Kelty Glendale 85L - 105L Multiday Backpacking Pack for Thru Hiking | Adjustable Fit Plus Suspension | Shoulder Strap Pockets | Long Haul Travel Backpack (2023 Model, Pageant Blue, 85L) - Perfect for Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail & Multi-Day Wilderness Adventures

I recently acquired the Kelty [Model Name] backpack with high hopes of embarking on epic outdoor adventures. Known for their durability and functionality, Kelty is a reputable brand in the realm of outdoor gear. However, my experience with their backpack left me grappling with the age-old adage: bigger isn't always better.The first impression of the Kelty backpack was undoubtedly positive. The build quality, material, and overall design reflected the brand's commitment to crafting reliable outdoor equipment. The problem, however, surfaced when I realized just how large this backpack truly was. The first indicator was that my backpack had extra room that I had not utilized.The sheer size of the Kelty backpack turned out to be its Achilles' heel. Despite being an avid hiker and camper, the enormity of the bag made it impractical for my needs. The 105-liter capacity, proved to be excessive for my 3 month Asian excursion. The extra space led to a frustrating game of Tetris each time I packed, the bag would not correctly close because of the excess room.The oversized nature of the backpack also posed a problem in terms of weight distribution. When fully loaded, the bag felt unwieldy and threw off my balance, making me feel like a turtle with a shell that was just too big for its own good. Navigating through the frequent planes, trains, buses, and taxis was more than a little difficult.The other complaint I would have is that I prefer not to have the bottom of the bag open. While it is great for hikers to easily access their rain gear or some other item at the bottom of their pack, I don't really see the need to quickdraw a pancho. Traveling across Asia I was always concerned it would open and I not notice. I solved this with a Zipper lock, which I had to replace part of the zipper to use. I will most likely have it sewn up. I would say this is not a design flaw just something to be aware of.On a positive note, the quality of the materials and construction were consistent with Kelty's reputation. The backpack's durability stood the test of time, and the zippers, straps, and seams held up well under various conditions.I choose Kelty for comfort and for size. I tried on several different models, and Kelty was by far the best in terms of fit and comfort. It feels almost weightless. In hindsight, I wish I would have choose a lighter pack, but I would have gone with a Kelty.