Vintage Backpacks

[rhapsody98]

So, my uncle ran into some of my dad's old hiking stuff when he was cleaning out his garage, and handed it all to me. There was a bunch of nice stuff, and a bunch of total crap, but there were also two frame nylon (I think) backpacks. They're in good condition for not having been used since 1980, they just need washed. They can be separated from the metal frame for laundering, but not for carrying, unfortunately, otherwise I'd just go ahead and use them, but the frame is actually heavier than I'd like.

Would I be better off just using my old L.L. Bean pack, or are these things still useful or are they worth anything or what?

[sheepdog]

I really like an external frame pack. Hard to beat them for winter camping when you carry lots of stuff.
Sometimes I'll carry it just because.

[TexasEd]

Two of my brothers used some vintage 1980 external frame packs on our recent 4 day hikes.

[goneto2wheels]

Speaking of great external frame packs, there are two on eBay: an Alpenlite XL and a Std.

[Liv2Ride]

Just load them up like you would for a trip and take it on a day hike. That way you will get a feel for them. I don't know what brand or model you were left with but I have a very old women's Kelty Tioga that is bomb proof, comfortable and is capable of hauling a ton of gear. I seem to never use the Tioga because of my ULA Circuit but like Sheepdog said they are great for hauling heavy and bulky winter gear. Occasionally I will load it up and do a day hike just to get a great workout right before my regular trips.

[ptsanger]

Rhapsody, are you interested in selling them?

[modiyooch]

Speaking of great external frame packs, there are two on eBay: an Alpenlite XL and a Std.

I still carry my external pack from 1980. It's an Alpenlite. It suspends off my hips. Someone saw my pack free standing last summer and said they had never seen anything like it. I told him it was an antique.

[Sierra Echo]

I would personally take them and hang them up as decorations. My bedroom is covered in old packs, caving stuff and ice axes. I'm one of THE most awesome chicks you will ever meet! :P

[Just a Hiker]

I would definitely hang on to the packs as family keepsakes! Those type of things always bring back great memories of fun times! I still have my Boyscout backpack and I wouldn't take anything for it.

[rmitchell]

Also more comfortable is hot weather. More airflow.Pack is vintage 1978 Trailwise on Blood Mountain,GA 2009.
GAat2009 096.jpg

[Grampie]

Some old packs are nice. I used a 1976 Kelty pack on my 2001 thru. Along the way, I replaced the whole belt system with newer Kelty stuff. I'm still using it today.

[rmitchell]

I have a newer Kelty belt on the Trailwise. Do you know where to get new shoulder straps?