Kelty Redwing 36 – 36 Liter Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Backpacking, Travel, Carry-on Compatible, Hip Belt, Customized Fit, 2023 (Blackout)

This pack is everything I hoped it would be and more. The design is incredibly smart, plenty of compartments without being overdone, and all the pockets are actually usable (not just decorative zippers for show). The hybrid top-loading access with the U-zip is a brilliant touch. It gives the convenience of both styles without forcing you to dig blindly into the abyss. The fit is excellent. I’ve taken it on a few long hikes now, and the back panel ventilation actually works. My back didn’t feel like a sauna two miles in, which is more than I can say for most of the gear I’ve owned. The hip belt and straps are well-padded and distribute weight evenly. Even when fully loaded, this thing carries like a dream. Kelty clearly knows what they’re doing with the Redwing 36. It’s light enough for quick trips, yet spacious and sturdy enough for full-day hikes with gear. Everything feels built to last, no loose stitching, no weird pressure points, just reliable performance. I’m genuinely impressed, and that doesn’t happen often.

I use this for outing with my 6yo when we go places like the zoo or walking in state parks. It’s really adjustable, and comfortable and we can fit everything we need for a day of fun.

I chose this bag as an EDC. Personally 35 to 40L is the volume that will fit my stationary, laptop, accessories, food, water for the daily grind, while having reasonable spare space if I need to put in some groceries. My negatives: My main disappointment is the material. While by no means filmsy, I would prefer a higher denier. However, it withstand light showers. The benefit is a lighter weight, which I think will be a definite benefit for day trips involving more intensive walking. The many positives: The backstraps are nicely padded, not pretend padded from many of the mainstream brands. Load lifters are a very welcome addition at this price point. The internal frame design is also a personal preference. I find that having a more rigid body, I have to wiggle less when carrying a bag. I have a thicker neck and narrow sloping shoulders, so for myself this type of design tends to cause less neck pain. After comparing different types of bags, I find that the sloped top secondary compartment works well. It is similar to climbing bags such as Arcteryx Konseal 40. Compared to the Arcteryx Konsealm this pack is superior in the form of a slightly more contoured back panel that helps with air circulation. But like a backpack review I recall reading previously, I don't think there exists many backpanel designs that will completely prevent a soggy back when carrying a backpack at load and reasonable intense movement. I liked the 2 generous side zip compartments. To me keeping items secure is more important than quick access, which is why I didn't mind that access to the expandable elastic rim pockets below the side zip pockets could be blocked by the zippered pockets - those that need to reach for water bottles or some items might find it difficult. The placement of the pockets (both the top and side ones) made the pack "flatter", which I thought made load distribution more suited to me as most of the weight is closer to my centre of mass. It really is a pity that there are very few avenues to check reviews of equipment after long term use. More often than not initial impressions can change, and only time will tell if features and construction are indeed as favourable. However, having said that I am currently very happy with this backpack after about 1 months use. The slight imperfections completely outweight the many good points I am seeing at this stage.

You can get better ones, of course, but you'll pay a lot more for them. This one is very comfortable to wear and it should last a long time. The only issue is that the frame has an arch to it. It fits the back very well but the way a water bladder fits over it it takes up a lot of space in the pack.

Very lightweight and versatile. Great with both large and small load.

There isn't anything about this backpack that I don't like. I've been using one like this (40 L) and a 44L for years. I used the 44L for work during the past 12 years and it hardly shows signs of wear. The zippers and straps still function like the day I bought it and the fabric, although a little soiled, has no rips or tears. The 40L was given away to a child. I used that one as a weekend day pack. I absolutely expect to get the service out of this new one that I have had with the others. The one feature of all of them that has really proven to be useful is the side and top zippered pockets. I used them for safety glasses as well as earbuds, etc. You can't go wrong with Kelty backpacks. .

Very well made and durable. At 36 liters, it is a great for summer and winter day hiking and can be compressed for those naturally occurring smaller loads… I have owned this pack before and really appreciated its multitude of well placed and sized pockets and compartments-it fits me well-is very comfortable, and is nice looking. This pack does not have hip belt pockets however so some folks might miss those… I bought this pack after giving my first one away several years ago to a friend. Recently I saw it offered on Amazon and decided I really liked it enough that I had to have another one.

Dig this bag. Its been over 20 years since I was out backpacking/hiking. In all those years the minimal things I did only required a standard book bag. Recently lost alot of weight and started exploring the outdoors again with the family. Did alot of hiking with a Kelty back in the 90s. Still have that pack and still love it but its a 65+ and I didn't need that much space for day hiking. We are a family of 5. The kids are 7 or younger. I end up being a pack mule of snacks, water, first aid among other things. Did a hike with a regular book bag and the water was heavy enough it really hurt my shoulders. This one with the hip and sternum straps really makes the difference. Lower price was a perk too. So far so good. Have carried 4 x 48oz nalgenes, first aid kit, snacks for the family of 5, knife, saw, gun etc etc. Still room for more. Only minor complaint is the mesh side pockets. Near impossible to access while its on my back. They recess under the side pockets. Overall very happy. Its been adorned with a few patches already with more to come as we make more memories. Saw my first bear (and cubs) in the wild with this pack on. Almost stepped on a timber rattle snake with this pack on. Its seen the Appalachian Trail. Its taken me up mountain trails from base to summit.