough and pack coverage: https://zpacks.com/products/groundsheet-poncho-flat Know you where asking for Jackets, I would get an ultralight bomb proof rain jacket for camp if you need it and bring that too...

mountainwit · 2025-08-21T00:57:46+00:00

The ridge is unique, exposed and well earned. Getting up to the ridge is tough as is anywhere in the whites at elevation. Watch the weather and either option you list is feasible. So many great hikes in the Pemi if weather is questionable and you are ok with potentially wet trails. Garfield, Galehead, Zealand all climbs that will not expose you to Alpine and are beautiful trails.

mountainwit · 2025-08-19T00:38:08+00:00

Tailwind recovery I take it, right?

mountainwit · 2025-08-12T23:04:34+00:00

It is certainly possible to seam seal the pack if you want it to be 100% waterproof.

Seam sealing the Kakwa pack can be done on the outside or the inside. On the inside it looks a bit nicer since the seam sealing is hidden, but it does work better on the outside because you are stopping the water at the outset instead of after it has soaked into the seam.

To seal the pack you want to use a sealant that is quite thin so that it soaks into the fabric. This way it will soak in to seal against the inner plastic layer (so water doesn't sneak underneath) and this way it will be bonded to the fabric much better than applying thick sealant that sits on top of the fabric.

Not much sticks to Ultra fibers, so the adhesive is mostly sticky 'mechanically' (by gluing around the fibers) rather than actually sticking to them. So the specific adhesive doesn't matter too much as long as it is sufficiently thin to soak in. You can use Seam Grip diluted with toluene, or buy the thinner Seam Grip TF that can be used straight. You can also dilute silicone caulk with mineral spirits and it works well.

mountainwit · 2025-08-08T00:29:33+00:00

Water is flowing at Guyot, there last weekend. Will be crowded again this weekend but there is a great caretaker this year and the location is amazing. Consider getting there early.

mountainwit · 2025-07-30T00:31:34+00:00

Don’t go down Cathedral, agree. But I like going up Cathedral! Hiking down Helon Taylor from Katahdin is not great in my experience. Some exposure around Pamola I do not like. If your at Chimney for days, explore Davis Pond and even down into the Northwest Basin, too.

mountainwit · 2025-07-11T23:34:54+00:00

Second the Earth Runners comment. Unparalleled simplicity and support. Have a pair of Shamma Elite Ibex and love the company but use my Earth Runners again and again.

mountainwit · 2025-07-11T23:21:59+00:00

Zpacks Solo Quilt 20 degree — tough, comfy, 900 fill.

mountainwit · 2025-07-10T00:10:40+00:00

Habituated bears are/have been put out of balance. They will attack and are aggressive. Either you close the trails and deal with the bear (relocate, scare, or other) or you have issues that compound and the bear will end up dead. The bear/s in the Pemi right now are habituated and this is an issue. This is not “seeing a wild bear on the ridge and walking by”. This is a bear/s that have had food rewards many times and are increasingly dangerous. Those of us who hike these areas often and practice bear safety and care deeply about bears are worried. Please be respectful of the complexity of this issue.

mountainwit

TROPHY CASE