How good is the Kelty Tioga backpack? I’ve used mine – hard – for decades, and it shows no signs of wearing out. And I don’t need a replacement.
by Leon Pantenburg
My Tioga has been a trusted piece of equipment since 1976. At the time, I was a recent graduate of Iowa State University, broke and nearly indigent. I went west to go backpacking for the summer, and couch-surfed at John Nerness’ place while I waited on an upcoming Peace Corps assignment. I bought a good sleeping bag, some Georgia logger boots to hike in and the Kelty. All that gear was put to the test, and it proved to be money well spent.
“The car can’t be that far…” Note the poncho strapped to the top of the Kelty Tioga pack.
That summer I hiked in the Bighorn and Pryor Mountains of Wyoming, California’s Santa Cruz Mountains and in Lassen Volcanic National Park. In August, I soloed the 225-mile John Muir Trail. In later years, that Kelty was carried on the southern loop of Yellowstone National Park, in the Beartooths in Montana, the Sawtooths of Idaho, and on numerous other hikes, including Death Valley.
After my 1980 Source-to-Sea canoe voyage of the Mississippi River, I set out from Vicksburg, Mississippi to hike 900+ miles home to Ames, Iowa. My stuff was carried in the Kelty.
The Kelty Tioga backpack was first seen on the market in the 1970s. It became known for its durability and longevity and the quality materials made it able to withstand hard wear and tear. The aluminum frame is famous for its strength, allowing it to handle heavy loads without bending or breaking. This durability made it an excellent choice for backpackers who plan to undertake long trips or who must carry substantial gear.
Here are the Kelty 550 Tioga Classic specs:
Here is the good stuff:
Load Capacity
With a capacity of 5500 cubic inches (90 liters), the Kelty Tioga’s volume makes the backpack an A-list choice for extended trips. On a 1977 Death Valley backpacking trip, all the water had to be carried. After loading three gallons of water (for the three-day trip), my pack started out at 24 pounds without any additional gear.
I’m guessing my pack weighed about 65 pounds when we took off from the trailhead. The weight took a lot of joy out of the hike.
Comfort and Fit
The adjustable aluminum frame allows users to customize the fit according to their body size. Proper adjustment ensures that the hip belt sits just above the hip bones while maintaining visibility of the lifters above the shoulders. The mesh backing provides ventilation, which helps keep the back cool during hikes—an important feature in warmer climates.
In my 1981 Vicksburg to Ames hike, the July heat was intense. The mesh backing was as comfortable as could be expected. The breeze through the mesh between my back and the pack was heavenly!
This view in the Wind River Range takes some effort, and my Tioga hauled all my gear.
Organization: One of the standout Tioga features is its organizational capabilities. The bag has multiple pockets and compartments that allow easy access to gear without having to dig through a single large compartment. The design includes side pockets capable of holding water bottles and various other pouches for tools or personal items. This organization enhances efficiency on the trail.
We earned this view! Rocky Mountain National Park, 1986. From left; me, John Nerness and Michael Pantenburg. Mike and I both carried Tiogas.
Versatility: The external frame design allows gear to be strapped onto the outside of the pack easily. This versatility is important when carrying items like sleeping pads or tents that may not fit inside comfortably.
My brother, Michael Pantenburg, and I use our Tioga frames to pack out elk meat after a successful backcountry hunt. While internal frame packs are popular today, many backpackers appreciate external frames like those found on the Tioga for their load-carrying capabilities.
Mike wades the Salmon River on an Idaho elk hunt. He has packed out several elk on his Tioga pack frame.
Mike has hauled out several elk from the backcountry on his Kelty frame. The animal would be skinned and quartered, and the pieces would be wrapped in game bags. The quarter (weighing up to 90 pounds!) would be bungi-corded to the frame and packed out to the trailhead. There is no way that could be fun. But having an efficient pack frame to carry the meat made the activity less awful.
Do you need a Tioga?
Well, just because something is old, doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. Internal frame packs are all the rage now, and I have several. My Tioga rests in honored retirement in my garage, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use it on another backpack trip. It is in no danger of being sold in a garage sale!
If you are looking for a backpack with a proven track record, check out a Tioga. It won’t let you down!
There are many factors that determine how comfortable your hiking footwear will be. Consider these things when you are shopping:
- Shoes or boots for hiking?
- Waterproof or not?
- What are the best socks for the conditions?
- How do you avoid getting sore feet?
- Will the shoes or boots keep your feet warm?
The Fin and Bone is here!
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