Kelty Asher 55 vs Kelty Nena 60
Quick take: The Kelty Asher 55 costs $10 less; the Kelty Nena 60 carries more (60 vs 55 liters); the Kelty Asher 55 is lighter (3.13 vs 3.31 lbs).
Which one to buy
Ten dollars separate Kelty's two budget backpacking packs, and both adjust across the same 15.5-21 in torso range, so fit length is not the question. Fit shape is: the Nena 60 is Kelty's women's-specific pack, and for a woman that harness is the main reason to pick it.
The Nena also has the clearer spec sheet. Kelty rates it for 40-60 lb, gives it a ventilated AMP-Flow back over a perimeter frame, a sleeping-bag compartment, a center hydration port and a lifetime defect warranty, at 3.31 lb. The 40 lb floor of that range suggests a suspension tuned for heavy loads rather than light ones, and it has only one mesh hipbelt pocket.
The Asher 55 is the budget first pack reviewers and testers point to: an adjustable FIT-Pro harness, hipbelt pockets and a sensible 55 L. They also say its trimmed-down suspension is most comfortable up to about 30 lb and that its features, durability and comfort score below premium packs. Warranty is a tie, since Kelty covers both against manufacturing defects for life. For heavier loads, or for any woman, the Nena gives more for the extra $10, though its single mesh hipbelt pocket is a step down from the Asher's hipbelt pockets.
Kelty Asher 55
For budget backpackers whose loads stay around 30 lb and who want an adjustable harness that is not cut for a woman's frame.
Kelty Nena 60
Worth the extra $10 for women, or for anyone carrying heavier multi-day loads who wants a stated 40-60 lb range.
| Spec | Kelty Asher 55 | Kelty Nena 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $170 | $180 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (7) | — |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
| Weight | 3.13 lbs | 3.31 lbs |
| Max Load | 25-45 lbs | 40-60 lbs (18-27 kg) |
| Torso Fit | FIT-Pro adjustable, 15.5-21 in | FIT-Plus adjustable, 15.5-21 in (39-53 cm) |
| Material | 600D polyester oxford | 600D polyester oxford |
| Back Panel | AMP-Flow ventilated back panel over a perimeter frame | AMP-Flow ventilated panel over a perimeter frame |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Kelty lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects (reasonable lifetime of the product, original purchaser) | Kelty lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects |
Pros & cons
Kelty Asher 55
- ✓$170 is less than half the price of the Osprey Aether 65 or Gregory Baltoro 65.
- ✓3 lb 2 oz is light for a budget pack; most cheap packs are well over 4 lb.
- ✓Costs $115 less than the Osprey Exos 58.
- ✓Adjustable torso at a price where fixed harnesses are the norm.
- ✓Kelty has a long history in mainstream backpacking gear.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓55 L covers most multi-day trips without excess volume.
- ✗OutdoorGearLab rates its features, durability and comfort below the premium packs.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Kelty's build quality is a step below Osprey and Gregory at the same volumes.
Kelty Nena 60
- ✓3.31 lb with a 60 lb rating is a better weight-to-load figure than any other Kelty pack.
- ✓Adjustable torso across 15.5-21 in at a price where many packs come in fixed sizes.
- ✓Ventilated AMP-Flow back, hydration sleeve and a hipbelt mesh pocket.
- ✓$100 cheaper than the women's Glendale 65 for the same load ceiling.
- ✓Lifetime defect warranty.
- ✗Kelty states that no rain cover is included.
- ✗Only a single mesh hipbelt pocket, against two zippered ones on the Glendale.
- ✗600D polyester oxford adds weight compared with the 210D nylon on lighter packs.
- ✗The 40 lb lower bound of the carry range suggests the suspension is tuned for heavy loads rather than light ones.
Kelty Asher 55 vs Kelty Nena 60: common questions
Which handles heavier loads, the Asher 55 or the Nena 60?▾
The Nena 60, which Kelty rates for 40-60 lb. Asher 55 testers find its suspension most comfortable up to about 30 lb, with heavier loads possible but not pleasant.
Can a man use the Nena 60?▾
It is built as a women's-specific pack, so its shoulder straps and hipbelt are shaped for a woman's frame. The torso range matches the Asher 55, but a man will usually get a better harness fit from the Asher.
Does either include a rain cover?▾
No. Kelty states the Nena 60 comes without one, and the Asher 55 has none in the box either, so budget for a cover or a pack liner with either.