Kelty Satori

Backpacker Mag picked this pack for a gear of the year award. I was in the market for a pack so I bought it (bought two actually one for my wife also). Couldn't find any reviews or other info other than the two paragraph blurb from BP Mag but I liked the color, the overall weight and the strip down feature.

Couldn't be happier with our purchase. I've carried it approx 20 days @ 5-10 miles/day with 40-50 lbs (my wife about half of that with 35 lbs) and never a sore spot on my old decrepit body (at least not from the pack).

I don't use the mesh detachable day pack/pocket because there is plenty of room for all my gear without it and if I want to day hike I strip the pack down to the main bag only and use it. This is much more comfortable than any detachable top pocket/front pocket type day pack and only weighs 2 lbs. The shoulder straps/pads, waist belt/pad and load lifters all have a wide range of adjustment and we have both fine tuned our packs to a level of fit and comfort I would have never expected from a sight unseen purchase.

I'm 6'1" w/ a 21" torso and bought a size large, she's 5'7" w/ a 17" torso and wears a womens model Satori. At first the number of straps and adjustment points were a little intimidating but with a little experimentation we figured out what does what.

The only thing I was initially skeptical about was the lack of a sleeping bag compartment with seperate access but I havn't found this to be a problem at all since by the time I need the sleeping bag I've already unpacked everything else to set up camp anyway.

I like the subtle natural colors of these packs (I've never liked wearing bright colors in the wild) and the materials and construction seem top quality. The side pockets and mesh front pocket are removable (if you want to strip the pack down) with some simple little toggle devices and the side pockets have a small mesh pocket sewn into the back side (main bag side)so you can slip your tent poles or fly rod down behind the pockets and they'll stay secure.

I've noticed that these packs have become very hard to find since I bought ours in May. Either Kelty sold a lot of these or their initial production run was small. I believe this is a pack by which other packs will be measured in the future. E me if you have any questions.

Backpack's Best Buy was right on the mark. I alreay owned the 50th Anniversary external frame (another outstanding pack) and this is the internal version.

I've carried 45 pounds thus far and it was a comfortable as a day pack. The fit is right on, and easily adjustable. The belt is very comfortable with only a slight downward slide under heavier weight -- the belt didn't continue to slide, just moved lower than I anticipated but remained comfortable throughout the trip.

The pack is modular -- everything can come off, or go on depending on the trip and personal preferences. This pack is perfect as the "one pack"; an overnighter, a weekend or several days to a week (depending on how you pack).

I have owned this pack since 2004. I have used it for weekend trips and multi-day trips. The ability to add or remove pockets makes it very versatile. I have carried 60 lbs and 25 lbs, both comfortably. 

I would recommend it.