TETON Sports Explorer 65
Traditional Pack
~$109.99

TETON Sports

TETON Sports Explorer 65

Sold in 65, 75 and 85 L at $110-130, the Explorer is TETON's full-size budget backpacking pack. It has an adjustable aluminium internal frame covering 19-23 in torsos, an integrated raincover, a sleeping-bag compartment and a bladder sleeve. The 65 L weighs 5 lb.

Approx. price
~$109.99
Capacity
65 L
Weight
5.0 lbs
Best For
Budget-minded and first-time backpackers who need a big, adjustable pack
Type
Traditional Pack
Frame Type
Internal Frame
Capacity
65 L
Weight
5.0 lbs
Max Recommended Load
Not specified by the manufacturer
Torso Fit
Adjustable, 19-23 in; waistbelt 28-70 in (65 L) or 30-65 in (75/85 L)
Material
600D polyester diamond ripstop
Back Panel
Foam-padded back panel on an adjustable aluminium frame
Warranty
Teton Lifetime Warranty
Raincover Included
Yes
Fits BV500 Bear Canister
No

Sizes Available

CapacityPriceWeight
65 Lthis pack$1105.0 lbs
75 L$119.995.5 lbs
85 L$129.995.5 lbs

Features

Adjustable TorsoRaincover IncludedHydration Sleeve

Pros

  • ✓$109.99 for 65 L with a raincover included is a fraction of what name-brand packs cost.
  • ✓Adjustable torso from 19 to 23 in, plus a waistbelt that reaches 70 in on the 65 L.
  • ✓Separate sleeping-bag compartment and a hydration bladder sleeve.
  • ✓600D polyester ripstop is heavy-duty for the price.
  • ✓Backed by TETON's lifetime warranty.

Cons

  • ✗5 lb empty is heavy; mid-range 65 L packs typically weigh 4-4.5 lb.
  • ✗The torso range starts at 19 in, so shorter hikers are better served by TETON's Scout.
  • ✗No published load rating.
  • ✗The page lists two different weights for the 75 and 85 L (5.5 vs 5.6-5.8 lb).

Compare the TETON Sports Explorer 65

TETON Sports Scout 55
~$100
Traditional Pack

The Scout is the usual first backpacking pack — a roughly $100 internal-frame pack with a big following among beginners testing whether they even like the sport. Long sold as the Scout 3400 (cubic inches), TETON now labels it the Scout 55 for its 55 liters. It includes an integrated raincover and an adjustable harness unheard of at this price.

55 L$100Integrated raincover

Weight

4.5 lbs

Capacity

55 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 45 L / 65 L

Best for: First-trip beginners and occasional backpackers on a strict budget
Kelty Asher 55
~$170
Traditional Pack
4.6(7)

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.

55 L3.13 lbsFIT-Pro TorsoVentilated back

Weight

3.13 lbs

Capacity

55 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 65 L / 85 L

Best for: Budget backpackers whose loads stay around 30 lb
Kelty Nena 60
~$180
Traditional Pack

Kelty's women's-specific budget backpacking pack is the Nena 60: a perimeter frame, an AMP-Flow ventilated back and an adjustable 15.5-21 in torso for $180. Kelty rates it for 40-60 lb, the same ceiling as the $280 Glendale, at 3.31 lb. It is a top-loader with a sleeping-bag compartment and a centre hydration port.

60 L3.31 lbs40-60 lb Carry RangeVentilated back

Weight

3.31 lbs

Capacity

60 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Women on a budget carrying 40-60 lb on multi-day trips
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
~$189
Traditional Pack
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
Osprey Kyte LT 45
~$200
Traditional Pack

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 Included

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
Osprey Rook 65
~$205
Traditional Pack
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

3.7 lbs

Capacity

65 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 50 L

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