Being the poor college student that I am, I really don't have the money to splurge on a new, lightweight pack. What I do have, however, is a perfectly useable internal frame Kelty that weighs between 6 and 7 pounds. As 25% of my body weight is about 32 pounds (and dropping), I really feel that the pack itself is just too heavy. Any suggestions on how to modify a heavy pack to make it lighter?

pull the internal frame out. That's at least two pounds. cut off kelty extras that you don't need. Some of the pockets are to much. The pack is a good one but the extra stuff is the problem - cut it down - length of straps ect ect ect

Being the poor college student that I am, I really don't have the money to splurge on a new, lightweight pack. What I do have, however, is a perfectly useable internal frame Kelty that weighs between 6 and 7 pounds. As 25% of my body weight is about 32 pounds (and dropping), I really feel that the pack itself is just too heavy. Any suggestions on how to modify a heavy pack to make it lighter?

You didn't mention in your post the cubic inch capacity of your pack, but at 6-7 lbs. I'd guess it is pretty roomy. If the Kelty has a "top pocket"( a sort of fanny pack that rides on top ), perhaps you could remove it altogether and still have room for your gear in the main bag. Might save a lb. or more. :)

I have a REI one that weigh's in at 5 lbs minus the top lid and extra straps. I ended up bitting the bullet and getting the Granite Gear Vapor Trail. Well worth spending the money on the new pack. Keep an eye on different web sites. Sometimes packs come up for into $100.

If you are good with sewing, you can look into making your own. I saw one on www.trailquest.com (http://www.trailquest.com) . I think the G4 is inexpenise and can be bought as a kit. Someone else could help with a link.

I'd tried to sell it on E-bay and then use your profits to buy a good light-weight one (you can find all you want and then some for < $200). It will be worth the investment; trust me. Good luck!

I'd tried to sell it on E-bay and then use your profits to buy a good light-weight one (you can find all you want and then some for < $200). It will be worth the investment; trust me. Good luck!
Ths is pretty sound advice. Look here for some cheap sacks and goodies...
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12275
I also found this to go along with my other $60 deal...
http://www.northernmountain.com/detail/PA10373?ClearLast=Yes
I was going to do the same thing (slice my Kelty 4900). But after doing some research, I found those two deals on the Golite Gust. So, I sold some other crap around the house I no longer used and picked up this sack. Keeping the Kelty for when I have to carry more than my load (kids, ya know).

I got a brand new GoLite Speed for $70 on eBay from The Outfitter at Harper's Ferry...normally $140. Definitely worth looking for packs on eBay!

I'm sorry, Bunny that these people have forgotten that college kids don't have a dime to spare or a square.

I have a modified pack that I use for longer trips. I took out the internal frame, which isn't really necessary with a moderate amount of weight. Then I cut off all extra straps, pockets, etc. I also don't use the top pouch, which can save a pound or so sometimes. Basically, if you try to fit everything inside the pack (as you should be able to....it's just easier to keep track of your crap this way) then get rid of everything on the outside and that should be a significant weight savings.

I'm sorry, Bunny that these people have forgotten that college kids don't have a dime to spare or a square.
How hard is it? : Sell old pack. Use money you made off that one to buy light pack. = no money out of pocket for poor college student.
This is an option as much as cutting up the old pack.

One can buy a perfectly good brand new pack for under $100, say from gossamer gear or golite. I am sure he could sell his other pack for near that.

One can buy a perfectly good brand new pack for under $100, say from gossamer gear or golite. I am sure he could sell his other pack for near that.
$100? Heck, thanks to Neo, he could do it for under 60.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12844

If you are good with sewing, you can look into making your own. I saw one on www.trailquest.com (http://www.trailquest.com) . I think the G4 is inexpenise and can be bought as a kit. Someone else could help with a link.

Maybe I'm keyboard deficient, but when I clicked on this link, I got automotive "stuff"

However, in the same vein, I bought and assembled the Ray-way backpack in about two or three days, depending on whether you count the time I spent removing stitches and re-sewing. It weighs in at about 9.5 oz. by Ray Jardine's scale. (I never weighed it myself)

http://www.ray-way.com/backpack/index.shtml The kit is listed at 49.95. So the suggestion to e-bay the big Kelty might be wise one.

Bunny,

If you can, go to Gossamar website and download the G4 pack PDF and make one. I found at a local Wal-mart, Water Proof Camo Fabric - $1 a yd Purchased 10 yds for a pack - If you look carefully some times you can find Silk, Ripstop or Fleece 200 at Wally World on the $1 a yd rack


http://www.gvpgear.com/

Mike