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03/13/24
First impression review before use
Likes
Firstly, I thought it was going to be black judging from the website photo - but it is actually a very dark forest green. This is great, as I would have probably chosen the green. The initial quality looks really good. I haven't used a framed pack since I was in the army many years ago, but this one seems like a good choice. The materials feel good, there is double stitching where it looks like it should be around the pockets, and there's adjustments for height and shoulders. Fit and finish is on point. I put it on without loading it and it seems to be exactly as advertised.
Dislikes
I don't have any cons but I haven't really used it yet.
08/28/23
Tioga 5500
Likes
Comfortable suspension, fairly lightweight, nice pockets and tie downs points
Dislikes
Would prefer that the shoulder straps were attached to the lower frame (like my 1970's Tioga) rather than on the fabric support.
09/10/21
Old Skool Street Cred for the Sticks
Likes
The stares of admiration from millennials & Gen Z who have only heard or read about external frame packs seems to lighten the heaviest load. Also, it’s nice to have the pack away from your back. With an internal frame pack, I always felt like my back was smothered by a sack of wet cement.
Dislikes
What’s not to like about the Tioga? I was OK with it not coming equipped with a rain cover. Also, I knew going into it the belt doesn’t have snack or water pouches. Be a man among men, get yourself one of these.
10/20/20
Great cant say anymore
Likes
lots of room for packing, with separate compartments for organization and very easy access. I love external frame packs and this is outstanding. Plenty on places to add tie downs and lash items to the outside.
Dislikes
wish the rain cover came as part of the bag, but no big deal!@
10/19/20
Classic
Likes
Very adjustable, very durable, and handles heavy loads comfortably. A good external frame pack
Dislikes
Key ring fasteners that come with the pack to attach the bag to the frame are loud, should be replaced with cotter pins. No storage on belt
09/25/20
Slight Upgrade from the Old
Likes
Has the volume for what I like to take and adequate organization for those items. After it is adjusted it seems to carry the weight well. It will be fine on the trail. Make sure to do your adjustments at home, and not on the trail.
Dislikes
I am not a fan of the belt buckle system, the pockets on the sides are not as big as I was expecting, the top adjustable cross bar seemed flimsy when extended. Okay, I am an old geezer that bought this pack hoping for a substantial upgrade from my old Kelty Serac Expedition that I have used from the mid 1980's. That bag is like a walking tiny house with a volume of 115 liters, so the 90 liters of this bag was not overwhelming to me. I bought the Tioga 5500 to make sure that I would still have an external frame pack for extended backcountry trips and for carrying heavy loads for hunting trips - as these types of packs are no longer in vogue. I was not as impressed with the Tioga 5500 as I was hoping I would be, considering it is 30+ years new and improved over my old Kelty Serac Expedition. The old Kelty belt buckle system is far superior to the one on the Tioga. with not as many side roomy pockets. I assume that those changes were made to make the Tioga lighter, and cheaper to manufacture. It is tough to beat the quality of those old Kelty bags; they were tough pack mules.
09/22/20
Classic
Likes
Lots of space. The hip belt accommodated larger sizes (I’m 5’11” and 230lbs).
Dislikes
No pockets on hip belt.
09/13/20
A classic
Likes
External frame; internal capacity. Side Note: The team at Enwild are awesome. Their customer service is above and then beyond.
Dislikes
None
09/03/20
Classic, and still the best
Likes
Every backpack on the market is going internal frame and small capacity. Not here! This is the Classic Kelty that will allow you to carry everything you blend for those long haul back country hikes. Kelty strong and will last forever!
Dislikes
Lack of color choices.
08/30/20
Straightforward Large External Frame Pack
Likes
Lots of adjustability Lots of room Comfortable
Dislikes
The divider between the sleeping bag compartment and main compartment can not be completely removed. You unzip and loosen it, but the straps that support it can not be unclipped.
08/25/20
Handles Weight Well
Likes
Bought this for weight training (doing lunges with 50-60 lbs in pack) and for handling heavier loads (hopefully boned out meat) on backcountry hunting trips. This pack was the most comfortable I've ever been with 45 pounds on a backpacking trip (20 plus miles through rugged, steep terrain). Comfortable ride, lots of space, great adjustability, and arrangement of pockets allowed for good balance. If you want to carry weight in comfort, this is the pack for you.
Dislikes
Not so much a dislike as reality: going off trail with external frame is more challenging than internal. It will be harder to bushwhack and creep through thick woods quietly. But you buy this pack for its space and weight handling, not to be a ninja.
08/21/20
I wanted one of these for a long time
Likes
Load distribution is key. Air on the back for ventilation. Compartments are ideal Adjustment is fairly easy Durability is exceptional
Dislikes
Not sure yet. Need more time on the trail. Maybe too big for a three day trip. Not so great for scrambling.
How to Take a Heavy Pack On and Off
