Kelty  Redwing 40 Pack - Women's

I bought this backpack after quite a bit of research, and so far, I'm extremely happy with it. It seems sturdy and as several features I didn't find in other bags. - I'm going to be traveling around the world for a long time with it and am hoping that I won't have to check a bag, and this one seems to be the right size for most carry-on containers. - I had a similarly sized bag before, and it was comfortable to carry, but it just didn't have the organizational features that I need for a long trip in which I'll be living out of it. - I also looked for a bag that has a hybrid closure--I just got tired of needing something at the bottom of a bag that only had a drawstring closure at the top. - This bag has two water bottle holders that seem plenty large for my 16-ounce bottle (would probably hold a larger one) - I've only worn this around the house so far, but it's very comfortable and doesn't stick out too much. This will be great for taking public transportation. - The waist strap wraps easily around the shoulder straps to tie them down for cargo compartments, and it has both a top and front carry handle, so it can be carried more like a duffel if necessary.

I have had this backpack about 4 years now and it has stood the test of time! Probably used on about 20 trips of all sorts from weekend camping trips up to 3 weeks backpacking in Europe. It will be going on another 13 day trip to Iceland and the Netherlands next month. It has never had to be checked and even fits under the seat or overhead compartment on the tiniest American Airlines eagle planes. The belt and clips system at the shoulders and hips makes this ideal for long days of walking or hiking. The Redwing is the perfect size to bring everything you need as long as you have access to laundry of some sort. I even try to leave it about 20% empty just in case I need to bring things home with me and also because I hate having a stuffed pack. Even though it fits way more than you would think by looking at it, you must be a light packer to enjoy this backpack, or just use it for school/weekends. The best feature IMO is that it is not top loading! It is opened like a regular school backpack, so you can easily see everything in the middle and bottom and access it. Plenty of compartments on the front, inside back and sides for water bottles (I usually slide my hair straightener down that part). The durability is awesome. On the back at the top where the bar pushes against the fabric pocket it sits in, it is starting to wear and will probably eventually pop through. When that happens, I will take advantage of the lifetime warranty Kelty offers and hopefully it can get fixed. My husband has the larger 55L version which is appropriate since he has larger shoes, clothes, etc and is 6'4''. I am female and 5'10 and this backpack fits me perfectly but I see in other reviews shorter people love it too, so it is great for many sizes! If you are a smart, minimalistic packer who thinks people lugging those 3 ft tall, 2 ft wide backpacks around Europe look silly and in pain, this is the backpack for you. :)

You can carry varying degrees of items and this pack will always work. It has 2 cinch straps.. the ones at the top are positioned to pull the bag "up" when its not fully packed to prevent sagging. This pack has an admin area in the front zippered pouch with a clip for keys and various pockets. One is lined with a thin fleece - I believe for a smart phone or maybe glasses. You can zip this pack open to the top cinch straps OR unbuckle them to fully open the pack to access items near the bottom. The fact that it can be fully unzipped is a huge plus when getting to the items at the bottom. Waterproof stuff sacks are preferred as it makes the whole bag easier to pack and will protect clothes and electronics from getting wet. There is a large elasticized pocket in the back. I use this pocket to hold 2 tarps. The waist belt is removable - you simply have to open the velcro closed panel at the top > inside > back of the pack., pull the metal rod up and start sliding the belt out. You'll also need to remove the side straps that attach the belt to the pack ... this will take a little work but it is possible. :) The 40 can hold a LOT. I am a larger woman and I am pretty sure the 50 would be too large and heavy for me fully packed. I am going to venture across the US hike/hitching with this pack, and I am 100% confident that it will hold up beautifully. Honestly Kelty though of everything with this pack. I couldnt be happier

I'll start this review off with a little about me, I am 4'9", 100lbs, my torso is about 15 inches. This pack fits, which was the biggest miracle in the world for me and other small women. I bought this in college because I was tired of breaking regular book bags, it worked great for my heavy laptop and books for the last two years of school, then accompanied me on a bicycling trip through France, I had no trouble with using it as a carry on, except there are so many pockets I forgot I had a baggy of cherries in the bag from market day, and customs threw them away when they found them! I have also used this for day and weekend hikes, and now that I am out of college plan on using it for some extended ultralight backpacking. At 2lbs 14oz it is a decently light pack and sturdy enough for my light gear, though a little small when I don't have a good compression sack on my sleeping bag. Lots of pockets is my main praise for this, as well as its size, which is perfect for someone small like me, and slightly larger people as it is very adjustable. It has plenty of places to tether gear, the two big side pockets are great for water bottles, I keep a water bottle in one, my water filter in the other when I'm hiking. Too small for your gear if you can't use super small gear like me and plan on hiking for an extended period of time. Overall this is a great little pack, when mine eventually wears out I'll probably buy another or a similar pack.