Kelty Zephyr

Review Date
May 16, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.75 of 5, 4 votes

Reviewed by: Alan B ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $50.00 at www.outdooroutlet.co

Summary:
A friend and I bought a pair of Zephyr 2nds for dayhiking and overnight backpacking trips. At first I was puzzled it was so much larger than my old 2400 ci Lowe daypack. Turns out Outdooroutlet was selling 2003 models but listed them with the older models specs. The newer model I got was larger, 3200 ci vs. 2750 ci, and had an arch rod suspension instead of aluminum stays. So far I've used it for 3 dayhikes and 4 weekend backpacking trips and I'm very satisfied. I've carried 20-35 lbs with it and as long as I load it properly with the heavy items centered against my back it carries great. Some reviewers experienced sore shoulders or hips, I haven't had any similiar problems. Another complained of the shoulder straps rubbing their neck, but I have a fairly large neck size (16 1/2") and haven't noticed any problems. Since the other reviews are several years old I think the problems have been eliminated in the ones made after 2002. I have a friend who had a Kelty Haiku and we swapped packs on a weekend trip. He liked the Zephyr so much he bought one also. All in all I think the Zephyr is a great value for the price I paid.

Customer Service:
Haven't needed it so far

Similar Products Used:
Lowe Alpine Contour 40, Mountainsmith Wraith

Review Date
July 31, 2002

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.36 of 5, 11 votes

Reviewed by: Erin (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This is the absolute worst pack I've ever had. Yes, it is cheap, and yes, it is cheaply made. I borrowed one from a friend in top condition, the very first day I had huge bruises on my hips. The pack does not have good support or padding, and what padding it does have just digs into the skin to add to injury. all of the belts slip continuously and if you have a small torso, it even come close to fitting. If you're a female, this pack is probably the worst thing to buy because the shoulders don't fit even though it claims to be a unisex pack. All in all, if you want torture, this is the right pack for you.

Review Date
September 27, 1999

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Tom(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from NJ

Summary:
I love this pack for its features (esp. the outer zipper pocket which nicely holds a water bladder). However, as a taller hiker (6'2""), the Zephyr is a little too short for my torso. Not enough weight rested on my waist, and my shoulders got very sore on a long day hike. Why this is a ""one size only"" pack I don't know. Other Kelty's are sized... For a less-tall hiker, I'd recommend it over any others I've tried, however. Have fun!

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
September 11, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Jennifer(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Brooklyn

Summary:
This pack is real tough and a great buy. You can fit more than you'll ever need for a weekend backpacking trip. The only complaints I have is that the back straps are a little narrow at the top so it may irritate your neck when traveling by bike. The bottom of the bag isn't really water resistant. But over all, it is definitely worth the money.

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
I've tried out some REI and EMS packs but felt most were out of my price range

Review Date
June 15, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Maximilian Opheim(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Stephenson Virginia USA

Summary:
This is the best pack I have ever used for school or travel such as by a plane. It is also a great pack for simple crag climbs. Biking is also a good use for this bag. The one problem with it is that its shoulder straps rub against your neck after a little while. Other than that it holds everything you could possibly need for at least two days.

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
I have experience with several KELTY tents and they are all pretty reliable. Also the Trekker external frame pack is a great economically sound pack. The Kodiak sleeping bag is an excellent value.