Has anyone ever considered recycling/modifying an old external frame backpack to make it better? For example, I have an old Kelty Tioga, but I updated it with new shoulder straps and hip belt (free courtesy of Kelty). It fits better that it did when new. If I strip off the old pack bag I could lash on any combination of silnylon dry sacks. If I could find a Styrofoam cooler in the right shape, I could lash that on … 100% waterproof. It’s not that I need another backpack. I have enough internal frame packs already, but I just can’t bear to get rid of something perfectly serviceable that I have had since 1975.

Anyone ever try something similar? Any innovative ideas on how to improve?

I was with you right up til the part about lashing on a cooler?
I have a campmor xframe that's 6 years old and had less than 200 miles on it.
I stressed it thru the 100 mile with (let's just say way) too much weight but it held up well thru Dalton where I left.
Thing is I like the accessiblity of all the pockets. Nothing is ever 'buried' in it. It fits well. All my buds had internal frame.
So I'm going to add a pouch to the belt and a sternum strap (know any good retrofit ones that dont twist the shoulderstraps?). A few seam stitches here and there - especially if you talk me into this cooler idea - which I'm still not sure of the dynamics of?:)

I considered the same thing with my Camp Trails Adjustable II, vintage 1988 or so. It's plenty comfortable and functional, but it weighs 4 lbs 4 oz. I was thinking of replacing the pack fabric only, without modifying the frame, shoulder straps, or hip belt. But after taking it all apart, I didn't see much point in it. The pack fabric weighs less than a pound, and there are no easy or simple improvements to make (weight-wise) in the rest of it. So instead I bought a Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone to add to my mighty pack collection.

I considered the same thing with my Camp Trails Adjustable II, vintage 1988 or so. It's plenty comfortable and functional, but it weighs 4 lbs 4 oz. I was thinking of replacing the pack fabric only, without modifying the frame, shoulder straps, or hip belt. But after taking it all apart, I didn't see much point in it. The pack fabric weighs less than a pound, and there are no easy or simple improvements to make (weight-wise) in the rest of it. So instead I bought a Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone to add to my mighty pack collection.

How much does it weigh? Have you hiked with it yet/how do you like it?

How much does it weigh? Have you hiked with it yet/how do you like it?

The Nimbus Ozone? 3 lbs., as advertised. It hasn't been on any hikes yet.

Has anyone ever considered recycling/modifying an old external frame backpack to make it better? ......................................blah,blah,bl ah......................





WHY?

the technology these days with lighter materials makes it not a worthwhile project.

see ya'll out there Apr 25-May 6 in VA:D

WHY? the technology these days with lighter materials makes it not a worthwhile project.

Some of us old geezers would like to see that technology applied to an external-frame design. For example, that old Camp Trails pack, but with a frame that used Titanium or carbon fiber, and pack fabric of silnylon or Cordura.

My sister has a top of the line Jansport from mid-70's that they gave her and her family of 4 to help sponser their walk across the USA. It had the double zippers and the fold out hip supporters/belly band. I liked the way it would freestand when it was sitting on the ground. She used to let me use it and then for sentimental reasons she wanted it back. Winton had a similar one hanging on the wall at Walasi-yi (which, BTW, I think is an excellent gear store) so I purchased it and made some modifications (I had to have it to replace parts of my sister's bag which had disappeared before I used it, but I wanted to give it back to her in good condition). I did transfer the shoulder straps, but I miss those "wings". Bought some straps and buckles from the local outfitter and I still use it.

I have four external frames (various sizes) with a 9 packs that fit one or more of the frames. Only three of the original packs are still around. I was hiking before there were internal frames or frameless packs. All have had their straps and hip belts replaced (no hipbelt on the smallest one because little kids down have hips)

I considered the same thing with my Camp Trails Adjustable II, vintage 1988 or so. It's plenty comfortable and functional, but it weighs 4 lbs 4 oz. I was thinking of replacing the pack fabric only, without modifying the frame, shoulder straps, or hip belt. But after taking it all apart, I didn't see much point in it. The pack fabric weighs less than a pound, and there are no easy or simple improvements to make (weight-wise) in the rest of it. So instead I bought a Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone to add to my mighty pack collection.

My Camp Tails Adjustable dates back to ~82. Three years ago I replaced the hip belt and shoulder straps -- the new ones are made by Camp Trails and both the straps and belt were available from Campmor back then. I thought there was a notable improvement in comfort, especially from the new hip belt. But you're right, the CT Adustable is heavy...particularly so considering it's capacity. The pack was last used in Oct 04 in some of the most miserable though not harshest weather conditions I've camped in...mid-30s to low 40s, constant wind, mixed and ever changing snow/rain/sleet...

Fortunately, Santa Claus rescued me at the end of the year with a Luxury Lite pack. I had been a very good boy...;) :D

FB

Some of us old geezers would like to see that technology applied to an external-frame design. For example, that old Camp Trails pack, but with a frame that used Titanium or carbon fiber, and pack fabric of silnylon or Cordura.

Here's the LuxuryLite link (http://www.luxurylite.com/) mentioned by Fiddleback, Terrapin.

Looks to be what you're looking for.

Here's the LuxuryLite link (http://www.luxurylite.com/) mentioned by Fiddleback, Terrapin.

Looks to be what you're looking for.

Seen it. Not terribly impressed. 100% of load supported by the hip belt. That's not gonna work for me. Seriously pricey, too.

I like the frame/suspension on the Osprey Atmos packs. But the overall package (on the Ospreys) isn't that great, IMO.

I find that I need my load supported by hips & shoulders in roughly equal amounts. I may vary the proportions during the day -- more shoulders for a while, then more hips -- but there's no way I could walk all day with 100% of my pack weight entirely on my hips.

My Camp Tails Adjustable dates back to ~82. Fortunately, Santa Claus rescued me at the end of the year with a Luxury Lite pack. I had been a very good boy...;) :D

FB
How do you like it? The fellow I got the tip off to this pack said it was the best pack he has ever used.
I converted my old external frame Jansport with the swing aluminum hip support to strap 24" x 7" bags horizontally on it. My back was giving me trouble then so I got it to keep the pressure off my spine & I think it will work out well as a conversion. As someone who is very disorganized multiple direct access bags seemed to make more sense than toploading with vertical bags.
For someone with back problems the Luxury Lite should make the difference between hiking and not hiking.
Kiyu

I converted my old external frame Jansport with the swing aluminum hip support to strap 24" x 7" bags horizontally on it.

That's exactly what I was considering. If you use lightweight drybags, the pack is essentially waterproof.

Kiyu --

I am very, very happy with the pack...it's light, comfortable (self-adjusting for size), and has so much volume that I bought a smaller cylinder to change out with one that came with the pack. The cylinders serve as virtually waterproof, non-compressing stuff bags and one is perfect for my sleep system while another handles the hammock, pad and other shelter stuff. The third handles the food, kitchen and remaining gear. Although I haven't used it as such yet, that third cylinder should work as a hanging bear bag too. I've not yet mastered the front pack but the basic principle of it seems to work and it's a convenient place for water bottles, cameras, maps, etc.

I've never used anything but external frame packs and not many of those...so there's far better sources and more learned opinions out there. I'm embarrassed to admit how little I've been out with it (last year was not a good year...) so let me refer you to Medicine Man and the thread he started, http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4732 . There's also a pretty even-handed review at BackpackingLight, http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/luxurylite_modular_frame_backpack_review.html?id=e iNq7WKN:216.47.51.148

FB

FB
I really appreciate your comments and the link. I’m impressed with what I see of it so far & I think it will be well worth the bucks. I haven't had back issues for a number of years but then I've done nothing to test it since either. I'll tinker with my frame for a little while & if I can work my way up to some hard miles a LuxuryLite should be in my future....provided the CFO approves.


Lost
Projects like the pack are a good way to keep involved I think. It may never work out but it is fun. Checked your photos and it looks like I have the same set of 70’s hangover 3 nesting pots you do. One of the folding handles is gone, a rivet or two is missing and they have a few dents but they are still serviceable and are probably one of my best purchases.

Kiyu

Seen it. Not terribly impressed. 100% of load supported by the hip belt. That's not gonna work for me. Seriously pricey, too.

I like the frame/suspension on the Osprey Atmos packs. But the overall package (on the Ospreys) isn't that great, IMO.

I find that I need my load supported by hips & shoulders in roughly equal amounts. I may vary the proportions during the day -- more shoulders for a while, then more hips -- but there's no way I could walk all day with 100% of my pack weight entirely on my hips.
Have you considered trying a "tump" strap added to your Camp Trails pack? I added one to my Kelty Tioga of '70's fame, attatched it to the frame cross support, just lateral to where the shoulder straps attatch to the frame. Made it myself with some 1" nylon webbing, and plastic buckles, and a screw carbiner type piece from the hardware store. Works great for relieving stress from your shoulders and/or from your hip belt. Gives you three areas to rotate the stress/weight of the pack[shoulders, hips, forehead/neck. I have even used mine with my Tioga with a 75 lbs. aluminum canoe balance on top of the pack/frame. The pack was empty, but that set-up was way more comfortable than the "yoke" system most use with portaging canoes. Google "tump strap", I think that is where I researched much of the info prior to my '05 Isle Royale packing/canoe trip. Just a thought on modifications, still have the tump strap on the old Kelty. I too have thought of trying to re-invent the old Kelty, but I think I will just make a new UL bag with the help from ideas from Jardine.:-? "Beyond backpacking", is definitely a must read for those wanting to head to the UL route. Just my indian heads worth.