Kelty Redwing Traveler 30 Review

The Kelty Redwing Traveler 30 handles a variety of gear across multiple environments, from business and recreation to outdoor adventures. Thanks to its extensive organizational features and robust harness system, it stands out from typical backpacks. Despite its 30-liter capacity, the pack’s lightweight and malleable materials allow it to compress when not fully loaded, making it equally suitable for everyday carry and travel.

You might know Kelty for its focus on camping and hiking equipment. They are particularly famous for pioneering the aluminum frame backpack and revolutionizing outdoor gear design. Kelty has developed its reputation as a trusted name in outdoor equipment, offering reliable gear for camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures. But how does the Kelty Redwing Traveler 30 stand up to travel? That’s what we’re here to find out.

External Components

The Kelty Redwing Traveler 30 has a 600D recycled ripstop exterior that is visually appealing and comfortable, though the aesthetic lends itself more towards casual scenarios. One standout feature is the smoothness of the YKK zippers, which operate exceptionally well and glide effortlessly around corners for one-handed operation. These zippers feature simple cord pulls with accent colors that enhance visibility while remaining unobtrusive without jangling or unnecessary noise. The pack includes two dedicated attachment points at the bottom, with the grab handles on top and the sides also serving as potential attachment options when needed. Branding is pretty minimal, with Kelty’s logo in the accent color positioned at the top and the specific model number of the pack below on the front admin compartment.

Three dedicated grab handles are constructed from folded nylon straps that are reinforced and securely stitched into the pack’s structure. This design eliminates concerns about durability, but it is worth noting that they lack padding or any kind of soft lining, which might affect comfort when carrying heavier loads for extended periods of time. The side handles are positioned toward the front of the pack, causing it to lean slightly when carried from these points. This is a minor but noticeable design quirk to keep in mind. Additionally, each shoulder strap includes a very thin nylon attachment point that helps secure extra gear or route a hydration tube. The pack includes a dedicated hydration reservoir compartment with a convenient pass-through system.

The Kelty Redwing Traveler 30 has a robust harness system suitable for travel and outdoor adventures. The shoulder straps have a contoured design with memory foam-like padding that balances comfort and minimal bulk. Their malleable material and wide profile contribute to an excellent carry experience, even during extended use.

A built-in sternum strap effectively distributes weight when carrying heavier loads, though you can’t remove it when you have less. It runs on a rail system for easy customization, connecting via a plastic buckle positioned to one side rather than in the middle, a thoughtful design choice that enhances comfort. The adjustment mechanism is smooth and intuitive, allowing quick adjustments even in transit.

The hip belt is also permanently attached to the pack, but you can stow it away when you don’t need it. This design choice offers both advantages and disadvantages; it ensures support is always available when needed, but does add some weight to the overall pack, even if that is minimal. While the hip belt is relatively lightweight, it is worth noting that it can occasionally poke out against the wearer’s back when stowed in the back panel pockets. The belt connects via a central plastic buckle that’s easy to adjust, allowing for quick fitting adjustments.

Fit Notes

The Kelty Redwing Traveler 30 maintains a moderate footprint that balances carrying capacity with comfort, never feeling bulky or unwieldy when on the back. Its aesthetic leans toward casual or outdoor use, making it ideal for weekend trips and daily carry. The pack’s numerous pockets are somewhat highlighted by accented zipper pulls, contributing to its visual aesthetic and practical functionality by making compartments easy to locate. 

We find it very comfortable. The well-designed shoulder straps provide an excellent foundation, enhanced by the permanently attached sternum strap and hip belt. This integrated support system ensures weight distribution tools are always available when needed, particularly valuable when carrying heavier loads over extended periods.

Inside The Pack

The Kelty Redwing Traveler 30 features thoughtful organization. There is a felt-lined top quick-access pocket, perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone without risking scratches, at the top of the pack. This pocket is also ideal for smaller everyday essentials you might want quick access to. The front admin compartment opens with a smooth U-shaped zipper, revealing a comprehensive organization panel including a large slip pocket spanning the entire compartment depth, several pen/stylus slots, and a zippered mesh pocket ideal for smaller items like wireless earbuds. A key leash with nylon webbing and a plastic carabiner keeps keys secure and easily accessible on one side. Any remaining space in this compartment is convenient for items that do not fit within the organizational panel.

There is also an additional spacious front compartment without built-in organization, making it ideal for storing larger items like books, kits, or pouches. Expandable water bottle pockets on both sides of the pack can accommodate standard Nalgene bottles or 32 oz Owala FreeSips, thanks to elastic gussets that keep everything secure. These pockets can also hold longer items like umbrellas, although it is worth noting they lack any kind of drainage system.

J-shaped zippered pockets above each water bottle pocket provide secure storage for larger gear, extending to the bottom of the bag for maximum capacity. Additionally, slip pockets above these J-shaped compartments are nicely sized for oblong gear such as trekking poles or tripods. These pockets also extend the full depth of the pack. Completing the external storage options are Kelty’s signature wing side pockets, which connect via plastic buckles and can secure longer items when needed.

The main compartment provides a spacious area for storing various gear, including loose clothing, packing cubes, books, and organizational pouches. This versatile space excels in its flexibility, easily accommodating multiple items. The dual zippers offer a clamshell-style opening that provides a comprehensive overview of the contents, making packing and unpacking more efficient. This thoughtful design requires you to set the pack down on its front, which has the added benefit of preventing the accidental transfer of dirt onto your clothing when placing the bag on dirty surfaces.

A laptop sleeve that comfortably fits up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro is built into the compartment lid. This compartment features a decent amount of padding that provides secure storage for sensitive gear, especially when combined with the back panel’s stiff, structured frame. Additionally, this pocket can serve double duty as a dedicated space for a hydration reservoir, complete with a hole at the top for routing a hydration tube through.

The Kelty Redwing Traveler 30 is a versatile and thoughtfully designed backpack that bridges the gap between everyday carry, outdoor adventures, and travel excursions. It’s excellent harness system provides remarkable comfort even during extended wear, while the comprehensive organization system offers convenient access to all your essentials without sacrificing simplicity. The smooth YKK zippers and clamshell opening make packing and accessing gear intuitive and hassle-free. Where this pack truly excels is in its adaptability. The expandable water bottle pockets, generous main compartment, and various external attachment points allow it to transition seamlessly between urban commutes and outdoor adventures. The 600D recycled ripstop exterior balances durability and weight, though some users might desire more padding on the grab handles when carrying heavier loads. However, you should consider this pack if you’re seeking a single backpack solution that can handle daily commutes, weekend getaways, and casual outdoor explorations.