Kelty Trekker

Review Date
August 6, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $110.00

Summary:
Excellent. Cool in hot weather. Not sweaty in cold. Roomy. Comfortable. Has stood the test of time.

Similar Products Used:
Various internals. Older Kelty.

Review Date
June 15, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: arnoldob(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Tampa, FL

Price Paid:  $109.00 at REI

Summary:
I've had my Trekker for 4 years. I bought it because I couldn't afford $300 for a good internal frame. I've taken it on trips from 2 to 10 days long and never looked back. I usually hike the Appalachian Trail in GA and NC, also the Ocala NF in Florida. I like the way it can carry big loads comfortably when bringing the kids along. It has a built in hydration pocket and outlet, fully adjustable suspension and plenty of internal space. The external pocket are very useful for organizing frequently needed items. Since most of my hiking is in the Southeast I like the warm weather comfort of external frame packs. I had the squeaking problem the first time out, but fixed it immediately with a strategic application of some chap stick on the spot. The only pack I might consider as a replacement is the Kelty 50th Anniversary External Frame Pack, but it costs more than twice as much as my well-used Trekker. Unless you're bush wacking a new trail (big environmental no-no) or climbing go with an external frame pack. This pack currently sells for about $100 at campmor.com and is more comfortable than some $300 internal frame packs I've tried. Unless you're a gear snob and like to spend money to show off, save your money, be more comfortable, get an external.

Customer Service:
I had a 2 problems. The mesh back panel frayed and a plastic buckle broke. I had to pay $10.50 for the mesh panel from Kelty. I think they should have replaced it at their cost. I fixed the buckle myself. Kelty offered to do it (you pay for shipping one way) but would have taken a couple of weeks to get it back and I needed it for a trip. They could learn a thing or two from Sierra Designs or MSR customer suppport.

Similar Products Used:
Borrowed some other suckey no-name external frame pack, hated it. Got the Trekker for the next trip out. Recently I tried on 4 different internal frame packs (some cost 3 times as much), but I like th

Review Date
July 10, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Dave (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Salt Lake

Price Paid:  $105.00

Summary:
I love this pack I used at least a dozen times. My favorite part is comfortable and does not fell like an external frame.
I have two internal frames but I prefer this one. It is a great deal.

Similar Products Used:
rokk rei

Review Date
February 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Juan(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Ecuador

Price Paid:  $70.00

Summary:
This was my first backpack and I used in a big expedition to the Llanganatis. I put 100 pounds in it and It works perfect. it was pretty confortable. fro the 10 days that I was there I didnt experiment any problem at all !!! really good fro long backpacking trips !!
Juan

Similar Products Used:
kelty coyotee ,gregory

Review Date
December 7, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: ben moore(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from springfield, mo, usa

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Bass Pro Shops

Summary:
Probably one of the best introductory external frame packs on the market. I've used it anywhere from day hikes to thirty milers and it does it all. It is infinitely adjustable, and has worn well. Hard to beat in my books.

Customer Service:
Kelty has never let me down. I'm in the process of buying a Slickrock internal frame pack in the next week and I'll let you know how it goes.

Similar Products Used:
REI, Dana Designs