REI Co-op Trailmade 60 vs Kelty Coyote 65
Quick take: The Kelty Coyote 65 costs $29 less; the Kelty Coyote 65 carries more (65 vs 60 liters); the REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is lighter (3.44 vs 4.9 lbs).
| Spec | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 | Kelty Coyote 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189 | $160 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (700) | 4.5★ (1,200) |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
| Weight | 3.44 lbs | 4.9 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 50 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 15-19 in | Adjustable 15.5-21 in |
| Material | Recycled ripstop nylon | 420D polyester |
| Back Panel | Ventilated foam with steel perimeter frame | AirMesh foam with PerfectFIT adjustment |
| 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 | Yes |
| Warranty | REI 1-year satisfaction guarantee | Kelty lifetime warranty on defects |
Pros & cons
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
- ✓Regularly cited on r/CampingGear as the best sub-$200 starter pack because the torso, hipbelt, and load lifters all actually adjust.
- ✓The giant U-shaped front zip opens the pack like a suitcase — beginners rave about how easy packing and finding gear is.
- ✓Inclusive size runs (including extended hipbelts) fit bodies that mainstream packs ignore.
- ✓At 3.44 lbs it is lighter than most budget competitors and even some $300 packs.
- ✓Dual hipbelt pockets, bottle pockets, and a front stuff pouch cover the organization basics without add-ons.
- ✓REI's return policy effectively lets new backpackers trial it for a season risk-free.
- ✓Frequent co-op sales push it near $140, at which point Redditors call it unbeatable.
- ✓Simple, durable construction with few failure-prone gimmicks — reviews show very low defect rates.
- ✗The 35 lb comfort ceiling arrives quickly; loaded for a week it sags onto the shoulders in a way step-up packs don't.
- ✗The foam back panel runs sweaty on climbs — there's no real ventilation channel.
- ✗No raincover included, and the fabric wets out faster than coated premium cloth.
- ✗The hipbelt padding is thin, and several reviewers report hot spots on bony hips by day two.
- ✗No removable lid or top-access flexibility; the design is take-it-or-leave-it simple.
- ✗The steel perimeter frame is heavier material than the aluminum in pricier packs.
- ✗Bottle pockets are tight to reach with the pack on.
- ✗It's a starter pack by design — most owners upgrade within a couple of seasons, so factor resale into the math.
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.