Where to Hike

  Bring your Dog

  Essential Gear  

  Topo Maps

  Books

  Reviews

  User Forum

  Links

  Contact Us

  Submit Listing

  Site Map

 

 

 

The opportunity to hike into Havasupai Canyon fell into my lap, and I realized that I would need a new pack. I wanted something light, functional, comfortable, and inexpensive... and I found it: The Haiku 3000 from Kelty.

The Haiku is simple-- it has only one large top-loading compartment. It also sports two mesh side pockets for water bottles, two long daisy chains for attaching gear, and an internal pouch for a CamelBak hydration system (other brands will fit, too).

This pack is light and comfortable. It weighs in at 3 pounds, 9 ounces, yet has a capacity of 3000 cubic inches. The back and shoulder strap padding is contoured and vented, and the waist belt/hip pads are comfy and snug. The torso length can be adjusted easily from 17 to 22 inches using a clever velcro panel.

I hiked into Havasupai with my wife and kids, so we moved pretty slowly-- we covered the 8 miles to Supai Village in a little over 5 hours. When I unlatched the waist belt and swung my 30 pounds of pack and gear off my shoulders to set it down, I was stunned at how heavy it was! It was comfortable and out of my mind during the climb out, too. I am very happy with my Haiku, and I can't imagine replacing it before it wears out.

If you are looking for a good weekend pack that does everything you need for a small price, check out the Kelty Haiku. It retails for $160, but you can get it from Amazon for $105.95, or from Campmor for only $79.97.

Paul Wren