Welcome back to another gear review, everyone! I wanted to give you all my impressions on a lightweight daypack that I’ve been excited to test for a while…The Ruckus 28L Roll Top by Kelty.
Kelty Ruckus Roll Top 28 Review
Using the Kelty Ruckus
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Kelty Ruckus for day hikes and lightweight adventuring. As you’ll notice if you’ve been following me for awhile, this a relatively small pack compared to what I typically carry. I’m typically a 40-50 Liter kinda guy when it comes to my backpacks (IE: Kelty Redwing 50). But the truth is, I’ve really slimmed my load outs down these days.
I’ve ditched a lot of unnecessary gear and only pack the necessities. Not only has this lightened my pack weight, I’ve found that I just don’t need a lot of stuff when I’m outdoors. A simple shelter, something to keep me warm, food, water and a few little things are all I realistically need.
Kelty Ruckus Specs
Size: The Kelty Ruckus Roll Top comes in at a roomy 28L. The Roll Top design allows you to really cram it full and synch it tight. Or you can alternatively roll it down if your load is less. I love that versatility.
Pack Weight: The Kelty Ruckus is light! It’s only 1lb 7oz, empty. Which makes it a joy to carry for long distances when weight is a concern.
Compression Straps: The compression straps on the Ruckus are phenomenal. They hold your gear tight. But also serve as an option for lashing items to the front of your pack (such as my Vanguard VEO 235 AB tripod shown above).
Pockets & Whatnot: This pack at first glance looks very basic. Honestly, it looks like a big dry bag in a way. But don’t be fooled. This pack offers a lot of organizational options, which include:
- Two large stretch water bottle pockets on either side of the pack. These pockets perfectly accommodate my 27oz Klean Kanteens and are very easy to access when walking.
- 2 roomy hip belt pockets
- An external hydration sleeve for water bladders
- A front shove it pocket
- A small front zippered pocket for flat/smaller items
- Dual trekking pole attachment points
- And of course the large internal compartment
Kelty Ruckus Comfort
I have done a fair bit of climbing, trekking, and hiking with the Kelty Ruckus up to this point. And I have to say, this pack is super comfy.
Back Panel/Suspension: The back panel on the Kelty Ruckus features a very simple frame sheet, which is fairly flexible. It curves well to your back and offers enough rigidity to support your packs contents. I feel this is more than adequate for 10-20lbs of weight (which is where my weight range has been with this pack, water included).
Hip Belt: I really like the hip belt on this pack. It rides at a nice location and offers a bit of weight distribution. I’m personally a fairly tall and slender guy, and it sinches down quite nicely for me.
Shoulder Straps: The shoulder straps have been excellent. I don’t notice any fatigue after carrying this for miles and hours on end.
“AirMesh” Design: This is what Kelty calls the mesh that they have placed on the shoulder straps, back panel, and hip belt. I honestly haven’t had a chance to test the mesh for all it’s worth yet because temperatures have been between 10 and 40° on my latest adventures with the Ruckus. But I do anticipate that the breathability of this material is going to be a life-saver in the warmer months ahead.
June 2018 Update: I’ve carried the Kelty Ruckus Pack off and on since I originally posted my review last year…It breathes very well in the warmer months and is still one of my go-to lightweight packs.
Overall Thoughts on the Kelty Ruckus
Simply put, I love the Kelty Ruckus and can’t wait to continue using it this year! I had high hopes for it when I first discovered it. But I put off buying one until this year. I wish I had bought it sooner.
I will most definitely be using the Kelty Ruckus as my lightweight daypack. I’m also looking to take it on my next overnight, and practice some lightweight backpacking with it (hammock, light sleeping bag, simple cook system, etc).
10 out of a 10 for the Kelty Ruckus
The Kelty Ruckus is an easy 10 out of a 10 for me. This is the pack that I would recommend to anyone getting into hiking, simple overnight backpacking trips, or someone who wants a simple backpack for a day out with the family.
Kelty is notorious for great quality and long-lasting durability. And the Kelty Ruckus is no exception. 10 out of a 10
2018 Update: I’ve used the Kelty Ruckus extensively since I originally posted this review back in February of 2017 and I still stand behind it. It carries more than enough gear, very comfortably and it’s held up phenomenally.
Buy Kelty Ruckus Roll Top
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