Dick Kelty designed and hand-built external aluminum-framed backpacks along with his wife, Nena, who sold them out of their garage in 1952. In 1966, Dick Kelty’s backpacks were used on the National Geographic Antarctica Expedition. Since then, Kelty has grown into a well-loved and respected legacy outdoor brand. Kelty designers and employees are gear experts who love the outdoors and trail test and review their products before offering them to Kelty enthusiasts, allowing us to enjoy their high-quality gear.
Kelty Cosmic 0 Sleeping Bag
We are originally from South Africa, where we rarely experience temperatures below 26°F; our houses and bodies just aren’t built for that kind of cold. So, when planning our trip to the Arctic Circle, we wanted to ensure that we could sleep soundly when temperatures were dipping well below -35°F. Did I mention that we camped from Reno to Tuktoyaktuk and back in a soft-sided pop-top camper? If it wasn’t for the Kelty Cosmic sleeping bag, I believe my Yorkie and I would have flown back to Mexican sunshine after the first hint of a snowstorm, but we needn’t have worried. The Kelty Cosmic sleeping bag kept us snug as bugs in a cocoon, and we would quickly fall asleep even with the canvas sides whipping around like a flag in a strong windstorm.
The 550 down fill power (the higher the fill power number, the greater the loft and insulating efficiency) ensured that the sleeping bag did not “weigh me down” but made the mummy-shaped bag both lightweight and incredibly warm. The stash pocket allowed me to keep my mobile handy while I fell asleep to MrBallen’s crime podcast without fumbling around for the mobile the following day.
I fit pretty snugly in the bag, and although I felt slightly constricted when sleeping in a semi-fetal position, the length at 78 inches made it easier to stretch out a bit and allowed more room with a spacious foot box at the end. The only downside of this sleeping bag is the size. Weighing in at just over four pounds and 10 x 19 inches in dimensions, this pack may be challenging to carry in your backpack while hiking out.
$280 | Kelty Cosmic Down 0 – Long
Kelty Loveseat – Low
I once spotted friends sporting the Kelty Loveseat at an overland event, and I just knew I had to have one. Loveseats were designed initially for 17th-century ladies with their voluminous dresses; in the 18th century, loveseats were shaped in an “s” figure so paramours could face one another and gaze longingly into each other’s eyes. However, the loveseat has evolved since then. Kelty’s version offers spacious 44-inch seating, allowing two people to sit side by side with extra space in the center for a small child or pet. The 600 denier padded and insulated polyester fabric provides excellent insulation from the cold. With adjustable armrests and insulated cupholders on either side, the Loveseat offers a comfy, relaxing spot.
It is also an excellent companion when attending a sit-down outdoor concert; it’s low down, so it’s not obstructing others’ views, and it can accommodate two people along with their drinks. If you have mobility problems, purchasing the regular-sized Kelty Loveseat (a full 19 inches off the ground) might be a more comfortable fit. The chair weighs just over 15 pounds but is robust enough to support a couple over 400 pounds combined. The padded roll-tote used for secure storage serves a dual function as a firewood carrier, picnic mat, or even a dog bed. Although it’s a bulky chair, it is still lighter and maybe even more practical than carrying two camping chairs of comparable quality.
$130 | Kelty Loveseat
Kelty Galactic Down Blanket
We love a cold evening around a campfire; we look for any excuse to bundle up and try out all our cold winter gear. The Kelty Galactic down blanket has come in handy on several of these occasions. The funky designs keep up with the emerging trend that revolves around vibrant and quirky designs adorning outdoor blankets, adding a touch of fun and personality to outdoor adventures. I believe the “Cathay Spice” colorway specifically hides dirt quite well, as the color is predominantly a sandy brown. The Galactic is filled with 550-filling power duck down with a soft, durable 50-denier polyester taffeta fabric with a DWR coating that protects the blanket from moisture. It is not waterproof, only spillproof; ask me how I know.
The Galactic regulates temperature well and is lightweight and can be packed down to a tiny size that weighs only 1.79 pounds, so it can be taken along on an overnight hike to be used as an extra down layer in case it gets chilly out there or use in place of a sleeping bag for hot balmy nights. The only issue I had with the Kelty Galactic is that it is slippery and difficult to keep in one position, but due to its larger-than-average size at 72 inches long and 55 inches wide, you can easily tuck it in at your sides. We carry this blanket throughout our travels, and unfortunately, my Yorkie has claimed ownership of it. It may be time to give him the boot.
$125 | Kelty Galactic Down Blanket
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