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Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack
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Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack

Item # 780638

$140.00

Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

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The iconic original Kelty pack, the Trekker 3900 offers outstanding value. Its classic, proven design has been updated with modern adjustability and comfort features.

  • Adjustable suspension conforms to a wide range of torso lengths
  • Large, top-loading packbag sports multiple zippered pockets and a mesh water bottle pocket to organize your gear and keep it within easy reach
  • Ventilated suspension system features a tightly stretched mesh back panel, padded shoulder straps and dual density foam hipbelt
  • Sternum strap, load-lifter straps and belt stabilizers help balance the load; pulleylike Scherer Cinch™ makes tightening your hipbelt a breeze
  • Separate sleeping bag compartment can be combined with the main compartment using the internal 3-position zip divider
  • Spindrift collar cinches down over the main compartment to seal out the weather
  • Top of pack features a hold-open bar that makes loading and unloading easy
  • Daisy chain, ice axe loop and lash tabs allow additional gear to be attached to outside of pack
  • Hydration-compatible design features reservoir pocket and drink tube exit port for on-the-go hydration (reservoir sold separately)
  • The Kelty Trekker 3900 is made from lightweight, durable 600-denier ripstop and oxford polyester for light weight and durability

Imported.

Item 780638

Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack Specs

Specification

Description

GenderUnisex
Frame typeExternal
Approximate volume3,950 cubic inches
Approximate volume - metric65 liters
Average weight5 lbs. 7 oz.
Average weight - metric2.4 kilograms
Adjustable torsoYes
Fits torso16 - 22 inches
Fits waist/hips30 - 50 inches
MaterialRipstop and oxford polyester
Frame materialAluminum alloy
Number of pockets7 + 2 main compartments
Packbag dimensionsUnavailable
Hydration compatibleYes
Access / LoadingTop
Sleeping bag compartmentYes

Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack
 
3.3

(based on 7 reviews)

57%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable (5)
  • Easy to load (4)
  • Highly adjustable (4)
  • Lightweight (4)
  • Large capacity (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Heavy loads (5)
    • Extended trips (4)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Avid adventurer (4)
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Comfort driven (4), Survivalist / minimalist (3)

    Reviewed by 7 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-7

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    Jun

    8

    2009

    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    "The best for the price"

    By Dave

    from New York, NY

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Lightweight
    • Rugged

    Cons

    • Difficult To Adjust
    • Somewhat waterproof

    Best Uses

    • Extended Hikes
    • Heavy Loads

    Comments about Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack:

    I bought this product when I went on my camping trip into the French Alps. The pack was great. One of the most durable packs I have ever seen. Because of its external frame, you can strap whatever you want on it. It could use a little more padding but it was definitely wearible for a 2 week trip. It had easy to reach pockets and was very light which was good because it doesn't add onto the load. The only problem I had with it is that the top cover has a small gap on each side so when it rains (or in my case snows) it gets into the pack and get your gear that you packed on the top wet. Other than that it is the best pack you can buy for your money.

    • Gift:
    • No
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Minimalist

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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    Mar

    16

    2009

    (5 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

     
    2.0

    Not the most comfortable pack.

    By red beard the boz

    from Santa Fe, NM

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Lightweight
    • Tough

    Cons

    • Bars need padding

    Best Uses

    • Backpacking

    Comments about Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack:

    I bought this pack online for backpacking across the southern rocky mountains. The pack part is great, having many large and accessible pockets. Unfortunately, the frame has an unpadded bar that curves way to far into my back. It is very uncomfortable and after five to ten minutes becomes somewhat painful. A little padding would be nice.

    • Gift:
    • No
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Comfort Driven

    Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

    (5 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

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    Sep

    11

    2009

    (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Good pack

    By airplane.guy

    from Seattle, WA

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Highly Adjustable

    Cons

    • Difficult To Load
    • Not Enough Pockets
    • Not Enough Straps
    • Pockets Not Secure

    Best Uses

    • Extended Hikes
    • Heavy Loads
    • Travel
    • Wet Weather

    Comments about Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack:

    The bag held up well over a 6-day mountain trek. I was extremely pleased with the comfort over my previous Jansport pack. I am 5'10". I do not like the access in the main duffel portion - I was used to using a zipper open access at the back. I had to add straps for external storage. The strap attachments are not near as strong as the Jansport I had, but they are sufficient.

    The vertical zipper and open flap tops on the outer pockets on this pack were not as secure as I like.

    This pack is similar to my companion's Kelty, but the pack volume is smaller by far. This didn't stop me from loading it with 50 lbs. of gear.

    If you are a comfort camper, and want room internally, look at larger Kelty models, but if you regularly want to have shelter and sleeping bag on the outside, this is a great pack.

    • Gift:
    • No
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Comfort Driven

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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    Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

    Aug

    14

    2009

    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    2.0

    Lost in Space

    By MountainHauler

    from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, U.S.A.

    About Me Professional Guide

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Highly Adjustable
    • Large Capacity
    • Solid Material

    Cons

    • Tiny Exterior Storage

    Best Uses

    • Heavy Loads
    • Worker High Use

    Comments about Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack:

    REI could use another section in the "Describe Yourself": I am a geologist. We are very heavy users of your products. (We carry the brass caps and cement to mountain tops so others can identify which mountain they "bagged". I need comfort, durability,and "practicality"--least energy expended for highest result. Kelty has always just reached the mark near pure need, but for the last 40 (?) years never produced what "we" need. Look at the wasted space on the exterior of this pack. Clever sewing could provide larger pockets covering the "empty" space...makes me crazy. we need pockets--Strong and easily opened--The Main Pack: easy entrance to large space-- for materials and equipment going up and rock specimen going back down!

    Waterproof is important as is dustproof: Why won't manufacturers attach a simple "fly" so all is covered and we are able to cinch down the load protecting it from weather and mishaps? Small cinching eyelets would also help tie loads on the top and bottom...not large, just enough to thread ropes and gain advantage.

    Still looking for the perfect pack! This isn't it...sadly.

    • Gift:
    • Yes
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Comfort Driven

    Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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    Jun

    29

    2009

    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    I loved it...

    By jnew

    from San Francisco, CA

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Highly Adjustable
    • Large Capacity
    • Lightweight

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes
      • Heavy Loads
      • Wet Weather

      Comments about Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack:

      How I used the product: A five-day backpacking trip in Yosemite. In case it matters, I'm about 6'0 and 180 lbs.

      Things that are great about it: I loved the external frame and that it was easy to adjust to my body. It distributed the weight to my hips and kept my shoulders and back feeling great. I also loved being able to strap my bulky sleeping bag and pad to the bottom of the pack, so that I didn't have to worry about space or unloading and loading these bigger items to get to other gear. The pack also handled a bit of frozen dew nicely--no wet stuff inside. Lastly, the price is great, but given how much I like the pack, I would have chosen it even at the same price as the other bags at REI.

      Things that aren't so great about it: Although obviously solvable via garbage or more advance waterproof covers, having to worry about waterproofing anything strapped to the outside of the pack is a legitimate con. I also wish the pack came with attached latch straps and latch tabs, to make it easier to strap things to the outside. But for another fifteen dollars, I was able to add the straps I needed.

      PS I'm leaving out some of the other usual pros and cons of external vs. internal (like good ventilation vs. less compact to the body, etc.)

      Anyway, overall, fantastic backpack. I couldn't be happier, especially for the price.

      Hope this helps!

      • Gift:
      • No
      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Minimalist

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Sep

      15

      2009

      (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Great pack, no regrets.

      By [*]

      from Bend, OR

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Easy To Load
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Large Capacity
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Extended Hikes
        • Heavy Loads

        Comments about Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack:

        I bought this pack online and wasn't sure about it when i recieved it. But after some minor readjustments to the shoulder straps and pins, its perfect. I live in the Cascade Mountains and did a 7 day hike on the Green Lakes. I loved the fit, comfort, coolness,and how spacious it is. I bought a large Osprey rain fly for the pack and a couple of straps for hatchets n guns. This is the only external frame pack that has fit me comfortably. A 50 lbs load is no problem to carry. Thanks Kelty for a great back pack.

        • Gift:
        • No
        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Comfort Driven

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Sep

        15

        2009

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        2.0

        )=

        By Isley

        from Powder Springs GA

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame Pack:

              Looks good but the bars need padding, and the bad thing about it is i get it packed for a trip the next day and the clip snapped off. so this is not the best external ive ever used

              • Gift:
              • No
              • What Is Your Gear Style:
              • Minimalist

              Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

              Was this review helpful? Yes / No

               - You may also flag this review

              Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

              Displaying reviews 1-7

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