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Kelty Redwing 2650

rated 4.5 of 5 stars

The Redwing 2650 has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best overnight packs for 2024.

photo: Kelty Redwing 2650 overnight pack (35-49l)

This pack has some great features! It is versatile and there are plenty of pockets and organization. It will hold all you will need for an overnighter.

Pros

  • Side pockets
  • Removable waist strap
  • Ample organization
  • Dual water bottle pockets
  • Durable material

Cons

  • Pack sag


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Source: received it as a personal gift

Purchased from REI on sale for ~$60 in ~2006 

Uses: day hikes, beach days, book bag (poli sci graduate student book weight exceeds any amount a sane backpacker would take anywhere for any length of time), and one 4-night backpacking trip (early fall near Crater Lake).

Capacity: It manages most anything for the uses listed above. For day hikes, it could be on the heavy side (especially for the Half Dome-style ascents, especially if you're carrying too much food -- don't ask).  For multi-day backpacking it will work, though its a bit of a wrench-hammer (i.e., wrong tool for the job -- but, for this purpose, it is on the light side!).  As a book bag, you don't want to carry the amount of books this bag will fit.

Organization: Intuitively multipurpose with spots for my Platypus or my laptop, Nalgene or Clif Bars, tent or rain jacket, keys, id card, just whatever.

Fit: It is too short for me.  At 5'8"-ish, the hip belt goes around my waist and doesn't allow me to properly support the weight with that belt as designed. It does secure the load, however, and all but the heaviest sit glued to my body without shifting.

Durability: Filled to capacity, this pack will rip your arms off your torso before a seam busts or a rip begins in the pack.  Rubbed, dragged, yanked, hurled, the bag has survived what I subject my gear to like nothing I've ever owned with only one break (yes, I break everything at least once).  I stepped on the buckle.  It wasn't a problem, as you will see.

Customer Service: I called Kelty wanting to BUY a new buckle. Kelty customer service didn't ask for a receipt, they didn't ask where or when I bought it, and didn't try divine how it was my fault and not theirs (of course, they didn't have to; I blabbed right away).  They just asked what size I needed and where they would send me my FREE replacement. It arrived promptly and fit perfectly. 

Price Paid: Around $60

I cannot say enough good things about this pack. I bought it about four years ago because I needed a backpack for school that could double as an overnight bag. It has surpassed my expectations and then some.

It is incredibly durable, has a very creative design, and is very comfortable. The elastic around the water bottle pockets keeps the size small for daily activities, but if you need to stuff the pack to capacity it expands greatly. It's really a great happy-medium between a school bag and a smaller fully-functional hiking daypack. With a bit of trimming down of my gear, I managed to use only this pack for a two-night backpacking trip in the Adirondacks.

I use this pack daily, to bring to work, school, to friends' houses, for weekend trips to family, or into the woods. For being used nearly every day for over four years the pack is holding up like a workhorse.

Size: 2650ci
Height of Owner: 6'
Price Paid: $100

A ten day trip to Costa Rica and I didn't want to take any carry on luggage. This transported everything I needed and fit comfortably on my back for the hauls between hotels and airports and waiting for transport. I did not use it as a day pack, but I think it would be quite comfortable for at least half a day.

Great weight distribution and useful pockets. I liked the specs of the bag (22Lx16Wx14H) particularly, because the length was perfect for loading it up strategically. Just right for what I needed!

Design: front panel loading
Size: 2650 in3 / 43.51 liters
Number of Pockets: 6
Max. Load Carried: 30 lbs
Height of Owner: 5'9"
Price Paid: $99

I've had this bag for over 5 years now, and I was just recently forced to send it into Kelty for repair. I've used it for everything from school books to a two night trip in Sleeping Bear Dunes national park. It is a bit small for any sort of multiday expedition, but it all depends on how creative you can be with the daisy chain on the front pocket. Overall it has been a terrific pack, and it can take a serious beating.

Size: 2650 inches
Number of Pockets: 5
Max. Load Carried: 45 pounds
Height of Owner: 6'0"
Price Paid: $100

The Kelty Redwing 2650 is a versatile backpack that can serve many purposes. One could use it as a backpack for school, a backpack for traveling, or a backpack for overnight camping trips. If you are looking for a good hiking or camping backpack I would not recommend the Redwing 2650, but as I said it is possible to take it on overnight adventures.

Design: Front-loading internal
Size: 2650
Number of Pockets: 5
Max. Load Carried: 20-30 lbs.
Height of Owner: 5'-10"
Price Paid: $100

I have two Kelty Redwings. Sometimes I loan one to a friend. I use this pack for long day trips or short overnighters. I have used it as carry on luggage and checked luggage.  I take it hiking, canyoneering, xc skiing, 4 wheeling, and traveling in the car.

I like the pockets that keep everything organized. I can carry almost anything inside or on the outside with all of the straps, pockets, and daisy chain.

I also have a full size backpack and day pack from Kelty. All of my packs have a hydration bladder pocket.

Price Paid: $99

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $25.00-$149.95
Reviewers Paid: $60.00-$100.00

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