Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack Review

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Comparing tactical backpacks can be challenging, especially since there are so many options that share similar features.

In today’s Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack review, you can find out if this the right tactical backpack for your needs.

Certain things like durability, craftsmanship, and organization pieces need to be considered so it’s important to take a closer look at this bag.

That’s the best way to determine if the Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack will work as your adventure, military, or everyday carry bag.

Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack

Kelty is a USA-based brand that every outdoor enthusiast must get acquainted with since they have a variety of gear for camping, hiking, and more.

They also have a variety of backpacks, tactical and otherwise, that have been popular throughout the years.

The Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack is one of their best sellers because of the many features it offers for most people looking for a backpack.

Who Is This Product For?

As mentioned above, Kelty designed this bag for military applications, and many have used it instead as a standard-issue bag.

Those looking for something with better features and more comfort than standard issue have found this bag to be a great solution.

You can also use the Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack as a patrol bag with a radio system inside.

Beyond that, those who like to hike, camp, explore trails, or even go canoeing can benefit from this bag.

Those who like the tactical style bags but are looking for something to help them carry more in an organized way will love the Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack.

It is relatively large, though, so it’s not ideal for those looking for a compact, lightweight tactical backpack.

What’s Included?

Like many tactical options, the Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack does not include any accessories or add-ons.

Still, it has the necessary loops and webs compatible with MOLLE-friendly accessories from any brand so that you can mix-and-match your own.

Also, for extra protection, the Kelty Tactical Raven comes with a rain cover made of lightweight, durable materials.

You can easily fold and store this cover in the bag’s zippered pocket.

Overview of Features

The Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack is designed specifically to be used with radio communications equipment in a military setting.

However, it has a variety of features that go far beyond that singular application.

Let’s look at its specific features for you to learn more about what you’re getting from this backpack.

• Communications Bag

This tactical backpack is designed to be usable as a signal pack for Harris 117 radios and similar models.

It has a suspension system that the radio can fit into, and this holds it in place so that the signal person can operate the unit while carrying it.

While not every radio model will fit in this pack, it will work with many types of models.

Other models can also fit into the suspension system with slight modifications.

The suspension system is also removable, so you can take it out if you won’t use it as a signal pack.

You can also use it as an accessory pouch to carry additional items that you might want easy access to but want to store separately.

The bag also has a vertical side compression strap that can accommodate a variety of antennas.

• Pockets and Organization

Whether this bag you’ll use this as a signal bag or as a daily option, its pockets and organization make it very useful.

The bag has the following organizational features:

• Two zippered side pockets
• Two side-shove pockets
• Easy-to-access front panel
• Shovel pocket with drain holes
• Water kidney sleeve and hydration port
• Internal organizer sleeve
• Internal pockets
• Removable mesh dividers
• Security pocket
• Clip for key
• Mesh pocket
• Internal organization
• Handles for easy moving

These things work together to ensure that you can put everything in an easy, logical location.

Whether you are on the move or settling down for the night, it will be easy to locate your items so that you can focus on what really matters.

• Comfortable, Quality Construction

The Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack was made with durability and comfort in mind.

It’s made of  100% nylon and the construction is solid; there aren’t loose ends or unfinished areas that you need to worry about wearing out before the rest of the pack.

Some of the bag’s high-wear areas have extra nylon to ensure they stay strong through regular use.

The zippers on all the compartments and pockets are similarly durable.

They slide easily and do not catch on the edges of the fabric while opening or closing the bag.

Kelty ensured this pack has two sleeves for a rod and stays to keep the pack’s shape for higher volume.

While removable, they’re very lightweight and help give the bag a better shape for carrying.

There is also built-in padding around the areas where the stays are located to help ensure that you can be comfortable if you have the frame in.

This padding only makes the Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack even more comfortable when using it.

• Universal Design

Overall, the bag has a simple average design, which is the ideal style for tactical packs.

The pack and system or accessory pouch are available in two unisexual colorways: coyote tan or coyote brown and black.

The rain cover that comes with the black item model is also black, while for the coyote color, you can choose between desert tan and black-colored rain covers.

Size-wise, the bag has an overall dimension of 22 (L) x 19 (W) x 14 (H) inches, so you have enough storage space for large and thick items.

It has a maximum capacity of 41 liters or 2,500 inches, so you’re assured that you can pack every essential item for your trip.

• MOLLE Compatible

With enough internal storage space, the manufacturer also didn’t fall short in ensuring that you can have easy access to small but essential items, such as a Swiss knife and flashlight.

This Kelty backpack has PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) webbing for your MOLLE attachment types or additional pouches.

This webbing is distributed in the bag’s front and side zippered external pockets, allowing you to stay organized and distribute the weight across the bag.

• Sufficient Support

Apart from the equal distribution of zippered external pockets and internal pockets or compartments, your tactical bag must also have features for added support.

They will help you maintain correct posture and minimize or prevent neck and shoulder fatigue even when you’re carrying a heavy load for hours on end.

That’s why Kelty equipped the Raven 2500 with a sternum strap and load compression strap or hip belt.

They will help lessen the burden that’s usually focused on the shoulder straps and balance the bag’s weight.

• Extreme Versatility

The universal and multi-compartment design of the Raven bag makes it versatile enough, but it has excellent adjustability features that enhance its usability.

It has adjustable shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap, and an adjustable waist belt so different body sizes and shapes can wear it comfortably.

Precisely, the bag can fit torso sizes ranging from 15 to 18 inches or 38 to 46 centimeters.

• Warranty

Kelty backpacks come with a warranty equivalent to the lifetime of the item you purchased, and the company has strict guidelines.

First, you must purchase the Kelty Tactical Raven from an authorized seller and present a copy of the receipt.

Apart from the qualifying purchases guideline, they only honor defects in materials and craftsmanship and not damages caused by misuse, improper care, accident, and typical wear and tear.

With that said, you can still have your damaged Raven Backpack Coyote Brown or Black repaired by Kelty at a minimal cost. Plus, you will shoulder the return shipping cost.

For international customers qualified for the warranty, the manufacturer won’t refund custom taxes and duties on import and other additional import charges.

Hence, they recommend that you contact your local distributor or retailer.

Making the Most of Your Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack

From learning how to pack your tactical backpack to utilizing the tactical loops, do you know how to use a tactical backpack to its full potential?

There are many features on tactical backpacks that you might not be familiar with at first glance.

Before you start trying to use and pack your backpack, it’s best to take some time to get a closer look at it and see how you can make the most of it.

Below are some things to do with your Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack or whatever tactical backpack you use when you first get it.

• Open It Fully

The first thing you want to do is open the Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack as fully as possible, unzipping every single pocket that it has.

By doing this, you can see how much it opens up, get a better idea of how much will fit inside, and get familiar with the many pockets.

• Look for “Specific” Features

Most of the modular style features of tactical bags can be adapted for many uses, but some areas of your bag may be more specific.

Get to know any specifics of your bag such as ID holders, insulated areas, water bottle holders, and other types of pockets.

• Rearrange

Finally, try to rearrange your bag’s modules with any included or additional accessories that you want to use.

Doing this with the bag a few times before using it will help you get the best configuration for your needs.

• Consider Adding Organizational Systems

If you plan to use the bag for particular situations or remove a specific gear set easily, consider adding organizational systems.

The straps and webbing make it very easy to add on specific compartments as needed, and you can also remove them at will.

When you’re planning the organization and use of your bag, think about this.

Even if you don’t want to use accessories right away, being able to do so is a big feature of tactical bags to take advantage of.

Ultimately, you should use the Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack however it works best for you.

However, by doing the three things above before you try to use the bag for the first time, you’ll set yourself up for a better experience.

Knowing your bag will be key to making the most of it, so get to know your bag!

Alternatives

We understand that we all have different needs and wants, so to make this Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack review as comprehensive and objective as possible, we found other products that might work best for some of you.

Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical Backpack

If you like what Kelty offers but want something that blends more outdoors with the military, their Redwing 50 Tactical is a more affordable, great option.

24BattlePack Tactical Backpack

Those who are new to tactical bags and not yet sure what they want may want more of an entry model.

The 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack is a well-priced MOLLE tactical bag that will allow you to explore what this type of backpack offers with less investment.

Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack Review: The Verdict

Overall, the Kelty Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack has many different useful features that would work for most campers, hikers, backpackers, and even digital nomads.

It’s high-quality, multi-purpose, customizable, and easy to organize, so you’re assured your items are safe, secure, accessible, and complete.

Of course, it isn’t free of issues that some might find too significant but others will be just fine with them.

That said, although we highly recommend the Raven 2500 Tactical Backpack, evaluate whether its pros outweigh its cons in terms of your specific situation or preference.

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