Andrew H Would I be able to fit a 17 in laptop and a few other things in it as a day pack? I have a large pack, but I need a smaller pack for when i'm up and about and don't need to carry a large pack. I'm going on an 11 month mission trip called The World Race! Thanks!
SIYUAN Z It has no enogh room for a 17" laptop... the fully size is like a 20L backpack.
GREG H I like the cardinal but it may be too lightweight to hold up for an eleven month mission. Kelty makes great packs. Maybe look at a Redstart if your looking for a small, versatile daypack.
Andrew H Thank you Greg for your feedback! Greatly APPRECIATED!! I actually went ahead and purchased the Kelty Station which is probably the best $30 i've ever spent! Reguarly $90, it fits my 17 inch laptop with ease, and it also has room for lots of clothes for a days travel and much more. Thanks again!!
Sincerely, Andrew Holloway
NATHAN C Don't think so. It tapers at the top. It's a weird little pack, inexplicable zippers -- wouldn't recommend it.
RICHARD P It is a great backpack for day hikes, cycling, skiing, and urban use however it is a bit small for a 17" laptop with much else. My 15.6" lap[top fits fine. The small zippered pocket is great for cell phone and wallet and the outside bottle holders workout well when hiking with the grand kids.
DAVID T A 17" laptop is too big & bulky for the Kelty Cardinal. Even if squeezed in, it would be too heavy for comfort. Kelty is, however, a good firm to do business with. I received straps that were too short. Contacted Kelty & they responded immediately with replacements at no cost.
Good luck & don't drink the water!
DAVE
PETER M No, I would not recommend carrying a 17 in laptop in this bag. It would only fit with the backpack part extended, if at all. And the extension is made of thin ripstop nylon with no padding.
DAVID L No, i don't see how it could fit.
Andrew H ok, and thanks David!
JOHN S No. The opening at the top of the pack is only 9".
Andrew H Thanks John!! Appreciate your input!!
JOHN H IF I RECALL CORRECTLY, THE STRAPS FOR THE DAY PACK ARE A JOKE, PROBABLY FROM A CAMERA, WITHOUT ANY NECK PADDING. I DON'T THINK KELTY IS STATE OF THE ART, BUT THEY DO UNORTHODOX THINGS OF QUESTIONABLE VALUE, LIKE PUTTING TWO LITTLE DRINK HOLDERS ON L/R, NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR REAL BIKE TYPE CONTAINERS (SO THEY WASTE $$ SUPPLYING THEIR OWN 1/2 SIZE DRINK HOLDERS)!
AS FAR AS A LAPTOP, YOU MIGHT BE OK IF YOU HAVE A TABLET OR IPAD, BUT FULL WEIGHT UNITS WOULD BE VERY MASOCHISTIC, IMHO. PERSONALLY, IT TOOK US ABOUT 3 DAYS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO EXPAND THE INNER 'POUCH'...THE DOCUMENTATION (AND CSR ON PHONE) DIDN'T HELP US AT ALL! THIS BAG IS PROBABLY GOOD FOR A BEACH ROMP, BUT CERTAINLY NOT TOO MUCH IN THE 'UP AND OUT' DEPARTMENT, UNFORTUNATELY (IN SHORT, SOME GOOD IDEAS NOT FLESHED OUT BY ADEQUATE R & D).
I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE IN OUR CLOSET IT LIES!
GOOD LUCK
JOHN
JENNIFER R Yes! This pack is one of my favorites. It is very functional and comfortable. I generally use it as a lumbar for day hikes, but it is large enough for your computer as well as a few other items. The pack is 21 inches deep from bottom to expandable top, very light and fully adjustable.
Andrew H Awesome Jennifer, and thanks!! You're a life saver!
JENNIFER R You're welcome and good luck in the race!
JEFFREY D The Cardinal has no specific laptop storage but is big enough when unfolded as a daypack but I would put the laptop in a sleeve to protect it. I would recommend you buy a pack designed for a laptop like the Kelty Station. I use my Station pack with a HP DV7 (big, heavy, 17") laptop. It has lots of pockets, great padding, excellent straps, and is side loading. The Station would carry and protect your large laptop much better than the Cardinal and SS has them on sale for a great price.
Andrew H Awesome and thanks Jefferey! I will definitely check out the Station here in a sec. Just quick question on the Cardinal...if I did get it, would it fit a change of clothes too?
Andrew H Quick question, would I be able to fit a change of clothes into the Station, or does it have only space for managing files and paperwork? I need to be able to stuff things possibly a day into the bag. Basically my decision is going to come down to these 2 packs. Thanks so much for your time! Sincerely, Andrew Holloway
JEFFREY D Only if you're wearing Bermuda shorts and a T-shirt.
JOSEPH C Hey Andrew. A 17-inch laptop wont fit in there. It would be fine for a netbook or ipad. Its quite a nice pack though. I've used it as a day pack / city pack without no problems!
Andrew H Thanks Joseph! How long does it extend lengthwise on the back?