Medium Internal Frames: Kelty Redwing Part 1

A medium-sized backpack will often be your most used pack. For carrying daypack loads, tactical loads, travel gear, and perhaps a very light overnight load the Kelty Redwing is one of the best. It is Nutnfancys reference backpack in this this category (2000-3500 cubic inches, internal frame). Also notable is the excellent GoLite Continuum backpack also discussed. While these designs have been updated or discontinued, a review of their features can equip you with some shopping tips for similarly capable daypacks. The Redwing is a long-enduring design that is constantly being updated by Kelty and remains popular for good reasons: convenient panel loading, strong zippers and fabric, comfortable suspension, hydration compatible, behind-pocket (flow-thru) item carry, subdued colors, mesh backpanel, pefect pocket designs, and outstanding durability. Few packs match all these features although some may be lighter. One such pack was the GoLite Continuum (discontinued, look for similar models). While lacking convenient panel loading, this Continuum does save a pound in carry weight while still offering some waterproof pockets, good ventilation, side item carry (like fishing poles, rifles), mesh pockets, good (albeit spartan) suspension, hydration pouch, and a great OD color. Its lightweight fabric however is not as durable in hard use as is often the case with lightweight offerings (technology may change this in the future). But for all-around, tough, brush busting use, its the Kelty Redwing that most often comes along on Nutnfancy adventures.
Nutnfancy Likeability Scale Kelty Redwing: 10 out of 10
Nutnfancy Likeability Scale GoLite Continuum: 9 out of 10 (weight considered)

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• backpacking
• advice
• buyer
• guide
• internal
• external
• frame
• packs
• best
• backpack
• hiking
• camping
• tents
• boots
• kelty
• camptrails
• daypack
• golite
• gregory
• north
• face
• dana
• designs
• camelback
• Blackhawk
• maxpedition
• tactical
• hunting
• apache
• pack
• sierra
• overnight
• lbe
• loadout
• bag
• map
• 3500
• multi-day
• assault
• alpine

[pathagriez]

In the video you said the Kelty was 3500. When I bought my Redwing in November '07 the largest size was 3100. On the one I have there are strap point under the bag for strapping a tent/sleeping bag.

Also, the Redwing I have has daisychain all the way down the front with an Iceaxe loop at the end of the daisy.

Love my Redwing and plan to get many years of use out of it.

[nutnfancy]

Good comment, thanks. Yep mine is the 3500 and they have reduced its size over the years. They are very similar in capacities though. Great job getting one.

[pedicabdr1ver]

What's the name of the song you use in the intros to your newer videos?

I can't get it out of my head.

[nutnfancy]

Don't know how original it is but I just call it the "TNP Theme." Using a ready-made tutorial I just put it together with my own modifications from a music program (changed instrumentation). Thanks.

[SaLiOaKz]

The awesome Kelty Redwing pack is on sale at Cabela's for only $60 (REI and most other places are asking $100!)

I am planning on getting one this week. It seems this is only a week long sale so get them while they last!

Thanks for the review nutnfancy!

[jons4real]

I picked up a kelty 3100 for $50 on ebay, new new new

[Tacmarksman]

I'm with you on pack size. Those are day packs, I couldn't even think of spending a week in the bush with gear carry that limited. I use a large ALICE pack when I really need to hump it in. It's not the biggest bag out there, but I've found that you can get a ton of stuff in there if you really shove it, and it lets you get your things organized. What do you thing about the ALICE bags?

[TheHeartOfTheLion]

Hey nutn, what's a good backpack for bug out situatuions?

[therianstrauss]

@nutnfancy Also loving the song, my girlfriend is even singing it with me when i watch your clips in bed at night when i cant sleep :)

[houdofaan]

you say you usually buy backpacks off season. When exactly is off season?

[gerberboy0100]

QUICK HEADS UP to anyone looking for a 2010 Kelty redwing 44. I just bought the redwing 44 at wwww. sunnysports. com for $48 w/ free shipping because my order was over $50! check it out

[jakesnake237]

on my friend's redwing i was able to fit my ultralight backpacking tent in one of the flow-through pockets and that REALLY helped because i was using it for a 1 night backpacking trip and when we got to the shelter it was FULL of people and not but 30 minuets after we got there did it start raining and w/out the flow-through i wouldn't have had enough room to put my tent in so on that trip i WOULD have been screwed so ya i like the flow-through ;)

[deltafortress]

@nutnfancy

First off, love the videos. Second the redwing is great all around go out and get it done pack but i've noticed as models change they are making them smaller, lighter, and sacrificing (at least on the redwing) beefiness over weight. For instance on the current model the shoulder straps are sewn at the top and bottom whereas on my '09 model the nylon webbing goes the length of the strap. A bit sad to see the change but Kelty the warranty is a fair trade.

[deltafortress]

@pathagriez

I've had a kelty redwing 2650 (aka cubic inches) its now a 44 as in liters but i digress. I've had one since about '09 i use it constantly from day trips to school to overnights and in one occasion it saved my back from a nasty motorcycle accident, taking the brunt of the fall and sliding on pavement at 30mph. Suffering only minor injuries to the pack and myself i sent it in for repair a few months ago and they repaired it no questions asked under warranty.

[razorsharpness4]

some go lite backpacks like ferrino boulder 38 have both side opening capability.

[84drmmer]

My Redwing 3100 arrived today from Campmor for $50. Thanks Nutnfancy for all the great reviews and gear recomendations. Keep up all the great work!