"This is my second Redwing and I'm very happy with it.
The first one was a different story. I used it as photo backpack by throwing my camera bag (large and heavy) into it to go on photo tours.
It lasted about a year and then I noticed the stitching on one of the shoulder straps was coming loose at the top of the pack. I took it to a local seamtress and had her resew it, but within a year it was coming loose again.
This time I sent it to Kelty, explained my attempts to fix the problem, and waited for their responce. They said it had a lifetime warrantee but I had no receipt.
In less than two weeks, UPS delivered a NEW Kelty Redwing Pack!
This one has held up and I'm left with nothing but kudos for Kelty."
"I purchased this backpack in late 2000. I love the size (2900 in3) and all the pockets for organizing my gear. The back includes a nice size blander pouch. Tow front pockets allow clip for keys, wallet pocket, separate area for first aid supplies, and area for food.
The web belt is wide and rides well.
Hiked with it in rain with no leaks after spraying with silicone."
"I bought my Redwing internal frame daypack in 1984; I'm still
using it. Kelty still makes it -- in two sizes now (sm around 2300
cu.in. & large around 2700). I'd guess mine's closer to the large
size. Also LLBean makes a copycat version. I've loaded it up to
60 lbs (rated capacity when I bought it was 70lbs). Easy to load
panel front with 2 pockets on the panel and 2 side pockets. The
side ones each hold 2 liters of water. Lots of lashing points, an
icepick loop, and slots behind the side pockets will hold skis if the
snow goes slushy on you. Compression straps top and bottom,
chest strap and a fairly solid hip belt. It is easy to keep the load
balanced even when you've got junk tied all over it. A great size
for weekend summer trips or a fall overnighter. If you're not
carrying much food, you can live out of it for 7-10 days, as I did
last summer, cam! ping and bed & b-fasting around
England/Scotland. Also my preferred airline carryon item. Hardly
ever have to check a bag. Every stitch is still holding. My Kelty is
my friend."
"I have the Redwing 2900. It has been a good sturdy backpack that has held up well. Redwings are not lightweight, mine weighs 4 lbs. 11 oz. and holds less than 3000 c.i. One other beef is the useless hip belt that rides too high for me. The belt position/torso length is nonadjustable and fits only people with torsos less than 21 inches."
