Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack
- Top Loading
- Hydration compatible
- Large front pocket with organization
- Front-panel access
- Reservoir sleeve.
The proven Redwing is the most popular pack on the trail. Revered for is roomy main compartment, convenient organizational pockets, sturdy LightBeam II stay and suspension system, and comfortable design, it’s no wonder this classic, which just got a facelift, consistently earns top scores.
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(out of 13 reviews)
List Price: $ 109.95
Price:
{ 5 comments }
Review by Playapup Productions for Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack
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Ok, I have had this bag for a month now so I thought I would write about it. I bought this bag mainly for use on my 60 mile daily commute via public transit. Let me tell you, it’s big! It is way bigger than I normally need, but that’s a plus for me as hate carrying multiple items and wanted it big enough to carry my coat inside. So it’s roomy and very comfortable, is very adjustable and can handle a serious load. The craftsmanship is good, the materials are good, and the amount of usable pockets is good. And, most important for me, I am a big guy, and it fits comfortably. If you are under 180lbs, this thing is probably too big for you for daily use. My only issue has been the main compartment zipper is a little stiff and catches up on the zipper cover.
Review by J Rogers for Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack
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Just finished a month long backpacking trip of Europe using this bag, and it worked wonderfully. Biggest benefits I found with it were the front load, simple compartments, adjustable/bendable internal frame, great hip support, and its ability to expand and collapse. I too used it as a carry-on. I had plenty of room left over, and the stuff I carried:
3 pants (trail, jeans, track), 4 shirts (2 long, 2 short), and 7 pairs socks/underwear.
2 books and travel guides
toiletries, food, and little things
Don’t buy a massive backpack. This is perfect size, has room to spare, and it’s very adjustable.
Review by Dirk J. Willard for Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack
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This is an outstanding bag for day-to-day commutes or a day hiking trip. The next larger size requires a titanium frame. The next smaller is too small for books and perhaps a laptop. There is none of necessary padding or straps needed for a laptop. What sold me on the bag when I picked it out in Cabelas was the number of pockets.
Here’s the pros:
* 4 front compartments: a divided main, large one; one small one the size of a coat pocket and a larger, divided one in between;
* 2 huge cargo zippered side pockets; I keep spare glasses, a medical kit and pills and such in each of these;
* 2 side web pockets; I keep sugar, cool aid, sweet&low, sanitary wipes and glass cleaner wipes in these easy-grab pockets;
* 2 large hand straps for grabbing— one on top (see picture) and one in front(shown in picture);
* Easy-use belt strap — you’ll find this useful if you have back problems because this back can carry close to 100 lbs.;
* Easy-reach tighten straps for the shoulder straps — keep it loose, then pull; and,
* Several hooking points inside the large bag and the middle bag for tieing in things that could fall out.
Here’s the negative points:
* Nylon inside the side panels (behind the cargo side pockets) is not very tough; I tore it after 6 months;
* The large pocket (main) has a weather protective strip protecting the zipper — it snagged within a few days —- I cut it off;and
* Reflectors on the pack would be useful for those who commute.
If this review was helpful, please add your vote.
Review by K. Codd for Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack
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I bought this bag for 1) Carrying all my rock climbing stuff and 2) A backpacking trip through Europe next year. For the first purpose, it works GREAT. I can carry my 60 meter rope, carabiners, slings, etc, etc, with room to spare. The weight is no problem, and distributed well so that my balance isn’t thrown off. I can’t say how well it holds up for traveling since I haven’t used it for that yet, but I can’t imagine there being any problems. Most people recommend about 3000 cubic inches for that purpose, so this exceeds that.
Also, another reviewer recommended this for bigger guys. I’m a small guy (5′9″, 135lbs) and this pack fits me extremely well.
Review by RLG for Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack
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I got this pack for backpacking trips with my Boy Scout troop. I’m just on the south side of 50 and need to start lightening the load to keep up, so I went for a smaller (than I’ve used in the past) pack that would force me to keep my gear to only what I really need. Took it on the first trip with the boys a couple of weekends ago and was very pleased. I got my pack weight (w/o food and water down to under 25 pounds with tarp and only a little more with tent. This is definitely a pack for going lighter – it wouldn’t do well with more than 30 lbs. (but then again, neither do I anymore).
Lots of pockets, attachment points, well-constructed, and a great price, especially on sale. I looked at many other much more expensive packs by some big-name makers and would still have chosen the Redwing 3100 even if it cost as much as those others. It really was exactly what I was looking for for two night weekend trips – its size is just enough if you really do commit to minimalist/lightweight. (I still have four other packs for longer trips or for when my wife goes with me and I need to carry a bigger load.) I have not used it for travel yet, but I have a trip to Colorado for the USAFA graduation (my nephew) next month and might give it a try for my carry-on rather than my rolling duffle.
Highly recommended!