Kelty packs

I have a 40% discount waiting for anything from Kelty's website. I have and love a Kelty sleeping bag...but am thinking of a daypack now

with my meltdown this weekend, i think its time i invested in a smaller pack that will be used for daypacks maybe one night out...

was curious besides the good ol Cloud out of kevlar or spectre? are the packs still good quality?

any recommendations for my small frame? Thanks!

I don't think you can do badly with a Kelty, particularly with an attractive discount. I don't currently own one, but I have carried several, starting many years ago with their classic external frame. I used a Kelty internal frame in SAR for many years that performed superbly.

Just remember that the most important factor in getting a good pack is how it fits your individual body, not necessarily the brand name.

I have an internal frame Kelty that I use in the winter mainly for all the external pockets for camera gear. It's very functional. I trained in it for a desert hike for a few months carrying 50 lbs (mostly water) and it rode and fit extremely well. I'm difficult to fit because of a short torso and wide shoulders.

I have a Kelty Redtail 1800. I also use it all the time, going to the beach, shopping center (I ride my bike and put my bags inside), college books or gear for college classes in the woods (Wildlife Biology major with outdoor labs, gotta love it!). And for the soul purpose I bought it for, a day pack or overnighter. It is great quality. The straps are sturdy and strong, there is a spot for my Camelback bladder, rings on the front to clip stuff on, and on the bottom there are slits so I can tie stuff to it with my mini clip tie things. I also like the side pockets. My water bottle slides in and out perfectly. I also really like the two front compartments. The larger one has a lot of pockets and stuff, perfect for organizing stuff. The smaller one is great for things like my binocs or snacks. There is also a tiny one on top of the bag which lends itself to Ipods or a wallet. There is also a chest strap and waist strap.

My only problem is it is not water proof at all. I got stuck in a very bad storm last year and everything inside was wet by the end. Including my cell phone. I had to get a new one. *shakes fist* I bought a cover.

At first I was skeptical of buying the Kelty just because they seem like the generic brand. But when I thoroughly looked at the pack in the store I was sold.

http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Red-Tail-1800-Backpack/dp/B000EX3BP4

Nice i'm leaning toward that one as well...your writeup was very benefical as it proves to me it can be loaded up with a bunch of lil stuff...i come from a very extensive surviaval background and to this day still bring stupid things like a firesteel and compass ans signal mirror etc...all small items but i like it to be organized

do you think the 1800 is large enough to pack a minimal overnight trip? ie get a stuffed sleeping bag, solo tent, and pad...along with the water bladder and a few extra food items?

also about the waterproofing thats how i got my 40% discount - bought a waterproof cooler bag from target...i wasn't expecting bombproof but i was expectin the waterproof cooler compartment to do that...it leaked almost instantly into the other comparment(pop duo thing) soaking my backup clothes and hot dog buns...i complained they made good

I'm thinking of this one
http://www.kelty.com/p-25-pawnee-3300.aspx

a bit bigger, but i don't think i could get a sleeping bag, pad, and tent with probably a filter as well for an overnights use...id rather have my gear in the pack then dangling on the outside

Glad I could shed some light Mark.

I am a lot like you Mark, I need to organize, and the compartments in the Red Tail do it great. I too bring a firesteel and a compass, theres a clip that clips to my key ring so I never have to worry where my keys are, and more.

I do both with this 1800 pack, minimal and regular. If its nice weather I will use a tarp and my U.S. edition Wool blanket. The wool blanket tied to the outside. Inside is a sleeping pad, Snow Peak 700, with an alchy stove, windscreen, and fuel bottle right inside. Then tons of extra room for whatever. I could probably go a few nights with this set up but haven't yet, just overnighters.

But if I want to take my tent I tie it to the outside of my pack. The slits on the bottom of the pack are perfect for slipping my ties through and cinching my tent up. Put the pole and stakes in one of the water bottle holders. Sleeping bag or wool blanket on the bottom of the inside, my thermo-rest as well and that titanium mug set up I mentioned. A few nick-nacks like fire steel and headlamp in the front compartment, then I throw my food in the very front compartment. Fits good, a bit of extra room, but not much.

I am not sure what equipment you use and how compact it rolls up and such. I use a Osprey Kestrel 48 as my longer trips pack, and its only 2,900 cu in. It says for an overnighter, but that is if you need a bunch of creature comforts. I could go a few nights without resupply with this size pack. But, I did shell out some extra money for more compact and lighter things.

The Kelty Pawnee looks pretty nice, I noticed Kelty is going for a sleeker more ergonomic look with there new packs. I do think you could fit your solo tent and light stuff in an 1800. You will definitely have to strap the tent outside however. Or the 3300 would be great if you like the creature comforts and would like the extra space.

Hey Mark, was wondering how ya made out...

Hey Buddy,
Went with the pawnee...it will be a drastic difference between that and my only TNF primero 85L. Effectively cutting the size in half. I think i'll be able to get my scarp 1 TT in the bag, along with my BA insulated bag, and if need by strap a bear can on the outside. It will still be small enough and compressible for just your average jaunt up a mountain and back down for dinner.

also i couldn't pass up the savings...i could always get a smaller daypack...

pawnee 130 bucks, and rain cover @ 40 = 82 bucks for me

Cant beat that!