Kelty Redwing 44 Backpack

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.

I love this pack. I was in the market for my first pack with an internal frame and I am very happy with this purchase. I have had it close to two months now and it has been out on several overnight excursions and has performed very well.My big requirements were:-An internal frame pack-40 to 50 liters-A U-zip or comparable opening-A sleeve that could be both hydration or laptop-compatible (I have a Lenovo Y510p)-A bag that didn't have a ton of extra straps (I live in a downtown metro and wanted a bag I could walk around with)-Removable waist strapsThis bag fit all of those requirements. There are plenty of side/smaller pockets for organization, but what really drew me is the large cavern opening. I wanted a bag that wasn't top-loading, or at least had the option to be packed a different way and this was the bag. I can open the zippers 3/4 the length of the bag and load the full pack without reaching way down in the pack like with a top loader. However, if the top cinch straps are buckled you still have the option to use the pack as a top loader, which is nice when I'm out on the trail.I wanted a lightweight frame, and the single aluminum stay was a good choice. I didn't like the idea of the stay being exposed like on the older versions, so I was happy when I saw Kelty had released a new version with the stay hidden behind the back panel. The pack distributes weight very well, and the bag has kept me cool with the venting. The straps are perfectly padded; not too large and bulky but after a day of hiking it's like I wasn't wearing the pack! The pack tightens really nicely when you're out hiking and it fits me well (I'm 6'4"). It holds tightly to my body and snugs up great.I love the extra organizing pockets. I'm a hobbyist photographer and having pockets to place straps or lens caps was a must. I find the mesh side pockets on either side are great for that, or keeping close any items you want easy access to on the trail. I do wish there were pockets on the waist straps however. There is plenty of organization in the front pocket for all odds and ends. I debated for a while between the 2015 version of the Redwing 44 and this new version, but I'm glad I went with the new one. The stretch front pocket for easy access to jackets, hats, or gloves was a nice touch I didn't know I wanted, but now I'm glad I have. The two large side pockets are each big enough to hold a 32oz. Nalgene, but the zipper only goes up to the lid, and not over the bottle. I've never experienced the zipper sliding down and the bottles stayed locked in place the whole time. I really like the pass through behind these pockets for things liking trekking poles or a tripod. But they do no have the velcro to close like the old version of the pack does (but that didn't matter to me). I've used the molly webbing on the bottom several times and its a great addition to secure tents/sleeping bags/mats to the outside of the bag. It's hard to see in the pictures, but its there. Look at the last picture in the Ponderosa Pine color to see it.I would definitely recommend this pack.

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.

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!!