Gregory Arrio 22 vs Kelty Asher 35
Quick take: The Kelty Asher 35 carries more (35 vs 22 liters); the Gregory Arrio 22 is lighter (1.48 vs 1.75 lbs).
Which one to buy
At $110 each, about 4 oz apart and both framed and ventilated, the Asher 35 still gives you 13 L more, a 25 lb top rating against 15, and mesh hipbelt pockets the Arrio lacks. On paper that's a clear win for the Kelty.
One thing can reverse it. Fit: the Asher has one fixed torso length of 18.1 in, which won't suit short or very tall hikers well, while Gregory says the one-size Arrio fits 16-21 in torsos. If you're well off 18 in, try the Asher on before buying. Neither comes with a rain cover.
The rest favors the Asher for long days. Its 600D polyester oxford is heavier-duty than the Arrio's 210D nylon, it also has a hydration sleeve, and its zippered lid pocket adds closed storage up top, though the Arrio's zippered panel-loading compartment opens wider. The Arrio is the smaller, simpler pack for shorter hikes where 22 L is plenty. If you're buying an Arrio 22, note it is the previous generation, now sold through Gregory's outlet, and the newer Arrio 20, 24 and 28 are a different design.
Gregory Arrio 22
For shorter hikes where 22 L is plenty, a lighter, wide-opening panel loader suits you, or your torso is far from 18 in.
Kelty Asher 35
The better fit for long day hikes if your torso is close to 18.1 in, since it adds 13 L, hipbelt pockets and a 25 lb ceiling for the same $110.
| Spec | Gregory Arrio 22 | Kelty Asher 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 | $110 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 22 L | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.48 lbs | 1.75 lbs |
| Max Load | 15 lbs | 10-25 lbs |
| Torso Fit | One size (fits 16-21 in torsos) | Fixed, 18.1 in (46 cm) |
| Material | 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip HD nylon with 420D high density nylon base, PFAS-free C0 DWR | 600D polyester oxford |
| Back Panel | FreeSpan suspended open-air mesh | AMP-Flow ventilated panel over an HDPE frame sheet |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, original purchaser | Kelty lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects |
Pros & cons
Gregory Arrio 22
- ✓An alloy frame and FreeSpan suspended mesh back at a $109.95 list price, $60 under the Zulu 24 LT.
- ✓1.48 lb is light for a framed, ventilated daypack.
- ✓Hydration sleeve as standard.
- ✓Same lifetime warranty as Gregory's expedition packs.
- ✓Panel-loading zippered main compartment opens wide for easy access.
- ✗One size, with no torso adjustment.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets: the hipbelt is removable webbing.
- ✗This generation is being cleared through Gregory's outlet below its $109.95 list price, and the newer Arrio 20/24/28 are a different design, so check which version a listing is.
- ✗Only 15 lbs of rated carry, so it suits light day loads rather than full winter kits.
Kelty Asher 35
- ✓An HDPE frame sheet and a 25 lb carry rating at a weight most framed daypacks cannot match.
- ✓$110 for 35 L undercuts the Deuter Trail 30 by $45 with 5 L more volume.
- ✓Dual mesh pockets on the hipbelt plus a hydration sleeve.
- ✓600D polyester oxford is heavier-duty than the 210D nylon on most packs at this weight.
- ✓Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
- ✗One fixed torso length of 18.1 in, so it will not fit short or very tall hikers well.
- ✗No rain cover is listed.
- ✗The lid is a fixed zippered pocket, not a floating or removable one.
Gregory Arrio 22 vs Kelty Asher 35: common questions
Is the Asher 35 better value than the Arrio 22 at the same price?▾
For most long day hikes, yes: it adds 13 L, hipbelt pockets, a lid pocket and a 25 lb top rating. The Arrio's advantages are a lighter, smaller bag with a wide-opening zippered compartment for short outings.
Will the Asher 35's fixed torso length fit me?▾
It has one fixed torso length of 18.1 in, so it may not fit short or very tall hikers well. Try it on if you can, since there's no adjustment to fall back on once you own it.