Kelty Glendale 65 vs Kelty Trekker 65
Quick take: The Kelty Glendale 65 is lighter (4.75 vs 5.31 lbs).
Which one to buy
External frames are nearly extinct, and the Trekker 65 is one of the last still made. That is the whole question here, because Kelty sells both at $280 with 65 L. The Trekker's aluminum frame is rated for 50-70 lb, lets you lash bulky loads straight to the frame, and holds the bag off your back for airflow. Its torso range runs 16-22 in, so it reaches taller hikers, though Kelty does not say how it adjusts.
The Glendale 65 is the better pack for ordinary backpacking. It is 0.56 lb lighter, rated for 30-60 lb, and its Fit-Plus system adjusts both torso length across 15-21 in and hipbelt length, so it suits shorter hikers too. It adds two hipbelt pockets and a sleeping-bag compartment, where the Trekker has no hipbelt pockets. Its contact back panel is not ventilated, which is the one comfort point the Trekker wins.
The Trekker also has practical downsides: a rigid frame is awkward in cars and on flights. Unless you haul trail-crew tools, scout gear or loads past 60 lb, the Glendale is the one to buy.
Kelty Glendale 65
The better buy for most backpackers: lighter, easier to fit across torso and hip sizes, with hipbelt pockets and a sleeping-bag compartment.
Kelty Trekker 65
For trail crews, scouts and heavy haulers who need a 70 lb ceiling, room to lash gear to the frame, or a torso up to 22 in.
| Spec | Kelty Glendale 65 | Kelty Trekker 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $280 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | External Frame |
| Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
| Weight | 4.75 lbs | 5.31 lbs |
| Max Load | 30-60 lbs (13.5-27 kg) | 50-70 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Fit-Plus adjustable, 15-21 in (38-53.5 cm) | 16-22 in (41-56 cm); adjustment method not stated |
| Material | 300D Velocity with 600D polyester oxford | 600D polyester with 600D small ripstop |
| Back Panel | Scapula-focused contact panel over a perimeter frame with an aluminium anti-barreling stay | Aluminium external frame; back panel construction not published |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Kelty lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects | Kelty lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects |
Pros & cons
Kelty Glendale 65
- ✓A 60 lb upper carry rating, which few packs under $300 state.
- ✓Fit-Plus adjusts hipbelt length as well as torso, covering 15-21 in.
- ✓Two hipbelt pockets, a hydration sleeve and a sleeping-bag compartment.
- ✓300D Velocity primary fabric is lighter than the 600D oxford on Kelty's Asher line.
- ✓Three capacities from 65 to 105 L for $280 to $300.
- ✓Lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects.
- ✗4.75 lb is heavier than the Osprey Atmos AG 65 (4.61 lb) and well over the Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10 (3.62 lb).
- ✗No rain cover listed.
- ✗The back panel is a contact design; Kelty does not describe it as ventilated.
Kelty Trekker 65
- ✓A 70 lb upper carry rating, more than any internal-frame trekking pack in Kelty's range except the Asher 85.
- ✓External frame allows lashing bulky loads directly to the frame outside the bag.
- ✓Torso range of 16-22 in reaches taller hikers that most packs stop short of.
- ✓Reservoir sleeve for hydration.
- ✓Kelty's lifetime defect warranty applies.
- ✗5.31 lb empty, two full pounds over the Nena 60 at nearly the same volume.
- ✗Rain cover is explicitly not included.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets are listed.
- ✗The rigid frame is awkward in vehicles and on airlines.
- ✗$280 is Glendale money for a design most makers have abandoned.
Kelty Glendale 65 vs Kelty Trekker 65: common questions
Is an external frame like the Trekker 65 better for heavy loads than the Glendale 65?▾
At the top end, yes. Kelty rates the Trekker for 50-70 lb against the Glendale's 30-60 lb, and the frame lets you strap bulky items outside the bag. Below 60 lb, the Glendale carries the load with less weight and better fit options.
Does the external frame really help in summer heat?▾
Yes, it's the Trekker's one comfort win: the external frame holds the bag off your back for airflow. The Glendale uses a contact panel that Kelty does not describe as ventilated.
I'm tall. Which one fits?▾
The Trekker's torso range reaches 22 in, while the Glendale tops out at 21 in. The Glendale's Fit-Plus also adjusts hipbelt length, which helps if your waist and torso do not match a standard pairing.