PART 1 of 3:
An external frame pack will serve most backpackers needs. In fact its usually the best choice vs an internal frame pack despite what many biased salesman and outdoor magazines promote. Thanks to such disinformation, the frame pack is often thought of as a old-fashioned and outdated packing option and the shelves of todays outdoor stores reflect that misguided philosophy. Large frame packs, carrying around 5000 cubic inches, are hard to find and usually have to be ordered off the Internet, if you can find one. Thats too bad because the large frame pack is indeed problem solver for extended trips. Nutnfancys reference large frame backpack is the outstanding Kelty Super Tioga, proven on many an expedition into the high country. Sadly its been superceded by subsequent models (however Tiogas are still available under different nomenclatures) but a review of its features in this three part series could help perspective pack buyers to home in on similarly equipped frame packs. And a pack like this is usually necessary to accommodate large amounts of gear needed for 5 day plus trips (unless minimalist gear is carried). It has lots of advantages over an internal frame pack: lashing capability to frame for all kinds of gear, easier to pack, compartmentalization and pockets aid organization and proper weight distribution, pockets with with a flow-thru back will secure long items (like guns, fishing poles, paddles, saws, etc), excellent ventilation behind back, rigidity of frame provides easier off-back carry and prop up at campsite, bottom frame rung balances pack well during rest breaks (and protects sleeping bag), and its generally more comfortable under portage with heavy loads. The stated cubic capacity of a large frame pack, in the Super Tiogas case 4750 cubes, is actually misleadingits more. Thats because your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad(s), and lashed gear do NOT take up internal packbag space like with an internal frame pack. And this Super Tioga, built strongly with the best materials, is like a tank in durability. Its not unusual for Kelty Tioga users to use their packs for decades and hand them down to the next generation. Thats a well-made pack. But its not perfect. For that durability you might carry some extra weight, translated from the aluminum frame, zippers, and heavy duty packcloth. The suspension system on this pack is outstanding: comfortable, adaptive, and rugged. Finally the track record, from Nutnfancys own use, is superb with excellent Kelty factory support which at one point came directly from its president (!). There are a lot of great brands out there and Kelty is just one of them. But Kelty has never abandoned the excellence of the frame pack in pursuit of trendiness because they know it just works and they know knowledgeable adventurers will always seek one out for lengthy adventures.
Duration : 0:17:14
[youtube ynIlrp3r_zY]
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
‘…back up light * …
‘…back up light *boom.’ ? you are so ready for the to go down huh! lol.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
NoTheocracy2008, I …
NoTheocracy2008, I dont think its hard to maneuver my 3950 at all. I havent used the Tioga 5000 or a pack as big as that, but the overall size is not too much larger than what I carry now. The only problem I ever had was when I tried to go underneath a fallen tree, my pack got caught. But any pack would there lol otherwise its been awesome all around.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
RootBoot22, do you …
RootBoot22, do you find using a large external frame backpack is more difficult to maneuver with. I hear its supposedly harder to maneuver with an external frame pack, is this true?
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
I carry a Kelty …
I carry a Kelty Trekker 3950 cubic inch external framepack, and its way more comfortable than the internals in my opinion. I tried both on, I prefer the external. I like the weight up high, (im tall) so it helps. Go with what fits best, not what the industry pushes on ya =)
May your boots meet every mile.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
funny you should …
funny you should say about biased sales people. I was in an REI store last week and asked why they did not have any external frame packs. the salesmen kind of smerked and laughed under his breath and was like ” dude, no one has carried them since the 70’s” i almost felt embarassed but then remembered how bad internal frame packs suck, which just proved to me how ignorant the salesmen was. so i wrote him off asap and went about my buisness.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
You mentioned that …
You mentioned that this is a 4750 cu-in backpack, while the new Tiogas are 5500 cu-in, but isn’t that more of a function that the Super Tioga pack you are showing doesn’t have a sleeping bag compartment while the newer ones do? I can see a sleeping bag compartment having 750 cu-in of space, so I doubt this pack is any smaller than the new Tiogas, it’s more a function they put a sleeping bag compartment in to say that their pack is much larger.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
An external frame …
An external frame backpack is LESS heavy than an internal frame. My fancy internal backpack is pretty light at about 2.8kg. Still my 40 years old external aluminium frame pack of the same size weighs less than 1.8kg. That’s more than 1kg off, and it is made of canvas, not light ripstop nylon. It is also much better to carry, it does not bulge, and your back is ventilated. What is development, really?
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
cute dog
awesome …
cute dog
awesome name
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
I got this pack for …
I got this pack for christmas thanx to this review. it is much more updated than nutnfancy’s. i luv this pack! great review on a great pack.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
I bought a small …
I bought a small Jansport about 13 years ago. Used it through school, now it is my climbing bag. After 13 years still in great shape.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
nuntnfancy im gonna …
nuntnfancy im gonna ask you for a knife check. right now. lol jk
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
hell yeah, that’s …
yeah, that’s exactly what i was looking for after i saw your backpacking tent vid. thanks nutnfacy
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
Have your knife on …
Have your knife on your belt.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
Good Review! …
Good Review! Thanks for saving me time.
V/r,
Chris
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
So what does …
So what does everyone think of Jansport gear? I’m trying to keep the costs of my gear down but has anyone had there packs fall apart on them?