Kelty Redwing 3100

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.

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I got this backpack b/c I wanted a backpack to travel with that wasn't a huge obnoxious big framed camping/hiking back. I think it is as big of a pack as you can get w/o getting into the top-loading lid ones, and it has the "look" of a normal book backpack. I recently used it for a 12 day trip around Turkey. It was the only bag I took and I was able to put it in the overhead compartment of the plane and it traveled well w/ bus, taxi, dolmus, ferry, and train travel. Granted, I am a minimalist, and a great packer... but I was able to fit plenty in there for the duration of the trip (about 8 tops, thin sweatshirt, sandals, 6 shorts/capris, sweatpants... plus personal items and 2 books). The zipper panal to the main compartment opens wide enough that you can load it like a suitcase/front loader versus top-loading. I took the aluminum stay out since my frame is slightly smaller than the torso/frame range they recommended, and it worked fine. This is overall a nice and versatile quality pack!

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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.

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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.

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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!