In 1952, Kelty borrowed $500 against the family home to found Kelty Packs. The original Kelty external-frame backpacks were sold in Sierra Club newsletters, and made by hand in the Kelty garage (where Dick kept his workshop) and kitchen (where his wife, Nena, did her sewing). Positive feedback poured in from customers all over the world, including anecdotes and suggestions from users that drove new features.

At Kelty, pranks on the boss, bring your pet to work day, and working with the sound turned up aren’t perks for our crew, they’re our daily “jams.” The whole “work hard to play hard” thing is actually reversed for us. Here, playing outside is WHY we’re here. Kelty gives you the easy and spontaneous excuse you need to get out there and escape from the mundane. We build great gear that’s made to last and inspire you to rediscover the joy of spontaneous play. Every. Day.