kelty or osprey?

M

murderedsongbird

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
272
I'm looking at a couple packs to use as a daypack/one nighter. I've narrowed it down to the kelty redwing 30 and the osprey kestrel 32. The redwing is cheaper and I've heard a lot of great things, but how does it hold up to osprey's quality? Any advice would be appreciated as I'm looking to get one in the next few days.
 
I have the Redwing 40 in a small torso
It is a womans pack, but it makes no difference if you can use a small torso
EBay has it for $55
It is great as a day pack, and I use it to shlepp my painting gear as I hike
Small for an overnighter, unless you are carrying minimal
I would not want to use a 32 lt for overnight

I have the Redwing 50, which ideal for me for overnighters with plenty of space not to have to worry about squezzing stuff in the pack
A very comfortable and versitile pack
I highly recommend the 50
It is about $100

A compromise would be the smaller Redwing 44

Also the 40, 44, and 50 all have comfortable hip load belts
 
I have used my Osprey Kestrel 32 for many over night trips, I even squeezed a minimal 2 day out of it. I love Osprey packs, for me they are extremely comfortable and very durable.
 
Get the one that fits best. It doesn't matter how good the quality is if the pack just sits in a closet because it's too uncomfortable to wear. Besides, they're both top notch companies so I doubt you'll have problems with either. My wife used to inspect packs for Columbia and the thing that she checks for is tight stitching around the bag. More stitches, the tougher the bag.
 
Short answer: Yes.


Try em both. Visit REI, load them both with stuffing & 25lbs of sandbags and go for a jog around the store.
 
Osprey's quality is great and their warranty and cs are among the best out there. But I would buy whichever fits your body better.
 
I have both a Redwing and a kestrel (wife uses the kestrel most of the time). As others have said they are both great packs. I tend to use the Redwing for work/urban situations and would probably give the Kestrel the edge in difficult terrain outdoor situations due to a slightly more stable suspension.
 
Agree with Neeman on the Kelty.

Got one this summer and used it for camping the last few months and pretty impressed. Plus you might be able to find them cheaper than me as fall season starts. I tried on a few of the ospreys before going with the kelty. So similar in quality, but the price of the ospreys were out of my budget at the time. I've got friends that swear by them, but I can personally vouch for the redwing series.
 
I have no experience with Kelty but I did try the Osprey Kestrel 58. I wasn't t too impressed to be honest. It was pretty uncomfortable with a 15kg load out and the whole thing felt kinda flimsy (thin fabric, straps etc.). Also, with loads over 10kg the shoulder straps looses by themselves when putting it on & during the hike. I now have a Deuter Aircontact 55+10 and I really recommend looking in to this brand. Mine is much more comfortable with 25kg than the Kestrel was with just 15kg and although it isn't particularly light it is a solid reliable piece of kit.
 
I asked the same question not long ago. I got great information here on the forums, and bought an used Kelty on ebay. I use it for a day pack and airport bag. I am very happy with it.
 
I have a Kelty Redwing 50 and 32. My wife liked the 32 so much I had to go buy another one for me. Lol. It's pretty much my grab and go bag. I've used it for day hikes and as a hunting pack. I cannot speak highly enough about them. Just a great pack, that is super comfortable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top