Kelty Tioga 5500 external pack question

[domromer]

I was thinking of buying this pack (Kelty Tioga 5500 ) Does anyone already have one? Anything good or bad to day about it?

[Nighthiker]

I bought one in 1986, pleased with it and still use it. You can load the contents of a contractors wheelbarrow in one.

For shorter trips, I use my early 70's military Alice Pack, medium size. This past year I upgraded to some enhanced pack straps (the waist pad suits me fine). A couple of years ago I placed a thermarest olive colored seat pad in the frame as a back pad and it made quite an improvement for comfort.

[Canyonram]

In response to domromer's reply:

Hello Domromer, I have the 5000 and use it for extended hikes. Lots of room for all kinds of goodies but the extra room can make it all too easy to carry more than you might need. Does great on extended desert hikes where you have to carry extra water.

Because of the large size, not the best pack for narrow trails or places with lots of overhangs. Almost lost my balance on the Tanner Trail in Grand Canyon when I bumped the bag against a rock overhang.

Long live Kelty packs!