Kelty Tioga Backpack - 5000-5500cu in - 2009 BCS

Purely based on slowing demand for that pack, we still make the Trekker, Yukon, Tioga Jr, and Cache Hauler for external frame packs.

Kimber,
The Kelty Tioga has been around since the 60's & I believe it is one of their original products.

You can't beat the price for such an comfortable, indestructible, & easy to organize backpack. It's size will allow you to carry everything you'll need for your extensive trip & since you won't be carrying all the food you normally would on a backpack, you'll have even more room.

I personally own a Kelty Serac that is quite old now which still see's occasional use when a friend visits & shows up without any gear.

I think this backpack would be a good choice for all your travels.

You're right, the load lifter straps were taken off these packs at the beginning of 2009. After some feedback from folks like you, we added them back on as an inline change. The packs BC.com has in stock should have the addition of load lifter straps. A tent can be strapped under the pack.

Red and Blue are the only colors offered in this style. The Trekker comes in Woods Green: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Kelty-Trekker-Backpack-3900-3950cu-in/KEL0439M.html

There's a panel that you can remove between the main compartment and sleeping bag compartment.

Rob - The volume of each pack includes the sleeping bag compartment. How much volume the sleeping bag takes up really depends on if the bag is synthetic or down, mummy or rectangular. A synthetic bag is going to take a lot more space in your pack than a down bag. The Tioga weighs just a few more ounces than the Trekker. I don't want to speak for Jeff, but the Trekker may be more versatile in that you could lash a pad or other gear under the pack bag and it has more exterior pockets than the Tioga. Basically it comes down to how much gear you want to haul into the backcounty. The packs will fit and perform same. Hope this helps!

You'll have to call Kelty direct, 866-349-7225, for those clevis pin rods. They will mail them to you free of charge. These are parts that stores don't normally stock unless they offer pack repairs. Kelty can also provide information regarding such repairs.

I'd choose the "Tioga." It's the same weight but more versatile.

Your torso length is most critical in sizing a backpack. To find your torso length, measure your back along the spine from the top of your hipbones to the knobby bone at the base of your neck. This will give you the proper measurement system to fit into any backpack.

Hey Jim,

Use this number instead: 800-535-3589. It will take you directly to our warranty department. They'll take good care of you.

It has a sleeve but no hooks for your bladder.

This is totally a matter of preference. After starting with a Kelty external frame pack years ago, I have been using an internal frame pack since 1988. I like the freedom of movement especially when bushwhacking in tight places & packing into high camps above timberline. This type of pack actually feels like an extension of my back, affording me better balance without having to make corrections as a result of being side or top heavy. I also like the way all my gear fits inside giving it a cleaner look & nothing to snag tree branches, etc. I haven't had to use external accessory straps since then.

Re: Comfort - Internal vs. External

Internal frames: sit closer to your body and generally are taller and slimmer = not likely to get caught on branches = easier to move around.

External frames: sit on an frame so there is some separation between the pack and your back = your back won't get as hot and sweaty as with an internal frame pack.

External frames: for their capacity are usually much lighter than an internal frame pack with similar capacity (sometimes as much as a pound) = lighter pack is going to be more comfortable over longer distances.

Note: An internal frame with back venting features (i.e. mesh) are going to be more ultralight (= less durable) and the capacity will be less than an external frame with comparable weight.

It really depends on the type of load you are carrying and where you are carrying it. External frame packs are load warriors: packs designed to carry large loads for long distances over relatively well established trails without a lot of low overhanging branches or narrow passages. An internal frame pack is ideally suited for trips where balance is critical or where narrow spaces will be encountered.

I have found internal ones to be more comfortable.

The frames are essentially the same other than the Trekker is a bit longer. The Tioga 5500 fits torsos 16-22". Tioga 5000 fits torsos 16-19". The Trekker 3950 fits torsos 16-22". Trekker 3900 fits torsos 14-20". The pocket arrangement is different. Both have a watter bottle / stuff pocket on the upper right of the pack (hard to see in the pic above). Hope that helps.