shawnb

Originally Posted by Tipi Walter

Originally Posted by Marcovee

Um, external frame packs were "just a phase" in the 1970's/1980's. Hardly anyone using them anymore, for good reason: they're heavy and bulky.

Very light kits were available 50 years ago and old Kelty packs with the sparse hipbelts and shoulder straps were very light. Indeed.


Here is Andrew Giger's kit from 1969 and shows a very light external frame pack, along with his whole kit minus food and water. The tarp on the ground was his shelter. (Photo by Andrew J Giger).



Here is a kit from 1960 and belongs to AT thruhiker Owen Allen. (Photo by Owen F Allen).



Here is Jim Shattuck in 1966 with his light Kelty pack and his minimal tent. (Photo by John Green).

All these pics are from the two volume book set, "Hiking The Appalachian Trail", edited by James R Hare, 1975---

http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Appalac.../dp/0875960677