Magpul DAKA Pouch :: Drive By

Magpul aren’t a brand that comes to mind when you think “Carry”, but they’re certainly trying to change that. Before the launch of the DAKA, Magpul’s pocketable/carry range had only extended to its electronics cases, which are tough as nails and modelled after their wildly successful PMAG. The DAKA started out as an RF welding project internally, to see what Magpul’s product designers could dream up. [Side note for transparency: Taylor Welden, our senior editor and global beardsman, is the softgoods gear designer at Magpul, and thus played a hand in the creation of the DAKA.] With an epic YouTube video highlighting the DAKA’s possibilities, the video leaves us with a simple slogan for the new product – What you do with it is your business.

Who It Suits

Someone who wants a sleek, tough and weatherproof pouch for everyday, outdoor and travel carry.

Who It Doesn’t

The DAKA doesn’t have a soft or padded lining so users who want to carry tech items in the pouch may want to place them in protective cases or sleeves first.

The Good

Construction-wise the DAKA is as solid as can be, made from reinforced polymer that provides a grippy texture. I can compare it to Hypalon, however the fabric on the DAKA is much softer and less abrasive. All seams on the DAKA are RF welded, and completely impenetrable by any element. The only way anything is getting in your DAKA is via the zipper. Unfortunately nothing with a zipper is waterproof, but Magpul went with the best in class. YKK AquaGuard ensures the most water-resistant pouch possible while retaining the easy access of a zipper.

This is the first piece of gear I’ve owned that utilises the paint pen dot matrix, and holy crap it is such a simple yet extremely useful way to label your gear. The first DAKA put to use was for an EDC First Aid Kit, and easily labelled as so with the matrix. Truth be told I totally mucked up the first and second attempt of lettering properly, so the above linked PDF will help you avoid my mistakes.

“This is the first piece of gear I’ve owned that utilises the paint pen dot matrix, and holy crap it is such a simple yet extremely useful way to label your gear.”

When it comes to fine details, Magpul nailed it with the DAKA. Zippers are extremely easy to overlook and go with a very basic metal pull, however Magpul went with full 550 cord wrapped in a logo-printed heat shrink tube. This provides unparalleled grip and durability, while still looking fine as hell. The only upgrade I can think of here is adhesive-lined heat shrink for longevity.

Speaking of finer details, even the DAKA packaging is on point. The plastic pouch it comes in can be utilized for any number of fun things. Magpul encourages the following uses of its packaging.

“When it comes to fine details, Magpul nailed it with the DAKA.”

I tried to get a photo of a goldfish in my DAKA packaging but the pet shop didn’t take too kindly to that photo op.

Carabiner (and rope, etc.) attachment points featured on corners means you’ll never have a problem securing your DAKA. It will usually reside in a bag for me but it’s great having the option to attach it to the outside of my bag.

“It will usually reside in a bag for me but it’s great having the option to attach it to the outside of my bag.”

The Not So Good

I’ve had my DAKAs for a few weeks now and the only issue so far has been the zipper pull’s heat shrink tubing. With use, it may start sliding around and bunching up. I solved this by simply replacing the pull with my own adhesive-lined tubing so it doesn’t slide around.

Verdict

I’m really hoping Magpul extends on this RF welding product line. In particular I’d love to see an A4 capable DAKA and maybe even a laptop sleeve that combines the DAKA with a protective foam layer.