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 Thanks to such disinformation, the frame pack is often thought of as a old-fashioned and outdated packing option and the shelves of todays outdoor stores reflect that misguided philosophy.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 Sadly its been superceded by subsequent models (however Tiogas are still available under different nomenclatures) but a review of its features in this three part series could help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

Duration : 0:17:14


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25 Responses to Large Frame Backpacks: Kelty Super Tioga Part 1

  1. acorn1754 says:

    You mentioned that …
    You mentioned that this is a 4750 cu-in backpack, while the new Tiogas are 5500 cu-in, but isn’t that more of a function that the Super Tioga pack you are showing doesn’t have a sleeping bag compartment while the newer ones do? I can see a sleeping bag compartment having 750 cu-in of space, so I doubt this pack is any smaller than the new Tiogas, it’s more a function they put a sleeping bag compartment in to say that their pack is much larger.

  2. tesatejp says:

    An external frame …
    An external frame backpack is LESS heavy than an internal frame. My fancy internal backpack is pretty light at about 2.8kg. Still my 40 years old external aluminium frame pack of the same size weighs less than 1.8kg. That’s more than 1kg off, and it is made of canvas, not light ripstop nylon. It is also much better to carry, it does not bulge, and your back is ventilated. What is development, really?

  3. bobpopo23 says:

    cute dog
    awesome …

    cute dog
    awesome name

  4. coyotebrown93 says:

    I got this pack for …
    I got this pack for christmas thanx to this review. it is much more updated than nutnfancy’s. i luv this pack! great review on a great pack.

  5. Cr0cket20 says:

    I bought a small …
    I bought a small Jansport about 13 years ago. Used it through school, now it is my climbing bag. After 13 years still in great shape.

  6. GMperformance309 says:

    nuntnfancy im gonna …
    nuntnfancy im gonna ask you for a knife check. right now. lol jk

  7. EvilEstacado says:

    hell yeah, that’s …
    yeah, that’s exactly what i was looking for after i saw your backpacking tent vid. thanks nutnfacy

  8. AndrewXAnarchy says:

    Have your knife on …
    Have your knife on your belt.

  9. KBARBRAT says:

    Good Review! …
    Good Review! Thanks for saving me time.

    V/r,

    Chris

  10. whitenite007 says:

    So what does …
    So what does everyone think of Jansport gear? I’m trying to keep the costs of my gear down but has anyone had there packs fall apart on them?

  11. whitenite007 says:

    Lol I think the …
    Lol I think the lighting is better after the main one starts smoking haha.

  12. pkray07 says:

    the weight of a …
    the weight of a pack seems ridiculously heavier with an external frame than the internal frame. i too prefer and internal frame but for some it is different.

  13. screamingshadowaxeXD says:

    Dude those are kick …
    Dude those are kick guns! Do you hunt for fun? Suscribe me. My favorite gun that I use is an old fashion M-48A-1 rifle. It’s my dad’s but when we go deer hunting we use it. Tell me what ur guns are.

  14. Ggreenvideos says:

    Great review man. …
    Great review man. Very informative.

  15. grinninggnome says:

    Very nice review… …
    Very nice review…I think these mfg. need to start giving you this stuff for free just for the advertising. You got me thinking about the external frame pack. I haven’t used one for 24 years now and other than the ALICE pack for the service I haven’t used or even seen anyone using one for years. This isn’t much of a news flash I’m sure but I thought they were a thing of yester year till this view.

  16. knightwazhere says:

    no internal frame …
    no internal frame packs are alot better to me

  17. KennyIsNotDeadYet says:

    nice dog
    nice dog

  18. HelmerandRawlins says:

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

  19. skatingtagger says:

    i have this pack i …
    i have this pack i am only using it for philmont my top load will be around 55.
    im thinkin it might be to big for me though

  20. ITheHeadlessMan says:

    sorry dude i know …
    sorry dude i know you said its your opinion but on later videos put in some good points for internal frame packs. you make it sound like internal frame packs suak. they really dont. again its opinion

  21. ITheHeadlessMan says:

    extremely cute dog. …
    extremely cute dog. btw u got urself another sub

  22. lynusluver says:

    You’re dog is so …
    You’re dog is so cute. Great videos, thanks for posting.

  23. LaneMaddox00 says:

    i just got there …
    i just got there day pack last week and i really like it !! :D

  24. Futil3 says:

    buy online
    buy online

  25. scargill8 says:

    does anyone know …
    does anyone know where you can buy bags like this for people in the UK

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