User Review: Kelty Tioga (1972)

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

Reviewed January 18, 1999 by Prem

Rating:
Design: external frame
Size: 4500+
Number of Pockets: 5
Max. Load Carried: 72 lbs
Height of Owner: 5 ft. 9 in.
Price Paid: $85 (1972)

I consider this the finest cargo pack every made. Every time I'm hiking in the Sierras, I pass at least two other people carrying an original Kelty Tioga, made by Dick Kelty. We've all tried other packs (including the Super Tioga) and always come back to this old one. What a load carrier! I prefer it loaded to 35-40 pounds. The straps are adjustable for shoulder width and one can constantly vary the load from shoulder straps to waist best, which by the way, is more like a seatbelt in a car. Can you believe I have a half dozen week-long Grand Canyon trips, a few dozen high Sierra trips and Mt. Lassen trips on this pack that I bought in 1972 and it's still going strong, even after having been batted (loaded to 50 pounds) 15 feet by bears in Yosemite?! If it ever breaks, I'll just fix it. (I even have a spare frame for it. Parts like end-plugs and waistbelts are still carried by REI for this thing! To get one, try yard sales and swap meets!)

Prem

PremMP@compuserve.com

Save & Share

Where to Buy

Sorry, we couldn't find any online retailers selling the Kelty Tioga. You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these sites:

Retailers: Do you sell the Kelty Tioga? List your site here.

Similar Backpacks

Compare
See how the Kelty Tioga stacks up against the competition: read more backpack reviews or more about Kelty.

Contribute
Have you used a Kelty Tioga or a similar product? Write a gear review.

Discuss
Still have questions? Answers? Opinions? Join the converstation in the Trailspace Forums.