Originally Posted by Schmidtx2
I still have a kelty I bought used in the 80s. when I have a heavy load it gets the nod over all my newer packs.

For backpacking and heavy loads .. well, I try not to do that, but I have not discarded my old '80-vintage Tioga II. It simply trounces any internal frame pack I've ever seen. With today's gear there's not as much need for 50-60-70 pound loads backpacking. I mostly use a 65L internal frame pack. Still, it is comforting to know I have that old workhorse-on-steroids available if the need ever comes up. One change I plan to make is replacing the shoulder pads and waist belt with the much more padded versions from the current Kelty trekker as soon as those are back in stock.

For truly brutal loads .. in other words, meat, I think one of the dedicated meat haulers .. Eberlestock F1 Mainframe, Mystery Ranch, etc might be more comfortable and should be more durable. A guess.

Anyone who thinks there's two sides to everything hasn't met a M�bius strip.

Here be dragons ...