Kelty Asher 55 Backpack Review

Bottom Line

We’re always on the lookout for good budget gear, and the Kelty Asher 55 is a solid, entry-level pack for the first-time backpacker. When backpacking Minnesota state parks in the early spring, we came away feeling impressed with how much it got right. That’s why it made our list of the best backpacking backpacks as an entry-level option. 

For someone who just wants a pack to work well and nail the fundamentals, we think the Asher ticks enough boxes to earn a recommendation, but it’s not without flaws. 

First and foremost are the difficult water bottle pockets. They’re not impossible to use. However, they’re tighter and shallower than other packs’ bottle pockets. Plus, they’re made of mesh. We’ve had problems in the past with mesh side pockets catching on branches and thorns, so we’re a bit concerned with durability in the long term. We’re also bummed to see only one mesh hip belt pocket that is mostly a phone holder and not good for meaningful gear stashing.

But no pack is perfect, and the Asher nails nearly everything else. We found it really comfortable, avoiding pressure points even on our bony lead tester, and the overall use felt easy and seamless. This is exactly the type of pack we’d give to a new backpacker on their first trip. It’s simple, durable, and most importantly, is on the lower end of the price range for backpacks.

How We Tested

We tested the Kelty Asher at Minnesota state parks to evaluate its comfort, features, durability, and ease of use.

Comfort

Few packs are universally comfortable since all bodies are different, but the Kelty Asher’s smart design ensures decent comfort for most people. 

The hipbelt is wide and well padded – same with the shoulder straps. The back panel and lumbar area didn’t generate any hot spots during our early spring testing, even when loaded up to 45 pounds. The perimeter frame works well at keeping the load transferred to your hips, and we thankfully didn’t feel that frame dig into our hips – unlike some other packs that don’t do enough to cushion their frame.

The back ventilation is also solidly average. There is some mesh to help, but it can only do so much when there’s foam nearly everywhere else. The hipbelt is particularly not breathable – same with the shoulder straps – but you shouldn’t avoid this pack unless you’re a person with super high perspiration who needs a suspended mesh back anyway.

The Asher isn’t doing anything revolutionary here. These designs are all ones that have been implemented on standard backpacks for years, and they all work here. This pack is neither excellent nor poor in comfort – just good comfort all around.

Features

Although the Asher is an entry level pack, it incorporated just enough features to keep our testers happy. This includes a top lid, load lifters, compression straps, U shaped zippered back pocket, bottom zipper, and decent external lashing loops/straps. 

It’s not all good news, though. The biggest weakness of the Asher is the lack of hipbelt pockets. Well, technically it has one – a stretch mesh that’s enough for a phone or a Cliff Bar – but nothing more. It also lacks a back stuff pocket, which is a favorite feature among CleverHiker gear analysts. Instead, there’s a U zipper pocket that’s not as easy to use.

All of this adds up to a pack that has some struggles. Overall, it still has a useful assortment of features.

Durability

Entry-level packs often use heavier face fabrics (rather than expensive, ultralight materials). The 600D polyester across the majority of the pack provides burly construction. During our field tests, we noticed decent stitching in nearly all areas.

Unfortunately, the three places we’d expect failures are also where Kelty has cut some corners. The side water bottle pockets are mesh, which is a shame since these are high-wear areas on tight trails through thorns or bramble. The other area is on the cinch collar. You can put handles on backpacks all you want, but people will still grab the collar when they need to move it. Here Kelty has opted for a much cheaper fabric with seams that stretch a bit more than we feel comfortable with. The last place of weakness is the one hip belt pocket. It’s all mesh, which doesn’t bode well for long term durability. 

Aside from those three areas, we were otherwise really pleased with the construction. Plus, most backpackers aren’t buying an entry-level backpack like the Kelty Asher for heavy use. It’s more for the occasional backpacker or those just getting into weekend trips. For these uses, we wouldn’t be surprised if this pack lasts ten or more years.

Ease of Use

With a straightforward design which lacks some of the features on premium packs, the Kelty Asher is a really easy pack to use. The straps, buckles, and cinch mechanisms are all large and simple. Although the bottom zipper isn’t the smoothest, the others are just fine. 

One underappreciated design detail is the hip belt cinch mechanism. Kelty positioned the pull on the belt – not the buckle – which makes it easier to get leverage for tightening. Most budget packs opt for a simpler cinch mechanism on the buckle, so this is a nice usability upgrade.

The water bottle pockets are one big exception to an otherwise great user experience. Tight mesh across both sides with high openings makes it difficult to slip a bottle in and out. We tested this fit with a 32oz Nalgene and found it tricky to fit. This pack suffers from classic “chicken wing” contortion behavior, leading us to loosen the shoulder straps and lower the pack in order to access it easier.

Should You Buy the Kelty Asher Backpack?

It’s hard to find a low-priced pack that hits all the fundamentals, but our field tests suggest that the Kelty Asher’s performance is reasonable for the quality. You’re getting (mostly) good quality construction, a nice feature set, and (mostly) good usability for less money than most backpacking backpacks. 

On this basis, we recommend the Kelty Asher as an entry level pack. If you’re gearing up to dip your feet into the world of backpacking, this entry-level backpack can get the job done and comfortably grow with your skill set.

What Other Backpacking packs Should You Consider?

If you want something different from the Kelty Asher, please browse our full guide to backpacking packs or the following reviews:

REI Flash 55 Review – For only a bit more than the Asher, the Flash offers a significantly better experience. Much lighter weight, more features, better quality construction, more comfortable, and better back ventilation. The increase in price isn’t insignificant, but while the Asher is an entry level pack, the Flash can take you from your first trip to the entire PCT with ease.

REI Trailmade 60 Review  – This pack was a decent entry level option that felt on-par with the Asher for comfort, features, and quality. However, the updated 2026 version (which just missed our testing window) looks to be a huge step up in features that comes in at a similar price and is worth keeping an eye on.

Granite Gear Crown 3 Review– The Crown takes a lot of ultralight philosophies, and a lot of traditional designs and puts them together into a pack that can easily do both. It’s super adaptable, comfortable, and durable, making it an excellent first (or last) backpack.