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  • #1

    New Pack for BOB

    After some long time researching and getting recommendations from friends, I purchased a Kelty Redwing 50 for the basis of a bug out bag. Never having been into hiking or the like, I've never owned a quality bag. I am amazed how well it's built. Has anyone had any long term experience with an internal frame Kelty?

    Also, I've been getting mixed opinions on BOB color. "Stay away from military colors, it makes you a target." "You can't hide with a red bag." "Black is the best color for a BOB." "Stay away from tacti-cool black."

    I ended up getting the cypress. It's a light, drab green. It seemed like the best compromise.
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  • #2
    Originally posted by Godcopp View Post
    Also, I've been getting mixed opinions on BOB color. "Stay away from military colors, it makes you a target." "You can't hide with a red bag." "Black is the best color for a BOB." "Stay away from tacti-cool black."

    I ended up getting the cypress. It's a light, drab green. It seemed like the best compromise.
    From another of my threads. Pack color/style does not make you any more of a target than having the pack itself. It doesn't matter if it's an olive drab ALICE pack, black Jansport bookbag or a mango-mocha-sunrise surprise orange Mountain Smith. All that matters is your bag has "stuff" in it and if someone wants that "stuff" it doesn't matter what color it is. If someone wants your "stuff" bad enough, you will get attacked and it doesn't matter if you are carrying a tacticool Multicam Kifaru pack or a blaze orange Deuter. Just my opinion on the matter.

    Having said that, Protus is the person who has the most experience with Kelty on here and your pack color is neutral enough to blend in to both a sheeple environment or be decent enough for a woodland environment.
    Experience is a cruel teacher, gives the exam first and then the lesson.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Grand58742 View Post
      From another of my threads. Pack color/style does not make you any more of a target than having the pack itself. It doesn't matter if it's an olive drab ALICE pack, black Jansport bookbag or a mango-mocha-sunrise surprise orange Mountain Smith. All that matters is your bag has "stuff" in it and if someone wants that "stuff" it doesn't matter what color it is. If someone wants your "stuff" bad enough, you will get attacked and it doesn't matter if you are carrying a tacticool Multicam Kifaru pack or a blaze orange Deuter. Just my opinion on the matter.

      Having said that, Protus is the person who has the most experience with Kelty on here and your pack color is neutral enough to blend in to both a sheeple environment or be decent enough for a woodland environment.
      My thoughts for the most part as well. People spend way to much time worrying about the color, and not enough about the quality, comfort, durability, whats going in it, how to use it, etc.... Personally, I stick with browns, greens, and tans. No black, red, orange, yellow, blue, etc.... Contrary to what some think, those do draw attention.

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      • #4
        3100 ci is kinda small for a year round BOB imho. Now. that doesnt mean that it cant be used as one- well...becuase your BO route only may be 10 miles and not 100.

        With the suspension on that ruck your not looking at super heady loads. Its a frame sheet with a built in alum. stay. It should do fine with 30lbs or so , but that is it before comfort and support become issues.

        The best deal is to load it up, pack it, use it.

        One thing folks need to remeber is a pack is like a shoe, if it doesnt fit or isnt the right shoe( using a dress shoe to play tennis), there will be issues.

        As to quality. Kelty makes great mid level priced gear. I have yet to have any issues with my kelty gear..
        Hey Petunia...you dropped your man pad!

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        • #5
          The color of the pack for hiding is not important except in the theory of hiding in plain sight. A bag whose color allows you to walk around looking like a college student and blend in with everyone else is a better camouflage than one that makes you stand out in a crowd.

          For hiding in the bush, make a ghillie cover from some netting and a bungie or draw cord. When in amongst everyday civilians, you won't be noticed for having a super tactical pack, yet when you hit the woods, put the cover on and the color of the pack is irrevelant.

          Much more important is the durability, size, and ability to carry what you need suitably and comfortably enough that you can get out of Dodge and to a safe location.

          -KW

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          • #6
            Originally posted by protus View Post
            3100 ci is kinda small for a year round BOB imho. Now. that doesnt mean that it cant be used as one- well...becuase your BO route only may be 10 miles and not 100.
            I should have used a more correct term. This is actually a get home bag. Work to home, where I will bug-in, is 35 miles. Probably a 2 day walk for me. This pack will stay in the car when I'm at work.

            Thanks everyone for the responses, maybe I accidentally did OK.

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            • #7
              I've got the 3100 cu in Kelty Redwing and I've used it many times already for hiking, camping, and even for a trip for my wedding up in Missouri a couple weeks ago.
              So far, I have packed my Kelty with about 45lbs of weight and it worked just fine... albeit, a little on the heavy side. I figured out that I didn't adjust all of the straps correctly though or have the waist support set high enough. It fits great now though! I have the all-black color pack which I feel is perfect. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy your pack...

              Bran <><
              Rom. 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

              Rom. 10:10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

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              • #8
                I used a Kelty redwing for years (since '85) it went on several deployments with me and performed well. The stitching along the top storm flap finally tore out. I replaced it with a Deuter 42 futura Pro, just because of the suspension system. Your Kelty should do fine.
                Survival question. What do I need most, right now?

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                • #9
                  I worked for years to get the 'perfect BOB. and then something happened. Not only did I get old but was in a car accident - rear ended and severely imjured my back - I could no longer carry my bag for more than half an hour withot beiing in such pain that I could only move about a mile at best and then couldn't walk. Had to make some changes really fast.

                  I found a fold up light weight luggage carrier at wal-mart and with the additions of bungee chords was able to attach the BOB to that and rig up a harness to pull it with. Not the most elete solution but the wheels are more robust than changing over to a suitcase with wheels and if it gains me the ability to get home, or where ever, it works.

                  Having all the gear needed does you no good if you can't take it with you. Don't wait until you are old and infirm to figure out what you will do if you are 10 years older and/or injured and mobility is an issue when TSHTF.

                  DM

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by DustMusher View Post
                    I worked for years to get the 'perfect BOB. and then something happened. Not only did I get old but was in a car accident - rear ended and severely imjured my back - I could no longer carry my bag for more than half an hour withot beiing in such pain that I could only move about a mile at best and then couldn't walk. Had to make some changes really fast.

                    I found a fold up light weight luggage carrier at wal-mart and with the additions of bungee chords was able to attach the BOB to that and rig up a harness to pull it with. Not the most elete solution but the wheels are more robust than changing over to a suitcase with wheels and if it gains me the ability to get home, or where ever, it works.

                    Having all the gear needed does you no good if you can't take it with you. Don't wait until you are old and infirm to figure out what you will do if you are 10 years older and/or injured and mobility is an issue when TSHTF.

                    DM
                    That Rocks!
                    Knowledge is Power, Practiced Knowledge is Strength, Tested Knowledge is Confidence

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by DustMusher View Post
                      Don't wait until you are old and infirm to figure out what you will do if you are 10 years older and/or injured and mobility is an issue when TSHTF.

                      DM
                      Isn't that why we have kids, so that they can carry our BOBs when we get to the point we can't?

                      Wow, metaphorically, that is true in a number of ways.

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