Kelty Coyote 65 vs Mountainsmith Scream 55
Quick take: The Kelty Coyote 65 carries more (65 vs 55 liters); the Mountainsmith Scream 55 is lighter (2.81 vs 4.9 lbs).
| Spec | Kelty Coyote 65 | Mountainsmith Scream 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 | $160 |
| Rating | — | 5★ (2) |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs | 2.81 lbs |
| Max Load | 50 lbs | ~35 lbs (tested) |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 15.5-21 in | One size, 20 in torso; hipbelt 30-45 in |
| Material | 420D polyester | 210D Robic Dynajin nylon ripstop |
| 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.
Mountainsmith Scream 55
- ✓Sub-3 lb for 55 L at $160 is the best weight-to-price combination in this catalog.
- ✓210D Robic Dynajin ripstop is a genuinely durable fabric at this weight.
- ✓Undercuts the Osprey Exos 58 by $125 while weighing about the same.
- ✓The hipbelt spans 30 to 45 inches, which is broad for a one-size pack.
- ✓55 L covers most multi-day trips without excess volume.
- ✓Mountainsmith is a mainstream brand with normal returns and support.
- ✓Around 35 lb of usable capacity is solid for a pack this light.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗One torso length only, at 20 inches, with no adjustability -- the single biggest limitation.
- ✗Anyone outside roughly a 19-21 in torso should not buy this pack.
- ✗The max-load figure is inferred from testing, not stated by Mountainsmith.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Only one volume is offered.
- ✗No ventilated back panel.
- ✗Mountainsmith has a thinner backpacking reputation than Osprey or Gregory.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated.