Kelty Redtail 30 Daypack

I just received the pack and was suprised to see that the zipper pulls (on the charcoal version) are red, something not shown in the picture. The zipper pulls are the cord type and each of them has a red aluminum sleeve (1 inch long) on its cord. I don't mind, but others might. They definitely stand out against the dark fabric.

Otherwise, the pack seems smart and well-built but I just got it so time will tell.

Made in Vietnam.

I'm taking off one star for the sum of a few minor complaints:

1) The main zipper is a smallish #8 size instead of the sturdy #10 size found on my Redtail pack from 5 years ago (and on many competitors' packs in the same price range).

2) The sternum strap attaches to the shoulder straps in a way that makes me think it will eventually pop off under load. It's hard to explain, except that it's very different from the attachment design more commonly found on other packs.

3) The hydration tube port between the shoulder straps is off-center as if Kelty assumed all hydration users run their tube to their right side. Some of us prefer it on the left, away from our primary hand. They should have kept it centered like on older models.

4) The water bottle pockets on the side are cut low. Nalgene's 32oz bottle is the de facto standard and I think all packs' side pockets should be designed around that. This pocket could be higher to hold a bottle of that height more securely. With this short cut, the bottle is more prone to falling out when the pack isn't exactly vertical.

Excellent quality of construction is immediately apparent on this pack. It's tough, lightweight, very comfortable. Bought it to be used as an everyday city pack as well as a hiking and/or short-term camping pack. I'm very happy with the choice. This is my first Kelty pack, and I will likely buy others in the future. It also doesn't hurt that the pack looks great. Got it in the cypress color. Attractive stuff.

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There is a lot to like about this sturdy, well-made day pack.

Comfortable straps, sheet stay on the back, lots of compartments inside.

But the near-deal killer is the water bottle mesh pouches.

What was Kelty thinking??

They are too broad, too shallow and not snug enough.

Should you have to set the pack down horizontally, the bottle(s) will fall right out, so don't lose them.

I would suggest that until they fix this, you may want to look elsewhere.

I am going to attempt to modify the pouches instead of returning the pack, but no one should have to do this.

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This is the perfect bag pack for you weekend hikers out there. Just big enough to pack all the essentials but not too bulky that will weigh you down. Very comfortable, durable and well designed!

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I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I bought this bag to use it as a diaper bag for my new born son. It hasn't seen the mountains, a lake, or even a neighborhood path. It has seen various supermarkets, department stores, relatives homes, doctor's offices, and even a daytrip to an airshow. However, I do hike, camp, hunt, and fish, thus I bought this bag with dual purpose in mind.

In its current capacity as a diaper bag, it's functioning great. It carries easy, holds a sufficient amount of items for a day long excursion with my son, items can be organized easily within the various compartments and pockets, and it appears to be a quality bag that will last many years. I can easily wear the bag for hours on end and remain comfortable. As a bonus, I don't look like I'm walking around with a giant purse, which is exactly what my wife's diaper bag looks like. The side pockets allow me to stick a couple Nalgene water bottles in the bag as well for easy access. The bag can apparently be set up with a hydration system, I just haven't had the need for that yet, so can't offer an opinion on it, other than it looks like it would work...

The straps are very well designed for a light duty bag. I have never felt like the bag was going to slip off my shoulders, nor do I remember ever thinking they were uncomfortable. The waist strap is simply an unpadded nylon strap, and I've yet to ever use it, but if you plan to carry a lot of weight to the point you need a waist strap, you might want to consider another bag. For light duty though, this bag feels secure and carries very nicely. I'm not sure what other guys carry on day hikes, but my bag will probably never go above 20 lbs (and that would be heavy for me), and I think this bag would handle that weight without issue.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this bag, but will update this review once I've managed to actually slip out to the mountains a couple times.

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