Kelty Tioga 5500 External Frame Backpack

Product Highlights

The Kelty Tioga 5500 is a classic external frame backpack featuring an adjustable-height frame that customizes the fit to a variety of torso lengths of 16-21 in. The updated frame design moves the waistbelt down to prevent towering loads and provides greater load transfer to the hips.

At 5500 cubic inches, the Tioga is a good size for 3-6 day backpacking trips, or weekend trips with lots of gear.

The Tioga has a fully adjustable suspension with a 3-layer padded waistbelt and padded shoulder straps. The Tioga's load lifter straps help lift weight up and off the shoulders, while the belt stabilizer straps help to transfer the load onto the hips. The Tioga's sternum strap allows fine positioning of the shoulder straps across the chest to prevent chafing under the arms.

The Tioga's sprung mesh back panel has better ventilation than you'll get with an internal frame pack, giving you a cooler carry.

On the trail, you don't want to be constantly digging through your pack to find a piece of gear. The Tioga's many zippered pockets provide good organization and allow easy access to critical gear. The spindrift collar at the top of the pack expands, allowing you to stuff in more equipment. Inside, a hold-open bar holds the pack bag open making it easier to pack your gear.

The Kelty Tioga's external frame design provides firm support and maximum comfort for moderate to heavy loads on good trails. For heavy-load carrying comfort, it's tough to beat an external frame pack. However, the rigidity of the external frame can hamper flexibility for off-trail treks.