Kelty Redwing 50 vs 44: What Are The Differences?

The Kelty Redwing line is very popular for those looking for a rugged backpack. These backpacks are made of high-quality materials that are highly durable and long-lasting.

For those who are looking for a backpack that will last for several years and will not tear easily, the Kelty Redwing line is a wonderful option. But some outdoor enthusiasts are confused as to which model they should actually buy.

Indeed, all of the models in the Redwing line are very similar to one another. Just by looking at the feature pages on the Kelty website, you can see that the features outlined for both Redwing 50 and the Redwing 40 are identical.

So what are the differences between these two Kelty Redwing Backpacks and how do you decide which one you are going to purchase? This is the question that we are going to try to answer. And this review, we are going to make a comparison between the Redwing 44 vs 50.

Kelty Redwing 50 vs 44

Preview
Kelty Redwing 50
Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical, Black, One Size (T2615217BK)
Kelty Redwing 44
Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical, Black
Title
Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical, Black, One Size (T2615217BK)
Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical, Black
Price
$139.95
Price not available
Volume
50 L
44 L
Dimensions
27" x 18" x 10"
24" x 12" x 16"
Weight
3 lbs 4 oz
3 lbs 12 oz
Frame
Spring Steel + HDPE
HDPE frame sheet
Suspension
AMP-Flow ventilated back panel
Hex Mesh back panel
Features
FIT-Pro quick + easy torso adjustment system
Removable waistbelt
More Information
Kelty Redwing 50
Preview
Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical, Black, One Size (T2615217BK)
Title
Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical, Black, One Size (T2615217BK)
Price
$139.95
Volume
50 L
Dimensions
27" x 18" x 10"
Weight
3 lbs 4 oz
Frame
Spring Steel + HDPE
Suspension
AMP-Flow ventilated back panel
Features
FIT-Pro quick + easy torso adjustment system
More Information
Kelty Redwing 44
Preview
Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical, Black
Title
Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical, Black
Price
Price not available
Volume
44 L
Dimensions
24" x 12" x 16"
Weight
3 lbs 12 oz
Frame
HDPE frame sheet
Suspension
Hex Mesh back panel
Features
Removable waistbelt
More Information

What the Redwing 50 and the Redwing 44 Have in Common

Both the Redwing backpacks’ features allow you to take it through a very rugged adventure. They have plenty of stash pockets, as well as side compression straps to keep your content stable.

Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical, Black, One Size (T2615217BK)

If you are going to be trekking with some poles or an ice ax, they both have loops to hold either one of those tools. They have water bottle pockets and a laptop sleeve that also doubles as a hydration sleeve.

As you can see, these backpacks are very versatile. Is not difficult to see why the Kelty Redwing line is so popular. Some say that they are the best backpacks that they have ever had.

But you want to know what makes them different. Moreover, you want to know how to make your purchasing decision. And this is what we are going to cover in the next section.

Kelty Redwing 50 vs 44: The Differences 

The Kelty Redwing 50, being the largest of the two, also weighs 1 pound heavier than the Kelty 40. While this is not a very big difference for most, many light backpackers are very stringent about the amount of weight that they carry. Some feel that they should not carry more weight unless absolutely necessary.

Size Difference and its Implications

The Kelty Redwing 50 being the heaviest is not the biggest consideration here. In fact, the biggest difference between these two backpacks is that the Redwing 50 has more gear capacity. As suggested by the model name, the Redwing 44 allows for 44 liters of gear. The Redwing 50 allows for 51 liters of gear despite the name. So overall, the Redwing 50 has 7 litres more gear capacity.

Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical, Black, One Size (T2615217BK)

The biggest question to ask in deciding between these two backpacks is whether you really need more room. To answer this question, consider the fact that most daypacks have a gear capacity of around 35 liters. Since the Redwing line is meant for weekend use, it is allowable to have a backpack that has a gear capacity of up to 51 liters. However, 51 liters is rather bulky compared to 44 liters. Another consideration is the fact that while some may get away with using the 44-liter backpack as a carry-on, it will be much more difficult to get away with it with a 51-liter backpack.

Content Security

One difference that is often missed between these two backpacks is the fact that the Redwing 44 does not have a zipper locking mechanism. This means that it will be less secure to carry your items on a public transit system, such as a travel bus or an airplane.

Since the Redwing 50 has a locking mechanism on its zippers, you can rest assured that it will be more difficult for a random person to pick up your bag and open your pocket to steal your items.

Differences in Specifications

To truly get an overview of the differences between the size of these two backpacks, it is great to take a look at the specifications in comparison. Here they are below:

Kelty Redwing 44:

  • Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz / 1.2 kg
  • Torso Fit Range: 14.5 – 18.5 in / 37 – 47 cm
  • Dimensions: 25 x 15 x 12 in / 64 x 38 x 30 cm

Kelty Redwing 50:

  • Weight: 3 lbs 11 oz / 1.66 kg
  • Torso Fit Range: 15.5 – 21 in / 39 – 53 cm
  • Dimensions: 26 x 16 x 12 in / 66 x 41 x 30 cm

As you can see in looking at the torso fit range, the Redwing 44 may be more comfortable on a shorter person than the Redwing 50. It would be a good idea to measure the length of your torso if you feel that you are at an extreme in terms of height.

Kelty Redwing 50 vs 44: Price Differences

If you would like to know the price difference between these two backpacks, please follow the links below:

The Verdict

Kelty Redwing backpacks are made to be lightweight and very rugged. You can use them in harsh conditions and expect them to remain intact longer than most other backpacks on the market.

When you are looking at the differences between the Redwing 50 and the Redwing 44, the biggest one to consider is the size. Many customers do not feel that they need a backpack that is 51 liters. 51 liters does teeter on it being a bit too large for daily use. But if you want to carry more items than a light backpacker would for two days, the Kelty Redwing 50 might just be for you.

Also, keep in mind that the Redwing 50 does have locking capability for the zippers while the Redwing 44 does not. For some, this is a very important consideration if they are going to commute on public transit.

Which of these backpacks is best for you? Please leave your comment below and help others who are trying to make the same decision.

1 thought on “Kelty Redwing 50 vs 44: What Are The Differences?”

  1. You over looked a SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE between the two: the 50 has adjustable torso length capability; the 44 is fixed, not torso adjustable. I own the 44 which I use without the belt for general travel and buying the 50 for hiking travel. also the side pockets on the 50 are significantly larger, enough to hold 24oz water bottle and zip closed. The 44 side pockets will not zip closed with 24oz inside. Both have removable waist belts. Niether have a built in rain cover.

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