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 …
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Just dropped my order for a Redwing 3100 last night from Ebags. $72 shipped, I’ll give it a whirl! I’m stoked! I’ve always given you crap about the “no axe” due to SAWC but I think I’ll be doing my wood splitting by batoning my ESEE Knives/RAT Cutlery RC-6 with this pack!
@nutnfancy They have one at my local store but I was surprised to see that the men’s 3100 pack doesn’t have lashing straps on the bottom for sleeping pads and bag. The women’s does though lol. Maybe I could sow some straps from an old backpack on?
Can’t you get a very light very warm down sleeping bag that you could lash to this pack? I assume you’d pay an arm and leg though
SO Strongly Opinionated LOL ~!!!
Just bought myself a Kelty Redwing 3100 (black) from campmor for $60 w/o shipping.
hey nutn, what do you think about the ALICE pack
Love the Kelty Redwing. Thanks for the review.
Good job! I really want this one. Looking out for a good price.
quack, quack, quack. back. pack.
I have used my Redwing as luggage for 3 days using my sleeping bag and pad music cables, etc, clothes, sleeping sandals, tent, water purifier toiletries, med kit, nalgene bottle, etc. So don’t say this pack is not a 3 day pack or more and i’m 6’4″ 325lbs
I picked up a kelty 3100 for $50 on ebay, new new new
get the Kelty
I’m kind of on a budget, and I’m debating between the
Kelty Redwing (3100) – $90
or a
Jansport Big Bear (3600) – $70
BAHCK PACHK day PAHCK!!! special ed.
1.put your hand over your mouth
2.make a wish into your hand
3.pull your hand away and put it over your heart for 5 seconds
4.put this on a comment for 3 videos
5.if you do you will have the best day of your life tomorrow
100 CI=1.638 Liters so 3500 CI=57.354Liters
You should try google sometime
When the golite galaxy was developed I started used it. The large version is about 4600. I love that pack.
57.35 liters, roughly.
Great review! I recently got a Redwing 3100…the 2009 version. Seems Kelty brought back the “flow-through” side pouches :- D. There is velcro on the bottom of the pouches near the mesh pockets. This way you can either put something straight through or keep it closed on the bottom for throwing some light stuff in them…very cool. Kelty really does make some good stuff. Loved your reviews…very informative.
3500 cubic inches: how much is that in liters? Here in Europe we measure backpack sizes in liters.
i have a 4750 cubic inch kelty coyote pack do you think you could pack enough supplies and tools ect for like a week? Hay Nutn wheres your favorite place to backpack in Oregon I live in Salem.
lol
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!
09:47 – paAAHHc. lol
Great review!
So good in fact that I got the same older model Redwing.
Love the pack and I can’t wait to work it hard on my next trip.
One note:
The newer model Redwings do NOT have flow-through behind the side pockets which was a deal breaker for me. If that’s an important feature for you then you’ll want to look for the older models.