Kelty PK 50 Backpack

When I saw the video demonstration for this backpack, I had to have it. This backpack makes everything about backpacking a breeze. I love the roll-tops and the fact that there are no zippers to worry about. It is has a minimalist design with superior function.This is two packs in one, first you have the 15L clothes pack where you can pack your clothes and toiletries in, then you have the 35L pack that stores the tent, sleeping bag, and other essentials. The clothing pack unbuckles and you can leave that in the tent; then you have a 35L daypack. It's super convenient.The material is soft and durable. It has adjustable straps and a just-right padded hip belt. All the rolltops keep the water out and it also has a rain cover that neatly tucks away at the bottom.The only thing I would change about this pack is the clothing pack. The rolltop on that doesn't open on both ends, which is a little frustrating...but a little sewing work...you might be able to unthread it to make it open fully. I haven't done it yet, but maybe in the future I will.Overall, this is a no frills backpack that carries your stuff and lets you easily access everything. The fact that it breaks into two packs is useful because you don't have to carry a huge packpack on a day hike.

Just used this on a 10 day trip to patagonia and it held up great besides the pocket material (more on that later). All in all this is my favorite pack for size, versatility and comfort.Pros:Shorter profile height, so the top compartment doesn't get caught on tree branchesFolding pouches works great vs zippers but doesn't compress as well advertisedBuckle system is great for fast accessGenerous water bottle pocket depthColors make your pack easy to pick from a group of bagsMinimal padding just in the right places allows for excellent airflow across your back. Osprey packs have too much going on.Detachable 15L is greatHidden rain cover works great, easy to accessHorizontal compression straps are much better than having a bunch of various loops/straps for backpacking/hiking.Cons:One ice pick loopMaterial for water bottle pockets isn't very durable, I already have multiple holes in it. Hopefully these don't expand.Needs an extremely compressible sleeping bag (kelty one is great but $$)Detachable 15L portation is sewn at one end instead of a buckle.No way to fit the Kelty PDSI and a sleeping back in the same compartmentSo the stretchy material for the various exterior pockets is the only weak point. I was cautious when setting down my pack but by the end of the trip, I have multiple holes in mine. I don't think these will tear unless I really stuff the pockets.... Looking at the other backpacks in my group, some had the same material with the same issue. Kelty should know that this material tears and picked something more durable.

Great pack, but had to return. Ordered M/L and exchanging for S/M. The main pack is 35L with the additional outside clothing section attached adding 15L. You can use this its a full 50L pack for longer trips, or remove the clothing section to use the main pack (35L) as a day pack. The attachable clothing section would also make a great pillow with clothing inside. Shoulder straps well padded, hip belt thin padding, but still comfortable. The pockets on the hip belt are rather small, could not fit a modern larger smart phone in them (Galaxy 6s/iPhone 6+). But would be good sized for smaller things i.e. chapstick, pocket knife, etc. Does come with a rain cover and theres lots of little storage areas built into the wings, and top brain area. Comfortable, but max carry weight I would say is in the 20-25lb range while still feeling comfortable. There are no zippers anywhere on this bag. All areas close via roll tap (think dry bag closure). This includes the main bag, brain area, winged pockets, rain pocket, and clothing section. Winged pockets are deep enough for tent poles or trekking poles. I did not use this pack in the field, I returned it to reorder a smaller torso size. So these opinions are based solely on checking out the bag at home, before returning.

but for all of the cool organizational features, it just didn't add up for me. First of all, while 50 litres is pretty small for anything other than a light summer overnight, the way this one is designed makes it seem even less than 50. The more you stuff things into the pack, the bulgier and less usable the various compartments become. Then when they are full, they don't fit together as well as they do in the photos.This may be perfect for a minimalist hiker who has done a better job than me paring down his load. I applaud Kelty for thinking so creatively and if they decide to come out with a 70L version I'll be in line to give it another shot.

Great pack so far. At first I was nervous about the thin stretchy material but it has held up great. The modular system is great and keeps things extremely organized. The roll closures are kind of obnoxious at first but you get use to them and learn to appreciate the feature. The Kelty SB20 Long and Kelty trail logic sleeping pad fit great in the bottom compartment and provide a nice base to build the rest of your pack on. The built in rain fly is a really great feature. The black is a great color and I'm glad I chose it over the flashier gray and green one. I have got many compliments on the pack and people are impressed once the mess around with it for a few minutes. I'm excited to see what Kelty does next in the TrailLogic line.