User Review: Kelty Tioga

Kelty Tioga
Above: The current Tioga, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 6, 2000 by James Reyome

Rating:
Design: External Frame
Size: 4500 ci.
Number of Pockets: 5
Max. Load Carried: 55+ lbs
Height of Owner: 6'2''
Price Paid: $150

I guess I'm just not an internal frame kinda guy. I tried to like the things--they sure do look neat and obviously have some stability advantages that would benefit climbers--but I'm not a climber, I'm a hiker, and I would much rather be concerned with my surroundings than with my pack. Also, I'm pretty hot natured, and the internal frame packs I've tested have left my back drenched with sweat.

I went with Kelty because I have almost universally had good experiences with their products. The Tioga is no different. It has some clever features, like an integrated water bottle holder under an upper pocket, an inner pouch perfect for a hydration bladder (and with a hemmed tube port exiting it to boot) and an easy to adjust frame with plenty of suspension attachment points that should handle most any heighth. That said, the frame is admittedly pretty wide, but that suits me just fine. Narrow shouldered people might want to look elsewhere. But everywhere you look the construction is typical Kelty: neat and well finished. The packbag is beefy and will hold almost too much stuff, carrying enough for a week on the trail in my experience with it thus far. It might even go twice that.

I've barely mentioned the ride. The Tioga does very nicely on my admittedly battleship sized bod, carrying heavy loads with ease, and it does so with a comfortably solid feel that leaves me free to enjoy the view whether I'm on a level, flat trail or picking my way up a barely there rocky switchback And oh yes, it's cool to wear. Not as in fashion, but as in temperature. Gads, the difference. It felt like my core temperature was 20 degrees cooler wearing the Tioga than with an internal. Better still, the balance is such that I walk upright, not hunched over like a neanderthal.

That this wouldn't seem to be a blatant ad for the Tioga, I include some not-so-good points: the suspension is kinda wimpy, not particularly well padded or curved; the packbag could desperately use a rigid sheet on the side that faces the frame so gear wouldn't stick you in the back, and the sleeping bag compartment seems pretty small. On the other hand, the suspension is a cinch to replace, and my local shop had no problem getting Kelty to send a replacement hipbelt that not only fit better, but included a rigid panel within the belt for better weight transference. I would urge anyone owning a Tioga to upgrade to this belt.

In summary, this is a great pack for the money. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, beginner or otherwise. It's got the beef to last a lot of miles, and the comfort to make those miles downright pleasant.

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