I bought a Kelty frame pack in 1962. I used it extensively and it was stolen in 1980. If that hadn't happened, I would still be using it on occasion. I did retrofit it with a better hip belt sometime around 1975. Great rig.

The next time you need to carry a Mamoth mandible you should consider an Alaska Freighter Frame . They are much favored by Alaskan big game guides for hauling out meat, moose racks, and other brutally heavy and/or awkward loads. I believe they are only available from Barney's, a local outfit here in Anchorage. Barney's builds them to be totally indestructable. I have one that has served me well in the past. In my old age I don't do so much of that kind of heavy weight packing anymore so it doesn't get used very often these days.

I have no connection to Barney's, but I can recommend their gear.

Looking at a used kelty coyote, they seem to have good reviews. Also am making a waterbottle cup from a soupcan and a coathanger.

Thanks for the posts, Im going to reorganize my bag and then take it out for a hike and use my gear

Coyotes are good. I had one a loooong time ago. Classic.

I ruck pretty much every week, several times. Weight ranging from around 45-70 lbs. I use a GORUCK GR1 which is a internal type that is made by and for Special Operation teams. The other is a bigger external frame Eberlestock Warhammer. A hybrid between a 21st Century Alice Frame and a hauler like ASKAR mentioned above. Last month I rucked a small mountain in the Warhammer and I strapped two full 5 gallon round water jugs in the hauler area and still had the side pods full of gear, maybe 120 lbs. total.

I am still eyeballing my next pack and I can't decide if I want a Mystery Ranch 3 day assault pack or the Camelbak knock off called the TriZip. Camelbak is about 40% cheaper and uses the Mystery Ranch frame which is a Cadillac ride for an internal pack but the official MR packs have lifetime warranty's like my GR1. As I have already destroyed three other packs this year (5.11 24 Rush, REI something and a 3 day pack I picked up at clothing sales) having a life time warranty is key for me.

Impressive frame. Looks like a Kelty on steroids. I lieve we used a Camp Trails version - fortunately didn't have to pack very far.

My first real pack that I used for many years was a large alice on a Coleman Peak 1 external frame. I backpacked many miles with that beast, lol.

Check REI Outlet section for good deals on backpacks. Head to an REI and try on some packs (filled with sandbags) to get a feel for what you like. Then go online to try and find it cheaper or get last years model.

Some people have found that making a frame out of PVC pipe for their ALICE packs made a big difference. Google is your friend.

I have cut down on my pack weight by eliminating the pack.I use a bed roll swag style.I prefer bed rolls because sleeping bags make me feel to restricted.The straps of the bed roll form a loop that hangs on left shoulder across the back.A small duffle hangs from the loop over right shoulder to the front chest area.I also use web gear (for canteens,knife,poncho,FAK,etc.)in conjunction with this.The bed roll is a wool blanket,poncho liner,sportsmans space blanket,sleeping pad and a tarp rolled toghether.Ridge line tent stakes and the like is also in this.The duffle has cook kit food extra socks and other sundries in it.Extra clothes can be in here or in the bed roll.I am thinking of adding a hammock to this set up.If so the hanging straps for it will become the bed roll straps.Trying to multi pourpose as much as possible......

BOATMAN
John

Boatman, that sounds pretty interesting. Would you mind starting a thread on it?

MDinana,I will when i can.I am working on getting a digital camera.It makes it hard to covey ideas with out pictures.Old newspaper saying"picture worth a thousand words".....

BOATMAN
John