Kelty Trekker 4300 Review

"Kelty...what else is there to say? This 4300 cu. in. pack is big enough to keep you on the trail for a week. Very comfortable and adjustable; lots of pockets; hydration port; internally divided; and a bullet-proof frame that can really take a beatin'. I'll never switch to an internal framed pack."

"The Trekker is the top rated backpack in my troop and trust me we do a lotta backpacking. Its just at the one hundred dollar range and is great for the buck. Its got all the stuff the guy before said and what more can you ask from Kelty. Truely, it's a beautiful backpack and well worth the money"

"Owned my Trekker for about 3 years and have used about 30 times. Some were for more than a week. Very roomy and comfortable. The external frame is stout and will easly carry anything you put fill it up to the brim with (except for bars of gold... this may be to heavy =). I give it Three Thumbs Up!!!"

"An excellent pack all around (for the money or not). The external frame allows you to pack a tremendous amount of items, it is hydration compatible, and it is just as light as internal frames (but won't make you sweat as much). The only negative aspects are its tendency to sweak a bit. That isn't anything that can't be fixed!"

"I really love the capabilities of the 4300. I do maybe 5,(2-3 night) hikes a month and its made it through every one of them."

"Some of my local outfitters have stopped selling externally framed packs. I've would love to look more "cool" by using an eternally framed pack, but I just can't bring myself to. I have tested the new packs on the trail but I don't see any difference in comfort. On the other hand, I can really load up my Trekker. I can also tie, clip, fasten, or affix things directly onto the frame of my pack. I can hook my pack on a tree-limb by the frame. I can stand my pack on the frame in the mud. To me, the frame is a part of my equipment. Kelty still makes externals and if you check out the online auction sites you'll see that they are still very popular. I love my Trekker 4300. I have had it for years and expect to have it many more."

"I got this backpack when i first became a boyscout at the age of 10, and well now I'm a 16 year old eagle scout and have gone on more than 400 trips easily with this backpack and only had to replace one of the fast release circler rings on the frame(yesterday before my mountain trip this weekend). this is the only piece of equipment I've had from the start and its still going strong. I've had 2 internal frame packs and neither of them came close to this one in comfort or how much i can change the settings so that it fits me. Also i got it for $45 at academy sports on sale. the transfer of weight from shoulders to waste is unbelievable i went on a 30 mile trip in 4 days with 70 pounds and at the end i just had a little soreness in my shoulders do to not using waist strap the last half a mile. i highly recommend this pack to anyone at any expierence level because its a pack that can grow with you. and can withstand the elements"