User Review: Kelty Coyote 4750

Kelty Coyote 4750
Above: The current Coyote 4750, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed November 14, 2004 by an anonymous hiker

Rating:
Design: Kelty Coyote 4750 (2004 model)
Size: 4750
Max. Load Carried: 45 lbs
Height of Owner: 5'4"
Price Paid: $100

I give this 4+ stars. I bought this pack for international travel--it was a toss up between this one and the Red Cloud Women's 5000. I'm 5'4, so I didn't want a pack twice as big as me. I was worried the Coyote wouldn't hold enough. Fully expanded, though, I can fit two weeks' worth of light packing in easily (fits a queen-size comforter and a couple of pillows, just to give you an idea). When it's fully packed, it still goes about eight inches above my head, so I think the Red Cloud would've overwhelmed me. The only thing it could use is a separate sleeping bag compartment, but the front of the pack opens into the bottom, so it's accessible that way.

I think this is the best choice I could have made (within a reasonable price bracket) for somebody my size or even a little bigger. The pack is also attractive and has gear loops on the top and bottom to strap more gear onto it, plus a daisy chain on the back. The top compartment is huge and can hold a light insulated jacket (such as a fleece) and a snack. The side water bottle pockets can fit a 2-liter bottle in EACH side. There is also a room for a bladder on the inside, but that's not my style. I recommend this pack for smaller adults.