External Frame Pack?

imported
#1

Does anybody use an external frame pack anymore? I still have a lightweight one from 35 years ago that was state-of-the-art then and am considering trying it in '07 for the AT thru hike I have been wanting to do for 50 years.

oldeagle

#2

I’ve got a Kelty Trekker external frame pack that still gets some use.

Nothing wrong with external frame packs, especialy for a well maintained trail like the AT.

But, you still might want to upgrade an external frame pack that is 35 years old. Since the 1970’s they have improved the hip belts and suspension.

If in doubt, why not start out with your old pack, and then check out packs at Mountain Crossing/Neels Gap. They have a great staff that will get you outfitted right!

Peaks

#3

My Kelty Tioga (1973) is still going strong. Some people laugh when they see it but I’m content. It can carry a load when necessary and allows me to go farther between re-supply points. Of course I may go a little slower because of the weight but I like to spend at least a week in the woods before coming into town.

Just for fun I even take my old Ontimus 8R stove with me as well… the one in the six by six metal case? It drives the pepsi can users nuts!

CitySlicker

#4

My Kelty D4 (1976) is still the most comfortable pack I have when carrying a heavy load. The advantages are its cooler because it stays off your back, it stands up easy so you can get to things in the pack, it carries weight nicely, It has lots of pockets to organize gear and it has that nice retro look. Disadvantages, it weighs 5 1/2 pounds, doesn’t move with you like an internal frame and that cheesy retro look. I still can’t bear to part with it though.

Big B

#5

There’s nothing like an external frame pack for hauling half a ton of garbage off the trail when I’m ridgerunning. I used a 3200 cubic inch internal frame pack for my 04 AT hike but also still enjoy my 1975 Camp Trails Horizon pack for other hikes that don’t involve air travel (airline baggage compartments can be death to external packs). A couple of people I hiked with in 04 carried external frame packs and I still see a few AT hikers with them. Go with what feels comfortable. If you take care of business and cut the weight of your gear, food and clothing you’ll be good with the external pack.

The Walking Stomach, CT AMC Ridgerunner

#6

Mountain Hardwear gave away a ton of packs at Trail Days this summer. They wanted thru hikers to rate them. These Exodus series packs are new generation external packs and ride crazy good. Load control is unparalleled. The cost is about a pound or so more than a similarly sized internal but over 30lbs probably worth it. Ther’s a variety of sizes (and gender spec.) in this line. The other cost is the cost. Big bucks to strap one of these on your back. These “hybrid” inter/external frames are cool. Ultimately being cool is the litmus for all gear.

Ablejack

#7

I used a “west coast” Kelty for my thru in 02 and loved it. I liked the pockets and it seemed to stay more organized for me as I noticed some others dumping everything to get to one thing. Leaning it against a tree,the frame kept the pack off the ground during rain. I’d use it again and it was cheap,$75.00 from campmor.

Virginian

#8

Old Eagle,

I thru hiked the AT in 2005 with an external frame pack that I carried every day of my hike. I found that I was about the only one hiking that didn’t use an internal frame pack, but it worked very well for me-I don’t like how internal frames feel when hiking. One big plus was that I wrapped my sleeping bag in a large trash bag and then put it in a stuff bag on top of my pack. It NEVER got wet as I covered my pack with a good rain cover as needed. None of my internal pack friends were able to keep there’s dry all the time!!

I have a lot of backpacking experience (I’m 51), but many of those out there are beginners or want very lightweight packs. Mine was a little heavy when I started in Feb, but as weather allowed a gear change, I consistently had a 40 pound pack with food and two liters of water.

I also have purchased a newer external pack because my AT pack is now “retired.” You can check out my thru hike, along with many pictures of my pack under AT 05 completed hikes.

Heartly agree with Virginian’s comments, mine is a Kelty as well!!

Great hiking with whatever you decide,
Big Daddy D

Big Daddy D

#9

Hi,

Someone on this forum sent me a phone number for a source for new straps and waist band for my 1970’s external frame pack which I misplaced. Was that you?

Talker Man (my new trail name given to me by my 8 year old grandson.)

Old Eagle aka Talker Man