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Kelty Storm 3600

rated 4.0 of 5 stars

The Storm 3600 has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best weekend packs for 2024.

photo: Kelty Storm 3600 weekend pack (50-69l)

We've been using the Kelty Storm 3600's, both Men's and Women's harnesses, over the past three and a half years, for our backpacking programs. Many of our clients do not have much experience backpacking. With few exceptions, they all praise the comfort and load carrying quality of this great pack.

For our business, they have been a great investment. They are durable, flexible to fit various torsos, and very washable. Penn Trails has tried a lot of packs and find that the Kelty Storm is, pound for pound and dollar for dollar, one of the best we've encountered. If you can find one, buy it.

Max. Load Carried: 40 lbs

I've had this pack for a year and a couple months. I bought it to take with me to Bali for 12 days. It held everything that I needed for the trip. I was staying in hotels so I didn't need to pack a tent or sleeping pad/bag, etc. Just a water purifier, clothes, toiletries and a camera. It worked out well for that trip.

I've used it a few times backpacking. The heaviest load was probably around 30lbs. The belt is heavily padded so you can cinch it down nice and tight without it being too uncomfortable. There are two mesh water bottle pockets, one on either side so I don't understand the other review. There is also a zippered mesh pocket on the front that is very handy for stashing all the little things that you might want to get to without digging all the way to the bottom of the pack. This pack comes with a 3L hydration bladder. The pack expands to hold even more gear if needed.

The only thing this pack is missing is a front loading panel. It can be frustrating trying to pack it so that you don't have to dig around to get what you're looking for but it's not that big a deal if you plan things out a bit. It would be nice also if it had a separate compartment for your sleeping bag just in case the water bladder leaks. I really like this pack. I'm glad that I chose it.

Design: Top loading, internal frame
Size: 3600ci
Max. Load Carried: 30lbs?
Height of Owner: 5'7"
Price Paid: $110

Great weekender pack. I can get all the gear I need plus most of what I want, to take care of me and my six year old daughter for up to three nights. Tent, sleeping bag, clothes, food, stove, fuel, etc..

Daisy chain and lash tabs make tying down extra gear convenient. Comfortable even up to 35 pounds of gear! Only wish the floating lid was removable and usable as a separate hip pack.

Design: Top-loading internal
Size: 3700 cubic inches
Number of Pockets: top
Max. Load Carried: 35 pounds
Height of Owner: 5'10"
Price Paid: $100

I have recently purchased this pack. I am happy with it, but there a two things that would make it a great pack.

I wish it had some external pockets so that I can carry small frequently used items.

As well, I would like a zipper that runs the length of the pack so that I do not have to take the top off to access the pack.

On the positive side, I do like the way that it fits. Even when I am taking short day hikes in the winter I will carry this pack so that I have room for extra layers. I only fill the pack about half way. It compresses down nicely for a snug fit and it does not just flop around on my back.

I like the fact that it is set up with and comes with a hydration system of three liters. Four would have been nicer.

Over all, I recommend this pack for overnighters in high country. I like to carry a bit more gear to be prepared for unexpected weather. If you are hiking in a stable area for weather and are not so worried about sudden snow or cold temps, then this pack may be too big for you on overnight trips.

-John

Design: internal frame
Size: 3600 cubic inch
Number of Pockets: none
Max. Load Carried: 25 lbs
Height of Owner: 6'
Price Paid: $129

Nice for the price.

Pros

  • Reasonable price
  • Plenty of room
  • Lots of straps

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • No sleeping bag compartment
  • No removable lumbar pack

I've been using this pack for about 3 years. At my age (51) I don't backpack like I used to. This pack is a less costly alternative to some of the higher end packs. A little more heavy, but fine for the 1-2 night trips and shorter hikes I do now. I love the adjustable length. It took some experimenting to get it just right, but now it's great.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $89

I'ved used this backpack for probably a year and have found it suiting for weekend backpacking trips. It is very comfortable to hike in and has room for all the essentials but little extra room. I've had trouble finding places for a tent and a groundpad in this backpack. I also do not like the limited amount of pockets for things that I needed to get to right away. Everything has to go in the main pocket or in the pocket behind your head. You could not use this pack for too much longer than three or so days. Overall it is a decent pack that gets the job done for weekend outings.

Size: 3600 cubic inches
Number of Pockets: 4
Max. Load Carried: 35 lbs.
Height of Owner: 5' 2''
Price Paid: $90

I have used the pack multiple times while on hiking expeditions in the Red River Gorge, KY. It's very comfortable and easy to strap gear to.

I wish that it was a little larger as we are planning to do the Appalachian Trail, and this pack is meant only for day hikes. I am planning to use it on the trail anyways, as my companion has a pack large enough to accommodate our necessities. I will let you know how it holds up.

Design: internal
Size: 3600
Number of Pockets: 4
Max. Load Carried: 30-40 lbs
Height of Owner: 5'6"
Price Paid: $140

This is an overall decent pack. I've been able to haul a couple days of gear in it no problem. It's a little on the heavy side though (4 lb, 6 oz). It's a pretty comfortable pack when hauling like 35-40 lbs, but really is not for the ultralight (to many nonessential things) and is too small for a weeklong pack.

Design: top-loading internal
Size: 3600 ci
Number of Pockets: 5
Max. Load Carried: 43 lbs
Height of Owner: 5' 4"
Price Paid: $125

Works great for my weekend trips, but if you are going for more than 2-3 days, you will need a larger pack. You will need more space if you are going somewhere where you will need to bring extra layers. Other than than, I really, really like it.

Design: top loading
Price Paid: on sale @ REI

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Price Historic Range: $55.96-$145.00
Reviewers Paid: $89.00-$140.00

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