I am thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2010. I have a Tioga Kelty Backpack that I bought in the early 70's...still in great shape. Any opinions on this pack...I am debating whether or not to get one of the newer internal frame packs for my hike.
_Kamwak_Tioga Kelty Backpack
system
#1
system
#2
I think the biggest mistake the majority of starting thru-hikers make (myself included!) is starting out with too much weight on their backs. I suspect your old pack weighs somewhere around 5 lbs empty. That's a lot useless weight to haul to Maine. With a change to that one piece of gear alone, you can lop at least a couple pounds off your back. Nice return on the effort. So, I think it's time to update to some lighter technology (or better yet, even lighter nontechnology, i.e. frameless pack, alcohol stove, aquamire water drops, tarptents, etc). Good Luck on your Journey!
_Matt_
system
#3
Kamwak,
Don’t listen to the “internal frame” fanatics. The key thing with a pack is not its weight but its comfort, capacity, and load-bearing ability. I used a Kelty Tioga (c. 1974) on my AT thru-hike in 2006, and it did fine (I was 59 at the time). My pack weight was average but I needed the greater volume, so my KT was fine. For the volume I needed, I would have had to spend $300 for an IF that wasn’t appreciably lighter than the KT. In '06 I hiked with people who had new internal frame packs that fell apart; some didn’t, of course. My pack itself had some pocket seams start to come apart in the White’s, and my mesh backband had to be replaced a couple of times, but it made it. Put some strong thread and a few heavy-duty needles in your bounce box. I am going to use the old Tioga frame, with shoulder straps and hipbelt, next year on the PCT, but I’m going to put a new bag on the old frame. Email me if you have any follow-up questions. You can do this!
_Mango_
system
#4
Sure it will work, as long as the nylon hasn't weakened due to UV exposure over the years. I carried a Tioga from Bryce Canyon to the Atlantic Ocean in 1980 and 81 and it was great back then.
With all of today’s lighter gear, and more compressible clothing, not to mention the frequent opportunities to re-supply on the AT, I would now consider the Tioga massive over-kill. Besides the weight of the pack, you will have all that room hollering at you to fill-me-up. Don’t underestimate the seduction of a large pack to get you to fill it.
About 6 years ago I made the decision to lighten my loads to take advantage of all the improvements in design and materials. I haven’t looked back except for nostalgic reasons. I hike much more comfortably today at 55 years and hiking 16 to 18 miles per day then I did at 27 hiking 14 to 16 miles average. Blisters are a non-issue now, used to be a constant problem.
Do what you like, but for my money, the ULA P2 pack I bought 6 years ago started the best improvement in my enjoyment of hiking since my first trip when I got hooked.
_Lyle_
system
#5
I thru-hiked the AT with a Kelty Tioga pack in '96. It worked great - I didn't have a single problem with it.
I use superlight gear now, but if I were packing say more than twenty pounds, the Tioga would be a good choice.
Happy Trails!
_freebird_
system
#6
I used a Westcoast Kelty(almost the same) in 02 and had no problems. I liked the fact that I didnt have to empty yhe pack to get to things (side pockets)and the bottom doesnt get wet when you lean it against a tree. Just carry an extra waist buckel
_Virginian_
system
#7
The best part about this pack the possibilites are endless, and what ive found out with this pack you can carry a little more weight because of the comfort.Only thing i would say is get a pack cover that fits once your gear is on. Good luck.
_Doubledown_