User Review: Kelty MG

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

Reviewed June 6, 2006 by Sandra Lewis

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: Fanny pack with extra top rucksack
Size: 1000 cu
Number of Pockets: 3 external, one internal
Max. Load Carried: 15 lbs
Height of Owner: 5 ft 3 in
Price Paid: $59.99

I have consistently used this as a daypack without using the collapsible top compartment, which is conveniently zipped into the lid to stay out of the way. I just finished using it on an overnight backpacking hike where admittedly I'm an ultralight weight minimalist backpacker.

I loaded the waterproof lower compartment with my camp shoes, flannel pants and shirt, two sets of undies and socks, plus a book and an extra large trash bag. In the top part I loaded a Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter and extras, a bag containing two days' worth of food, my esbit pocket stove, six tablets, and snacks, plus a pouch with my bear bagging rope. At the top was stuffed my rolled up raingear (pants and hooded jacket). In the bottom loop I stashed my Hennessey Hammock Hyper-lite shelter, and on top of that I lashed my tightly rolled sleeping bag in its waterproof stuff sack.

I carried two quart bottles of water in the side pockets and a snakebite kit in the zippered outside pocket. I also carried a 2 liter water bladder in the top section, because you can never have enough water! I could have stuffed more into the top pack, but didn't need to. I also always carry a small "tummy pack" that has my daily stuff like tissues, vaseline, camera, binoculars, toiletries, hygiene gear, and snacks. I wish I could find a Kelty that has an integral tummy pack as part of the lumbar pack belt system, but that's my personal design dream.

As an ultra-lightweight backpacker, my trek mates on the Pinchot Trail in Pennsylvania were awed at the amount of stuff I carried in my Kelty MG and at how light I kept my overall packweight. It was sleek, and looked like it was meant to carry my "stuff" exactly the way I packed it.

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