Bought this on eBay from BobWards.com and got a great deal on it. I just finished a 50-mile weeklong hike in the high Uintah mountains and love this pack. It is incredibly stable for an external frame and is very comfortable to wear. The cinch straps along the sides of the pack are very effective at reducing unnecessary bulk and tightening the pack's contents against the frame. I look forward to using the pack again soon and would recommend it without hesitation for nearly any backpacking event.

I purchased this pack for a 4 day excursion into California's Desolation Wilderness in August. The other four guys using internal frame packs were wringing with sweat and concerned about having enough water. I was doing great and wound up taking some of thier gear. I started with 57lbs and estimate I carried about 65lbs total for the 6.5 mile hike. I love this pack! A load monster, very cool and ultra comfortable. Worth twice the money. I can't wait until I get to use it again. One drawback, I found the external pocket to be a little small and the internal divider in it made it difficult to rummage through for small items.

Customer Service

I have no experience with Kelty's customer service.

Similar Products Used:

Jansport

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After carrying this pack on a 70 mi. weeklong outing, I am extremely glad that I spent a mere $130 at Campmor for it (I would have paid twice that). This external frame has almost as much stability as an internal, which I was thankful for while climbing steep talus at 12,000 feet. The ventilation is great; I was the only person in among my internal framer hiking partners who wasn''t sweating like a pig. Although I wouldn''t take it skiing or technical climbing, this pack can handle almost any terrain.

Customer Service

I''ve had no experience with Campmor, and this pack hasn''t given me any trouble.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty, REI, and Lowe Alpine internals; Kelty and Jansport externals.

This is without doubt one of the best external frames on the market. It has a well-designed frame and complete hydration setup, good tough construction and it's so low profile many people think it's an internal frame until they see it up close. It's also a much better value than Dana Design. Try one you'll like it.

Similar Products Used:

Dana Design Longbed
Camp Trails
Kelty Ultra Tioga

Let me also reiterrate, this is an external frame pack. This has probably been listed here because the pack can be easily confused with an internal. This is because the frame is not much larger than the pack, it only really extends at the base for a sleeping pad/bag attachment. This reduced size is great because it eliminates much of the branch snagging that typifies externals. I have had it loaded up to 43 pounds on an extended trip and it was incrediably comfortable. There is a padded frame set that works much better than mesh backbands for ventilation and preventing objects poking you. This slides on two stays along with the shoulder straps for a great fit. The hip belt is nicely padded on the inside, but has a stiff outside to prevent sagging under heavy weight. The pack has a curved metal band that attached to the belt from midway up the pack to aid in weight transfer. The compression straps pull bands on the front of the back to snug any load close to your center of gravity. All these factors, not to mention pesperation wicking material on the straps, make it an excellent pack. Kelty has worked hard to improve the comfort and dexterity of its externals. I highly reccomend this pack.

Similar Products Used:

Jansport Rainer

THIS IS AN EXTERNAL FRAME BACKPACK! It is excellent for heavy loads. sleeping bag compartment is very useful.

Similar Products Used:

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