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Add to SafariWhen comparing Kelty Women's Redwing 40 vs Gregory J38, the Slant community recommends Kelty Women's Redwing 40 for most people. In the question“What are the best carry on backpacks for travel that hold at least 30L?” Kelty Women's Redwing 40 is ranked 5th while Gregory J38 is ranked 11th. The most important reason people chose Kelty Women's Redwing 40 is:
Travel backpacks aren't exactly known for their beauty. However, appearance was a consideration when the Redwing was designed, and it shows.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Beautiful design
Travel backpacks aren't exactly known for their beauty. However, appearance was a consideration when the Redwing was designed, and it shows.
Pro Lots of external storage
The Redwing 40 has loops at the front for hanging things off of, and mesh pockets for holding anything that may need to dry out.
It has large pockets on both sides for water bottles, and a compartment at the front with lots of internal pockets for organizing.
Pro Front or top loading
You can either use this pack as a top-load, or a front load.
Pro Hydration compatible
Pro Very comfortable
Pro Women-specific fit
The suspension system and harness is designed specifically for women. The torso fit has a range suitable for shorter backpackers as well.
Pro Integrated rain cover
The pack includes a color-matched, quick-attach rain cover.
Pro Very well built
Gregory is known for their very durable and well designed bags.
Cons
Con No laptop compartment
There is no compartment specifically designed for a laptop, so the only option is putting it in the main compartment.
Con Carry strap isn't padded
There is only one carry strap, located at the top of the pack. It's a fairly thin strip of material and quickly becomes uncomfortable to hold, especially when the pack is heavy.
Con Better suited for use with packing cubes/bags
There are no internal straps in the main apartment to keep clothes from moving around. And due to the fact the top of the pack zips away, you are left with the main compartment having 3 walls instead of 4 when unzipped.
Combined, it's hard to keep your clothes and other belongings where you want them if not using bags or packing cubes.
Con Not specifically designed for travel
The J38 is a versatile pack, but not specifically designed for travel. It has some features you may not have a use for (such a pole loops) and is lacking in features you may find helpful (like a laptop sleeve). The shape is not ideal for storage (under seats, or in the overhead).
Con Expensive
Compared to other packs around this size, the price tag on the Gregory is a bit higher.
