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 On: 2007-06-06
I purchased this backpack to live out of while I hiked New Zealand for two months. I couldnt have been more pleased. The internal frame is extremely comfortable and adjustable. The pack comes with instructions on how to bend the frame to relieve pressure points that may occur as you hike, which was incredibly valuable to me.
This pack carried approximately 30lbs of gear with no problems and no discomfort. I hiked 90 miles (consecutively) with this and had no chafing, no bruising, and no sore spots. Despite the tremendous abuse this poor thing suffered at my hand, not once did a seam rip, tear, or weaken. The fabric is tough and incredibly durable.
The waist strap rests high on the waist and across my belly button. My friend complained that she didnt like this design, however, I found it far more comfortable than the REI pack she had where the straps rested across her hips. Also, she got bruised from the REI waist strap. I didnt with this Kelty pack.
Cons:
1. You need a rain cover if you intend on hiking with this in adverse conditions. It is water repellent to a degree, but after hiking the (in)famous Milford Track on the South Island of New Zealand in pouring rain for three days it had probably doubled its weight and took a day or two to dry fully in humid conditions.
2. The loop for the camelback tube was the least convenient thing about this pack. Over time the tube would work its way free since the loop didnt actually hold the tube in place. A little duct tape solved this problem, but its something you may want to consider.
All in all, this is BY FAR the best pack I have ever owned. I am a wildlife biologist and spend months in the field each year in remote, rustic conditions. If this pack ever decides to die on me (and it hasnt after 9 months of abuse) I will probably replace it with another Redwing.
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