Kelty Tioga 5500 Classic External Frame Backpack

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.

Likes

Lots of space. The hip belt accommodated larger sizes (I’m 5’11” and 230lbs).

Dislikes

No pockets on hip belt.

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.

Likes

I've always preferred external packs, how they carry, ventilate, adjust...This is a classic with all the same great versatility.

Dislikes

I was hoping the hip belt would have progressed in comfort, but actually my 20 year old Kelty Pacific Crest belt is more padded than this new Tioga belt. I decided to stick with my old pack for now, but am likely to buy this pack when I have to upgrade.

Likes

External frame, tons of room and the frame fits me well. I can carry so much with this pack and still have extra room.

Dislikes

No easy access pockets on waist belt or shoulder harness.

Likes

I picked this up for canoe camping hoping to use it as a carry yoke (extending the top brace) as well. that failed miserably (extension bent further mid-carry of a mile plus portage), but that wasn't the pack it was my construction. LOTS of room, light for what it is, and fairly comfortable (for an external frame pack:) ) I'll be repurposing for chainsaw hauling for trail crew work.

Dislikes

clips and pins holding the height adjustments in are easy to drop (and potentially lose) and could be re-engineered to be more adjustable. Waist belt could be better as well.

Likes

This pack is SUPER organized, which is something i absolutely loved about it. It also has tons of space, durable material, and may very well be the toughest and strongest pack on the market. When carrying 30 pounds or so, it was remarkably comfortable. I LOVED how padded the shoulder straps and waist belt were. I also loved how much stuff you can lash to the pack. It's easy to walk upright and not hunched over with this pack.

Dislikes

I need to preface this by saying I have always used internal frame backpacks, and my most recent one was the most comfortable pack ont he market - the Osprey Atmost 65 AG. This needs to be said because I spent the bulk of my time comparing the Tioga to the Atmos, which isn't a fair assessment since the two of them kind of polar opposites. I purchased the Tioga based off my dad's recommendation, and he's had a Tioga for the last 20 years and swears they are the best pack on the market. And so (from an internal frame backpacker's mindset), these were the things I didn't like. - The clevis pins about broke my fingernails off horsing around with them during the pack adjustment period. - The pack put a lot of strain on my neck and cut off the circulation to my arms when carrying 45 pounds (I horsed around with adjusting this thing for an hour to try and fix that but to not much avail). - My back was just as sweaty when using this as it has been when using internal frame backpacks (I mention this only because I've read so many reviews from people who say it had the best ventilation that resulted in little back sweat). - Improper Balance can be an issue when using an external frame pack, and I think that's worth mentioning since I've spent the past 18 years using internal frames and not having that problem. For those people who love external packs, I think I can vouch that this is a terrific one to have. But if you've always used internal frames, you may have difficulty being sold on it.

Likes

Debated internal vs. external frame packs for a long time. I had been borrowing an internal frame from a friend and really hated the lack of airflow on the back. Not only did the Kelty solve that problem with a great system for keeping airflow between you and and pack, but I have found it to be incredibly versatile! It is not an ultralight pack, but is lighter than many internal frame packs I looked at. It packs well and has many adjustments that allow you to get a great fit. I love the waist belt tightening system. It has plenty of room inside the pack for most backpacking trips and room to attach more gear to the frame for longer trips if wanted/needed. Definitely recommend!

Dislikes

The only complaint I had about the pack, which was pretty minor, is the width of the strap on the waist belt. It is pretty narrow. I think a slightly wider strap would be a little more comfortable. Overall, not a big deal and doesn't bother me too much. If it weren't for that I would have given it 5 stars!

Likes

There are few options for external large frame backpacks and the Tioga 5500 by Kelty is excellent. - Lots of pockets - Lashing straps - Sleeping bag compartment - Lightweight - Padded and adjustable shoulder and waist straps Shipping was excellent, to my door in 2 days. Reserving last star for after I actually get out and use it.

Dislikes

Nothing.