Kelty (company)

Kelty is a manufacturer of high-end backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags owned by Exxel Outdoors, LLC. The business is based in Boulder, Colorado.

The company was started by Asher "Dick" Kelty (September 13, 1919 - January 12, 2004), who was one of the first gear designers to produce and market an external-frame backpack designed specifically for civilian use. He is considered to be the inventor of the aluminum-framed backpack.

Kelty products are widely sold by large outdoor outfitters such as Eastern Mountain Sports and REI, and Kelty is one of a few companies that still specializes in external-frame backpacks for outdoors use.

Dick Kelty's son, Richard Kelty, became one of the founders of Sierra West, a competing company.