Kelty Tioga External Frame Pack

I just completed a 5 day trip in the Sierra. Nice pack, great utility and very functional.First: this pack is not on the Kelty web site, it may be out of production.Second: a few things not found in the description: - the pack comes with 2 extra clevis pins. - there is an open pocket between the large left zipper pocket and the main pack (large enough to stack 2 20oz gatorade bottles) - the open water bottle pocket on the right holds 1.5 liter soda bottle (will probably hold a 2L bottle) - the floor between top an bottom compartment is adjustable. - the top compartment liner expands 10 inches above the frame. - the top flap has a zipper pocket and has daisy chain tie loops - the bottom of the lower compartment has the daisy chain tie loopsHow I packed the pack: - sleeping bag and ground tarp (Tevak cloth) tied to frame below lower compartment. - clothes in lower compartment. - Upper Compartment: tent, stove, pillow, Big Agnes air core pad,towels, empty 2 liter water reservoir, 500 Bear Vault horizontal across the top (liner expands over the Bear Vault) Top flap folds over everything and is secured to straps from the bottom of the pack. - Front Pocket (covered by flap): First aid, personal care, and trail snacks. - Left Zipper Pocket: Alite Butterfly chair. - Left Open Pocket: 20 oz Gatorade bottle and a 1 liter soda bottle with bottom cut out used to scoop water into Sawyer bag. - Right Lower Pocket: camp soap, sun screen and mosquito spray- Right Upper Zipper Pocket: flash light, batteries, Sawyer mini filter kit. - Right Upper Water Bottle Pocket: 1.5 liter soda bottle. To access the bottle without taking off the pack I tied a a 3 ft length of para cord to the neck of the bottle and the other end to the frame of the pack. Reach back and grab the cord and pull the bottle out. The pocket stays open so you can reach back drop the bottle back in. Nice alternative to a water reservoir.Conclusion: - lots and lots of packing options with this pack - if you are backpacking with young kids you have the option to tie lots of "stuff and thangs" to the frame as the kids lighten their load along the trail. - be careful, the pack allows you to pack too much weight. - take the time to properly fit the torso and shoulder adjustments. I found the pack to be reasonably comfortable if packed properly. I don't know if any pack is all that comfortable with 40 pounds walking 14 miles in a day. - I did have a pressure point at the tail bone, I placed a kitchen sponge wrapped in a wash cloth between the frame and the webbing. - as mentioned above, this pack is not found on the Kelty web site, may be out of production, if you want this pack, act fast while Campmor has them in stock. - Very satisfied with this pack, glad I bought it.

Out with my internal frame "bag on the back," and in with instantaneous comfort, balance, and stability. There's a reason why armed forces worldwide have used (and some still use) an "H" frame backpack for moving troops and their supplies maximum distances with minimum problems. The difference in load distribution, center of gravity, ease of maneuvering, hassle-free access, and overall "trailworthiness" are noticeable, especially going from a 90-liter internal to this 90-liter external. Like so many, I jumped on the internal frame bandwagon for its fashion (at least in the ads, though they never look so slick and stylish on the trail) and popularity, but immediately felt (and looked) like I was going through Jedi training with Yoda on my back. I can definitely see why rock climbers, true alpine adventurers, and off-trail scramblers like internals. But I'm a trail guy (Colorado) with kids in tow, and I'll choose sheer comfort and an extended range with less muscle fatigue any day. This "old school" return to my backpacking roots (I'm pushing 45 years on the trail) brings it all back. I'll take the giggles and snickering in exchange for more backpacking enjoyment. Thanks for bringing this one back, Kelty!

The bottom line up front is I've been a backpacker for more than 45 years and this is the best pack I've owned. After carrying 32 pounds through the Caledonia SP area in PA for 3 days it felt as comfortable and stable as the first day. Now into some more details. I replaced my REI Sierra Crest 63L with the Tioga which is about 90L. The torso adjustment with the Kelty is made by extending the frame using spring pins to adjust each side equally. My REI pack was adjusted by moving steel shoulder tabs up or down a ladder of frame crosspiece panels which is easier, however for almost all of us we only do this once so either method works. With the Kelty you get your hip belt over your belly button and extend/contract the frame until the shoulder straps are as pictured and the load lifters are about even with the bottom of your ears. You then put the clevis pins that are provided into the holes BELOW the push pins. Old instructions on-line indicated ABOVE are for pre-2004 Kelty packs per the manufacturer (e-mailed them). 2004+ packs are pinned BELOW. It is tough to put a sleeping back into the lower compartment even it it's compressed so I put mine up top and put the tent in the lower space. Below the pack there is enough room to strap on a rolled up full length pad with no problems. I really, really like this pack! BTW I have tried an internal frame pack and in my opinion they are clumsy products.