Kelty
Kelty Asher 55
The Asher is Kelty's value backpacking pack and the cheapest way in this catalog to a 55 lb load rating. At $169 and 2.94 lb it undercuts everything with comparable capacity, and reviewers consistently place it as the budget pick.
We may earn a commission.
Price and availability on Amazonβs site may differ.
Specifications
What do these specs mean? βFeatures
Pros
- βA 55 lb rating is the highest of any pack under $200 in this catalog.
- β$169 is less than half the price of the Osprey Aether 65 or Gregory Baltoro 65.
- β2.94 lb is light for a budget pack; most cheap packs are well over 4 lb.
- βCarries more than the Osprey Exos 58 while costing $116 less.
- βAdjustable torso at a price where fixed harnesses are the norm.
- βKelty has a long history in mainstream backpacking gear.
- βHipbelt pockets included.
- β55 L covers most multi-day trips without excess volume.
Cons
- βOutdoorGearLab rates its features, durability and comfort below the premium packs.
- βThe source does not publish the fabric specification.
- βNo rain cover included.
- βOnly the 55 L could be confirmed with a current price.
- βA 55 lb rating on a 2.94 lb budget pack should be treated with some caution.
- βNo ventilated back panel.
- βKelty's build quality is a step below Osprey and Gregory at the same volumes.
- βBear-canister fit is not stated.
Common Questions
Compare the Kelty Asher 55
Related backpacks
More from Kelty β
Kelty
Kelty Coyote 65
The Coyote 65 is Kelty's long-running value hauler and a fixture of 'best budget backpacking pack' lists for over a decade. Kelty has dropped it from its current lineup, so retailers now sell remaining stock at closeout prices β which makes it an even stronger budget buy while it lasts. A women's-specific version was sold as the Coyote 60.
Weight
4.9 lbs
Capacity
65 L
Frame
Internal Frame
Mountainsmith
Mountainsmith Scream 55
The Scream 55 is Mountainsmith's lightweight backpacking pack: sub-3 lb for 55 L at $160, which is the best weight-to-price combination in this catalog. The catch is that it comes in exactly one torso length, so it either fits or it does not.
Weight
2.81 lbs
Capacity
55 L
Frame
Internal Frame

REI Co-op
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
The Trailmade 60 is REI's entry-level backpacking pack, built around inclusive sizing and a fully adjustable fit at a beginner-friendly price. A huge U-shaped front opening makes it one of the easiest packs to load and unload on the market.
Weight
3.44 lbs
Capacity
60 L
Frame
Internal Frame

The North Face
The North Face Terra 65
The Terra 65 is The North Face's mainstay budget backpacking pack, a simple adjustable hauler that shows up everywhere from REI floors to college outdoor programs. The women's version is sold as the Terra 55/65 women's fit.
Weight
4.58 lbs
Capacity
65 L
Frame
Internal Frame
Also in 55 L

Osprey
Osprey Kyte LT 45
The women's-fit Kestrel LT, described by Osprey as purposefully built for the female frame with narrower shoulders and contoured straps rather than a scaled-down men's pack. Same AirScape backpanel, five-inch sliding harness and included raincover, on the same 28 to 65 L ladder and at the same prices.
Weight
4.02 lbs
Capacity
45 L
Frame
Internal Frame
Also in 28 L / 35 L / 65 L

Osprey
Osprey Rook 65
The Rook 65 is Osprey's budget-line backpacking pack, delivering a suspended-mesh AirSpeed back panel, adjustable torso, and included raincover for barely half the price of an Atmos. The women's equivalent is the Renn 65.
Weight
3.5 lbs
Capacity
65 L
Frame
Internal Frame
Also in 50 L