Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Backpacks

Kelty Redwing 36

Best bargain pack

Brand: Kelty

Model: Redwing 36



All hikers love gear that outperforms its price point, and the Redwing does just that. One tester shouldered it on overnights to field stations in southeast Alaska as part of her job as an ecologist, and declared it “supercomfortable” even when maxed out with 30-pound loads; a spring-steel frame ably transfers weight to the padded hipbelt. Bummer: The water bottle pockets are too shallow to hold a one-liter Nalgene.

$100; 2 lbs. 9 oz. (m’s); one size each, m’s and w’s 

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.