PART 2 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 Thanks to such disinformation, the frame pack is often thought of as a old-fashioned and outdated packing option and the shelves of todays outdoor stores reflect that misguided philosophy.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 Sadly its been superceded by subsequent models (however Tiogas are still available under different nomenclatures) but a review of its features in this three part series could help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 …
Video Rating: 4 / 5
I just found a Super Tioga on Craigslist for $20. I felt like I was robbing the guy. I haven’t taken it out yet, but it seems every bit as good as nutn explains in this series. I was just at REI and I was surprised that 95% or more of the packs for sale were all internal frame.
Im going to invest into a new tioga soon but where do you recommend i get it from?
Hard to find good frame packs from backpacking and hiking companies. However lots of hunters still use them and thus you can get them from hunting companies as long as you don’t mind it being either camo or green. Cabelas has them in 5000 cubes and 5300 cubes. Their Alaskan Outfitter and Alaskan Guide line to be specific. A data point for you guys that are in the frame pack market and can’t seem to find one at REI or other stores like that.
Keep up the good work Nutn.
Isnt the Kelty Tioga 5000 basically the same thing?
Nutnfancy…. You are the most entertaining reviewer ive seen to date ive watched hours and hours of your vids in the last week, you are serious and funny at the same time with your sound effects great stuff your my kind of camper too, comfortable and prepare. keep up the great work
this guy knows his stuff
LOL. Great sound effects! Got my eyes on the Kelty 5000. Some still out there and on sale. Thanks
@streetpunk99 I see what they’re saying. That makes sense on a long upright hike/walk. I hiked in Arkansas last weekend and I was leaning forward more and more as I got worn out. Nutnfancy does speak the truth. Keep up the great videos.
@freewill51 i think it has something to do with keeping your center mass as close to your core as possible. I found a video on youtube where a guy does explain why heavy higher is better and even has a little diagram to prove his point. and it does really make sense.
Depends on how many days you plan on going for man. That’s a huge bag. Are you also tall enough to handle it?
9 minits in funny as heck
If you want to do a “deep woods”, the only way to do that is if you know how to use map and compass, or use that insync with a gps unit and go bushwacking.
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google kelty trekker
why not a compresion bag for the dog sleeping bag ??
nutnfancy do you think i should buy the tioga 5500 pack for just getting in to backpacking or go with something smaller
Hey nutn, I wanna plan on a backpack trip next spring here in wisconsin. Where do I start to look at where I can go. I wanna do a deep woods, are state parks good? or just plain government land?
lol @ 9:10. Looks like a very good pack indeed. Do they come in smaller sizes though?
Cool man. I want a new Tioga!
Very informative. Every beginner should see this vid. I’ve picked up a few points from this.
very nice vid thnks dude
maby u can do sime vid on how to fit a backpack
to yourself its will be awesome
nice