Perhaps not fit for winter use, Alex Roddie says the Kelty Glendale is otherwise a durable pack for hard use.
The Kelty Glendale 65L is a capacious and durable pack with a good range of features, best for traditional backpacking loads. However, its lack of spindrift collar and poor ice axe attachments make it less than perfect for winter use.
Alex Roddie’s Best Value
The value is great and it’s a durable pack for hard use. It should last well.- comfortable harness
- good value
- bottom straps for tent
- no spindrift collar on main compartment
- few attachment points for compression cordage
| Quick Specs |
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| Price: $239.95 / £209.99 Weight: 2200g Materials: 300D Velocity (nylon), 600d Polyester Oxford Features: side access to main compartment, bottom access to main compartment, hydration sleeve, botom compression straps, large front grab handle, PFAS-free DWR, load lifters Volume: 65 litres Closure: zipped floating lid Back: adjustable, breathable mesh & ventilated, with external & internal frame Hipbelt: cushioned, adjustable, 5 inches Pockets: 2 stretch mesh on harness, large lid pocket with internal zipped mesh pocket, large front stretch mesh pocket, 3 side pockets (1 zipped), 2 hipbelt pockets (1 zipped, 1 open mesh) Sizes: one size Women/Mens version: yes kelty.com |
65L is at the top end of what most people need from a rucksack. Most users with more lightweight loads would be better served by a smaller pack, which means that 65L is a better choice for those with more traditional kit, for really big treks in remote areas, or for winter backpacking. The Glendale 65L has a traditional feature set, including compression straps at the bottom for attaching a tent, bottom zip access, a large floating lid, and beefy harness.
However, it also has asymmetric pockets – there’s a large side pocket on one side, while on the other a similar-shaped zip allows access to the main compartment. The hipbelt pockets are also asymmetric, with the one on the left side being mesh. You get side compression straps (extendable enough for poles but not a tent) and side bottle/wand pockets. The front mesh pocket is much smaller than on some of the other packs tested. The harness is highly adjustable and comfortable under heavy loads – a real plus point of this pack.
I also like the mesh shoulder strap pockets, complete with drawcord closure. In use, I found the pack great for carrying as much gear as I could stuff in it, but the lack of a spindrift collar is a disappointment, which means your gear risks getting wet in rainy or snowy conditions.
The ice axe attachments also feel much less secure than the usual design. Otherwise, the value is great, and it’s a durable pack for hard use. It should last well.
Testing conditions
Alex tested these packs on a variety of multi-day backpacking routes in the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands as well as the Austrian Alps. They were used from autumn through to spring in a broad range of conditions. Weights are as measured on Alex’s digital scale.
This review was first published in the August 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors magazine. Compare it with others in our guide to the best backpacking packs.
