[pct-l] Kelty frame packs

[Stephen Adams]

Before last summer I picked up one of the Tioga 5000 packs, a smaller version of the big Super Tioga.  I got it for hauling my camera gear since it carries weight better and more comfortably.  I don't know if they make it anymore, but it is quite similar to the Trekker.  
I suspect the thing will outlive my hips and feet.  
I would snowshoe with it, since it would carry winter gear better, but I would consider skiing.  For that I prefer a smaller load in an a medium weight internal frame.  I have done some cross country with the Kelty, and I find it a bit constricting to my flexibility, and they get top heavy quickly if not loaded with care, and still they do ride higher than an internal or rucksack.  But this is one reason I got it, because when hauling an extra 8 lbs of camera gear the Kelty remains above the flex point of my hips whereas my bigger internal can create a lot of discomfort until I eat thru a couple days of food, and I haven't come up with a good recipe for the camera gear.  
I do prefer the lower center of gravity and closeness to the back feel of my internal packs when faced with streams, dicey snow, and navigating thru talus fields (something a thru hiker wont be doing much of).  
Weight?  My Tioga 5000 I have down to about 5lbs, which might seem hideously heavy, but not compared to big Gregory and Dana multiday packs which are running closer to seven lbs.  My internals range from the G4 at 1 lb, a couple of weekend to four day ski mountaineer type packs, and one of the original Mountainlight 5000 at four lbs.  That is my absolute favorite and is still going strong after ten years.    
When I take out the Kelty it's all about being retro, slow it down, look for photo opps and I keep the mileage below 15, and more like 10.  Which doesn't mean I bring the kitchen sink, but that is an issue when you have a big pack bag and lots of goodie pockets.  But those pockets are kinda handy too, and will probably be as good as new long after the mesh on the G4 falls apart.  
I am currently still contemplating adapting a lighter pack bag to the Kelty frame, or lightening further the existing pack bag by cutting out the things I don't use like the load separating flap inside, which I have not, and will probably never use.  
But it is a heavy pack and there is a noticeable difference when I take all the gear out of it, place it in one of my lighter packs and walk around.  A huge difference compared to the G4 Gossamer.  But, as soon as you start packing on days of food, camera gear or a load of water etc..., after twenty five pounds, the Kelty will carry better down the trail as far as supporting the load comfortably.  I almost forgot to mention a bear canister also, which is 2 lbs and awkwardly bulky.  Easily disappears in the Kelty.  Not so and is hard to pack comfortably in most light weight internals.  
All that said, I appreciate the pleasure of hiking with an ultra light pack, especially for my feet, and when I want to cover ground, but I also enjoy the slower pace and comfort allowed by the ridged frame pack when I am on a photo hike.  And while I found the G4 to be really light but uncomfortable, a little practice at packing it helps.  The Kelty can be crammed haphazardly and still feel the same day in and day out.  
And since I like to hike switching between shoes and sandals when it's warm out, the Kelty's great for this as I just shove them in the top, and cover with the flap.         
On Jan 18, 2010, at 5:15 PM, <ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com> wrote:

> What I like about the Kelty frame packs:
> 
> -predictable balance for quick maneuvers (with skis, too!),
> -weight carried on the pelvis only,
> -lots of air between the back and the pack,
> -can carry lots of stuff in comfort,
> -dedicated external pockets for quick access to important things (like first 
> aid, water, or T-P),
> -durable, heavy fabrics that last through the years,
> -packs high for good summer freighting, yet the pack can shift down on the 
> frame for low, winter balance,
> -decent, quick-release hip belt buckle,
> -a durable, nearly indestructible and strong frame that can take lots of 
> dropping at the end of the day,
> -strong tie-down anchor-patches over durable Cordura nylon,
> -stitching that only breaks when a bear rips it open,
> -an easy-to-access and large top-loading compartment for food and big, heavy 
> gear with a separate, smaller
> back-loading compartment for clothing and other less-used or light items.
> 
> When I have my Kelty on my back, I feel like it is a part of me and I don't 
> even notice it. It moves when I move. If I want to get a drink of water, I 
> take it off and enjoy a much needed break enjoying my wilderness 
> surroundings. My heavy Nikon 35mm camera rides on top and out of the way, 
> strapped to the hoop frame above, so I can reach it quickly as I'm walking 
> along. At night it leans against the tree or boulder beside the tent waiting 
> for the next day's carry. It became my "home-on-my-back" and a good friend, 
> predictable and trustworthy and more than able to go the distance throughout 
> my lifetime.
> 
> No complaints.
> 
> Mtnned
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