This is an initial review of the Kelty Courser 40 Back Pack. It’s the second pack that we are evaluating as a replacement for our ALICE Packs.

The new bag that we choose will not only be used as luggage from time to time but it has to be comfortable enough to use for extended time on the trail. It will be the permanent home for my emergency (bugout) gear, most of which is also used for minimalist camping trips.

There are some nice MOLLE tactical bags available that caught my eye recently but the price of the better quality brands is too high. MOLLE webbing would be nice but it’s not really a requirement.

Our criteria:

• Capacity between 30 and 40 liters.
• Non-military in appearance but still earth-tone in color.
• Ruggedly constructed but reasonably lightweight and comfortable.
• Outside lashing points and a carry handle.
• Internal frame
• Priced under $75.00

So here’s the review. The photos will do most of the talking. There is some pertinent info under each photo.

Front and side views. This pack is 28″ tall x 12″ wide x 10″ deep. Kelty sizes this at 2300 cubic inches. The color is Cypress… about halfway between sage and olive drab. The material is 420D poly throughout.

It has a main compartment with a drawstring closure, a lid and 2 vertical cinch straps. The lid is also a compartment with a zippered closure. There is a 14″ x 9″ x3″ compartment on the front of the pack with a zippered closure.

A mesh compartment and 2 cinch straps are on each side. There are daisy chain loops on the front. One of the loops is actually a reinforced handle to allow you to carry the pack like a duffel bag.

The shoulder straps are generously padded and have separately adjustable load lifter straps. All of the stitching is clean and sturdy. The carry handle is folded and reinforced. The  aluminum stay is easily removed and fitted to the wearer. Kelty provides instructions to show you how and where to make the adjustments. The photo below shows the fully adjustable and elasticized sternum strap.

The waist belt is also generously padded, it’s almost luxurious. The belt uses the “Scherer Cinch” adjustment. All of the hardware on this pack is top notch. It doesn’t look or feel flimsy at all. The belt is removable. Also note the lumbar pad!

Here’s a view of the main compartment. It’s not a very good photo, sorry. There is a bladder sleeve and there are hydration tube ports on both sides of the pack.

Here’s a look at the top and front compartments. There is a storm flap over the top zipper but the front compartment does not have a storm flap. The top compartment looks like it would hold 2 standard sized MREs. The front compartment has a single divider.

And here’s the pack while worn. This model fits 17″-21″ torsos. I’m 6’2″ and am wearing it a little low.

I really like this pack so far! It is extremely comfortable and has plenty of space.  I think we may have found the replacement we have been looking for.

We’ll be back with a future review after some more use. Given Kelty’s reputation, I have total confidence that this bag will hold up to whatever we would put it through.

I did take a look at this pack with nightvision and it blended well until it was hit with IR. It is mildly reflective but not nearly as much as some other fabrics.

This bag is available at Amazon:

Justus