Kelty Redwing Backpack - Women's - 2500 cu in - 2006 BCS

I had a great extended backpack, but wanted one for short trips/the crag/short hikes. My boyfriend had an OLD Kelty Redwing (mens) and I really liked the general layout, comfort and construction of the pack, but it obviously didn't fit. I've had this one now a few weeks, and I LOVE the water bottle pouches, the front zippered pouch and the compression straps. Great fit, VERY comfortable and not pricey...what a combo!

I drive a boat in key west fl. During the spring the weather and temperature changes a lot in a day. I have to pack lots of clothes as well as foul weather gear which is bulky. This bag holds it all plus all the other things I need for the day (water, lunch etc..) and is still very comfortable to carry! The only thing I would change about it is I wish it came with a rain cover! When it is rough I get a lot of spray on the boat and all my stuff gets wet! Otherwise I highly recommend the pack!

Overall the fit is great, and the comfort and stability is very good for the convenience of hauling gear while allowing easy frequent access. I use this for field work, day trips, lightweight overnights, and grocery runs. I'm very grateful Kelty still makes this style pack and offers a Women's pack for a Woman's shorter torso. If you are carrying a lot of stuff, especially large, bulky, awkward shaped, non-moldable items, like equipment, and you want to access it frequently, this is a great pack. It has a roomy open central chamber that makes packing easy. (Much preferred to over-compartmentalized packs that require "just so" packing strategies.) The zipper opens the whole front of the pack, allowing easy access and viewing to all the contents. (Preferred over top entry packs that take a little time to unclasp, reach into the depths and fish around, or unpack and repack...) Its big volume makes it wider than the usual top loader, giving your head more room, but the sides more bulk. The one downside is that it doesn't have top stabilizer straps, so a heavy load can sway a little more than a top loader with top stabilizing.