Large Frame Backpacks: Kelty Super Tioga Part 1

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 Thanks to such disinformation, the frame pack is often thought of as a old-fashioned and outdated packing option and the shelves of todays outdoor stores reflect that misguided philosophy.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 Sadly its been superceded by subsequent models (however Tiogas are still available under different nomenclatures) but a review of its features in this three part series could help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.

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[andrisig33]

@nutnfancy / Veri

A somewhat strange questions perhaps. What are the dimensions of the Kelty Tioga 5500 without stuff. Normally of course you would add stuff, but I have to get it first :-)

I'm trying to make an estimate of the costs when ordering this backpack and need to know what the packaging dimensions are to calculate the freight costs and have it send to The Netherlands. The same applies for the Kelty Trekker 3950 External Frame, that one I would like to have also.

[nutnfancy]

@andrisig33 I would be glad to ask Nutn to check it for you but he is putzing around out in the great wide open. Have you tried asking Kelty? Their customer service may have the answer at hand. If that doesn't work, lemme know, and I will ask Nutn as soon as he checks in. -- Veri

[HelmerandRawlins]

Hahah 13:18 the dramatization reinactment of water bottle help from a buddy, nutnfancy you are a character I love it

[streetpunk99]

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.

[1911aces]

No one that I can find has this pack, or the 5000. what would be next in line?

[Twisted86]

How much does your pack weigh? I currently have a full-sized back with external frame and I have 80 pounds packed. I weigh 220 pounds and 6'3 and I wonder if its too much?

Mine is a Carson.....can't find the model # but Bass Pro sold it and it only comes in blue now (mine is a dark blue)

[kunstsein]

Does anybody knows where i can get those in Europe? No store i have ever been to(?) has them and i found no online shops ether. Amazon.com doesn't ship them for some reason. Dang that sucks big time.

[Rush64A]

LOL. That light does have some issues!

[Bill11812]

Nut, have you ever used the military issue Alice packs? Either the medium or large with the fame? I have both, and for what I paid and how much I can stick in them or attach to them they do me right. Once you attach the molle straps in place of the issue straps that is.

[monkadelic13]

i modded a medium alice pack on a coleman external frame with the molle II shoulder straps and kidney pad..... what a blessing i still had that old piece of shit pack from boy scouts 20 years ago. i LOVE externals.. bah bah internal frames- they suck and dont hold up to the stress

[myantispambox]

The largest external frame backpack on the Kelty site currently is the Trekker 65 (3950 cu in). Seems like the internal frame packs are winning.

[campcomp00]

In my opinion "bigger" isn't always better. I find that sure I carry more, but can pack too much and mule myself. a little smaller pack makes you more careful with what you load up. just FYI

[TLNoir]

I'm a complete and utter noob to the backpacking world. I plan on backpacking the states (and possibly beyond) soon, and your insights on which aspects of a pack to take into consideration are very helpful.

[HellFire46]

you should check out the ILBE 2nd gen ruck sack equivalent system