Backpacking gear review: The peak-baggin', back-lovin' Kelty Pawnee 2700W pack

July 8, 9:16 AMMinneapolis Outdoor Recreation ExaminerMarie Malinowski

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The Kelty Pawnee 2700W Assault Pack

This pack actually made me giggle when I wore it to the top of Colorado's Mt. Elbert (14,433) this past weekend.

I had three requirements for a two-day backpack:

1) It had to be big enough to carry a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, fuel, change of clothes, food for two days, a tent, rain gear, fleece pants and jacket, basic emergency supplies, a book, basic toiletries, and an extra pair of socks.

2) It had to be small enough with which to bag a 14,000-foot peak. The idea being that I hike to treeline, set up camp, and climb the next day with only rain gear, cold-weather gear, snacks, water, and emergency supplies in the pack.

3) It had to feel like I wasn't a gainfully-employed Sherpa when I was climbing a peak.

You think I'm delusional don't you? That I've been drinking too much coca leaf tea?

Would you believe me if I said that a pack that fits all the requirements above does in fact exist? It does. The Kelty Pawnee 2700W.

Without a doubt, this women's-specific pack is the definitive two-day pack. With 2,700 cubic inches of space, it has ample room inside to store gear and a plethora of loops on which to attach the gear that won't fit inside. It also weighs only three pounds, eight ounces.

In true Kelty fashion, it's constructed of 600D polyester ripstop and 600D polyester oxford and 610D polyester Cordura reinforcement fabric. Short of a forest fire and intentional abuse that may or may not include sharp objects, this pack will survive the trials of Mother Nature and human nature.

It's hydration compatible, has side and load compression straps, ventilating waist belt and back panel, daisy chain, and mesh side pockets for carrying those vital necessities when trekking in the mountains: sun block, lip balm, and gloves. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Any quality pack on the market today is going to have that.

BUT, this pack is bi-loading! I just invented that word to describe the unification of the ever-and always-functional top-loading pack with the convenience of a front-loading pack. Stuff your gear in through the top, compress it with the straps, and when rain starts to fall, or the winds start to howl, you have fast and easy access to your gear through the top and a front panel.

ALSO, this pack actually conforms to my back due to the women's-specific adjustable suspension, shoulder straps, dual-density foam waist belt, load lifter, and stabilizer straps.

I admit that I've been slow to accept any gear that is marketed as "women's specific" because I suspect that it's just unisex gear in a pretty color with a little flower on it. Yes, the Pawnee comes in an attractive color, yes it has a little flower -but a tasteful one-and yes, it conforms to my back and waist better than my Alps Mountaineering multi-day pack-which, incidentally, I now consider a useless piece of gear.

If you're of the feminine persuasion and you want a functional, durable, smart, and comfortable two-day pack-that is cognizant of your unique anatomy-I have but two parting words: Kelty Pawnee.
 

For more info: Check out Kelty for their complete line of quality backpacks and other outdoor goodies.

Here I am with my Kelty Pawnee at the summit Mt. Elbert:

Me and my Pawnee signing the "guest register" at the summit of Mt. Elbert (those are my husband's legs in the background):