When comparing Tortuga Travel Backpack vs Kelty Women's Redwing 40, the Slant community recommends Tortuga Travel Backpack for most people. In the question“What are the best carry on backpacks for travel that hold at least 30L?” Tortuga Travel Backpack is ranked 1st while Kelty Women's Redwing 40 is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Tortuga Travel Backpack is:
This pack can be taken on year-long trips around the world. It can face an unimaginable number of different environments and take a huge amount of abuse. After all that, it can still be used actively and works just as well as a new bag.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Extremely durable
This pack can be taken on year-long trips around the world. It can face an unimaginable number of different environments and take a huge amount of abuse. After all that, it can still be used actively and works just as well as a new bag.
Pro Lockable zippers for security
The zippers on the main compartment are lockable to help keep your belongings safe.
Pro Front pockets for quick access
There are two zippered pockets on the hip belt for easy access to money, tickets, etc..
Pro Can handle larger laptops
The separate laptop compartment fits up to a 17" laptop.
Pro Easily fits under seats
The boxy design of the Tortuga means it can be easily stored under train or bus seats while traveling.
Pro Two carry handles for navigating busy areas
There are two padded carry handles, one at the top and another at the side. This makes it easy to carry the pack when you're navigating a tight place, like cramped aisles or busy subways.
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
Cons
Con Not great for shorter people
The torso fit for the Tortuga is 18"+, there is currently no version available for those with a shorter torso.
Con Unattractive design
The Tortuga is only available in one color and has a boxy shape that some people find unattractive.
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.
