Kelty Redwing 44 Backpack

The backpack is beautiful as portrayed, (a lot less shiny by the way, nice photography work).Lets start saying: this is for travel, been carrying for a while and the weight is well distributed and keeps firmly against the back.The weight is carried to the hips and even when I loaded to full size didn't feel the push back like in others.Lets end the discussion about the carry-on size:You can see the pictures I fully loaded the backpack I mean almost breaking it (it didn't).I tried this at spirit their carry on size is 22*18*10Here goes the pictures:1 - First thing to notice; yes it is 25" you can see how the top loading is outside.2 - Trying to fit it in the tester; the top load goes over the size; but if is not totally filled can go inside with no problem.3 - Another view; you can see how the top loader and also the front pocket won't fit; of course it is 25*15*12 ( I put a lot of things in the front pocket also, to check)4 - A closer view, you can see it is just a little bit over the maximun size.5 - I reorganized the things inside the backpack; used the compression straps and there you have it; yes it fits when is almost at full capacity6 - This is a picture of it in the plain compartment, it fit completely nothing left outside.I would say yes it is carry-on size as long as you don't try to squeeze things in every little space of it."No bad eyes on it from the people of the airways anyway"

This is one of the best travel backpacks and possibly the most versatile backpack out there.First of all, it is definitely carry-on sized. I've attached two pictures: one of it in a airport measurement container and another with a measuring tape.Here's a list of important features for travelling and hiking backpacks:Yes - carry on size (22 x 14 x 9)Yes - front loadingYes - proper hip beltYes - durabilityYes - low weight (preferably around 3 lbs)Yes - water bottle holderExtras:Yes - laptop pocketYes - organization pocketYes - air panel for back air flowYes - conversion into daypackYes - extra side pocketsNo - ability to hide the straps if checking it inPossible - lockable zippersNo - rain coverNo - pockets on hip belt (though I've never used any)This backpack meets all the main criteria. It is 2.7 lbs and 2.2 lbs without the hipbelt. It is definitely a proper hip belt meant for hiking. I haven't hiked more than a mile with it yet though while travelling and haven't gotten to take it out for a spin yet. It is both front loading and top loading. It works quite well.Now for the extras for travelling, the only features this may be missing are the strap hideaway (which don't make sense for a carry-on/gate-check), hip belt pockets(never used them), and the lockable zippers. Regarding lockable zippers, they are quite easy to convert with steel wires, oval steel sleeves, and a pair of crimpers. It takes a few minutes with the right tools.The laptop pocket works well and doubles as a hydration sleeve. While travelling and having everything packed tight, it may be more difficult to access. The two water bottle holders fit normal size water bottles and I haven't had one fall out yet. I haven't tried larger sizes yet. There is an organization pocket in the front that also has a padded 8x11 area that is perhaps meant for tablets. It has a few smaller pockets in there, nothing special or closable. The two side pockets are reasonably sized and then there is one pocket at the very top of the backpack which has a keychain extension in there. Note that only the main zippers and the organization pocket can be converted into lockable.Regarding hiking features, there are molle loops at the bottom of the bag. The hip belt is pretty fantastic and the straps are adjustable. There is excellent padding and airflow in the back, much better than the 2015 version. On the front of the pack is a stowaway pocket between the organization pocket and the main pack. It's nice to be able to roll up a jacket and hook it in there. Picture attached. The side pockets also serve as a passthrough for storage of hiking sticks and what not. There are loops on the front, too, except they are now hidden. And, of course, the bag is 2.7 lbs with the hipstrap.As a daypack, it is possible to remove the aluminum stay and the hipbelt and it becomes 2.2 lbs. Picture attached. Note that since the aluminum stay is no longer visible like the 2015 version, it is much tougher to put back in. In fact, it could take a pair of pliers to remove it in the first place.Back to how much it can carry for travel, using packing cubes:Large cube (13.75" x 12.75" x 4")- 2 jeans, 2 shorts, 1 swim trunk, laundry bagMedium cube (13.75x9.75x4) - 8 t-shirts, 1 short-sleeve collared shirt, laundry bagSmall cube (11" x 6.75" x 4") - other stuffAnother small cube could possible fit here at the top.On top of all of that, there are a lot of nice little details. The compression straps have a little elastic attached to them and can be rolled up. The front tablet pocket is padded. The chest strap can be adjusted up and down.There is still room for improvement though. The 2015 version was slightly roomier. The side pockets were bigger also. Lockable zippers, attached rain cover, ability to hide straps, and maybe some hip pockets would make this backpack close to impossible to beat.As it is, this is definitely the best backpack I've owned.

Used this on a 2 week tour of Europe. It was appealing enough for someone to attempt stealing on train. This back pack held my tripod, laptop, camera, 3 jeans, 7 shirts, 5 pairs socks and boxer briefs, snacks, maps, travel pillow, light jacket and still qualified as carry on with no problem on easyJet, Ryan Air, and Turkish Air. I did use Eagle Creek Compression Cubes for clothing.

I really like the style of the Redwing 44, it's sleek design, tons of packing options and organization make it a great option for compact traveling without needing a checked bag. I will continue to use this pack when I go on trips where I will be staying in civilization.For the lightweight minded hiker or backpacker, however, I would suggest looking for something different that focuses on those areas of activity. The stretchable side pockets on the pack are kind of small and very shallow and will not hold something like a 1L Smartwater bottle very well at all, I would stick to average 16oz or 500 ml bottles instead. The pockets are also situated just far enough back where you'll have to twist like a contortionist in order to reach a bottle. It's also missing hip pockets for those items you want to be able to quickly and easily grab while you're moving. There's a lot of more frivolous internal organization pockets that really aren't necessary for backpacking out in the woods and finding places to pack items like a sleeping pad to the outside without having to buy extra straps is pretty difficult. While it is a pretty light backpack, there are better lighter options that I would highly recommend to anyone who is doing some serious hiking e.g. walking 10-20 miles on hilly terrain.So all in all, a great travel pack for sure, but as a week-long hiking pack in the woods I would say find something else.

amazing. I was backpacking for 6 months with this baby and it was great. very comfortable, all those pockets are so useful. the only downside- its not waterproof so you need a waterproof coat for it. otherwise, the backpack is very sturdy. I hiked 1000km with it through the mountains and it was just so comfortable. not once did my back hurt or anything like that. it's just a great backpack.

This was the best bag I've ever had and I use a backpack everyday for everything but after about 6 months of daily use the thin internal plastic frame cut through the bottom corners of the back making it stab my back. Then a month after that the frame snapped outwards making it useless as back pack. Such a shame as the size and pocket layout is in my mind perfect.

Amazing backpack i have been using it for over a year now been in quite a lot of places around Europe, it fits absolutely everything only thing i would mention is it takes some while to pack it/ adjust it properly and it's not very convenient if you want to use it as an every day bag.

What a great size pack. The adjustments are great making it fit snuggly to your back on your hips sparing your shoulders of that heavy pull. The interior is clever with a space for either a water bladder or a lap top. Both padded and securely inside the pack. There is a lovely envelope area on one side that can slide down into the side pocket for either a tripod, walking poles or long rolled item such as a sleeping pad. The seams are solid, the size is just right so your not tempted to add too much to weight it down, and the wrap around zipper can make the pack easy to open to get one item or to be a top loader. It is super light and is just a great size travel pack. The side tighteners means it can be pulled in protecting the large zipper from stress as making it small enough to fit a lot of over head compartments on planes. Indeed, I have seen much bigger packs make it into the over heads.The small hoops on the bottom are a bit useless unless you have tools to hang for climbing but with a few little adjustments with a needle and thread and straps, make a great place to put a bed roll or tent. All in all a great size pack with all the comfort you can ask for especially at such a low price.

Una muy buena mochila para viaje. La usamos dos semanas en un viaje por Europa. Entra perfectamente en la categoría de Carry On en los aviones. Las diversas bolsas de la mochila sirven muy bien para organizar objetos y las correas se adaptan muy bien al tamaño de equipaje que cargues. Encontré la bolsa extra para chamarras muy útil para cosas que necesitaba más accesible. Si al compartimento más grande le añades bolsas de compresión es aún más cómodo. La mochila puede abrirse casi completamente de manera horizontal o solo de manera vertical. He leído que no es impermeable, yo no he podido comprobar esto pero por cualquier cosa cargué una bolsa para poder cubrirla.Es bastante cómoda de manejar en trenes o en autobuses. En el caso de trenes europeos, en muchos de estos no podías ponerla en los compartimentos altos por lo que la ponía entre las piernas y no estaba muy incómodo. (Aunque también podrían dejarla en el área de maletas)El peso se distribuye bien con las diversas correas. Pudimos caminar bien con más de 8 kilos en la mochila y no se sintió incómodo. Como nota mido 1.62m. La mochila está diseñada para gente más alta pero se acomodó bastante bien una vez que ajustas las correas.Tal vez lo único que no me gustó de la mochila es que no se puede poner candado en los zippers. Se podrían hacer manual con alambre pero ya depende de cada quien.

Dopo aver sviscerato centinaia di zaini da viaggio, ho deciso di buttarmi sull' acquisto di questo qua.Ne sono estremamente soddisfatto:- ampie tasche laterali per riporre ombrelli o k-way.- tasca centrale con interno zip per portare documenti e portafogli.- tasca superiore per contenere guide o oggetti elettronici per utilizzo frequente- ampio scompartimento centrale, apribile anche laterlamente, per riporre i vestiti come una valigia, senza rischiare di ammatassarli come un sacco.- internamente si trova anche la tasca per computer, imbottita.Per raggiungere la perfezione avrei aggiunto altri due accessori:- tasca in fondo per portare il copri zaino- tasche nei supporti lombari per avere accesso immediato a monete/documenti/telefonoPer il resto, consigliatissimo!!

I bought this as a lightweight 'grey man' bugout bag. It is extremely light despite having an internal aluminium frame. Fully packed it is comfortable to wear and walk with. The materials are definitely less heavy duty than I thought they'd be and to be honest have a bit of a flimsy feel to them. It keeps the weight down using lighter materials but doesn't give me much confidence that this bag could take a beating. For this reason I'm thinking about a heavier duty replacement, probably a 5.11 Rush 72 in black. Already owning a Rush 12 I know 5.11's quality and durability gives a lot of confidence that your bag is going to hold up to hard use if needed.I do like the NON tactical look of the Redwing 44 though. The green or blue color option would ironically be even more of a low key, grey man look but I just loved that grey color. As a lightweight travel or hiking bag where you're not going to get it scuffed or scratched this bag is good. It DOES feel like the material would tear easily though, keep that in mind. Lightweight yes, but it comes at a price when you sacrifice durability. I like it, but if I knew the material was that thin I wouldn't have bought it. For anyone looking for a bugout bag, I'd recommend either get the slightly heavier Kelty Redwing Tactical series or go more heavy duty with a 5.11 or Blackhawk etc.

Esta es la tercera mochila que compre para usar en viajes, se compro para un viaje de 6 semanas por Europa del Norte en primavera (frío) y un futuro viaje de 6 meses x Latinoamérica (calor).Como referencia mido 1.75m y peso 72kg.Aquí estan los pros:- Es la más comoda de las disponibles en Amazon, se ajusta de maravilla.- Es muy ligera.- El compartimiento principal de abre casi como almeja.- Muchas bolsas externas.Los puntos en contra:- Técnicamente no es una maleta de cabina, pero si no esta completamente llena y la bolsa superior está vacía entra dentro de los 55cm de altura.- El producto no coincide con las fotos, si pones atención a las fotos veras un gancho de aluminio para la bolsa posterior central (en la mia es de plastico), en la foto viene con un sistema de manejó de tirantes integrado (en la mia no vino).- Los zippers no son de la mejor calidad, y vienen con un cordón de tela (no le puedes poner un candado). Pero hay tutoriales en Youtube para cambiar eso.Esta es una mochila de montañismo, que se puede utilizar sin problema para viajar. Su punto mas fuerte es la comodidad y distribución de peso.

This is a perfect backpack! I've taken it both travelling and camping and it has been great in both circumstances. I love that it can act as either a top-loading backpack or a front-loading backpack. It works as an airline carry-on in the overhead bins, and even can be squeezed under the seat if need be (and if it's not too full). After almost two years of use, there are no signs of wear. Hopefully this sturdy backpack will last years to come!

I was looking for a backpack for traveling and after lots of researches I found this one. It's very sturdy and very, very comfortable! I filled it up with lots of heavy stuff and it feels really comfortable and all the weight goes to your hips so your shoulders is fine, so I'm impressed! The only thing that keeps me from giving a 5 stars is that it doesn't come with lockable zipers which is an essential for people who travel and want to have that layer of security, but apart from that, the backpack is perfect! Love it

Muy buena mochila y de muy buena calidad. Lo mejor es el precio, dudo encontrar otra igual a el mismo precio pues la obtuve como oferta relámpago, tiene las costuras reforzadas, varios compartimentos y es muy cómoda, el tamaño es ideal la recomiendo ampliamente, si requieren detalles pueden ver el review en la pagina de kelty.

My 16 year old son, is very picky about the packs he has worn. Ever since he was a kid. This past year he struggled getting his books, lunch, and gym stuff in the bag. Something was always sacrificed in his 34L backpack. This fits everything including his laptop. Here was the criteria for the backpack. Volume. Single pouch. Pockets for stuff (pens, phone, headphones, etc.). Waist support removable. Mainstay can be removed. It has to be black. This checked every box and the design is rugged enough to look cool with that adventurous side.

Love this backpack so much. went on my first trip in november to central america, it is light, compact, very comfortable ( even when having blisters due to sunburn all over my shoulders and back lol) There a pockets everywhere and ample space to stuff everything and anything you need. we were gone for 3 weeks and i had plenty of space in my bag for everything. the only actual down side i can think of is that i wish the U zippers would go down all the way to fully open the bag. But it still deserves 5 stars because of everything else.

Dieser Rucksack ist einer der besten, die ich je hatte. Der Rucksack ist perfekt zum Reisen. Klein genug für das Handgepäck und groß genug um all seine Sachen auch für längere Trips unterzubekommen. Vorallem die tollen Seitenhalterungen haben mich überzeugt. Stative oder Wanderstöcke lassen sich dort wunderbar verstauen. Auch die das Fach um seine nassen Handtücher oder Jacken einzuklemmen hat sich schon mehrfach bewährt.

J'ai choisi ce sac après de longues recherches, et je ne suis pas déçu !Il est incroyablement pratique, sa conception est excellente.Que ce soit pour la poche principale qui s'ouvre en entier comme une valise, pour ses renforts pour les épaules et le dos, ou les poches du devant et des côtés qui sont de vraies poches, même si le sac est plein à craquer.On peut glisser un trépied entre les poches de côté et le corps du sac, très ingénieux !La qualité est au RDV en plus.La couleur est sympa, j'adopte à 200% !!Et pour info, si on ne le blinde pas à 110%, il passe sous le siège dans l'avion et peut donc passer en cabine.Testé pour un voyage, et RAS ! Pourtant les agents de la compagnie l'ont bien eu devant les yeux.