Kelty Torrey 1950 Review

"I just picked up this pack on sale at TravelCountry.com ($69 normally $100). This is my first Kelty pack and I am impressed. I needed a large day pack for traveling around Japan: it had to have side mesh pockets to keep my umbrella/sunglasses and digital camera handy. I wanted an open flap pocket at the back so I could gain ready access to maps, tourist guides, and a thick Atlas of Japan I tote around. It needed to be hydration ready. I wanted loops at bottom of the pack to tote jackets. The pack also needed to carry around 15-20 lbs comfortably.

This pack has a nice hydration setup, with a kangaroo pouch inside with felt material to catch condensation. The bottom of the pocket is clear plastic as that area gets a little wet in humid climates. Than there's another elastic pocket over this one, I guess to further keep contents of the pack from getting wet.

There are a lot of pockets, pen dividers, a key loop, etc. for doodads, including a felt pocket, great for expensive sunglasses. The outer pocket has a waterproofed zipper a la Arc Teryx outerwear.

I like how there is a flap for the hydration exit port, so you can pull the spout through a large opening. There is a snap button to secure it back. The straps have two elastic bands to hold the hose. I actually prefer the bitewing spigot over the Camelback. The straps of the pack are very thick foam, almost 3/4th of an inch.

The pack has an inner delrin frame to help it keep shape, and fanwing waist belt with zippered pockets. Weights up to 20 lbs is supported very well. The waist belt can be recessed into the pack with zippered pockets. At the bottom of the pack is in an integral rain cover.

At 1950 cu. in. there is more than enough room inside the main pocket for my purposes (picking up gifts or curios along the way).

The bottom of the pack has two slotted, leather-like pads which allow you to fasten loops to hold cylindrical items or a heavy jacket.

Thick Cordura and stout zippers are used throughout.

All in all, only thing missing is an ice axe loop or side velcro straps to fasten trekking poles, otherwise, the pack is darn near perfect. A tad heavy at just over 3 lbs, but it makes up for it in the ease it can carry 15-20 lbs, impressive for a day pack."