Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s Review

First Impressions of Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s

The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s immediately caught my attention with its promise of inclusivity and comfort. Kelty, a brand synonymous with outdoor adventures, aims to provide a pack that fits “just about anyone” with its new Fit-Plus system. As someone who’s struggled to find perfectly fitting packs in the past, the Glendale’s adjustable torso and hip belt system was immediately appealing.

I was seeking a reliable, comfortable pack for multi-day backpacking trips, specifically designed for the female form. My primary issue was persistent discomfort with unisex or poorly designed women’s packs, leading to shoulder strain and hip belt slippage. The Glendale’s promise of an ergonomic, women-specific fit, coupled with ample storage and a robust frame, seemed like the perfect solution.

Upon unboxing, I was impressed with the overall design. The “Sea Spray” color is both attractive and functional, and the materials felt durable to the touch. The weight, at 4.75 lbs, seemed reasonable for a 65L pack.

Compared to my old Gregory Deva 60 and an Osprey Aura AG 65, the Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s seemed to prioritize adjustability and a wider range of fits. While the Gregory offered superior load transfer, and the Osprey boasted incredible ventilation, neither quite nailed the perfect fit for my body type. The Kelty won out due to its adjustable features and the brand’s commitment to inclusivity.

Initially, I was excited and optimistic. The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s felt like a thoughtful design, built with comfort and practicality in mind. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype on the trail.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s was a 3-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The terrain ranged from moderate forest trails to steeper, rocky inclines. The weather varied from sunny and warm to a brief but intense afternoon thunderstorm.

The pack performed admirably in varied conditions. The Polyester Oxford fabric shrugged off light rain, and the overall design kept the contents relatively dry during the downpour. Adjusting the Fit-Plus system was straightforward, allowing me to dial in a comfortable fit even with fluctuating load weights.

Using the Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s was intuitive. The pockets and compartments were logically placed, making it easy to access frequently used items. I did need a short adjustment period to find the optimal torso length and hip belt positioning, but once dialed in, it felt secure and comfortable.

The initial surprise was how well the frame handled a heavier load. I was carrying around 35 lbs, and the pack felt stable and balanced, without significant sagging or swaying.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple weekend backpacking trips and a week-long trek, the Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s has held up remarkably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear. The fabric hasn’t ripped or frayed, and the zippers continue to function smoothly.

The 300D Velocity and 600D Polyester Oxford materials have proven durable. I’ve encountered abrasive rocks and dense brush, but the pack shows minimal scuffing. I have noticed some minor dirt stains on the lighter-colored fabric, but they are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

Maintaining the Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s is simple. I typically wipe it down after each trip and occasionally use a mild detergent for more stubborn stains. The frame is sturdy and doesn’t require any special maintenance.

Compared to my previous packs, the Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s outperforms them in terms of adjustability and overall comfort for longer treks. While the Gregory Deva may have felt slightly more robust, the Kelty’s superior fit and thoughtful design make it my preferred choice for most backpacking adventures.

Breaking Down the Features of Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Kelty
• Size: One Size
• Gender: Female
• Weight: 4.75 lb
• Pack Application: Backpacking
• Pack Type: Backpack
• Capacity: 65 liters
• Pack Volume: 65 liters
• Color: Sea Spray
• Body Material: 300D Velocity
• Fabric/Material: 600D Polyester Oxford
• Pack Loading: Top

These specifications are crucial for understanding the pack’s capabilities. The 65-liter capacity offers ample space for multi-day trips, while the women-specific design ensures a comfortable and ergonomic fit. The durable materials (300D Velocity and 600D Polyester Oxford) guarantee longevity, and the lightweight construction (4.75 lbs) minimizes strain during extended use.

Performance & Functionality

The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s excels at its primary job: carrying gear comfortably and efficiently during backpacking trips. The Fit-Plus suspension system allows for fine-tuning the torso length and hip belt fit, accommodating a wide range of body types. The advanced perimeter frame and aluminum anti-barreling stay provide excellent stability and load management, even with heavier loads.

The pack’s strengths lie in its adjustability, comfort, and thoughtful organization. The dual stretch pockets on the shoulder harness are perfect for stashing snacks or a phone, while the hip-belt pockets provide easy access to essentials. The J-zip access to the main compartment and the dedicated tent pole pocket are clever additions. One weakness is that the 300D Velocity fabric might be more prone to abrasion than heavier denier fabrics in extremely rugged terrain.

The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s meets and slightly exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of a comfortable and customizable fit, and its well-thought-out design makes packing and accessing gear a breeze.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s boasts a well-considered design. The materials feel durable and high-quality, and the overall construction is robust. At 4.75 lbs, it strikes a good balance between weight and durability.

The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s is very user-friendly. The Fit-Plus adjustment system is intuitive, and the various pockets and compartments are logically organized. There is a slight learning curve in finding the perfect fit initially, but once dialed in, it’s a pleasure to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction suggest it will withstand years of use with proper care. I expect it to endure many more backpacking trips without significant issues.

Maintaining the pack is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient, and occasional use of a mild detergent can remove stubborn stains. The frame is low-maintenance and requires no special care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories, but its core features are well-executed. The dual-access water bottle pockets are a welcome addition, and the front stretch Shove-It pocket is perfect for stashing a rain jacket.

The Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s is compatible with most standard hydration reservoirs. You can attach trekking poles to the external loops and add aftermarket accessories like gear loops or compression straps to further customize the pack.

Pros and Cons of Kelty Glendale 65L Backpack – Women’s