Huge Mistake? External Frame Pack Kelty Tioga 5500 

Hi Gideon! I'm a former trail crew leader with the Maine Conservation Corps. I did 4 seasons of backcountry work, hiking in food, tools, fuel, oil, shelter, and clothes. Our pack-ins to spike camps were massive affairs, with 100 lb loads being common, in sometimes ungraded terrain. My external frame pack was an essential tool for making that work. You can lash ungainly items to it, strap items all over it, and fill it to bursting. External frames are adjustable in almost every direction, the result being that they're the only packs I've found comfortable with heavy weight. You can repair them yourself with just a Leatherman and a sewing kit. You can get all the parts at a normal hardware store. They hover away from your back, keeping you cooler in summer than internal frames. I just love mine, and I hope you'll enjoy yours. Remember, as the pack's literature probably points out, you have to distribute the weight differently than in an internal frame. Instead of forward and low, you want the mass front and center-to-high. It sounds counter-intuitive, but pack it both ways and you'll feel why that's recommended. See you out there!

Not sure why externals fell out of favor. Unless your climbing they are the only way to go. Better weight distribution and a lot cooler.

I own this pack. Its one of my favorites. External frames have their place, just like internal frames.

I have this same pack and absolutely love it! Carries more weight much more easily, has great back ventilation, can separate gear for easy accessibility on hikes, adjustable for us larger guys, and is affordable... I tried many internal frame packs; but have found myself gravitating back to external frame packs... So versatile!

You can still carry a light gear list...with a External frame backpack...

I carried external frame packs for years and the biggest benefit (living in the south) is that they are way cooler (temperature, not style) than an internal because they give you a gap for air to circulate through between your back and the pack. Secondly, they have lots of external pockets that make organization and getting to small items without having to open the pack a lot easier. The only real downside I've found is flying with one. If you check it as luggage you really need to put another bag around it or stuff may fall off/get eaten by the luggage conveyors.

I've been rocking my Tioga for over 10 years and still going. It's definitely beat up but it still works and no tears. Still super comfy. I've bought other packs since but I always go back to the Tioga 5500. It just works well for me.

My wife got me this exact pack for Christmas. I just got back from my first trip in Domeland Wilderness CA. I loved it. After getting making adjustments as I went along I am so glad I went back to external frame. My wife bought this because I showed her your video. Thanks for the great videos and information sharing. I'm a fan!

Maybe you need to get up to date with current events: The US army and USMC use external frame packs. I am able to carry much more with an external frame pack. They are much more comfortable and versatile with heavy loads

External frames are FANTASTIC for people who have to do work or do more than carry their house on their back. It's amazing how many ways you can attach strange loads to external packs with just enough cordage, imagination and necessity. Internals cant compare even with limitless Molle lashing points. So if you have to carry tools, do long range hunting, haul oversized items, etc. these things rock. i've seen people haul animals, gear for injured people, gas cans, logging/trail maintenance tools, logs, even rocks...you name it...with external framed packs!

Have one bought in 2010. Still going good! No damage. I beat it up. I have a Yukon Trekker 45L takes what ever i give it. 12 years usage. It is version of U.S military Forces in Vietnam' Rucksacks. By design its fabric and quality is worth the money on a civilian level.

I've been using my external frame kelty since 1978. Lifetime guarantee - been to the factory 3 times - owned a ton of different soft packs - my frame pack is perfect if your moving weight around - soft packs are comfy overnighters or on a plane. Otherwise you now own one of the best packs ever made.

Been doing a lot of hiking/backpacking this summer in prep for maybe a through hike for weeks when cooler weather arrives. Been leaning toward an Osprey pack all along, when, my wife and I saw the yard sale sign, pulled in, and leaning up against the garage are TWO, vintage Kelty external packs!!!......like new, beautiful condition! I love these things! One bigger than the other,...I use the bigger one, gotta go with it! Just the iconic original Kelty, love it! Oh yeah...both packs for 28 dollars. So awesome!

I am 62 years old and still enjoy backpacking. External frame packs will keep you a bit cooler on warm days, can carry a ton of weight, have lots of external pockets, and you can lash a bunch of your stuff to the frame. I have Camp Trails, Kelty, Mountainsmith , and A.L.I.C.E. external frame packs. The only internal frame I use is an Alps Mountaineering cascade 5200. If you find you like the external frames search out a Camp Trails freighter frame. I have been using mine since the early 80's and it is very adjustable and stout. Keep the videos comming,.. Happy trails

External frame packs are the bees' knees. I just picked up an amazing old, old Kelty from Goodwill for $15, can't wait to take it out. It replaces an old REI external I've used for a couple of years, but the Kelty is light, almost minimalist. You can strap tools, ropes, bear cans, heck, take your car along.

External packs were designed to carry heavy loads, as your research has noted. I’m 64 so I started out when externals were the norm and internals were the new fangled gizmos. I’ve used both over the years. If I was going to carry the heavy loads you’re hauling I would use my External for sure.

"We've had our lifetime guaranteed JanSport 68 liter D3 and 52 liter D5 (not that the liters count since you can strap your minibike on these frames). They have "Hip Wings" which are indispensable for really heavy loads because they allow you to grab them and suspend the weight on your arms to give your shoulders and hips a break once in a while on a long trail or steep climb. After 52 years of lots of use ours are still like new. I take care of my gear and needed their guarantee only once, for the JanSport patch that ripped off mine after a trailside gave in and I rode the pack down a rocky incline. The little crest must have snagged something but JanSport replaced it right away and I sewed it on. The frame and material and all my gear and me ...were fine. It is so nice to have made that investment once, back in 1972, and have a system that still delivers perfectly today. We've tried to move into the 21st century with internal frame packs a few times but after a day or two on the trail, found them to be as welcome on our backs as company of biting ants.

I used a Kelty external frame pack when I was in Boy Scouts. It did everything I needed it to do, what I like about external frames is that it lets air behind your back to stay cooler.

If you aren't climbing, I think it comes down to how sweaty you like your back.

Good move for your intended use. While I was in the Army we were issued experimental (at the time-89-92) internal frame Lowe rucks and they SUCKED! Transitioned into the National Guard where I was issued an old ALICE external frame ruck. LOVED IT! When I stared backpacking for enjoyment in the mid 90's I used a K2 Shortbed external pack and I really liked it. I then transitioned to a Gregory internal frame pack then a few years ago went to a ULA Circuit. The ULA is great for shorter strips but I grew tired of feeling all the weight (17lbs +/-) on my shoulders and always feeling hot and sweaty. Two months ago I bought a Kelty Trekker external. Externals always carry heavier weight better and are much cooler in the summer. Plus many of them have pockets that I find useful for storing different gear. Always hated digging through my internals looking for something. Both packs have their pluses and minuses so it really depends on it's "mission". I'm not sure why there is so much dislike for external frame packs now. I guess some people have never experienced an external frame pack.

Best pack ever. You are out of your mind. If you are having issues, you are packing and wearing it wrong. The moment you do that right. You will never want to wear an internal frame pack ever again.

This is my second pack. I got it in 1990. Fell in love with it on my first trip. This is a beast of a pack! You didn’t go wrong buying this!

I had a Tioga in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Loved it! Started having kids so needed to clear out a room where all my field stuff was and, because I’m short sighted, pitched a lot of nice stuff out. You’ll love it as soon as you are packing it up; it’s cavernous! Everything is easier to get in and out, and it carries so well. I had a Coyote model and accessibility was awful compared to the Tioga. External frame rucks are so much better for long hauls but some people don’t like them on challenging terrain. I hope you will be surprised by its usefulness and I look forward to your review.

The thing i notice no one ever talks about, which for me is the main thing about an external frame, is that it's such a versatile modular system and a utility more than something to pack everything into and carry. You can achieve so many custom pack setups with the same basic template so to speak. A lot of times people are surprised and a little thrown off by some classic external frame packs that will have small compartments or even none. And not understand the benefit of having that frame. EspEciAlly for portaging! omg lol resting the canoe on top of a ridgid metal frame is like heaven compared to not having it 😂 And with all the weight of your gear attached firmly to the frame, it distributes the weight to your body which is the main design point. And being able to strap whtever you want to it of course.. The thing that makes it modular in my mind, mainly is the ability to strap other bags, pouches, sleep and shelter systems, tarps, tools, etc. everything to the outside, and have the bag compartments each with its own specific kit. This also makes it all types of pack in one. it can easily be a daypack, a long or short term camping or bushcraft bag, and for through hiking and even bikepacking. The other thing is, on the fly, you can adapt and change or add to your setup, carrying firewood or extra supplies/food, then go back to base camp. And set up your camp, empty your framepack, and use it as a utility item to collect and haul wood and things you go collect. Bungees and straps with your pack are your best friends! xD.. So then using the pockets and compartments to throw your axe, saw, ropes, netting etc. whatever you use to collect wood or gather food. Or even take a trip from camp to go fishing and strap all your fishing gear to the outside. Frame packs (external) have always been my favorite, as the most versatile. i think of it like, you use a hiking daypack or internal framepack when you're messin around. External is for when it's time to really be serious! lol

Love external frame packs, I use the Särmä TST RP80 and I´m very happy with it, robust and modular. Think you are going to be happy with the Kelty.

This today is why I'm looking to order a external frame pack so I can help carry my kids stuff

Looking 4ward to your review. I have backpacked for 44 years, used both external and internal packs, i like and use both depending on load out, terrain, duration. There are pos and cons to each. I like the flexabilty to having both. In my older age I favore the external pack, its realy nice to drop your pack and have stand up on its own makingbitvwsy easier to access compartments, I also never realy had snagging issues with externals, take it from a former LRRP who rucked through jungles with an external large Alice pack, back in the day.

Kelty and Gerry were creating/experimenting back in the 50's with externals. Most military and European rucks were wrapped around external frames 30's on ! I carried a Camp Trails external in Scouting from the 60's to the mid 70's . Using internals until last year, I returned to my external roots . I bought a number of usable Jansports externals and for compartmentalizing, easy access, and load stuffability, you can't go wrong . Of course these are front packers, not top packers . You unzip the panel, and voila' there is your gear . My are used ebay purchases, good prices and products ! The other advantage is tie on the frame for extra gear . They carry square and firm, just watch your lateral movement, they may shift . Also not good for heavily forested bushwhacking, the frame may catch on overhangs ! Internal have their place, mountaineering, speed hiking/lightweight, dayhikes or summer/spring over nighters, but for weight, external is the way ! Try it yourself, you may like it !🙃🤔 Grizz 🐻

I have one and I enjoy it quite a bit. It's quite comfortable when you load it properly. The only problem I ever found was if you go through very thick brush you can get hung up but many places we hiked there was no difficulty. I don't use mine much any more is I'm 70 and have some physical limitations. Kelty made a great pack the Tioga especially with heavier loads. Looking forward to seeing an outing with your Tioga.

I bought this pack for $100 about 8 years ago. The store had put clearance prices on all external frame packs as they were old fashioned and not the "in" thing. This is the most awesome pack for me. Reasons: 1) I like to always be prepared, so I always carry more than I should. 2) I don't do backpacking where I must climb alot... 3) My average loadout when backpacking is around 80 lbs. 4) I backpack to a spot and then stay. I don't backpack like I'm on the AT. 5) I have two dogs that I have to carry sleeping pads and sleeping bags for them. They carry their food and water for all of us. 6) It breaths very well and makes it much more comfortable than a pack directly on my back. Thus, the weight carrying ability and the ability to tie stuff to the frame make it perfect for the way I backpack.

I love the Kelty Tioga 5500. Bomb-proof. Comfortable. Capacious. It can handle the weight. You can lash all kinds of stuff to the outside of it. I base my comment on 55 to 60 years of hiking/camping/backpacking experience, including several years of backcountry/off-trail XC skiing.

I started out using an external frame pack way back in the 1980's, I did many section hikes on the Appalachian trail with it. I still use one for my bow hunting trips to the mountains so I can pack out a field dressed deer. I now use a Osprey Volt 60 pack and my wife uses an Osprey Kyte 46 pack and we love them. If your going on extended trips and need to pack really heavy then an external frame pack makes sense to me.

That was my first pack in 1985..carries a ton but limited mobility, did the Mt Whitney mountaineers route with it..Ebersbacher Ledges were sketchy with it but made it.

I am a regular hiker and regular guy. I use the old South African army pattern 83 field pack with optional external "H" frame. It its tough, versatile and cheap. Its in the region of 70lts and the only pack I will use for 5 days or more.

I have three external frame packs I use for hunting and hiking. I use an external frame while hiking for some of same reasons, to help carry gear the kids can't quite handle. While I like my lighter packs for short trips and trips with no kids I feel they just can't keep up with the extra weight and gear that an external can. While I don't have that exact model, I do own two kelty packs, and think they are some of the best I've used. Looks like this pack you got is a solid choice for all reasons you listed.

I have this exact pack and use it exclusively for elk hunting to carry out meat. It’s comfortable with heavy loads such as for hauling out meat. It’s also pretty heavy by itself so I don’t use it for my summer backpacking trips. The construction is heavy-duty and built to last. The padding on the shoulder straps are very good, as well as the waist straps, and comfortable under heavy loads. I’m 6’-2” 250 lbs and it’s comfortable on my frame.

I only Use an external frame pack. I grew up backpacking with one and have had the same frame for 20 years. The straps have been replaced and the bag itself as well. But that frame has been with me alone in the woods more than anything else. It's gear I trust and that means more then almost anything.

I like external frames. Very comfortable. Has to be good quality bag -- the attachment points are where they can fail over time. Also little things like throwing them around, balancing them on ground, storing them. But when they're on ur back they're great

Would love to see some reviews on Alps. Just bought one this week and I'm impressed so far

My go to pack is a Dana Terraframe. Love it! The externals rock if well made!

Congratulations you have purchased one of the best load carrying backpacks What this pack does is raise the center of gravity of the load, which means you can walk upright I seems much of your walking is on trails where you are not scrambling so there is no need to constantly be leaning forward (then you would need an internal frame) It is incredibly versatile carrying odd fixed load like camera gear Tent and weight at the top and less dense at the bottom The ventilation is superb no sweating or over heating I have hiked 100s of miles with a very similar Kelty frame Enjoy

I'm in my 50's and have a compressed disc in my back. Did the dad pack mule thing when my kids were young. Also regularly winter camp. I used to use large TNF and Jandd internal frames. Got a used Super Tioga several years ago as a cheap experiment and will never go back to internals for backpacking loads. Nothing totally stops sore hip bones when loads go north of 50lbs IME, but the thin belt (compared to Jandd or Dana) does much better than any other I've used. Recommend you start with normal load out for first test.

You're not an idiot. I bought mine 7 years ago it is a quality system. With the external frame you have the ability to attach extra equipment. Once you get her dialed in I think you will enjoy the pack. Looking forward to your videos with the pack and how you like it. Safe journeys.

Having carried both, the external will be able to carry more as you mentioned and most give greater accessibility to your gear. The external frame distributed the weight nicely especially for greater distances. The internal tends to pull your load closer to your back and makes you consider packing and loads more. I have my external still and won’t ever get rid of it.

Very similar to one I purchased in 1977. Loaded to the gills, flew as baggage to Hawaii from Alaska. Had everything I needed for 5 weeks of packing the islands, packed that sucker all over Alaska, even rafted the Yukon River with it. Never failed. The gear then was ruff and heavy. Gave it to my son. Only recently did it get tossed from a sewer backup at his house. I did purchase an external frame Alps. It is similar with accommodations for a bow, or rifle. For heavy all around bang for whatever buck, you can't go wrong with an external frame pack.

I've only ever used external frame packs for extended hikes, say a week or more. I do have two internal frame Kelty packs, but I rarely use them. My two go-to packs are an old, size large Tioga and a smaller Kelty, both with external frames; both from the early 1980s; both with the old-style solid stainless steel aviator quick release hip belt buckle. Both are of the old design that places nearly all the weight on the hips, unlike current models that have the shoulder straps in more or less the same configuration as internal frame packs. Both are still in top shape. Both are lighter in weight than any of the external frame packs in current production. Both are from the days when pack models often came in different sizes to fit different hikers and load requirements. I've gotten to the point where I can't imagine using a pack that doesn't keep the sleeping bag or main pack bag off the wet ground if placed against a tree. I've long since gotten used to the greater organization offered by most external frame packs and the ability to lash full-width gear across the top or bottom in a more secure manner. I generally detest the feeling of an internal fame pack in warm or hot weather. The only time I think about using one of my internal frame packs is in the unlikely event that I am going to be out snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing. If I had to choose just two packs to have for the rest of my days, it would be my two Kelty externals. I'll not part with either of them.

I own that very same pack and I like it alot, it has a lot room and is comfortable.

Hey man can you make a video about what you take with you and how you organize it and lash it to you your pack. I can't seem to ever fit as much stuff in my pack as others and I dont know 8f I have extra stuff or if I'm just bad at organizing

I've had the kelty Tioga 5500 for 10 years, it is excellent.

I like the ALPS external frame the one I have also has shelf good for tying stuff onto outside of pack & you can remove pack from frame to carry other loads like wood or quarters

The Kelty Tioga was my first pack in 1976. Carried huge loads of camping equipment back then, partly because light-weight gear was years away, partly because we were young and strong, but never had an uncomfortable trip. After it was stolen I moved to an internal frame pack, more because of local selection, but I have only fond memories of that pack. Good purchase. Enjoy!

I’ve been considering this pack for long trips. External frames are superior for heavy loads, but have many snag points in the brush. Using one depends on your terrain. Internal frames are popular because they “look” better. This is similar to cell phones that have internal antenna versus external whips. The external whips perform better but people like the look of phones without the protrusion.

I like mine. The air gap keeps your back cool in the Texas heat. i have had it for 5 years, used it all over the country in all 4 seasons, over nighters (well one) and multi day, see level to 9,000 feet, It has done everything i have asked of it, 80 lbs loads, all kinds of things strapped to the top and bottom. great pack. i hope you enjoy it as much as i have.

I'm a big fan of external frames. My go to was my medium ALICE until I picked up a Hidden Woodsman ruck. I think you'll like it once you get it dialed in and adjusted.

Old school! I have a similar Kelty pack from the 90’s. Used to haul 60 to 70 lbs including 4 man tent, wading shoes, and fishing gear. External frame packs used to be cooler on the back in hot weather. Would like to know if that’s still true based on your experience with newer internal frame packs.

I have a Kelty external frame pack I bought when I was a kid.... I still use it to this day.. My fav part is my back has so much air flow.

In my opinion it doesn't matter if it's external or eternal frame the only 4 things that matter 1 do you have the room to carry everything you need and have room to spare if possible. 2 is it water resistant 3 is it durable (the more you pay the more durable it should be in my opinion) 4 is it comfortable to use. That's all that should matter.

I think you'll like it. I also started with externals with an unknown cheapo in the early 80's. In the late 80's I bought a Jansport D-3 and about 10 years later I bought a Kelty Super Tioga very similat to the one you have there. I always liked the many side pockets on externals, great for organizing and also the pack is off your back more than internals and can be a lot cooler in summer.

I’m still using my Kelty Tioga that I purchased in the 70s. I tried the internal framed packs but the external is my go to unless it’s a day only hike

Great choice. Also great choice of watch, I'm wearing the same dw5600 gshock too. Is that a compass you have on the strap? I have the jansport carson 80, love it. I favor external frame if the terrains alright for it.

I use a Kelty Trekker 3950...this was the first Kelty design...and it's still being sold today...make sure your torso size is correct and that you adjust all your straps properly very important with an external frame backpack...

I've always been a fan of external frame packs. I used an ALICE pack and frame when I was a kid, and have this exact pack currently. I also like internal frame packs, but overall prefer the old school external frame packs. They're just more versatile.

I have been backpacking since the 1970's. I have hiked with both internal and external. My favorite heavy pack was my JaneSport D5 I bought in the late 80's. I now have a Vargo TI AR2 and love it... External frames are so much more comfortable especially on the back.

I lived out of that pack for a couple years back in the late 70’s, carrying mega-loads, before the lightweight and internal frame era. Only issue I recall were replacing a few clevis pins. And all those pockets are great for organization. Kelty quality has suffered a bit over the years, not sure where it is now, but still a great load hauler. I think your gonna like it for multi-day heavy loads.

I’m gone back to the REI Cruiser that I’ve owned since the ‘70’s after 20 years of using internal frame packs. Number one is that I am really warm-blooded and the external frame is cooler. Number two is that I like the pockets, dividers, and frame lashing points for my gear. Plus I like the retro look, which fits my age 🤓

You made a very great decision and buy this pack I think the kelty trekker 3950 is a great one also...

I still have my Kelty external frame pack that I carried in the 1970’s. If I remember correctly, there were external frames and ruck sacks; no internal fame packs back then. One advantage of a ruck or internal is if you have to hitchhike, you don’t have worry about tearing up the upholstery in some car but I never had any issues with an external framed pack. Good luck with it!!

Good review , I have an old style external frame pack called Camp Ways snd thought old school but very versatile. And as you said it to will hold a load if need be

I LOVE my Slumberjack rail hauler 2.0 external frame. I can fit more gear on it that can be "dumped" at camp, and then used to haul game back to camp after the hunt. Can't do that with an internal frame pack.

That pack is my gold standard for multi-day hiking. I have always liked the Kelty packs with an external frame. The setup of the Tioga is the best of the old Kelty line, in my opinion. I have a huge Kelty Sonora that I saved from my youth, but I just picked up a used Tioga for $30 because I like the organization features. I think you have an ideal pack there! I just wish there were more modern options in the external frame world. Enjoy it!!

I have one of the Kelty Continental Divide Ex-Frame from The 80’s or 90’s. This this a Tank. I have had it up to 70lbs training bc my hiking pac carries Nothing Near that much. You get what works. And these work HARD. & i know this review was a year ago. Love your Reviews Gideon!!!

👍 these packs are perfect for carrying heavy load outs. If you're like me, you always have to carry extra gear to take into consideration of your loved ones. You're right also, Hunters love these packs. Dave Canterbury discussed external frame packs and he gave them the thumbs up. These are solid packs for the money and won't let you down. Good buy!!!

I used this specific pack on a 7 month journey on the north west coast and it was absolutely great- I was literally living out of it. I mistakingly packed too much and too heavy and eventually started to get nerve damage in my shoulders cause I had 80+ pounds on them every day for months. I had cast iron and all that lol. Overall pack is 100% amazing- but it depends on what you are using it for (like all things). You might not actually need all this pack. Like if your going on a one week or less camping trip, I don’t think you need it. I think learning to pack light and little is far more valuable. I can see if you were hunting or were the head of a family carrying most all of the supplies getting this. It’s great to have an external frame for the sake of being able to take the bag off the frame and strap a load of firewood or meat to it to carry on your back. Not a beginner pack. I would really only recommend it if you know what you want in a pack and at that rate I highly highly recommend it.

I have had the Tioga and loved it! I gave it away to a new comer and regret it every time I go out. I do still have a Kelty Trekker that I use but the capacity is a lot smaller but still a great pack. I use a Gregory Baltoro 75 mostly but I prefer the external pack. I think you made a good choice in the Tioga

My Jansport D series with hip wings was the most comfortable pack I have ever know. I got it used because I was doing a lot of desert hikes where I had to carry all of my water. I still kick myself for letting it go.

Just got a new suspension for the kekty ex frame I bought new on 82. I just bought the garnet trekker 65 this summer. I remember when all the newer people jumped on the internal frame bandwagon )))) My 65 weighs 5-1/2 lbs)))) My internal pack will eventually be sold))) I've always preferred external frames, unless you are going to use air travel)))) My experience is that my 20-25lbs total load out carries easier and feels lighter than a 1015lbs load out in an internal framed pack...but,,,I can easily have a 12-13 lbs base weight because the stuff I put in the pack tends to be expensive ultralight gear. The only drawback is that it's bulky top to bottom. But, definitely no sagging or excessive sweating BUT,

Shop at thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales for external frame packs. As long as the main bag is in decent shape and the frame is comfortable, you can replace any pads and straps. The pin and ring system means you can put your straps anywhere you can drill a hole, which I had to do as I grew into my Jansport D3 in the scouts. I used a bicycle tube to secure the tent and sleeping bag to the frame below the main bag. All the other scouts had their bungee corded sleeping bags bobbing along, haha.

I had a Lowe Alpine Expedition back when they first came out, gave my Kelty external frame a rest. Loved the Expedition until using it for a three night winter mountaineering trip, could not handle the 75 plus lbs very well, the external made it a breeze

Frame packs are very good for a few reasons. Well ones that I look for. 1- field repair. Very easy to fix in the field. If a strap breaks you can rig up another easily on the frame. 2- if you don’t like the bag attached to frame you can always strap a new bag to the frame and in essence have a new pack. 3- hauling. Take bag off at camp and you can haul all you cut wood back to camp. If you hunt like me. Good for hauling meat out. Going on a trap. Strap your suit case to the frame ( I’ve done this ) I think in the end you get a lot more versatile pack then a internal frame. Ohhh and remeber you pack the external pack different then internal pack. Ie heavy items and light items in the pack. Look on line for tips Personally I will never go back to internal frames.

I used to love my vintage Kelty Super Tioga. I had that and a Gregory Shasta and if I was on a trail, I wanted the Tioga.

I used the ALICE pack for 6 years in the Marine Corps. Used it for years after I got out. I averaged 50-55 pound loads most of the time (there wasn’t a lot of ultralight gear back in the 70’s and early 80’s) I liked it much better with the frame than without. I still think it’s one of the best packs out there. I got a custom fit Wilderness Experience pack (internal frame) in 1986, and it was really comfortable to use even with 60lb loads. Now I have probably two dozen different packs that I use for different adventures. I would say, use it and see how it works for you.

Great buy... u wont regret it. Especially with kids going out into the bush with you. Safer if u take most the load. Good buy man.

There are guys who drive luxury cars and guys who drive pickup trucks. External frame packs are pickup trucks. They work hard and are still comfortable. Plus you can strap a lot more outside and external frame pack, which is nice in the winter.

The only heavy load carrier I found that can match the capability of external framed packs of the same size is the hill people qui-ya. Pack is insane but really $$$. But generally speaking, external framed packs are usually great load carriers. Not to mention the adjustability and amount of modifications at your disposal! Want a different hip belt? No problem. The best thing probably is the unmatched back ventilation. Looking forward for your review

I started out with external frame backpacks, though now usually use a frameless ultralight backpack. External frame backpacks are the tractor trailers of backpacks. The many pockets help keep everything organized. Tip: bring extra pins and rings if you are going to be doing a lot of miles on your trip. Please let us know how you make out using this.

I use both internal and external frame packs depending on conditions. Steep inclines or plane boarding or skiing internal. I have that exact same pack, tioga 5500, same color too, used for any other backpacking/camping. Great pack, comfortable even with loads of up 85lbs, which I have done.

I love Keltys as well. Currently I'm using a Trekker 65l bag. I'm not sure but I think that's the largest ext. frame they are still making. If you want larger I think the Redcloud goes to 90 or 100 liters but I'd have to look it up. I've been using a Kelty Coyote 80 for my internal frame but I really do prefer the way the Trekker rides when it comes to sheer weight. The frame does an outstanding job of keeping the weight high on the hips keeping the load off my back. The straps are sturdy and there's more than enough adjustment for me to get the load to ride comfortably. I really only use the bigger bag for carrying extra gear for photography. I don't it use so much for the weight carrying as the volume. I think you are going to really like it once you get used to it. I'm 60 and have been hiking the Sierras since the late I joined scouts in '69 or 70', (memory ain't what it used to be), and have used external frame packs about 85% of the time. For me it is the go-to option. And Kelty makes a great product. I look forward to hearing how it works for you.

I know this is an old video but I, have and regular use, a Kelty Trekker 65 [75] pack that I bought in 2009 (It's now 2021). I've used this thing for some extremely gnarly trips over the years, and had used it A LOT, I'm talking about from anywhere between 3 days a week for 6-7 months at a time to 8-10 weeks straight. It's an excellent pack for getting gear to base camps and also for hauling gear between higher camps after routes are set. Although I own a number of very good internal frame packs, I prefer to wear this external unless I'm leading/breaking trails or will be scrambling, in which case I switch to an internal. I usually use a day pack for summit push, but have actually took this huge external up a fixed rope climb to summit since we were attempting a full traverse and had to bring a ton of shit for rig the decent for a crowd we expected to follow (long story short: we almost killed ourselves, made full decent with rigging, just for all others to look down the traverse and puss out lol. So we almost killed ourselves again just to clean the pitches of gear)

Cant wait to see how you like it. I have an alps and a Kelty. Love them but the kids make fun of me, lol. But I carry more than them and i am half their age

The Tioga 5500 has been my go-to pack for almost a decade. It is wayyy lighter than most internal frame packs and a lot more versatile. Absolutely love it. Only thing that could make it better would be hip pockets

I look forward to hear your take on this pack after you have used it for awhile. I'm 60+ love Kelty products so bought a Coyote 80 at a great price. Ended up at 45 lbs. once it was loaded. It was miserable. Went to a Trekker 65 and it was night and day for comfort. Carries the same load, just have to lash items on the outside. Any suggestions on how I should carry water bottles so that they are easy to get to?

Heck no, that is a great pack. Kelty has always made great packs. External frame packs have better air flow, so are cooler to wear in the summer. I still have my old Expedition external frame pack. Put many miles on it back in the 80s when I was in Boy Scouts.

I bought a Eureka Eagle External frame pack In the early nineties to hike the Appalachian trail in Maine. I love it I have since purchased multiple internal frame packs but still like the external frame pack more because it is much cooler on my back and as someone who has MS this is very crucial on hot summer days so no I don't think you're crazy I also am able to carry a lot more year mostly externally lashed to the outside , Bottom and top And I find it easier to balance my load. I am also Like yourself 6' 2" 200 pounds and I love the adjustability of my external frame pack way more just obal than any other pack I've ever had

Please post an update as soon as you take it out. I've been eyeballing this same pack for a couple years and keep hesitating to pull the trigger. I use the molle 2 woodland rucksack and love it, but wouldn't mind saving a couple pounds on the pack, I believe the molle 2 rucksack is just a tad over 9 lbs. So, it's either this or the alps commander which is a little heavier and doesn't have the load lifter straps. I may just get it considering we never know when it won't be available any more. Happy Trails!

Have always used external frame packs. It's actually a Moor & Mountain pack from 1970, with a lot of Kelty replacement parts installed. Why would I replace it? It's part of the family now.

My family went backpacking several times when I was a teenager. None of us ever had a problem with our external frame packs. Last time I went backpacking I carried around 60lbs and my dad's backpack was even a few pounds heavier than mine. My cousin went on a trip and had a critical structural failure in his internal frame pack. External frames are better

Is it easier to carry weight with an external frame pack? I’m thinking of going external frame

External frames are incredible with the newer more compact equipment. Below the back where I use to carry my sleeping bag is now where I carry my clothes in a stuff sac.

When did through-backpacking, become thru-hiking...?

I think this pack was a good buy. By the way your show is awesome, huge fan.