Posted: 7/3/2012 6:48:36 PM EDT
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I am looking for a multi-purpose backpack that can hold gear for at least a dayhike, (maybe one overnight), day pack for a mountain bike trip and can be used as the gear bag for trips to Disney. It would be nice if it were compliant to carry on specs and should also be hydration compatible. I want good quality but try to keep it under $150. Suggestions? I looked at the North Face Terra 35/40 and also a Kelty model that seemed nice.
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Last year at this time I was looking for a bag with your EXACT reasons, right down to Disney.
I landed on the Kelty Redwing 50. Big enough for an overnighter, light enough to run around Disneyland for 12 hours. Have now used it for hikes, hunting, kids stuff, and everything in between. Picked mine up on sale from REI for $100 I think. |
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I use an older Redwing. It is called the 3100 but I think it is the same as the Redwing 50.
Just this past weekend I did a 20 mile two nighter carrying everything for me and two dogs. It has good support, cinches tight, and has a lot more room than you would expect. I lash my sleeping gear to the bottom. Kelty makes a good product and the Redwing is perfect for short day trips or longer stays. Having a slightly smaller bag for multi-day trips also keeps you from packing too much. |
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The Kelty 3100 and the 50 are the same in volume, Looks like Kelty just changes the numbers.
3100 is representing the volume by cubic inchies. 50 is representing the volume by liter. Both volumes are the same. Anyway, I have the 3100 version, it's ok. I can see it being used as a day pack. I've done some overnighter's with it, the support is ok, nothing to brag about. The good thing about the Redwing line is that it does not scream/stand-out military. So, if you are looking to be low key, the redwing is not a bad choice for the money. Definitely do not pay msrp for it, one can usually be found on sale. I actually saw a guy in Disney World last November with a medium ALICE pack on with very little stuff in it. I have a few of the medium ALICE packs and that was not what I would want packing throughout Disney. What worked for me, was that we had a 5 year-old, so we had a stroller, I didnt have to wear my pack (I used a Camelbak civilian HAWG from early 90's as my day pack, worked out well) much at all. But when our group (about 8-9 of us) would split up, I was able to pack my daypack if I wasnt with the stroller. I was also carrying concealed in my backpack too, so I keep it close by. Goodluck SMSP |