Large Frame Backpacks: Kelty Super Tioga Part 1
- on 02.18.09
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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 Thanks to such disinformation, the frame pack is often thought of as a old-fashioned and outdated packing option and the shelves of todays outdoor stores reflect that misguided philosophy.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 Sadly its been superceded by subsequent models (however Tiogas are still available under different nomenclatures) but a review of its features in this three part series could help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
one of the best …
one of the best review videos ive ever seen; great job mate
Hey NuT: how much …
Hey NuT: how much weight can you load on that pack without hurting yourself walking a mile or soo?
I recently bought a …
I recently bought a super tioga, not very familiar with it yet. Can someone enlighten me to the purpose of the small aluminum U inside the main part of the pack? is it just to make it proportional when gear is in it? Can’t figure out why it pivots and looks like it is supposed to be fastened. ???
THANK YOU!!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!
Your dog is shiny =)
Your dog is shiny =)
Thanks Nuntnfancy …
Thanks Nuntnfancy for this review, I know a while back I mentioned backpacks and this series has been worth the wait.
I have always been a fastpacker and a minimalist, and a couple months back I picked up a Golite Quest, internal frame. Good pack for the POU, with a couple of exceptions.
After seeing the reviews you have done on backpacking I am seeing the light on going fully loaded. The Benefits are big. I can see myself this spring trying out your style.
Thanks again for everything, Jet
instead of useing …
instead of useing two pads, you should look in to big agnes. i have 2 and they are awsome. i perfer the new insulated ones they are just that much better, and they are 2.5″ thick too.
awesome
awesome
Great Job,I might …
Great Job,I might add some pointers:(1)use large garbage bag inside the pack and put everything inside the garbage bagged area. Everything will stay nice n dry in a bad down pour-especially food.(2)use bungee cords n extra bag full of bungees for whatever comes up.(3)para-cord extra length would be a good idea as well.(4)wrap that sleeping bag with your waterproof groundcloth.(5) First aid kit should be packed where it’s best accessible and everyone should know where everyone’s kit is packed!
Awesome video Nutn! …
Awesome video Nutn! I’ve had my Kelty Radial Light XLT external frame pack for years now. If I remember correctly, it is just over 7000 cubes! Sounds too big for most trips, but I have found just the opposite to be true. On shorter trips of say, 3-4 days, after you load it, ya just start yankin’ on cinch straps (it’s got eight of ‘em) and everything stays very put. I totally agree w/ you on the external pocket issue. A must for propper organization. Thanks again Nutn!!
I have a CFP-90 …
I have a CFP-90 military pack (it’s internal), and now I am kinda thinking I should have gone with an external frame pack. Do the MOLLE II frame military back packs work well, or do you think that I need to get an after market? I will still keep my CFP-90 because it seems to work alright, but mine is a knock off from the military version, it is made by Rothco. I don’t like it because the shoulder straps meet to close together and choke the back of my neck.
LOL your backup …
LOL your backup light! Your the most prepared person i know of…lol
Lol lights
Lol lights
you could put a …
you could put a grommet in the center of the top flap and run some paracord from the frame to the watter bladder hook.
That’s one …
That’s one contented dog.
Mine also have certain key words, can’t even mention ‘boots’ , all breaks loose.
Great videos!
Pete.