Is the Coyote 65 discontinued?

Yes — Kelty has dropped the Coyote line from its current lineup, so retailers are selling remaining stock at closeout prices, often near $150-160. That makes the value even stronger today, but some colorways are gone and long-term parts support is less certain than for packs still in production.

How much weight will it haul?

The thick, wide hipbelt carries 45 lb loads better than anything else near $200, a result repeated across budget-pack showdowns. The suspension tops out around its 50 lb rating, with noticeable barrel-flex if you push beyond.

What fails first on these?

Zippers — the classic failure stories involve years of overstuffing before a slider gives out. The 420D polyester body itself is near-legendary, with used-gear forums full of Coyotes showing thousands of miles, and Kelty's warranty service has a reputation for fast, generous replacement parts.

How does it do in rain?

No raincover is included, and the PU coating wets through in sustained rain, so plan on a cover or an internal liner from day one. This is the standard tax at the budget end of the market.

What makes the PerfectFIT sizing beginner-friendly?

You adjust the torso length while actually wearing the pack, pulling it into the 15.5-21 inch range without rethreading ladder-lock webbing. New backpackers find it far easier to dial in than conventional adjustment systems.

Traditional Pack

~$160

Kelty

Kelty Coyote 65

Name: Kelty Coyote 65
Brand: Kelty
Price: 160 USD
Availability: InStock

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 — which makes it an even stronger budget buy while it lasts. A women's-specific version was sold as the Coyote 60.

Approx. price

~$160

Capacity

65 L

Weight

4.9 lbs

Best For

Budget family and scout-trip backpacking where durability beats grams

Check price on Amazon →

We may earn a commission.
Price and availability on Amazon’s site may differ.

Specifications

What do these specs mean? →

Type

Traditional Pack

Frame Type

Internal Frame

Capacity

65 L

Weight

4.9 lbs

Max Recommended Load

50 lbs

Torso Fit

Adjustable 15.5-21 in

Material

420D polyester

Back Panel

AirMesh foam with PerfectFIT adjustment

Warranty

Kelty lifetime warranty on defects

Raincover Included

Fits BV500 Bear Canister

Yes

Features

Adjustable TorsoHipbelt PocketsHydration SleeveFits Bear Canister

Pros

✓A decade-plus track record as the budget hauler — used-gear forums are full of Coyotes with thousands of miles still going.
✓The PerfectFIT system adjusts torso length while wearing the pack, which beginners find far easier than rethreading ladders.
✓The 420D polyester build survives scout troops, airline belts, and desert scrambles with a near-legendary abuse tolerance.
✓Thick, wide hipbelt padding carries 45 lb loads better than anything else near $200, per repeated budget-pack showdowns.
✓Huge organizational spread: front shove-it pocket, dual side pockets, hipbelt pockets, and a sleeping bag compartment.
✓Hydration sleeve plus dual exit ports work with any bladder brand.
✓Frequent sales put it near $150, where reviewers say nothing else competes.
✓Kelty's warranty service has a reputation for being fast and generous with replacement parts.

Cons

✗At 4.9 lbs it is ultralight-forum shorthand for 'boat anchor' — you pay for the price in carried weight.
✗The dense foam back panel gets swampy on humid climbs; ventilation is minimal.
✗No raincover included, and the PU coating wets through in sustained rain.
✗The suspension tops out around 50 lbs with noticeable barrel-flex beyond that.
✗Zippers are the most commonly reported failure point after years of overstuffing.
✗It packs bulky even when compressed, making it awkward as carry-on or in small tents.
✗The fixed lid design limits weight-stripping options.
✗Kelty has discontinued the Coyote line, so stock is limited to closeouts, some colorways are gone, and long-term parts support is less certain.

Common Questions

Compare the Kelty Coyote 65

vs Kelty Asher 55 vs Mountainsmith Scream 55 vs TETON Sports Scout 55

Related backpacks

Kelty Asher 55

4.6(7)

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.

55 L2.94 lbs55 lbs

Weight

2.94 lbs

Capacity

55 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Budget backpackers who still need to carry heavy loads

View details

🎒

~$160

Traditional Pack

Mountainsmith

Mountainsmith Scream 55

5(2)

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.

55 L2.81 lbs~35 lbs (tested)

Weight

2.81 lbs

Capacity

55 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Budget-conscious hikers with a 20 in torso wanting a sub-3 lb pack

View details

~$189

Traditional Pack

REI Co-op

REI Co-op Trailmade 60

4.3(13)

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.

60 L$189Adjustable Fit

Weight

3.44 lbs

Capacity

60 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: First-time backpackers who want the cheapest pack that fits properly

View details

~$189

Traditional Pack

The North Face

The North Face Terra 65

4.5(74)

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.

65 L$189Adjustable Torso

Weight

4.58 lbs

Capacity

65 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 55 L

Best for: Casual backpackers who want a trusted brand at an entry price

View details

~$200

Traditional Pack

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.

45 LWomen's FitRaincover IncludedVentilated back

Weight

4.02 lbs

Capacity

45 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 28 L / 35 L / 65 L

Best for: Women on overnights and short multi-day trips carrying 20-40 lb

View details

~$205

Traditional Pack

Osprey

Osprey Rook 65

4.4(23)

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.

65 LSuspended Mesh Under $210Raincover IncludedVentilated back

Weight

3.5 lbs

Capacity

65 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 50 L

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who still want real Osprey suspension

View details

← Back to All Backpacks