|
|
Post by Louisiana Hiker on Feb 7, 2017 14:04:20 GMT -8
Hello,
I am 18 years old and a active Boy Scout. The hiking backpack I been using all of my scouting years was my uncle's Kealty Tioga. He got this pack I believe around 1994 or 1995. Basically it's a 20 year old backpack that I absolutely love. I do not think I will ever go to a internal frame pack. This pack has been to many hikes and three trips to Philmont Scout Ranch. A wonderful high adventure base in Northen New Mexico where crews hike for two weeks. One of times was my uncle working staff for a few months.
My questions is this. I am trying to be part of staff at Philmont as a ranger. Around three and a half months, where a pack will rack up the miles. My old Kealty still works and is a very nice condition for a 20 year old pack. Only issue is some minor fraying. I was looking online and saw they still sell a updated version of a Kealty Tioga. I was wondering would it be worth it to spend the 180 bucks on a updated version of my pack or use what stills works? I love this pack and am sad to see that external frames packs are going away. Thank you for any insight you may have.
-Louisiana Hiker
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,893 
|
Post by zeke on Feb 7, 2017 14:16:46 GMT -8
Use what fits you, and your tastes. If you really like that pack that much, by all means buy the new version. However, I will stipulate that tastes change. Gear gets better. Many of us here have upgraded our gear so many times we no longer remember all of them. To my way of thinking, now that I am old, is the lighter the pack and the load that rides in it, the better. My current pack weighs about 2 pounds, and my load for a week, including food, is about 25 pounds. Not the lightest, but getting there.
|
|
|
|
Post by hikingtiger on Feb 7, 2017 14:37:53 GMT -8
If you're happy with it, I'd keep using the pack you have for as long as it meets your needs. If you get the Philmont ranger gig (good luck), then maybe some of your earnings can go to the new Tioga (though I'd suggest seeing one in person to see what "updates" they made.) While you're at Philmont, you might get the chance to try some new gear or at least see it in action before making your decision.
|
|
almostthere
Trail Wise!
putting on my hiking shoes....
Posts: 696 
|
Post by almostthere on Feb 7, 2017 14:46:28 GMT -8
Internal frames make more sense if you are an off trail hiker, like me. I cannot imagine how much more difficult it would be to navigate talus or fit between some of the boulders with an external frame.
I know several people who have gear that would fit in a 45 L pack, but continue to use the old external frame - they put everything inside the pack bag. It comes in handy for trail crew, being able to strap extra junk on the frame where the sleeping bag used to ride. And they are still quite popular with hunters, to strap dressed-out game on.
|
|
|
|
Post by hikerjer on Feb 7, 2017 15:13:46 GMT -8
. My old Kealty still works and is a very nice condition for a 20-year-old pack That is one of the all-time great classics of backpacking gear. I still have my original Tioga and although I now carry an internal, I wouldn't part with my Kelty for sentimental reasons if for none other. If you like it, keep using it. |
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Feb 7, 2017 15:34:29 GMT -8
If you're happy with it, I'd keep using the pack you have for as long as it meets your needs. Ditto. |
|
|
|
Post by Louisiana Hiker on Feb 7, 2017 16:40:13 GMT -8
Thanks for the advice, I sorta knew what I was going to go with but it nice to have other people give their opinion. It's even better when those opinions line up with your own. I going to use my old and still functioning Kealty. I will probably get a new one later in life when my pack is truly meant for retirement.
Now to figure out my new boots but that topic is for another day. Thanks everyone for the help.
-Louisiana Hiker
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,893
|
Post by zeke on Feb 7, 2017 16:50:08 GMT -8
Fit, fit, fit. The only thing that matters is make sure the boots/shoes fit you.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,708
|
Post by rebeccad on Feb 7, 2017 17:34:43 GMT -8
The only thing that matters is make sure the boots/shoes fit you. That's pretty true of the pack, too. I will note that fit can change over time, and the pack that fits perfectly at 21 may not be the best choice in 10 or 15 or 20 years. I know that I had to get a new pack after having kids. I lost the pregnancy weight, but it was all distributed differently and the old pack no longer was comfortable (it also weighed 7 lbs, so I was happy to drop more than half that weight). |
|
Ed
Trail Wise!
Philmont Advisor and FOM (Fat Old Man)
Posts: 125
|
Post by Ed on Feb 8, 2017 5:53:37 GMT -8
You'll have a great time as a Philmont Ranger. Your Kelty should do fine. Generally, as you probably already know from your treks, Rangers are out for 2-3 days at a time with a crew. Your load is generally lighter since you can get along with less than the rest of the crew.
Another possibility is that you may be eligible for pro-deals when you are a Ranger. (Think discounted gear.) I don't know if this still continues, but I was aware of it for several years. No, I've never been a Ranger, just a fat, old man advisor on 8 treks.
|
|
crawford
Trail Wise!
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
Posts: 1,775
|
Post by crawford on Feb 8, 2017 6:44:47 GMT -8
Another possibility is that you may be eligible for pro-deals when you are a Ranger. (Think discounted gear.) I don't know if this still continues, but I was aware of it for several years. This program is still in existence, at least it was just a few months ago. Ed is on to something here, you might be able to get some solid gear at very good prices. Good luck, hope you get the job. If you do, I might see you out there in late July. |
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on Feb 8, 2017 9:10:49 GMT -8
If it still fits comfortably, retro is kinda cool.
Many of us find an internal pack is less awkward for off-trail hiking and scrambling, but YMMV. HYOH (hike your own hike).
|
|
Ed
Trail Wise!
Philmont Advisor and FOM (Fat Old Man)
Posts: 125
|
Post by Ed on Feb 8, 2017 9:19:14 GMT -8
Most hiking at Philmont is on trails. As a Ranger leading/following crews for the first few days, it's all trail. What he does on his days off, well, that's another matter.
|
|
tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
|
Post by tigger on Feb 8, 2017 9:35:59 GMT -8
I suggest you use what works until it doesn't work anymore. As soon as you start trying on packs, you'll find out how much more comfortable, flexible, lighter a pack can become. Then, your wallet will race you to see how fast you can spend your money. I used to be quite pleased to carry a 100 lb load in my pack, shoveling as much as I could fit, dangle, and bungie on. Now, I'm considering spending another $700 to have a slightly smaller lighter pack than I already carry because my stuff swims in it and I could easily shave off a few more ounces...
|
|
toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
Posts: 1,795
|
Post by toejam on Feb 8, 2017 11:49:56 GMT -8
Go with the old Kelty if you like and it works for you. I'm betting halfway through the season you'll make a run into town with some buddies and come back with a 55 - 70L internal frame pack, made by Osprey or Gregory most likely, and be so glad you did.
|
|
