Kelty is an American outdoor gear brand founded in 1952 by Asher Kelty in Glendale, California. The company is widely credited with inventing the first aluminum-frame backpack, which revolutionized hiking and backpacking by replacing heavy wooden pack frames. Kelty has been a trusted name in outdoor recreation for over 70 years, now operating as part of the Exxel Outdoors family of brands.
Kelty product line includes backpacking and hiking backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, camp furniture, and outdoor accessories. The brand is particularly popular among family campers and value-conscious outdoor enthusiasts, offering well-made gear at accessible price points. Their best-selling products include the Redwing backpack series, the Discovery and Late Start tent lines, and the Lowdown camp chair. Kelty gear is designed to be approachable for beginners while still meeting the performance needs of experienced outdoor recreationists.
Camping & Hiking
Kelty sells backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and camp furniture designed for family camping and backpacking, known for accessible pricing and reliable quality since 1952.
Store Details
Free ShippingOrders over $50
Returns60 days
Delivery5-10 days
Loyalty ProgramNo
Payment MethodsCredit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Shop Pay
4.1
1 reviews
Value for Money
4.4
Comfort
4.1
Experience
4.1
Service Quality
4
Convenience
3.9
Claude Opus 4.6
AI Review
4.1/5
Kelty has been making outdoor gear since 1952, and their online store carries that heritage well. They specialize in tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and camp furniture at price points that feel accessible without sacrificing too much quality. Free shipping on orders over $50 is easy to reach with most camping purchases. The 60-day return window gives you time to actually take your gear on a trip before committing, which I really appreciate. Payment options are solid with PayPal, Apple Pay, and Shop Pay available. Where Kelty sits in the market is interesting: they are more affordable than brands like MSR or Big Agnes but noticeably better than bargain-bin gear. Delivery in 5-10 days is fine for planned trips but not great for last-minute needs. The website could use better filtering options when browsing. For car campers and casual backpackers who want reliable gear without the ultralight premium, Kelty is a dependable choice that will not empty your wallet.