Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
Add to Brave
Add to SafariWhen comparing Kelty Women's Redwing 40 vs REI Trail 40 Pack, the Slant community recommends REI Trail 40 Pack for most people. In the question“What are the best carry on backpacks for travel that hold at least 30L?” REI Trail 40 Pack is ranked 4th while Kelty Women's Redwing 40 is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose REI Trail 40 Pack is:
There is a [women-specific version](http://www.slant.co/topics/5119/viewpoints/7/~carry-on-travel-backpacks-for-women-that-hold-at-least-30l~rei-trail-40-pack-women-s) of the REI Trail 40 available, which has a slightly smaller torso fit range.
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 version available
There is a women-specific version of the REI Trail 40 available, which has a slightly smaller torso fit range.
Pro Pockets on the hip belt for easy access
The hip belt has two zippered pockets which lets you store things for easy access (such as papers, money or snacks).
Pro Four zipper access to easily get to your belongings
The pack is front load with four zipper access, allowing you to unzip from either the top or bottom. This is great if you want to grab something from the bottom of your pack without opening it completely.
Pro Includes raincover
The pack comes with a rain cover that stows away in it's own zip pocket.
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 Pocket for hydration reservoir is difficult to access
The pocket for the hydration reservoir is external, located right behind the back panel. There is very little room, making it hard to access and can only fit a small amount of water (around 1.5L).
Con Internal bungee compression system can get in the way
The internal compression straps are a bungee system, which does not unclip the way most do. When your pack is full, this can make it a very tight squeeze if you want to access something in the back.
