Kelty Tactical Eagle 7850 Backpack (Coyote Brown)

I don't usually take the time to write reviews, but I wanted to share regarding this pack. I have used all sorts of packs for the purpose of hauling more than you can fit in a small back pack, and this thing tops all.To start off, the pictures do it no justice. For the price, you will see it reflected over and over again in the quality and thought put into building this pack. I have used very modified Alice type packs that just drive me crazy trying to fit things and then been unable to safely haul it around due to the bulk and poorly distributed weight. I've also used large hicking packs that share the same flaws. When I used an ILBE pack it was easier to carry and much more comfortable over extended periods, but I couldnt fit nearly the same amount in them, period. This pack will haul what you can fit in two other packs, it will haul it with reasonable comfort (there's no 'comfortable' way to carry 150lbs over miles), and one of the most notable things is the ability to have many items at your disposal for fast access with external pouches but also be able to get to the very middle of the pack without having to take everything out.The side pouches are attached with molle which uses velcro on the bottom instead of snaps. At first I was surprised and unfamiliar with this, and questioned its durability. They not only haven't let me down, I now prefer them for how used friendly they are when I have to add or exchange something. the front pouches are fixed, and can fit a lot in them as well. the entire panel unzips like other panel packs for access, but has a second see thru mesh panel so you can look for what you want before tossing the insides of the pack. It makes it very easy to find something and access just that side you want to get to, without disturbing everything.The bottom accepts a sleeping system or whatever other large item you want to keep stashed separately from the rest. I use a military modular sleeping system with the four parts and to fit easily I removed the green patrol bag from the mix. This is a very large and heavy system to fit, and most of the more common mummy style bags sleep to low temps and would fit even easier, if anyone has concern about what kind of bags this thing will accept.The top pouch/cover is very versatile. It is actually large enough to put too much weight in it, becoming top heavy as I quickly discovered. I treat it as a grab bag, holding essential things for survival if I had to take what I can get my hands on and run (it's hard to run with a full 150lb pack no matter who you are). This flexibility was important to me, and this top pouch separates easily from the rest of the pack and has a strap that can be slung or, if light enough, used around the waist. You could also leave the main pack at your main camp and while scouting carry only the things you need for short periods in the top pouch. It really is two packs in one, built with such a design that they work together seamlessly. If separated, the main pack has a secondary cover that unfolds to take the place of the top pouch, equipped with a generous area of molle as well for additional things you might want to carry.While I haven't needed the fly yet as I am able to fit a tarp for gear and tent for myself, there is one stashed away in the bottom. If you find yourself unable to make camp before bad weather it is very accessible and will keep your things dry until you can set down somewhere. Like I said, I haven't had to use it yet, however I keep goretex ready for myself and the ability to keep my pack dry as well is also important to me.The straps and suspension on this pack are built like a tank, while the internal frame design is much easier to manage and much more comfortable. There are a number of adjustments common to something designed to carry this much, and there is also the ability to adjust the strap to waistbelt distance as well (for taller/shorter people and torso size). There are two carry handle type straps top and bottom on the suspension side which have come in handy, on an ILBE pack these handles are side to side allowing you to grab it and throw your arms thru the shoulder straps in a quick fashion. On this pack that side to side mounting would have been nice, but with as much as I put in it there is no way to just toss it on myself in that way. All things considered, I haven't seen a more rugged design and while with many external frame packs I have worried about straps failing, I have no such concern with this.If you just want a pack for a couple days this might be a bit large. For the purpose of long trips, extreme cold weather where your clothing takes up more space, or just to be able to carry anything you might need, this pack does it all. Worth every penny, hands down, if you're struggling with an over filled Alice or unmanagable ILBE, or that hiking pack just doesn't seem to cut it, break down and give this one a try.

I will say this, after using it in Combat, I don't like it at all. Buy a 80L Coyote or 65L Comanche instead.The Marine IBLE is better pack and a bargain on it's lower price. Arc'teryx designed it and it works very well.Do yourself a favor and pick one of those up instead for under $100. It is even cammo and it's pattern works. The Marines did it right with that pack but you will need to cut off the extra straps and buckles as they are not needed. The hip belt on that pack is very comfortable. The Kelty Tactical Eagle- way too big for 99% of backpacking. If I was going to do long range backpacking- this definitely would not be the pack to take.I got rid of my Kelty Tactical because if you really do have to put that much weight in your pack, either you like carrying huge loads or need to get with the program and buy some modern ultralight gear. This pack was designed for the Military. It is specialized gear. You can do a lot better with a lot less pack and save hundreds of dollars in doing so.128 Liters is way too big unless you want to strap it to vehicles, it is a waste to carry this Elephant on your back and I am a big guy XL frame and like carrying packs to say this.It was designed to pack large loads and distribute weight. But if you are packing heavy loads for civilian backpacking, you should rethink your cargo to bring it down around 40lbs.An 80 to 65 Liter is all you need. Do yourself a favor and skip this pack. I've owned it and used it and it was designed to carry heavy loads. Even seasoned backpackers either eventually go ultralight or just take it to 40lbs because of the wear on your body / no added benefit and extra caloric expenditure / intake required to haul heavy loads during a trip. It is a specialized pack for a specialized purpose. With a lighter pack can conserve caloric and water intake to go longer and farther.The Marines IBLE is a better pack- designed by Arc'teryx and under $100.

I must have read over 50 reviews on 50 different bags. From the Blackhawk SOF to the Eberlestock Destroyer. I decided on the Kelty Eagle and am more than pleased with my decision. Here's why: the Blackhawk SOF is a very rugged bag that features an external frame that I am more than accustomed to since I carried the ole Alice Pack while in the Army. I do dig that style of bag and am more than positive it will withstand any kind of abuse I could throw at it. However, it's not a bag I would want to use back home because it is simply meant to be used in forward operating areas and not a weekend trip to grandmas house. The Eberlestock destroyer was really at the top of my list. However, I couldn't find one that was listed at a discounted price. Every web site I found it listed on was high grossing me on the price. Then I found the Kelty. Here on Amazon. $160.00 of MSRP. I grabbed it without thinking twice!!!After the bag got here, to Afghanistan where I am currently at, me and the rest of my team went over it with a fine tooth comb. What we found was simply amazing. This bag is large enough to put a midget in, if that's your thing. There are little pockets EVERYWHERE on this bag. The rain cover is conveniently stored on the bottom of the bag for quick deployment in the event of a downpour. The side pockets are big enough to put a patrol sleeping bag in, if you had to, And their flaps are nicely designed to keep rain out as well. Everything on the carrying harness is completely adjustable. The waist-strap has a really cool setup that allows you to quickly tighten the waistband down and not have a bunch of slack swinging around.Im going out on my first mission this weekend so I will follow up, if there is anything bad to report. But, so far, I do see that happening.BUY THIS BAG!!! IT IS WORTH THE MONEY!!