Kelty Nena 60

The Asher is Kelty's value backpacking pack. At $170 and 3 lb 2 oz it undercuts everything with comparable capacity, and reviewers consistently place it as the budget pick.

Extending the Fit-Plus torso range down to 14 in, the women's Glendale 65 keeps the unisex pack's perimeter frame, anti-barreling stay and 30-60 lb rating. Price and weight are identical to the men's version. It is one of the few women's-specific packs rated to 60 lb under $300.

Kelty's top framed backpacking pack, the Glendale uses a perimeter frame, an aluminium anti-barreling stay and the Fit-Plus system that adjusts both torso length and hipbelt. Kelty rates it for 30-60 lb, which puts it in the same load class as the Osprey Atmos AG 65 at $90 less. The 65 is the headline size; the 85 and 105 L versions use the same suspension.

External-frame backpacking packs are nearly gone, and the Trekker 65 is one of the last still in production, built on an aluminium frame with a 65 L top-loading bag and a spindrift collar. Kelty rates it for 50-70 lb, matching the Asher 85 for the highest carry range in its line, and the frame holds the load off the back for airflow. At 5.31 lb it is also the heaviest pack Kelty sells.

Kelty's budget Asher line ends at the daypack-sized Asher 35, with an HDPE frame sheet behind an AMP-Flow ventilated back and a stated 10-25 lb carry range. At 1.75 lb for 35 L it is light for a framed pack with a hipbelt, and the 600D polyester oxford body is the same fabric as the 55 L backpacking version. A 24 L sibling uses the same design for $20 less.

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.