Kelty Redwing 50 | No products found. is an excellent do-it-all lightweight backpack.
Its innovative design offers plenty of pockets and decent tool attachment capability. Adjustable harness allows you to dial in the right fit after you wear the pack. PerfectFit suspension provides decent ventilation. Generous padding, thickness and mesh throughout the entire suspension and optimal weight distribution ensures perfect comfort.
We've been buying backpacks online for years and never had any problems. Before you buy, do make sure to check the seller's return policy, but you can almost always return an unused pack within a certain time frame and you're good. If it doesn't fit quite right after trying it on at home, you can always return!
No products found.
Overall, we highly recommend this pack if you're looking for a do-it-all backpack and aren't planning to participate 3+ days of outdoors activities (because of its volume).
- #A sidenote here: REI's backpack capacity chart is GOLD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you read any further.
Overview
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Overall Score | |
Pros | Very comfortable as it fits perfectly, generous padding, thick straps and hip belt, Lightweight, Front pouch to store wet, smelly or dirty items, Easy to use innovative organization |
Cons | Not carry on size |
Best for | Those who have no problems checking their pack in while travelling and planning to use the pack during a fair amount of multiday outdoor activities |
Kelty Redwing 50 | |
Comfort Versatility Organization Weight | |
Compartments | Main compartment |
Access | U-shaped zippered top access that opens like a clamshell when laid on the floor |
Pockets | 4 zippered 3 unenclosed pockets |
Compression Straps | 4 at sides |
PRODUCT SPECS | |
Kelty Redwing 50 | |
One Size | Dimensions: 26H X 16W X 12D IN Weight: 3.11 lbs Volume: 50L |
Related Review: The 7 Best Backpacking Backpacks
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Overall Score | |||||||
This product is a Crunch Top Pick! | |||||||
Osprey Atmos AG 65 | Gregory Baltoro 65 | Osprey Aether AG 70 | Deuter Act Lite 65+10 | Osprey Kestrel 48 | Kelty Redwing 50 | Teton Sports Scout 3400 | |
Best for | Those who are looking for the best overall backpacking backpack | Those who will be packing heavy and don't need as many features as Osprey Aether 70 | Those who are looking for a very cool, feature rich pack specifically designed for carrying heavy loads | Those who prefer more room and won't be backpacking in too hot/cold weather | Those who are looking for a very comfortable medium capacity trail backpack with a lean towards traveling | Those who are looking for a do it all backpack | Beginner backpackers who don't need a premium pack and would do equally fine with a more balanced item |
Osprey Atmos AG 65 | Gregory Baltoro 65 | Osprey Aether AG 70 | Deuter Act Lite 65+10 | Osprey Kestrel 48 | Kelty Redwing 50 | Teton Sports Scout 3400 | |
Comfort Versatility Organization Suspension Weight | |||||||
Osprey Atmos AG 65 | Gregory Baltoro 65 | Osprey Aether AG 70 | Deuter Act Lite 65+10 | Osprey Kestrel 48 | Kelty Redwing 50 | Teton Sports Scout 3400 | |
User manual | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||
Women's counterpart | N/A |
Suspension System
Adjustability
Kelty Redwing 50 is supported by PerfectFit Suspension system. It's designed to customize the fit for any torso length between 15.5 - 21 inches and ultimately provide the best possible comfort.
Back panel of Kelty Redwing 50 with PerfectFit Suspension.
Although this adjustability wasn't available in the previous model of Kelty Redwing 50, it's not a surprise to see it. Most similar backpacks of different brands offer adjustable harness now.
However, there's one feature of Kelty Redwing 50 that takes the adjustability one step further.
It's that it allows you to make your adjustabilities while wearing the pack.
So you loosen everything up, wear the pack, and then adjust for the seamless fit.
This is a HUGE plus.
Comfort
Entire suspension is generously padded with a foam.
Kelty Redwing 50 back panel.
On top of padding, the entire surface is covered with a breathable mesh.
Breathable mesh.
Hip belt is built with ample padding.
Hip belt is removable. It's a good option to have especailly when you're going on a lightweight trip.
Legit padding and thickness of hip belts are important. Along with the fit, it's probably the first thing you should consider while looking for a new backpack - especially if you'll be walking a lot. Why?
Because weight distribution determines your exhaustion and comfort.
Hip muscles (gluteus) are our largest muscles as Library of Congress explained in 2017[1]. In 2017, Epstein et al. found in a study[2] that the more weight transmitted to our hips, the longer distances we can walk without extra exhaustion.
Shoulder straps are thick and equipped with decent padding and mesh.
Shoulder straps of Kelty Redwing 50.
Ventilation
When you look at the back panel you see a fair amount of space between paddings.
The intention here is to keep you cooler by letting the air flow through the channels between paddings.
While it's true that it's impossible to keep you completely cool especially on warmer days, packs with superior ventilation like Kelty Redwing 50 will definitely keep you cool longer.
Stability
Upper and lower side dual compression straps are able to compress the pack, cluster your items and prevent wobbling when the pack isn't fully loaded.
Compression straps.
Single aluminum stay built in the center of the backpanel adds to pack's support and stability.
Storage
Summary:
Main Compartment
Pockets: 1 sleeve
Main compartment is accessed from top, under the top lid. There are double U-shaped zippers that open to the main compartment.
Internal sleeve can be used to store either a hydration reservoir (sold separately) or a laptop up to 17". I've got to add that internal hydration sleeves are less useful because (1) you'll be made to unpack when replenishing and (2) spilling can ruin your overall traveling/outdoors experience especially if you've got electronics inside.
Additionally, both zippers reach all the way to the bottom, so you can open the front surface of the pack like a clam. This way you have easy access to the entire main compartment without having to unpack everything.
Front pouch
Pouch at the front surface is innovatively designed between front surface and the main compartment.
Front lid is attached to the pack with 3 buckles, and the pouch harnesses the gap between them. Middle buckle and stretch mesh on the sides ensure that the load won't fall off.
Front pouches are usually opted for smelly, dirty or wet item storage which you'd like to have kept away from your inner dryer items and enclosed pockets.
Front zippered pocket
A particular pocket is designed for your frequently used items. External zippered pockets make these items more readily available.
Your inventory inside is accessed even more easily through the traveler organizer. This way your items don't fall downwards to the bottom of the pack or get mixed.
Similar to main compartment, front zippered pocket is accessed through double U shaped zippers as well.
Top lid
Pockets: 1 zippered pocket
Top lid isn't a floating type. It means that you can't remove it and you can't shift it up or down.
Zippered top lid pocket.
Not much room available in this pocket, and it's compressed, so it's convenient for storing maps, books, snacks, notebooks etc.
Side
Pockets: A zippered pocket and a mesh water bottle holder at each side
Another unique feature of this pack is zipepred pockets at each side.
They're pretty sizeable and hence useful for the items that you need readily available but are too large for front and top lid zippered pockets.
Side zippered pockets from various angles to illustrate their size.
In addition to zippered pockets there are mesh water bottle holders at each side.
Mesh water bottle pockets from various angles to illustrate their size.
It'd be better to have horizontal installment option to be able to store your water bottle while wearing the pack, but it's not a huge deal.
Another unique feature of this pack is the pass through behind the side zippered pockets. They allow you to store extra gear when collaborated with lower mesh pockets. You can incorporate upper and/or lower compression straps as well for a more secure attachment.
Size, Volume, Weight and Dimensions
Kelty Redwing 50 is a one-size-fits-all pack.
Volume | Weight | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|---|
Kelty Redwing 50 | 50 Liters | 3.11 lbs | 26h x 16w x 12d in |
The design intention of Kelty Redwing 50 is a lightweight hiking backpack[3].
However; many pockets, tool attachment capability and superior access to main compartment (U shaped zipper) makes Kelty Redwing 50 very versatile, which is one of the reason why this pack is this popular.
You can use it during any outdoor activity and while traveling.
As for the volume, 50 liters is perfect for any trip up to 3 days - including day hikes and traveling uses.
However, I'm talking about in terms of volume. So if you're an essentialist, you can use it as long as you'd like. It won't cause any other problems.
Carry-on Status
Its size is too large to be accepted as a carry-on for most airlines[4], but as you know is a very grey area. For example, I've never experienced any problems with my Deuter 65 L pack.
The truth about carry-on size is that most of the time the airlines staff won't be paying attention unless you piss them off.
Also packs aren't made of steel, you can always shrink them after unpacking/externally attaching/wearing some items.
No-one can tell you for sure whether it's going to be accepted as carry-on. But I'd guess that it'd be acceptable 80% of the time.
Durability
Although I've never had any problems with their packs, it's good to know that Kelty offers a limited lifetime warranty[5] against all manufacturing defects.
Limited means that they'll always try their best to repair your pack even if it's not a manufacturing defect.
It's water resistant but not waterproof. I'd recommend getting a rain cover if you're expected to experience foul weather.
Gear Attachments
Bottom loops
You can attach gear to the front bottom tool loops.
A loop and a bungie tie off is available at one side only.
Compression straps
See the Storage section above.
Lash points and hide-away daisy chains
Lash points and hide-away daisy chains for storing extra gear as Hawbaker explained in 2015[6] are located at the front surface of the pack.
Other
Hide-away front carry handle
A durable carry handle is placed beneath the gap above daisy chains.
Colors
Black, Twilight Blue, Garnet Red and Ponderosa Pine colors are offered.
Conclusion
Kelty Redwing 50 is a men's lightweight do-it-all backpack.
No products found.
Overall, I highly recommend this pack if you're looking for a do-it-all backpack and aren't planning to participate 3+ days of outdoors activities.
References
- Library of Congress. Muscles. Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/muscles.html
- Epstein, Yoram et al. (2017). Mitigating load carriage burden – The Dynamic Weight Distribution (DWD) hip belt. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport , Volume 20 , S101
- Kelty. Redwing 50 Backpack. Retrieved from https://www.kelty.com/redwing-50/
- Carry-on Size Chart, 170+ Airlines, Travel-made-simple.com. Retrieved from https://travel-made-simple.com/carry-on-size-chart/
- Kelty. Warranty. Retrieved from https://www.kelty.com/warranty/
- The Magazine of Wilderness Travel, Backpacker. 1989, March. Pack Strap Anatomy, p.31. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=7-IDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
- Hawbaker, A. (2015, July). TrailTime Tips: Daisy Chain Quick Ties. Retrieved from https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html
