The Coyote Expedition Pack is a solid budget choice designed for comfort with heavy loads. Its suspension can handle up to 73 pounds on long trips. Still, you might need to fix or upgrade some parts, since the external pockets and small pieces are not as sturdy.
DVSS Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 88.84/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 1,079
STRENGTHS
- Load Distribution: Carries 50 to 73 pounds comfortably and shifts weight well to your hips.
- Fabric Durability: The polyester material is “ridiculously rugged” and resists abrasion from brushes and rocks.
- Fit Adjustment: The torso length adjusts easily to fit people from 5’7″ to 6’3″ tall.
- Bear Canister Ready: The bottom compartment fits a large BV500 canister horizontally.
LIMITATIONS
- Shoulder Straps: The padding is stiff and too short, which can cause “red collarbones” and soreness when carrying more than 30 pounds.
- Side Pockets: The mesh water bottle pockets can tear easily if they catch on branches or rocks.
- No Rain Cover: The pack does not come with a built-in rain fly, so you’ll need to buy one separately.
- External Straps: The compression straps hang loose, with no loops to keep the excess webbing in place.
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Contents
Coyote Expedition Pack Secures an 88.84 Despite Key Design Flaws
Customers give the Coyote Expedition Pack high marks for carrying heavy loads comfortably on multi-day trips. Still, some users have had issues with the external pockets and key straps.
Product Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 88.84/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 1,079
- Average Rating: 4.70
- Ideal For: Heavy-load winter camping or multi-day backcountry trips (50lb+).
This high DVSS Score shows the pack is reliable for many users. Our DVSS Methodology highlights its strong load-carrying capacity, even though some small parts may require repair or modification.
Suspension System Manages 73-Pound Field Loads.
The aluminum frame and suspension system move most of the weight to your hips. Users have packed the Coyote Expedition Pack to the 73-pound limit and say it “held up perfectly” over the past 3 years. The thick waist belt padding and adjustable torso help users up to 6’3″ and 240 pounds get a good fit.
Primary Fabric Survives Multi-Season Abrasion
The 420-denier polyester is “ridiculously rugged” and stands up to tough use. Users say the main fabric held up after being dragged through thick brush in Montana and Wyoming for two hunting seasons. The strong material and reliable zippers make people feel the pack will “hold up for years.”
Side Pockets and Mesh Tear Easily on Day Trips
The lower mesh pockets are a common weak spot and often start to tear after just a few days. Users say the mesh snags on branches, so be careful when taking out a water bottle. Also, when the upper side zipper pockets are full, they block the lower mesh water bottle holders.
Hip Belt is Too Short for Larger Body Types
The waist belt is short and may not fit comfortably for overweight or plus-sized users. One 6’4″, 275-pound hiker said the hip belt barely reached his sides and sat too high to shift weight to his hips. So, users with a waist over 40 inches may have to carry all the weight on their shoulders.
Sleeping Bag Divider is Flimsy and Not Secure
The divider between the main compartment and the sleeping bag area is just a fabric flap held by two toggles, which one user called the “dumbest thing.” When you pack a sleeping bag in the bottom, gear can push through the gaps and mix with the main contents. You’ll need to use a stuff sack or accept that the compartments are not fully separate.
Sternum Strap Pops Off on the First Use
The sternum strap is only clipped onto the shoulder straps and often pops off during the first use or when you try to adjust it. Some hikers lost the chest strap on the trail because it isn’t sewn in or fully attached. This minor malfunction causes the shoulder straps to pull outward, reducing load stability.
Internal Bladder Storage Lacks an Exit Port
The pack has a spot for a water bag, but some versions don’t have a slot for the drinking tube. One user said it was hard to route the hose because of the tight curve, making it tough to drink while hiking. Many users end up laying the bladder on top of their gear instead of using the inside sleeve.
Coyote Expedition Pack Confirms Fit for 50-Pound Loadouts?
People have to weigh the pack’s strong capacity and comfortable suspension against its design flaws. The Coyote Expedition Pack offers great value, but it’s not a perfect, ready-to-go high-end pack. You may need to fix or replace some external parts.
Real-World Loadout Test
- Tech: Not a primary tech pack, but the rigid internal frame securely holds heavy electronics.
- Gear: Fits a large bear canister (BV500) horizontally in the bottom and a large sleeping bag; side pockets accommodate liter-size Nalgene bottles.
- Result: The pack stays comfortable and stable when carrying a large sleeping bag, a bear canister, a small tent, and food for a 4-day trip, with more than 50 pounds of gear.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- You typically carry 50 to 70 pounds of gear for multi-day hikes.
- You use a large bear canister that must be easily accessible to rangers.
- You care more about adjustable suspension than about lots of organizational features.
✗ Skip This If You:
- Require a winter-rated sleeping bag and a full winter kit in the 65L size.
- Are over 6’3″ and require a longer, wider hip belt to transfer weight.
- Expect waterproof fabric or an included rain cover for a budget pack.
- You want built-in strap keepers to keep loose compression straps in place.
Coyote Expedition Pack: 70lb Hauler with Shoulder-Strap Trade-offs.
The pack’s best feature is its ability to handle heavy loads. People carrying a full kit for 3-5 days said the pack “just fit like it was part of my back” once they adjusted it. The main downside is the hard shoulder strap padding, which can cause soreness after a few hours with a heavy load.
Budget Hunter/Climber for Multi-Season Durability.
This type of user benefits from the tough, abrasion-resistant fabric and strong build. People have dragged the Coyote Expedition Pack through thick brush with up to 60 pounds of meat or gear, and there were no zipper or buckle failures. The trade-off is that the pack is heavier than ultralight options.
Coyote Expedition Pack Defends Primary Use Context
The Coyote Expedition Pack is best for heavy-load backpackers who want maximum capacity without breaking the bank. The suspension is comfortable and can handle up to 73 pounds without swaying or digging in.
The main weak spots are the thin mesh and sternum strap, which may break and need a quick repair on the trail. This pack is for people who care more about load capacity and comfort than pocket design or ultralight weight.
Size Selection Guide (65L, 85L, 105L)
The Coyote Expedition Pack comes in three sizes, which affect both how much you can carry and how complex your packing will be. Pick a size based on your trip length and how much gear you have, not just the price.
- 65 Liter: Best for 3-5 day trips and summer hikes. This size fits the basics, including a three-season sleeping bag, but is too small for bulky winter gear. It works well if your gear is already pretty streamlined.
- 85 Liter: The best choice for heavy loads on 4–7 day trips. This size fits big items like a bear canister (BV500 fits horizontally) and a bulky sleeping bag. Users say it stays comfortable with 50 pounds of gear.
- 105 Liter: Good for winter expeditions or carrying gear for a group. Pick this size if you need to haul gear for several people or for winter camping. The 105L can be tightened down to 40L, and users say it’s not much wider than the 65L, just taller.
For more information on the pack and current availability, check the Coyote Expedition Pack. You can also explore the Best Expedition Backpacks (75L+).
