When we reached out to Kelty and told them we were looking for a really big backpack, they sent us their Coyote 80. This 80 liter pack is just what we we needed. Loads of room for gear, plenty of pockets to make it easy to stay organized, and good comfort, even when pretty loaded. As a bonus, it’s very easy to adjust for different sized torsos, and super durable, so it will not only last for many trips, but most of the testers we had try it said they were able to get a good fit.
For our family camping trip this summer, there were six of us, but one of our group was not able to wear a pack due to some medical issues. That left me to pick up the slack, and carry the extra gear. This is where the Coyote 80 came in. We loaded it to the top, plus the side pockets, and large front pocket. Thanks to the PerfectFIT™adjustable suspension and the waist belt and shoulder straps that both have two layers of padding, I was able to carry it all and still smile at the end of the day. We didn’t hike far, because we don’t move too fast, but I still had to wear it for a couple of long days, even if over short distances.
It goes without saying that 80 liters will allow you to bring plenty of gear. But I like that the Coyote 80 makes it easy to stay organized and get to your stuff on the trail. The lid has two separate compartments for things you need quick access to. You can get into the main compartment from either the top or the front panel, which is pretty big. Front and side pockets swallow a ton of gear, and the side pockets are attached to the main pack body with vertical stitching at the front and back, so you could run some trekking poles or similar items through them, and keep them out of the way. Waist belt pockets let me stash some snacks for myself and Mrs. Outsider, but have them handy. Lower mesh pockets let me carry one water bottle on the side, and another with a hydration mix on the other to keep us hydrated on short hikes. Once at the camp site, it was almost like a clown car, the way a nearly never-ending amount of clothing, food, and cooking utensils spilled out, along with a tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags. If I was only carrying my own gear, I feel like this pack could hold enough to sustain me for weeks at a time. And it’s comfortable enough that I won’t crumble beneath it. It also feels like it will last forever. Kelty is known for durable gear, and the Coyote 80 should not be an exception. While it may seem trivial, the handle on the front was one of the most underrated features of this pack. After eight flights with the Coyote 80, plus loading it into at least six different cars, that little handle has been my best friend. When you have to carry a pack in each hand, shoulder straps don’t cut it. This handle made it easy to load and unload, and hand off to another person with ease. Small detail, but one we really liked.
If you’re packing for a long adventure, or more than one person, the Coyote 80 is a great option. For us, dad (that’s me) gets to carry the bulk of our gear, and everyone else has smaller packs for their own stuff. I had no issues with comfort, and the extra gear I can stuff into an 80 liter pack means more comfort for my family. It’s also priced right for a family on a budget, without having to skimp on quality. Overall, this has been a great backpack for us, and it’s been loaned out several times, with some testers taking it out more than once. Given our large library of packs to choose from, that says a lot. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I’m pretty sure we saw a new version, so if this pack appeals to you, keep an eye it for it to go on sale soon, and pick one up at an even better price. kelty.com
– Brian
A special thanks to Kelty for providing their Coyote 80 for this review. Like most people, we have a limit to the funds we can spend on our gear. So to be able to review products like this, then share that review with our readers, allows us to pay it forward in a way that we hope will benefit everyone.