Reviews & Ratings for Kelty Trekker 65 Backpack — 5 reviews — Page 1

I bought this because my original Trekker ST, purchased in 2011, is so wonderful! I've noticed that Kelty is making fewer and fewer external frame packs; in fact the Trekker is the only full size backpack they are still selling. And they have all three of the external frame packs they are currently making significantly discounted at this time. I'm worried that in future years, it may be impossible to buy one. The old one has stood up so well to many years of hard use that I imagine this new one will see me through the rest of my backpacking days.

I carry an external frame pack because I have two spine issues - spondylosis in my cervical spine, and a possible finicky disc in my lower lumbar spine. I cannot carry internal frame packs, because the bottom of these packs sits and puts pressure on the lowest part of my spine, below where the spine fuses with the pelvis, which gives me a very sore lower back. No matter how light my pack is, if it puts weight down here, I can't carry it. Internal frame packs also tend to pull backwards and downwards on the shoulders, putting weight on top of the trapezius muscles which causes pain in my dodgy neck. The External frame puts the weight high and transfers the load to my pelvis and legs without irritating these two problem areas. I can adjust it so that there is zero weight on my shoulders, if I want to. I'm a Grade 1 trail walker, so instability while scrambling is not a problem for me. It's a bit hard to find raincovers for these pack...
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This backpack is exactly what my husband was wanting. His first external frame had worn out from use. Many of the backpacks are now internal, but my husband thinks the external ones are more comfortable. This one has several compartments to keep items separate instead of everything being in the same area. It has a place at the bottom to tie his sleeping bag. He likes to attach items to the frame. The backpack is in perfect shape and made of a heavy, durable material. It arrived when Campsaver said it would.

good

My first pack. I had essentially the same pack, but I bought it 10 years ago and took it through many miles of trails on multiple back country trips in the Wind River range. It's a good multi-purpose pack that can take a huge beating. If someone in your group hurts their leg, you can lash their back to the kelty and keep on trucking.
Downside, it's not so great for going over and under dead fall.