Kelty Pawnee 3300 Backpack

Cheap Kelty Pawnee 3300 Backpack Review

I'm not sure why there are no reviews for this product. I'm quite happy with it. I was looking for a bag bigger than 3100 cubic inches but not TOO big (under 3600). The Pawnee 3300 fits that niche quite well. It is well made, with nice padding and the standard amount of adjusting straps to help you carry your load with minimal effort. Kelty is a pretty big name after all.

My only complaint is its lack of dedicated pockets. This backpack basically consists of one large vertical pocket with a decent size front pocket. You could use the very top hood part, which is meant to be used to hold your hydration pack, as a third pocket.

Kelty Pawnee 3300 Backpack Feature

• 3,300-cubic-inch backpack with top-loading main compartment and front-panel access
• Top-loading main compartment, large front pocket, and mesh water bottle pockets
• Lightbeam stay evenly distributes load; S-shaped shoulder straps
• Hydration-compatible; cross-ventilation system within waist belt
• Measures 14 by 32 by 14.5 inches (W x H x D); weighs 3 pounds 9 ounces

Kelty Pawnee 3300 Backpack Specifications

Designed for the overnight backpacker or the day hiker who goes long, the top-loading Pawnee 3300 backpack keeps you moving in comfort and style. The Pawnee 3300 is built with ergonomic comfort in mind, with a single Lightbeam stay that evenly distributes the pack's load, S-shaped shoulder straps that contour to the body without rubbing or chaffing, and dual stabilizer straps that keep the pack's weight from shifting. As a result, both you and your pack will hold up as the day progresses. The pack is also incredibly sturdy, with a body made of 600-denier polyester ripstop and 600-denier polyester oxford and a reinforcement fabric made of 610-denier polyester cordura. And as with the best modern packs, the Pawnee is hydration compatible, so you can easily satiate your thirst while on the move.

Perhaps the most important feature, however, is the ample amount of storage space. The 3,300-cubic-inch pack includes such chambers as a top-loading main compartment with front-panel access, a large front pocket, and mesh water bottle pockets. Other details include cross-ventilation system within the waist belt, back panel, and shoulder straps; a reservoir sleeve; side and load compression straps; a spindrift collar; an ice-axe loop; lash tabs; a key fob; and a carrying handle.

The Pawnee 3300 measures 14 by 32 by 14.5 inches (W x H x D), weighs 3 pounds 9 ounces, and fits torsos in the range of 18.5 to 21 inches. All Kelty packs carry a one-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship.

Amazon.com Backpack Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:

Internal vs. External
Up until late 1970's, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.

The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.

There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.

External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.

If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.

Packs for Shorter Trips
In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.

Sizes and Capacities
Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.

Kelty Pawnee 3300 Backpack Overview

For the overnight backpacker or the day hiker who goes long, the top-loading Pawnee keeps you moving in comfrot and style. Features include a single aluminum LightBeam II stay and Kelty's PE sheet suspension with ventilating waist belt, backpanel, and shoulder straps.



*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 02, 2010 01:58:07