Kelty Redwing Goes Tactical 

I used two ALICE water bottle pouches with cups and lids (no stoves) in those side pouches with the compression straps running through the ALICE clips for 100% security. Works great.

Kelty's statement re: the "canteen pouch"... "your welcome to put anything you'd like in that poket, however its designed to cup the buttstock of a shotgun or rifle"

This comparison is outstanding. Very thankful! Hopefully I can find a store with both, because it sounds like they fit a bit differently.

Looks very tempting. I think I'll stick to the hiking version I've had for years. They should make the side pockets solid on the hiking versionlike the tac version rather than the weakish mesh they use. I do prefer the depth of the mesh version though, the shallowness on the tac version seems a little iffy and I never use canteens. The velcro attachment panel inside is great, like my EDC Gamut. Still not enough for me to 'upgrade' (crossgrade?) As I've started using the Penn fishing tackle roll out bag which is like a poor mans Bug out Roll for internal instant grab /roll out organisation. (see Canadian preppers rolls).

Nice review. Having an older redwing 50 it has some features of both but not the MOLLE. I prefer the adjustable torso length but if it fits that’s a good deal.

I have a Kelty Tactical 4000 I've owned for a few years. It's fantastic but for the price point I think there's better options on the market. I'm not a fan of their QC but their customer service is phenomenal. I've never came across their tactical line in stores so I appreciate the upload.

Nice pack. I was surprised that you were carrying axe with the head at the top of the pack. If you slide the entire axe through the bottom loop and flip the handle upward, the loop supports the weight of the axe and provides a lower center of gravity.

This looks like the older version, which I love! I couldn’t get the new one to fit well. This one looks really promising. Thanks Aaron.

I have 3 Kelty packs 1. A pre 2015 Redwing 50 2. A Redcloud 110 3. Redwing 50 Tactical I LOVE all 3. Best packs I've EVER owned. IMO Kelty make the best packs for the money. All 3 are comfortable and have plenty of storage. Just got back from a month long Idaho trip and the Redcloud and Tactical performed flawlessly. Great review. I've had the Tactical since it was first available and there weren't a lot of reviews when I bought it. Spray them with some Scotchguard and they stay dry in the snow and rain.

Excellent review and comparison. I wasn't sure which one to get so ordered both and will return one. I want to take it as a carry-on and wasn't sure about the actual sizes. Outside measurements of the rigid back panel on the backpack version is 24" x 12 while the tactical version is slightly smaller at about 23.5 x 12". While slightly taller than the 22" max on US airlines, I think it should be ok to carry on. Width and height should be within 14" and 9" depending on how much you pack inside. I have a 40" waist and not much room to spare with the hip belt on the backpack version. It may fit a 42" waist. The tactical version has more room and should be able to fit in a 44" waist. I am 6'2" 240 lbs and the tactical version fits perfectly. But I think it won't be a good fit if you have a shorter torso. The backpack version fits me good as well. From the shoulder harness to the bottom of the waist belt measures between 18.5 to 21" inches thanks to the back panel slider adjustment. The tactical version is fixed 22.5". The backpack version is nice but the tactical version just seems stronger built. The grey color is actually a grey green and just looks great. It seems to blend in on the street and in the woods which I like. I have never served but the tactical version is the one for me. Hope this info will help others who may be looking for measurements.

I realize this video is 3yr old but the new tactical version is verrrry similar to the version that preceded your 2015 hiking model. The pre-2015 version actually has most of the differences you highlighted such as the webbing on the hip belt, no beaver tail pouch, and the exposed aluminum stay. Regardless, thanks for the review, great video!

Their website says gray, but it almost looks like a subdued foliage green. Their tan is a bit bright for my preference, so may have to pick up one in gray

Been waiting forever for that color to come back in stock...

FYI, I’m pretty sure those are not meant to be water bottle pouches... I’m not trying to come off as condescending, but they are most likely meant for securing stuff like the buttstock of a weapon or a hatchet that is run through like you have your saw but with the head secured in that draw string pouch, or tactical litters, and such. In tactical situations I’d never put my water bottles there. They’re always secured in those side zip pockets. I own an old style tactical version and one like this in green. They’ve both seen active duty and I have to say that the newest version is the bee’s knee’s. I like the more durable shoulder strap and sternum strap because once you get them adjusted you can forget about messing with it. My body armor and mag rig fit great and stay permanently attached. Props to your channel. Good dude... good information. My friends and I were given a bunch of them for deployment and we like them. Especially since they were free. I bought each of my kids one though, for family backpacking trips.

Just bought myself a Kelty Redwing 32 on my trip to Colorado...wish I knew they were offering tactical option now! Oh well still love my pack.

Seems they've moved production back to the US. Kelty's website says made in USA, so I hope that's correct.

I bought it because of this video..i have the red wing 36,for airport and this will be for NYC to bear mountain!

Thanks for the thorough review my dude, I have an older Redwing 44 & this review helped convince me to upgrade to the 50 tactical.

Thank you so very much, your review just helped me to find the backpack I have been looking for and spending hours trying to find the right pack for needs.

Just snap that loop of shockcord around the necklace of a bottle to hold it down. If not long enough loop another piece around the existing shockcord to lengthen it.

Have a 32 and a 50 redwings love them, use them alot.

Just tried on this pack and it pinches around my trapezius. I tried adjusting the straps in many ways but because they are so close and flat they dig in pretty bad. If they had some angle to them so that the inside part of the strap was higher than the outside then it may not be so bad. After trying this bag out I can't stress enough to try it before buying it.

Really like that color.

Great in depth review as always Aaron I look forward to Saturdays with your 2 for 1 . And IMO your channel is better than the King of clickbait

great looking pack, but what is up with that water bottle holder!!??

Impossible to find in stock

Have you tried the Redwing Tactical with body armor/plate carrier on? You mentioned a couple of times the pack "attached" to body armor, could you go into that a little more? The pack is meant to actually attach to plate carriers or worn over the plate carrier. A 50 liter pack, I can see not needing a quick release with the shoulder straps. I have always really liked the Redwing line and kind of sorry I sold off my Redwing 50 a year ago and switched to an Osprey. Nothing wrong with an Osprey, I like them fine, just nothing like a good old Redwing 50 for the weekend trips.

I've had a regular redwing for probably 12 years. Such a nice pack. I might get a tactical one cuz the mesh pockets of mine are getting holy.

Green handled folding saw in the side pocket? Really appreciate your reviews...

Wow. Great video. Thank you 😊

Your reviews are great I plan on doing more camping and hiking when I get back the info you put out is very helpful. What model of drone do you use? May God continue to bless you and your family.

Another awesome video. I enjoyed the videography, as well as the review. Thanks Brother

I have a MAP 3500 in foliage. Looks like with the 500D version of the Redwing, I might be looking to add to my pack collection. Love it, but the backpacking version of the Redwing just isn't as durable.

A rockin' review. Thanks Aaron!

Seriously, water bottle pouch? That’s definitely meant for rifle butts, not water. We use hydration pouches, like camelbacks, not canteens. This isn’t 1950 bro. The lashing strip down the back is meant for attaching machine gun tripods to the pack.

Hey Gideon, love your channel. It looks like there are different versions of Redwing 50 Tactical. Amron International sells this pack (and they are cheaper there) and it looks like the water bottle pockets on the sides are different from the pack you have. In fact, they look pretty similar to the previous generation of Redwings. Perhaps they simply have yet to update their pictures of the pack? Thanks for the vid.

Have you experienced yellowing of the pack? I like the gray but I’m just afraid it’ll yellow over time.

I had a look at this pack on Amazon and the (tactical grey) colour-way looks very white/beige whereas your one in the video looks darker and almost green... maybe a foliage green kind of colour. I like the look of it in the video but not so much online, would you say it is more greeny grey in the flesh?

Which would you like better for 5-10 mile day hikes the Redwing 32 (backpack or tactical) or the Mountainsmith Approach 25

Thanks for the review. Could you see the smaller 44L tactical Kelty pack as an EDC? How does the smaller version compare to the Vertx EDC Ready pack? This could be another good video for review.

Is the hip belt removable on either version? I’m looking for Day hike pack that I can use for 6-8 hours. It must have pockets for water bottles. I’m struggling to find the right pack... Any recommendations? Thanks for your reviews.

good review man. I would stick with the backpacking version. I can't stand it when my water bottles fall out of the pocket. The tactical version has really shallow pockets. Its all about the pockets. thanks man.

What "color" is the version if the Redwing 50 tactical in your video. I found that the sample photos originally on Kelty's site didn't seem to really represent the colors they listed.

Hello, great preview, but which one You recommend for general use (50% travel/50% trail): Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical or Mystery Ranch Scree 32 ? :-)

Could you please tell me how you mounted the axe on the backpack? Looks super cool, Thanks

Nice pack, thank you for review. Did you saw a new Kelty Peregrine 1800? Can you compare it with an older model (which I know you have)?

Hey man, what's is the weight like of the backpack.. I bought a hunting backpack also rigid as hell.. but it is pretty heavy even when empty..

Is that the tactical grey color on the tactical version?

Do you still recommend the redwing tactical for a big out bag for long term use

Hi. I actually recently bought the Redwing 44 tactical. How do I take off the belt harness? Or does it even come off? I can’t find anything about this.

Is that the Tactical Grey coloration?

I love my falcon 66

How to remove the hip belt. Mines does not come out at all

Great packs.

How would you compare this to the Vanquest Marhkor 45?

Thanks man👍

how is the back sweat on this in the summer sun?

Can you please review a tomahawk from Cold Steel.

Aaron, what max weight do you carry in the 50 liter

Excellent review. 👍🏻

Hey Gideon I'm a new subscriber and I just picked up the Kelty Tactical Redwing 50 for overnight adventures. I'm 6ft 175 lbs and 21 inch torso I can't get this pack to fit right, shoulder straps rub my neck and shoulder straps to drape on my shoulders but stand above any suggestion on adjusting it properly? Thanks

It's the exact same thing as the other Kelty Redwing 50, just tougher. 😄 tactical my ass

What axe/hatchet were you carrying in the bag?

I think every bag you do is the "greatest of all time" lol

$500 and the only difference is where it was made???? I'm all about buying domestic, but come on now.....

Really nice looking pack, but why call it the Redwing ? Give it a different name entirely surely. Oh, and $500 for USA made ? Wow, you guys must earn a fortune in wages over there ! Seriously, what justifies $500 ?

It doesn't attach to body armor, it's designed to be able to be worn over body armor.

Needs more molle and who uses canteens

1. For international travel, a tactical look can make a traveler look like military or former military and attract unwanted attention. Soldiers can't avoid that, but civilians can. Heck in many countries it's better to be "Canadian" than "American." 2. I think anyone can buy tactical gear for its functionality, but there's a risk of seeming like a fanboy or a fake if you haven't actually served. I would avoid obvious tactical gear just out of respect for those who have served, since I haven't. That having been said, the thicker fabric is helpful for travelers who have to occasionally check their bag as luggage, mesh bottle pockets on the civilian version are more vulnerable to damage whether in overhead or cargo, and lower sheen fabric is nicer. In terms of survivalists and BOB's, it doesn't seem like there is anything out there that would be better than these tactical Redwings for an urban family looking for a kit bag for each family member to get out of the urban center in case something goes badly wrong. BTW single-bag recreational travel is the most fun way to learn what we need in terms of a BOB. If you can travel with everything you need for a comfortable overseas vacay with "one" bag, you should be fine relocating from an emergency zone to a safety zone domestically.

Man i hate the waterbottle pouches on kelty bp's even the coyote one is weird

watching this for travel. hmmm, I wonder if they'll let me in the flight w/ a machete

UGH! You make me want to NOT buy nalgene products

Tactical? No beaver tail, hard to adjust load lifters, no bladder hanger, no multicam, etc!!!!! Meh.

Hey Gideon I'm a new subscriber and I just picked up the Kelty Tactical Redwing 50 for overnight adventures. I'm 6ft 175 lbs and 21 inch torso I can't get this pack to fit right, shoulder straps rub my neck and shoulder straps to drape on my shoulders but stand above any suggestion on adjusting it properly? Thanks

Hey Gideon I'm a new subscriber and I just picked up the Kelty Tactical Redwing 50 for overnight adventures. I'm 6ft 175 lbs and 21 inch torso I can't get this pack to fit right, shoulder straps rub my neck and shoulder straps don't drape on my shoulders but stand above any suggestion on adjusting it properly? Thanks