Kelty has a new line of backpacks that “blend a variety of features essential for everyday use with the comfortable suspension and storage space needed for a day on the trail or around town.”
From the web site:
“Easy on the wallet and loaded with features, the Kelty Route is designed for students and young professionals wanting a pack for both work and play. Stash a 15” laptop and files during the week or stock the Route full with extra clothes and snacks for weekend day hikes. Padded shoulder straps and backpanel provide excellent comfort while two compartments keep gear organized. The Route keeps drinks handy with two mesh water bottle pockets. $59.95″
Image courtesy Kelty
I recently received the Kelty Route in white and grey. The pack is pretty cool. My wife said I looked like a turtle, while my 16 YO boy said it was pretty sweet! The design is a bit different than most packs though. The larger compartment is the one furthest from your back. This is reverse from most packs I have where the largest part is usually closest to your back. It also has a padded laptop sleeve, or you could use it for a water bladder. It also has a small clip that holds the water bladder up along with a place to pass the water tube through. It also has multiple compartments inside the two main compartments. One is a small pocket to hold your mp3 player right near the top where the headphone hole is, thus maximizing your cord outside the pack. It also has a felt padded compartment for a phone.
There are two handles on the pack making grabbing it a cinch. It also has padded shoulder straps with a chest strap/whistle and a one inch wide belt strap. There are two main compartments and two external mesh pockets on either side. Inside the smaller compartment is the padded laptop sleeve, which keeps the laptop against my back. Opposite that in the same compartment, is another sleeve to keep files and such organized. The second compartment, which is the larger of the two also has some smaller internal pockets for cell phones, pens, keys etc.
I’ve used it already on a ski trip where I loaded it down with some snacks, lunch, and cold weather gear. It worked out great and sat fine on my back even with a large jacket on.
Check back in a month or so to see how it works out as a daypack!
Brian T
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