View Full Version : decisions, decisions...
So Im going NOBO starting late April and I dont know what to do as far as my pack. I have 2. One I bought in 2007 when I section hiked from Delaware Water Gap PA to the entrance of the Smokies 2 years ago. A Kelty internal frame... its rather large (i forget the CI) and not heavy, but it just doesnt seem to fit me right. (I didnt use it, I let my girl use it) Then, I have the pack I wore when I hiked that section.... I love it. Its a Kelty external frame from the late '70s. It was my dads when he hiked the Rockies. It fits me perfect, its got all my hiking patches on it, and I can carry 70 pounds in it if need be and not even realise it. BUT ALL YOU HIKERS LAUGHED AT ME!!! hahaha
so.. what do I do? lol
Desert Reprobate
03-23-2009, 22:17
If that old Kelty fits and works for you, use it.
Earl Grey
03-23-2009, 22:43
If you let me talk to your girl then I wont laugh at you.
Take the external frame pack. It's the obvious choice from the way you describe the packs.
Blissful
03-23-2009, 22:51
Wear what works, jeepers. :) I know a guy that hiked with an older external frame all the way to Maine.
Gosh, is there a question here? Go with what works for you. Besides, if the hikers giving you are hard time are your age, 26, and I bet they are awith all new gear, tell them it is "Retro." Maybe your new trail name.
go for the laughs, the AT needs more humor
drastic_quench
03-24-2009, 00:56
If you can resist the temptation to load up that big pack full, take it.
Go with the proper fitting one, regardless of the comments it brings. Depending on what condition it's in due to age maybe more than use, it may not hold up for a complete thru, so you may want to make sure you're funded for a replacement along the way, or can have the other one sent to you, if need be.
you could trade in your jack russell for a UL breed of dog for your pack lid
I was hoping to get a few laughs from this. That damn dog was scared ****less of cars and refused to walk on roads
i did laugh man. that's a great picture of the family
Awesome photo... love the dog on the pack. Priceless.
Go with the pack that's comfortable. In the end, it's all about comfort. But, for the love of all that's holy, try not to actually load it with 70lbs of gear and food and water. Maybe try sticking to a more comfortable 20-30 pounds. :P
Pack looks good on you. You look like you could carry 70 pounds, plus the dog.
If I was a skinny bastard like you I would carry whatever pack I felt like.
Nice looking lady also.
My pack actually weighed 60 pounds to start when I first started my hike. So did my old lady's I think hers was around 45 or 50 actually... we had no clue what we were in for. lmao
If that old kelty fits you I would use it. To heck with what people say. I tried on mine the other day,bought it in 1979. Still fits like a glove,but the waste belt seems to have shrunk over the years,not sure what happened.
If that old kelty fits you I would use it. To heck with what people say. I tried on mine the other day,bought it in 1979. Still fits like a glove,but the waste belt seems to have shrunk over the years,not sure what happened.Maybe because your waist is full of 'waste!' :p
Maybe because your waist is full of 'waste!' :p
Oh Man! You got me there.:o I should have wrote hip,that one I can spell.There was a time I could spell,not sure when though.:rolleyes:
the goat
03-25-2009, 13:01
use the one that fits!
pyroman53
03-25-2009, 14:01
I would question the durability of 30 year old materials (shoulder straps mostly). I would try to find replacements before I left. I have a similar pack and I wouldn't trust it. I'm not sure how to go about replacing them, which is precisely why my old Kelty hangs in a place of honor on the garage wall.
I would question the durability of 30 year old materials (shoulder straps mostly). I would try to find replacements before I left. I have a similar pack and I wouldn't trust it. I'm not sure how to go about replacing them, which is precisely why my old Kelty hangs in a place of honor on the garage wall.
Oh the straps are fine, my dad replaced them in the 80s lol... Ive hiked for years with it though. Ive had to make a few repairs on the pockets though.
pyroman53
03-25-2009, 18:34
If the straps are fine, then go for it. I liked my ole pack...sometimes I miss the convenience of leaning my external frame against a tree and having it stay there. Nice pockets. Strap whatcha want on the outside. Man! Dems wasda days!
CrumbSnatcher
03-25-2009, 18:43
take the external frame pack and get your ass out on the trail!!!! have a great hike. just cause your pack will carry 70 lbs don't mean you have to carry 70 lbs. all the pockets are great and the externals ride better!
I love my super tioga,I wonder if I can still get parts?
CrumbSnatcher
03-25-2009, 21:30
I love my super tioga,I wonder if I can still get parts?if not i'll take your pack so i'll have parts for mine:D