Hiking with an inferior quality backpack is more than a challenge. If you are planning on doing any serious hiking, I would suggest looking at testing out a few external frame backpacks.
There are quite a few different types of external frame backpacks on the market, but very few come close in my opinion to the Kelty Super Tioga, which I believe is one of the best external frame backpacks, also known more commonly as frame packs.
There are a number of considerations to make when choosing an external frame backpack, and truly great external frame backpacks are ones that feel comfortable to wear and offer better airflow than an internal frame backpack.
Having the ability to adjust how the backpack sits and the weight is distributed are important capabilities from my experience.
The Kelty Super Tioga as my pick for the best external frame backpack is the type of product that will last you decades if you take care of it.
Made from high-quality materials, they are also easy to source replacement parts for should a particular part of the backpack break (which is something I’ve yet to see happen with mine).
The aspects that I love about this external frame backpack include the adjustable suspension, and the ability to remove the padded shoulder straps and the waist belt.
The Kelty Super Tioga has been designed so that top loading is as easy as it can get.
With a sturdily designed sleeping bag compartment and a 5,500 cubic inch capacity, there is very little that is a challenge when hiking and carrying your equipment with this external frame backpack. Room enough to even fit an emergency sleeping bag!
Test driving this backpack over the years now, I can confidently say that the Kelty Super Tioga is a clear winner and a favorite in my kit as one of the best external frame backpacks I own.