Kelty Coyote 65 vs Kelty Asher 55
Quick take: The Kelty Coyote 65 costs $9 less; the Kelty Coyote 65 carries more (65 vs 55 liters); the Kelty Asher 55 is lighter (2.94 vs 4.9 lbs).
| Spec | Kelty Coyote 65 | Kelty Asher 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 | $169 |
| Rating | — | 4.6★ (7) |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs | 2.94 lbs |
| Max Load | 50 lbs | 55 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 15.5-21 in | Adjustable |
| Material | 420D polyester | Not published in the source |
| Back Panel | AirMesh foam with PerfectFIT adjustment | Framed suspension; construction not published |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | Kelty lifetime warranty on defects | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Kelty Coyote 65
- ✓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.
- ✗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.
Kelty Asher 55
- ✓A 55 lb rating is the highest of any pack under $200 in this catalog.
- ✓$169 is less than half the price of the Osprey Aether 65 or Gregory Baltoro 65.
- ✓2.94 lb is light for a budget pack; most cheap packs are well over 4 lb.
- ✓Carries more than the Osprey Exos 58 while costing $116 less.
- ✓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.
- ✗The source does not publish the fabric specification.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Only the 55 L could be confirmed with a current price.
- ✗A 55 lb rating on a 2.94 lb budget pack should be treated with some caution.
- ✗No ventilated back panel.
- ✗Kelty's build quality is a step below Osprey and Gregory at the same volumes.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated.