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.

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.

Like the frame which is comfortable and solid and sits well when I wear it. Has plenty of adjustment to fit my large size body and looks like it will carry most of my gear on my trip to Europe. Material seems a little flimsy in spots and it remains to be seen how it will hold up after using it more extensively. That is why I am giving it four stars and because some of the main areas are somewhat difficult to get at. Will update it later in the year as I use it more often. I like the look of the pack and its ability to hold a lot and it looks like it will be acceptable for carrying on a plane. I'll update as i explore more.

Really nice pack with all the convenient features shown in the video. In Kelty tradition, very well made and comfortable. Nice color too, not too bright but colorful.

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

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.

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.

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. .