Our Top Picks
Kelty’s current backpacking lineup splits cleanly: the Asher (24 to 85 liters) suits first-time and budget-minded backpackers, the Glendale (65 to 105 liters) suits people carrying heavier loads who want an adjustable perimeter-frame suspension, and the Redwing Traveler line suits carry-on travel and short trips. The older Coyote, still the model many shoppers search for, is a previous-generation pack that Kelty’s current collection no longer shows, so this guide treats the Asher and Glendale as its closest successors rather than as identical replacements.
Which Kelty Packs Are Current
Kelty’s own backpack collection page currently lists the Redwing Traveler in 30, 40 and 50 liters, the Asher in 24, 35, 55, 65 and 85 liters, the Glendale in 65, 85 and 105 liters (plus a women’s 65-liter version), the Trekker 65 external-frame pack, and the Nena 60-liter duffel-style pack. The Coyote and the Lowdown do not appear on that page, and retailer listings that still show the Coyote tend to be closeout or leftover stock. A shopper who finds a Coyote 65 on a sale rack is therefore looking at a previous-generation design, not a model in Kelty’s present catalog.
Kelty Coyote 60-105 Liter Internal Frame Backpack - Hiking, Backpacking, Travel, Adjustable Torso (65L / Black)
Chosen because it specifies Hiking and Backpacking.
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Kelty Redwing Traveler Backpack, Travel Pack with Wide U Zip Opening, Signature Wing Pockets, 30-50L Capacity (30L Olive)
Chosen because it specifies Travel Pack with Wide U Zip Opening and Signature Wing Pockets.
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Kelty Redwing Tactical Backpack - Built to Military Specification Army Backpack, Durable & Strong, Built to Last, Aluminum Stays, Ideal for Military, Police, Outdoors Hiking or Bug Out Bag | Grey 44L
Chosen because it specifies Built to Military Specification Army Backpack and Durable & Strong.
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Kelty Redwing Traveler Backpack, Travel Pack with Wide U Zip Opening, Signature Wing Pockets, 30-50L Capacity (40L Black)
Chosen because it specifies Travel Pack with Wide U Zip Opening and Signature Wing Pockets.
View on AmazonThe Redwing name has also changed. Older Redwing packs, such as the 44-liter version reviewed by OutdoorGearLab in 2016, were travel and daypack hybrids. Kelty’s reworked Redwing Traveler line now sits in the travel category, with capacities that sit below typical multi-day backpacking volumes.
Kelty Backpack Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Best for | Key stated specs | Notable limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asher 35 | Overnight trips and ultralight-leaning beginners | 35 liters, AMP-Flow ventilated back panel (brand-stated) | Small for winter or gear-heavy trips |
| Asher 55 | First-time backpackers, weekend trips | 55 liters; weight and load figures vary by source: Kelty’s page lists about 3 lb 2 oz and a 25 to 45 lb carry range, while CleverHiker lists 2 lb 15 oz and a recommended maximum around 55 lb | Shallow, tight mesh bottle pockets; one small hip-belt pocket |
| Asher 65 | Two- to three-day trips with bulkier gear | 65 liters (3,967 cubic inches), 600D polyester, FIT-Pro torso adjustment, sleeping bag compartment; retailers list about 3 lb 5 oz and an optimal carry range of 30 to 50 lb, with some listing up to 60 lb (sources vary) | Entry-level materials; not designed for very heavy loads |
| Asher 85 | Longer trips, shared gear, cold-weather kit | 85 liters, same Asher design family | Easy to overpack; bigger than most trips need |
| Glendale 65 | Backpackers who want a more adjustable, structured pack | 65 liters, about 4.75 lb, torso range 15 to 21 inches, waist belt 30 to 56 inches, perimeter frame with aluminum anti-barreling stay, brand-stated optimal carry range 30 to 60 lb (women’s version lists the same weight and carry range, with a 14 to 21 inch torso and 27 to 56 inch belt) | Heavier than lightweight packs; fewer independent reviews |
| Glendale 85 / 105 | Big loads, guiding-style or multi-week carries | 85 and 105 liters, FIT-Plus suspension family | Bulky and heavy for ordinary weekend use |
| Redwing Traveler 30 / 40 / 50 | Carry-on travel and short urban-to-trail trips | Travel-oriented design with ventilated back panel (brand-described) | Not built for heavy multi-day backcountry loads |
| Trekker 65 | Hikers who like an external-frame carry | 65 liters, external frame (brand-stated) | Bulkier profile; fit is less adjustable than modern internal frames |
| Nena 60L | Travel and gear hauling | 60 liters, duffel-style (brand-stated) | Not a technical backpacking suspension |
The Asher Line: Budget Entry Point
The Asher is Kelty’s value proposition. The brand describes the Asher 65 as aimed at trips of two to three days, built for first-time and experienced trekkers alike, using 600D polyester fabric with an AMP-Flow ventilated back panel, quick torso adjustment through its FIT-Pro system, a separate sleeping bag compartment, dual side pockets and compression straps. It is hydration-compatible.
CleverHiker’s review of the Asher 55 calls it a solid entry-level pack for first-time backpackers. The outlet reports strong comfort, with a wide hip belt, shoulder padding and perimeter frame keeping a load of about 45 pounds controlled without pressure points, even for a lean tester. CleverHiker lists the weight as 2 lb 15 oz, while Kelty’s own page lists 3 lb 2 oz and a 25 to 45 lb carry range, so treat the load limit as a range of opinion. The main complaints concern the pockets: the water bottle pockets are described as tight and shallow, they are mesh with some durability concern, and there is only one mesh hip-belt pocket that mostly works as a phone holder. CleverHiker also notes that moving up to a more polished, durable pack from another brand costs a bit more money, which is the fair way to frame the Asher: it keeps upfront cost low rather than aiming for premium durability.
The Glendale Line: More Adjustment, More Load
The Glendale sits above the Asher. For the Glendale 65, Kelty lists a weight of 4.75 pounds, an optimal carry range of 30 to 60 pounds, an adjustable FIT-Plus suspension with a torso range of 15 to 21 inches and waist belt sizing from 30 to 56 inches, an advanced perimeter frame with an aluminum anti-barreling stay, nine exterior pockets, dual hip-belt pockets, J-zip side access, and a PFAS-free water-resistant coating. The fabric is 300D Velocity with 600D polyester Oxford reinforcement. A women’s-specific 65-liter version exists.
The wide waist-belt range is the main differentiator. Many entry-level packs offer a narrow belt range, so people with smaller or larger waists can struggle to get weight onto their hips. Kelty frames the Glendale as an inclusive-fit pack. Independent coverage is thinner than for the Asher; reviewers who write about it largely repeat brand specifications, so treat the load and comfort claims as brand statements until you try the pack loaded.
What Happened to the Coyote?
The Coyote built Kelty’s reputation among budget backpackers. OutdoorGearLab’s review of the Coyote 65 scored it highly for suspension and comfort, noted that the frame stayed supportive at 45 pounds, and flagged it as slightly heavier than other packs in its comparison. Other reviewers and retailers list an empty weight around 4 lb 10 oz to 4 lb 13 oz and a load rating near 55 pounds, while one buyer report describes discomfort at around 42 pounds. A retailer listing marks the Coyote 65 as discontinued and suggests the Asher and Glendale lines as replacements; Kelty has not confirmed that succession in the sources reviewed here. If you find a Coyote, treat it as a used or closeout design, check that the frame, buckles and zippers are in good shape, and compare its weight with the Asher 65 and Glendale 65 before buying.
The Lowdown name could not be matched to any current Kelty listing, so shoppers who see it should confirm with the seller whether it is an old or regional product before relying on specs.
Who Should Buy and Who Should Skip
Who should buy a Kelty pack
- First-time backpackers who want a functional pack in the budget tier without paying for premium fabrics.
- Car-camping and short-trip hikers who do two to three nights a year.
- Families outfitting several people with starter gear.
- Travelers who need a carry-on-friendly Redwing Traveler for mixed trips.
Who should skip
- Thru-hikers and long-distance walkers who count every ounce; a pack near 3 to 5 pounds is heavy for that purpose.
- Anyone carrying loads well over 50 or 60 pounds regularly without a professionally fitted pack.
- Hikers who want a heavily field-tested suspension with years of independent reviews behind it.
How Kelty Compares With Other Brands
Osprey. Osprey’s Rook and Renn lines occupy the same entry tier and are often described by reviewers as having more refined hip belts and more durable pocket construction, though they typically cost more. Choose Osprey if fit refinement and longevity matter more than upfront cost.
REI Co-op. CleverHiker names the REI Trailmade as a more polished and durable beginner package, and the REI Flash 55 as a noticeably better experience for a little more money. REI packs are a common comparison point for Kelty’s Asher.
Gregory. Gregory’s Baltoro and Stout lines compete with the Glendale on adjustability, with Gregory generally pitched at more load-hauling comfort and a higher cost. Kelty’s argument is accessibility rather than top-end suspension.
Sizing and Fit Advice
Measure your torso length from the C7 vertebra at the base of the neck to the top of the hip bones, then match it to the pack’s adjustable range. The Glendale lists a 15- to 21-inch torso range; check Kelty’s size chart for the Asher models. Set the hip belt so its padding sits on top of the hip bones, tighten it first, then snug the shoulder straps and load-lifters. If the shoulder straps carry most of the weight, the torso length is wrong or the belt is too loose. Fit the pack with the weight you plan to carry, not empty.
Care and Common Issues
- Pockets: mesh side pockets on entry-level packs can snag on brush, so avoid dragging the pack through thorny terrain.
- Washing: hand-wash with mild soap and lukewarm water, hang dry out of direct sun, and avoid machine washing and harsh detergents that strip coatings.
- Zippers and buckles: clear grit regularly and check stitching at stress points before each season.
- Water resistance: water-resistant coatings are not waterproof; use a liner or rain cover in sustained rain.
- Warranty: retailer and brand listings describe a limited lifetime warranty; read the current terms on the brand’s warranty page.
Decision Table
| Pick this if… | Model |
|---|---|
| You want the cheapest sensible first pack for weekend trips | Asher 55 |
| You pack bulkier sleeping bags and shared gear | Asher 65 |
| You need an adjustable fit and more load support | Glendale 65 |
| You carry winter or group gear for long trips | Glendale 85 or 105 |
| You travel by air and hike occasionally | Redwing Traveler 40 |
| You like an external frame carry | Trekker 65 |
| You found a Coyote on closeout | Inspect carefully; compare with Asher 65 |
Price Tiers
Within Kelty’s range, the Asher family sits in the budget tier, the Redwing Traveler and Nena in the budget to lower mid-range tier, and the Glendale and Trekker in the mid-range tier. Few Kelty packs reach the premium tier occupied by lightweight cottage-industry or high-end Osprey and Gregory models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kelty Coyote still made?
Kelty’s current backpack collection does not list the Coyote, and a retailer listing describes it as discontinued. Remaining stock appears to be closeout or leftover inventory. The Asher and Glendale lines cover the same buyer today.
Which Kelty backpack is best for a beginner?
The Asher 55 and Asher 65 are the usual starting points. CleverHiker calls the Asher 55 a solid entry-level pack with strong comfort and weak pockets. They keep cost lower than most competing brands.
How much weight can a Kelty Glendale 65 carry?
Kelty states an optimal carry weight of 30 to 60 pounds for the Glendale 65. Independent confirmation is limited, so build your load carefully and test the fit with your own gear before a long trip.
Is a Kelty pack good for thru-hiking?
Generally not. At around 3 to nearly 5 pounds empty, Kelty’s packs are heavier than the ultralight packs typical of long-distance hiking. They suit shorter trips and casual use better.
How do I size a Kelty backpack?
Measure your torso length and waist, then compare them with the pack’s adjustment ranges; the Glendale lists a 15- to 21-inch torso range and a 30- to 56-inch waist belt. Always try the pack with a weighted load to check that the hip belt carries most of the weight.
Can the Kelty Redwing be used for backpacking?
The Redwing Traveler line is travel-focused, with capacities of 30 to 50 liters. It suits carry-on travel and light overnight use, but it is not designed for heavy multi-day loads like the Glendale.
