Product Review: Kelty Redwing 32 Backpack

Kelty Redwing 32 Backpack

If you are a regular reader on this blog you may remember the reviews I did on the Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack (Product Review: Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack and UPDATED: Product Review - Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack) and that, while a nice bag, it did not suit my needs. I soon discovered that most of the camera bags/backpacks were lacking some of the basics - such as water bottle pockets. I did find them on the higher-end bags but they were priced outside my budget. I started looking at hiking backpacks and found the Kelty Redwing series. I decided on the Redwing 32 (pictured here with Kelty Range 2.0 trekking poles) in "twilight blue." For more information and specifications, follow the link to the Kelty website below.

First Impression

When I first opened the box I was quite happy - it is a good-looking bag with a lot of pockets for storage. There are two (2) outside pockets for carrying water which already put it head-and-shoulders above the Tamrac bag. The back is well padded, as are the shoulder straps but I would like to see the waist belt and sternum strap a bit more robust. The bag is well made, has plenty of pockets - inside and out - and the zippers work smoothly. There are "hidden" straps in the front of the bag for hanging miscellaneous items. One thing that is noticeably missing is the presence of "D"-rings on the shoulder straps. They aren't absolutely necessary but it is something I would like to have had, it makes it easier to have some things "at hand" when you need them - like a compass, emergency whistle, etc....

In The Field

I have been using the pack for a few months and love it. When I got the pack, I also got a medium storage box (Kelty) to hold my filters, filter holder and some small accessories. In the beginning, I put a folded sweatshirt in the bottom for padding and then used bubble wrap around my lenses and camera body to protect them. This worked but was rather awkward. I then searched B&H for inserts and found the Ape Case Cubeze QB39 Flexible Storage Cube (see link below.) This was perfect for holding two lenses and camera body.

The pack feels good on my back and allows me to carry everything I need for an afternoon out - including the tripod! There is not a dedicated "tripod holder", after all this pack isn't designed as a camera bag, but I am able to carry is on the side. I slide two legs behind of of the outside pockets and into one of the water bottle pockets. It isn't ideal but it works quite well. There are two (2) loops at the bottom of the pack, they are designed to hold trekking poles, and I think I can use one or both for the tripod. I will have to play around and will let you know in a follow-up if I have any success.

Final Thoughts

All in all, I love the pack. As I mentioned, a couple "D"-rings would be nice and better waist/sternum straps would help but there really isn't anything else I could think to improve on it's design. I do have some trouble getting my water bottles to stay but I am using bottles that it wasn't really designed for. I have Takeya 24oz and 32oz bottles - they fit nicely but they are a bit tall and since they are aluminum they slide out easily. They stay just fine while I am hiking but sometimes fall out when taking the pack off.

There is more than enough room for all of my gear, water, extra clothes and some food - everything I need for a full day of adventure and shooting. The bottom line is - I would highly recommend this bag to hikers and photographers alike! There are other sizes available if you need a smaller or larger bag.

Note: I receive no money from the sale or promotion of any of the items written about in this review. The opinions are mine and mine alone. I have not been paid to write this review or to endorse any of the products or companies.

For More Information & Where to Buy

Kelty Redwing 32 backpack - https://www.kelty.com/redwing-32/

Ape Case Cubeze QB39 Flexible Storage Cube @ B&H - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/903032-REG/Cubeze_QB39_Flexible_Storage_Cube_Yellow

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Product Review: Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack

Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack

On YouTube

I published a video review of the Tamrac Hoodoo 20 on my YouTube channel. In the video I show what I carry, how it fits and discuss it's features. You can check it out here - https://youtu.be/2VW10grRHgA

First Impression

When I opened the box and took the bag out I was struck by how nice it was. I have often seen images online or in catalogs and the item bore little resemblance in real life but this bag is exactly what is represented on the Tamrac website. The first thing I did was unzip every zipper to see how well they worked and to explore the inner workings of the bag. I have had a Tamrac 3537 shoulder back for about six (6) years and it has served me well, so I know the quality of Tamrac bags. Even so, the more I explored, the more impressed I was with how well made the Hoodoo is.

The camera compartment is well-padded and is pre-configured with six (6) spots for gear; it easily held my DSLR body, two lenses, binoculars and digital video camera with space for my 67mm polarizer (in a case) along with my Formatt-Hitech 85mm filter holder and two adapter rings. There is a zipper-pocket on the flap to hold a spare battery, lens cloth, lens brush, media cards and a few odds & ends.

Opening the top compartment gives you access to another zipper-pocket and a large, padded pocket in the back of the bag for a laptop or tablet. I used this space to put in a couple notepads that I like to carry with me. You can access the camera compartment through the top by unzipping the top of the camera bag but I'm not sure how often I would do this as it means removing whatever I am carrying in the top. Speaking of which, I have my Formatt-Hitech filters in their carrying case along with my camera raincover, a small, flexible tripod and small First Aid kit. There is an outer zipper-pocket on the top of the bag which is large enough to carry my camera owner's manual, a couple pens, business cards and a small, spiral notepad.

In The Field

I take my camera with me virtually everywhere and using the backpack makes it easy. When I go to and from the car, or other short distances, I don't wear it as a backpack but more like a shoulder bag - just on one shoulder. It is very comfortable and stays on my shoulder rather well. I have had other daypacks where it was a struggle to keep it from slipping off my shoulder but, so far, I have not experienced that with the Hoodoo.

The real test came about a week after I got the bag and I took it in the field. Well, technically it was in the woods. I went to one of my favorite hiking spots and hiked one of the "challenging" trails. The trail itself is one mile in length and can be a bit tough to navigate at times, a perfect test. I wanted to see how comfortable the pack was and how well balanced it was on my back. The Hoodoo performed like a champ. I had no trouble getting through some of the tough spots, even though the trail gets a bit narrow and it was so well balanced on my back it was like a natural extension.

I stopped along the trail a few times to take the pack off and do some shooting; it was on and off my back effortlessly and it's small footprint meant it was easy to find a place to put it down. Overall, it was quite a successful outing.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Customizable
• Comfortable, padded straps and back
• Sternum strap
• Well-built, should stand up to punishment
• Water-resistant
• Loop on top makes it easy to hang from a tripod

Cons

• Lacks external holder for water bottle
• Lacks "D"-rings or other method of attaching things
• Small upper compartment when camera bag is inside

Final Thoughts

The Hoodoo 20 comes in three (3) colors - Ocean (blue), Kiwi (green) and Pumpkin (orange). All three colors are nice and I got mine in kiwi. If you are looking for a reasonably priced (MSRP $131.95), mid-sized photography backpack, the Hoodoo 20 may be just what you are looking for. It is small enough to be used as carry-on luggage for a flight and big enough to carry whatever you may need for most of your photography day trips. It is also rugged enough to stand up to whatever you may throw at it. It is water-resistant not waterproof so you may want to carry protection if you think you may get caught in a storm.

Overall I am quite happy with the Hoodoo 20 but it does have a few shortcomings, however minor. The lack of at least one water holder and "D"-rings are two things I noticed immediately. When I am out hiking I don't want to have to carry anything in my hands but these are just minor inconveniences. The upper compartment, with camera bag in place, is not isolated from the bottom and so some things may slide down along the walls of the pack while walking. This happened while I was in the field testing, it wasn't a major problem, just an inconvenience. To combat this, I took an old cereal box and cut it to fit, making a small tray with sides that fit inside the compartment.

Manufacturers Specifications

Note: The specifications listed below were taken from the manufacturers website and are accurate as-of the writing of this review. They have not been independently verified by the reviewer

• External Dimensions - 11.5 x 16.5 x 6 in (29.5 x 43 x 15.5 cm)
• Internal Dimensions - 11 x 16.5 x 5.5 in (29 x 42.5 x 15 cm)
• Weight - 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg)
• 2x PU coating
• Optimized lightweight foams
• YKK® zippers
• Waxed canvas and ripstop fabrics
• Absolutely NO PVC

For More Information or To Buy

• Tamrac Hoodoo 20 kiwi @ Tamrac - click here
• Tamrac Hoodoo 20 kiwi @ Amazon - Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Backpack (Kiwi)

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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