Kelty Tioga

Review Date
June 3, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: capehornguns ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Sierra trading post

Summary:
I love this pack,5 years of use and not one problem.I have packed up to 75 pounds with very little frame deflection. Unlike internale frame packs my back is not soaked with sweat.I am into function not good looks.I have a long torso and this pack fits great.I back about 200 miles a year and this pack as never let me down.

Customer Service:
I have not needed it.

Similar Products Used:
CampTrails,Camp7,Jansport,Ultima and Dana Designs shortbed(over enginered junk)

Review Date
September 25, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Faye(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Lincoln University, PA USA

Price Paid:  $90.00 at Outbackgear.com

Summary:
I'm a 50+ year old novice backpacker and chose this pack because I'm 4" 11" tall with 15" torso and it was advertised as having great adjustability, and load carrying ability. I couldn't find many packs, except kids packs, that I could afford and that would fit my short torso. Since I'm wide in the body, the kids packs don't fit. I read all the reviews and tried on some external and internal frame backpacks that I could afford, then I bought the Women's Tioga. It did take me quite a while to get the fit just right, but once I did, I was able to carry everything I needed with no problem. I carried 35 lbs. one trip and only 30 lbs. the 2nd trip. The pack has good balance and holds close to your back. You can adjust it quickly while on the trail by tightening/loosening the hip belt, shoulder straps and/or load lifter straps. I really like the "hold open" frame. One negative I've experienced so far with this pack is the location of the the water bottle pocket. There is no way I can reach up and get my water bottle out of the pocket and/or put it back into the pocket. I don't like hydration reservoirs (this pack will take one), so I purchased a Lowa Water Bottle Holder, which slides onto the waist belt of the Tioga pack and works just right. The other negative is the sleeping bag compartment is not big enough or easy to use. My sleeping bag in it's stuff sack would barely fit in the compartment. I ended up unzipping the inside divider between the main pack compartment and the sleeping bag compartment and just stuffing the sleeping bag (w/o the stuff sack) down into the compartment. That worked out fine.
This pack has a good, hefty, padded waist belt, with a big connector. I have no complaints about the waist belt, but I have plenty of my own padding, so a thinner person might not find it as comfortable.

Customer Service:
This is the only thing I ordered from this company, but they had the best price on this particular item

Similar Products Used:
none

Review Date
December 23, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Doug Sandula(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Saginaw, MI USA

Price Paid:  $85.00 at Outdoor Outlet

Summary:
Inexpensive and adequate. I had no problems with the pack through many Scouting outings and a 10 nighter through Philmont in New Mexico. It''''s the pack the Boy Scouts issues to "backpackers" who don''''t come to Philmont with a pack? The zipper in the lower sleeping bag compartment (that no one ever seems to use for a sleeping bag) is difficult. It is reaasonably comfortable but compared to higher quality packs, feels like it''''s stressed when fully loaded with 40 to 50 pounds of gear. The Dana Desigh Shortbed I bought to replace it carries that weight with great confidence. The rain cover Kelty sells for them is a waste of money. Buy an Outdoor Research rain cover. In short, it''''s a good and economical entry level pack. However, if you plan on doing a good amount of backpacking and can afford to spend a little more, your experience will be more comfortable with higher quality pack

Customer Service:
Never had to use them.

Similar Products Used:
I sold the Tioga at a garage sale and used the money to buy a Dana Design Shortbed. The Dana pack is much higher quality, more comfortable and much more prepared to carry loads. My son has a Janspor

Review Date
May 29, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Paul(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Seattle, Washington

Price Paid:  $120.00 at Eastern Mountain Sports

Summary:
Durable and dependable with all the space you need, and more. Anybody who is looking for a good pack thats comfortable, affordable, and spacious for a hike of up to 5 days should definately consider it.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 27, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Caroline(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Gadsden, Alabama

Price Paid:  $100.00 at mailorder

Summary:
My husband purchased a Kelty tioga to use on our first backpacking trip. He loves it because he thinks he got such a good deal. The reality, however, is that the pack was hard to adjust, was hot and was awkward to carry. I bought a Gregory Forestor. It was easy to adjust, was cool against my back and was comfortable to carry. I would suggest that you compare and try several different packs before you buy. Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Do your own research.

Similar Products Used:
Gregory Forestor