My husband and I have been backpacking over 35 years and in fact we have only taken a couple of vacations where we did not backpack. We are not "weekenders" either. We have taken backcountry trips in Glacier for 10 days at a time. Ironically my first pack in the early 80s was internal frame and then a few years later I got a Yukon and loved it. Last year I thought it was time to try some of the newer, highly touted internal frames. I went to the famous backpacking store and tried on 5 interna...l framed packs - designed for women - filled with the weight I usually carry (35#). I seriously thought I was going to have to stop backpacking as my knees started to buckle under me (and yes, the salespersons said they were fitted correctly). Finally I said that I had my old Yukon external frame in the car and could I try it for comparison. I repacked the weight in the Yukon, put it on and felt like I was walking on air. I contacted Kelty and got a new belt and straps and it was even better. We took two backcountry trips in Glacier and I had no trouble carrying the weight.
My husband and I have been backpacking over 35 years and in fact we have only taken a couple of vacations where we did not backpack. We are not "weekenders" either. We have taken backcountry trips in Glacier for 10 days at a time. Ironically my first pack in the early 80s was internal frame and then a few years later I got a Yukon and loved it. Last year I thought it was time to try some of the newer, highly touted internal frames. I went to the famous backpacking store and tried on 5 interna...l framed packs - designed for women - filled with the weight I usually carry (35#). I seriously thought I was going to have to stop backpacking as my knees started to buckle under me (and yes, the salespersons said they were fitted correctly). Finally I said that I had my old Yukon external frame in the car and could I try it for comparison. I repacked the weight in the Yukon, put it on and felt like I was walking on air. I contacted Kelty and got a new belt and straps and it was even better. We took two backcountry trips in Glacier and I had no trouble carrying the weight.
Kelty Yukon 48 External Pack The Kelty Yukon 48 External Pack is ideal for young and adventurous hikers. It offers zippered side pockets to accommodate all your essential belongings and features a top loading design, for easy and quick packing. The spindrift collar provides easy access to the bag's inner pockets, by simply by flipping it backwards. Thanks to its ice-axe loops, your axe can remain attached and out of your way until you need it. With the help of the lash tabs, a bike light can be attached to the pack for emergency use, in the low lighting conditions of the wild. Its removable dual density foam waist-belt helps keep the load stable on your back and avoids uncomfortable pains anywhere in your body, due to heavy loads. The Kelty Yukon 48 External Pack is the ideal choice for any outdoor adventure.