I finally decided to dust it off. Been a lot of miles with this baby. Its a Kelty from 1973, but I cant remember the name of the pack. Its an XL internal frame pack and holds a lot of gear. Alpine bag with a space behind the side pockets for skis, ice axe loop etc.
I actually hitch hiked with it all the way round the good old USA with a buddy of mine in 74. The good old days.
Been out to New Mexico cant remember how many times, Colorado, Oregon, Washington State etc.
The weight is not that bad even by todays standards. That is one reason I bought it in the first place, not so bulky, lighter than frame packs and heavy frame packs were in back then.
The only drawback was Back sweat and was alway a PIA.
Actually its so old all the buckles, latches adjusters and whatnot are brass or stainless steel. Also has leather sewn to it to tie on equipment and such. I think it was an alpine bag.
Weighs about 2#-12oz without the aluminum internal frame stays, and the stays weigh about 10 oz. Made of codura if I remember right.
I am going to buy a super light pack like maybe a Zpack for a 15# summer load, but I figured for now, until I figure out what other UL 3000ci pack I want, why not stick with old faithful for a winter pack for a while.
Geez equipment is so small and light these days I dont even think I could fill it up for a 1 week winter trip.
At any rate all the zippers are coil zippers (must have been a new thing back then in the stone age) and most are almost frozen or very stiff. I think the zip part is aluminum and corroded on the inside.
Any idea on how to get those going smoothly again ?? I was thinking to wax the zips a bit like with surfboard wax.
The waist belt foam is in good shape.
The shoulder belt foam is hard as a rock, but I think I can just open up the shoulder straps and put in new closed cell foam.
Definately needs a good scrub. Actually dont think I ever washed it at all. Might have hosed it down once or twice but after 35 years its overdue.
I used to hike with this thing right at 45#.
Now my winter load with a gogo tent and other UL eq is right at 25# so I dont even really think I need the alum atays. Its a typical old style pack, Sleeping Bag compartment on the bottom, big side pockets, big pocket on the top flap, divided top section, so I cant stuff a pad in the top without removing the center section.
I was also thinking maybe I could do away with the stays and run some compression cords around it.
Any ideas welcome.
