Great Stories I have a old Kelty Mountaineering Frame and XL kelty pack that was mine when I was teenager I am now 62 and still use it moose Hunting in Alaska. It’s vintage like me love that old well used Kelty!
Stephen Hill Thank you Stephen. I appreciate the comment. I think people would be surprised how comfortable an external frame pack can be. Seems these days they are almost phased out. Thank you for watching and good luck in the outdoors
Thanks for this review and history of not only Kelty company but of the pack. Really amazing. I started with a external frame and they always have a special place in my heart lol. Amazing condition, well loved. Great video.
I still get this old pack out once in a while but the material is showing it's age. I don't want to ruin it since my oldest daughter has laid claim to it. Lol It's just kinda cool to hang on to a piece of backpacking history. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
That's pretty cool ! I still get mine out once in a while but the material is showing it's age now and I don't want to ruin it at this point. One of my daughters has laid claim to it. 😆 Thanks for watching James I appreciate it.
very interesting story, love to hear stories about how small businesses began, love Kelty...great gear....and I still prefer the external frames over the interior frames, but I am just old school I guess!
Thanks Mike. Kelty & Gerry's have so much more to their stories. Cool thing is how light and comfortable a 50 year old pack can be. Thanks for the comment and watching.
Doane Turner Thank you Doane. It's pretty cool having a piece of backpacking history that is still usable equipment. With all of the advancements in today's stuff it's surprising how comfortable the old packs can be. I hope to do a video this summer on old backpacking stoves. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment, and best of luck with your adventures.
It's pretty cool knowing a little of the history and origins of the equipment we love as hikers and backpackers. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Tony
Great story! Love that old gear. I had a Gerry scout tent, down jacket and vest from 1974. I sold that stuff at Cullum & Boren sporting goods in Town East Mall in Mesquite, TX. when I was in high school. The tent has been long gone and I wore out the jacket and vest about 10 years ago. The jacket made me look like the Michelin man!
My parents gave me a kelty backpack for christmas when I was 13. I passed it down to my son when he was 15 to hike with friends in Big Bend. He is now forty years old.
That's great. Thanks for sharing. My oldest daughter (who is 43) years ago said, Dad, I don't want to sound morbid but when you die can I have your adventure gear. Hahaha
Love vintage gear. Due to space issues I had to shed some of my collection. I enjoyed learning the history as that is something I don't always know about the old gear I collect. I would love to run into one of these while garage sailing.
I just picked one up for $20 my first pack ever and it's the same frame you have, except for the fact that I have a top riser bar that telescope up and down to add a sleeping bag or something like that. no dividers. My waste buckle is a two Metal peace's that hook to each other. Last my bag has no red lacing all green, the label has red stitching with yellow mountains and it reads Kelty Owner only, no city or zip code. I thank you for sharing your knowledge on this video.
I bet you can call Kelty customer service and describe it to them and find out more info. Sounds like you picked up a piece of history. Thank you for watching and the comment.
That's what the plan is, I need to order a couple of pins and the keyway wire for one side. Other then that I can't wait to put it in use. Thanks for your reply
Thanks for this good history and explanation. I have been trying to decide what to do with my dad's Kelty from the early 1960s. He and my brother hiked the John Muir Trail with his Boy Scout Troop many summers. It is actually quite comfortable and I think I will keep it.
Hi Sarah. Thank you so much for watching and I think it's really cool that you have your dad's pack, that I'm sure took him places that brought him great pleasure. That's definitely a piece of gear to cherish.
Thank you Johnny. I haven't used this old pack in a few years but I'll never get rid of a piece of backpacking history. My oldest daughter has laid claim to it when I pass away. (She said, not to be morbid or anything ) Hahaha Thanks for watching and commenting
Wow. History flashbacks for me and my Kelty. Got mine for a Christmas gift in 1972, was 10 years old and wanted to have that pack. Got it and never looked back. Hikes all over the plains and mountains of Arizona. Finally had to trash it a few years back, just to much damage from years of service but wish I had kept it anyway. Well hindsight is 20/20. Thanks for the look back. Think that I might just have to replace it with another one. External frames rule.
Thank you so much ! Out of all the things I've saved this is one of my favorites. I used this not long ago on an overnighter and it's suprising how well it sits and carrys. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Tony
Thank you Jack. It doesn't get much use these days but I'll always have it until my oldest daughter gets it. She's already claimed it. Lol Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it 👍
@@BluecollarBackcountry Good to know that the heirloom will be passed along., whether entirely voluntarily or not ;-). You have a very friendly, approachable demeanor, and I'm most happy to have just subscribed.
Neat bit of history and some really cool vintage packs Tony! Pretty cool how Kelty got their start in business. That Kelty pack you have there is in excellent condition. I am surprised you have not heard from Kelty wanting to buy it off of you. I have the old aluminum frame Sunbacker brand pack (I want to say it was sold by J.C. Penny in the 70s and 80s) that I used backpacking in the Boy Scouts. I have no idea why I have hung on to it all these years. I just can't stand to part with it for some reason. I enjoyed the video! Thanks for sharing!
Kentucky Woodsman Thank you Chris. That's why my room is so full, not wanting to part with stuff that I've used in the past. I told a lot of folks after my 10 question tag video, that I may have to have a sale one day. Lol That is a nice old pack that one of my daughters will probably wind up with one day.
Jeff Davis Thank you Jeff. I'm no expert but I like to share a little of that stuff from time to time. There are lots of people new to backpacking so a little history helps. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
I just acquired one of those. picked up at a flea market for $8. And it's in great condition. Says Glendale California but no zip code. I thought it was a 1970s bag. but wow pre 1963! Nice.
I just picked up a red kelty after 68...mine has the sun valley tag...but she is a 5 bar v frame. I cant wait to get it out on the PCT this summer! Mine has the waist belt as well! Love the video!
So glad to have found this video! Cool pieces of history on both packs. I have three external frame packs , one is a vintage model with no patches or names and looks to be home made. The frame is black paint on aluminum with a black pack and I would estimate the capacity to be 60 liters. The black nylon bag has red piping sewn on the edges of each pocket and the main flap. A simple cord runs from each outer edge of the main flap and is secured by two formed wire hooks on either side of a large front pocket. I found it at a Salvation Army thrift shop stuffed in a barrel full of golf clubs...cost me $7. I took it home and "revitalized " it and it is a beautiful pack. On an outing I stuffed it with 35 pounds of gear and it performed well beyond my expectations. The other two are a current day Field & Stream pack and a Norwegian Army Rucksack made famous in the Kirk Douglas movie, "The Heroes of Telemark." Consequently, the NAR is also referred to as the Telemark Rucksack. This pack is also steeped in history: designed by the Norwegian, Ole Bergan, in 1908, first used in 1909 and still used in training purposes by the Norwegian Army until 1999 or possibly 2012. I was lucky to find one in a Pennsylvania military surplus store for $45. It's a great bushcraft backpack and many will disagree with me that it outperforms the Swedish LK35, a tremendously popular bushcraft pack that is extremely hard to find. I tried for several months. Anyway, I use both internal and external frame backpacks. My planned adventure determine what backpack I use.
Alexander Weaver That's a great story on your pack. It's amazing how comfortable the old packs can still be. Kelty even offers upgraded shoulder straps and waist belts for the old external frame packs. Thanks for watching and commenting and best of luck with your adventures.
Nice detective work on the age of the pack. That old ad is amazing. The waist strap innovation info is news to me. I can't use a waist strap anymore due to a back issue, but the majority of the population is happier.
That's a very cool find. I see stuff like that as backpacking history while others just want to get rid of it. 👍 Thanks for watching and best of luck with your adventures.
Days gone by: Kelty store in Glendale, CA near Griffith Park. The original Sport Chalet in La Canada, CA. The old guy that worked in sleeping bags knew his stuff. When the S.C. first opened it sold poor climbing gear but over time sold quality stuff. I don't know if Adventure 16 stores or West Ridge in West L.A. still exist. One of the West Ridge partners was Don Lauria who climbed with icons of Yosemite: Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard, Warren Harding. I still have Patagonia catalogs of the 1960s when it sold climbing equipment. And I also have my Kelty external frame pack from the 1970s showing scars of my trips. I just bought one of the last Kelty 5500s (6/24/2020).
That was a terrific bit of backpack history. Thanks so much. My hiking buddy in the early eighties had a Kelty with that Key Pin you're showing, don't know the model. When I was backpacking in Jasper Alberta (CANADA) in the early seventies, I had a Camp-Trails external. BUT, once I saw a Gerry Pack just like the one your talking about but each section had an alternating colour scheme. I never saw one again. It was just so cool...
That's cool about the Gerry's with different color compartments. I've never seen that one. I love the history of some of the old school backpacking gear. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate it and Atb, Tony
I'm from Canada pretty hard to pick up a Kelty pack in stores very expensive in Toronto have to go online for a simple 120 $ Kelty pack goes for twice the price here thanks allot for part history
Great video, thanks for posting. I have a Kelty Mountaineer that I've had since the late 70s and it is still in great shape. Interesting fact: I'm tall and have the XL frame with a top extender bar and I just weighed this thing and it is 4.2 pounds. That is less than many internal frame packs of today (e.g. the Osprey Atmos)! Yes there are ultralight internals that will be considerably less but there are a lot of internals that weigh more.
Blessed Armadillo Thank you for watching and commenting. There's just something really cool about having vintage gear that's still worth using today. Make me wonder if today's gear will hold up that many years. I appreciate it 😆
Blessed Armadillo, I think that most people do not realise that little detail that these old packs are lighter than they appear and in fact lighter than a lot of modern packs. Kelty packs are near impossible to find in the UK but being an external frame fan since the eighties I have accumulated a few of the European types, some average 3lbs. Even better if carrying 50lb+ loads. Such versatile devices, long lasting and hard wearing, none of these modern packs will be in use in thirty years. I have one pack dismantled at this time a Karrimor and the frame itself is just at the 1lb mark or slightly over, my intention is to rework the belt, shoulder harnesses and bag over with modern materials, hopefully it will be a sub 2lbs pack and still have the ability to carry 50lbs as and when required. Blue Collar Back country, thank you for an excellent and informative video, hopefully like fashion, these things will go the full circle and come back into vogue. It blows my mind every time I pull out my still functional hirty year old external frame and rock with it on the path, they are comfortable and tough and I have more than my money's worth out of them.
Sounds like a nice score. The red was really popular In the 70s. You might like my video from about 7 months ago "Must watch video 1972" Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
Great find John. I get mine out once in a while but being 50 yrs old the material is showing it's age. I'll never part with it though just because of the history of it. Not to mention my oldest daughter has already laid claim to some of my old gear. Lol Best of luck with your adventures 👍
That's really cool. Because of the age, the material is getting a little thin so I haven't used it in a while, but I'll never get rid of it. I just see it as hiking history 👍
I've got this exact pack with dividers and extra pockets on sides. I found it on eBay for $35 w/$25 shipping. It also has American, Canadian, Mexican and Brazilian Flags sewn on rear of top flap. I expect the previous owner hiked the PCT. I hope to earn this badges myself one day. Have taken it on early spring Virginia 3 day hike on AT with 30+ lbs. I've since lightened the load but it set nice and balanced. Highly recommend this pack!
That's pretty cool ! Makes you wonder about the history of that particular pack with the flags sewn in doesn't it. Crazy how comfortable those old packs are. You can order updated shoulder straps, and waist belt from Kelty by calling their customer service and describing the pack, and sending pics. I prefer to keep mine original because I just think It's cool. I still assume it's the model A with extra pockets sewn in, and no one has ever offered any different suggestions. Neat story Jason. Thanks for sharing, and good luck on future hikes and backpack trips. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
Thank you for responding! I'm happy now to know what model I have. The shoulder straps are in perfect condition and the belt is a preadjusted buckle that clip into place-I have another pack that has your style of buckle also with the wires that run through pins.
Hi there! I just bought a extremely similar pack from St. Vinnies for 10 bucks...it is my first pack and I could tell it was vintage. I am excited to see what kind of adventures I'll take it on :) Mine has slightly different tag that looks more modern, as well as a section at the top that slides up and down on the top of the frame, which yours appears to not have? The waist strap is also padded andhas a different hook style belt at the front instead of the jaw type. Thanks for sharing!
Andres Herrera Hi Andres, Sounds like you have a little newer model but it's still cool having some vintage gear isn't it ? If you ever need anything for it you can call Kelty customer service and you can still get replacement parts if you need to replace anything. Thanks for sharing and commenting and I hope you have great adventures with yours my friend.
I have a 1967 or 68 Kelty (Mountaineer frame, pack bag model B with the extra pockets). I have been using the original shoulder straps and hip belt all these years. I was about to buy new ones from Kelty early in 2020 but they went out of stock and haven't come back since. Has anyone been able to make a hip belt with or without straps from another manufacturer work with their Kelty frame?
fascinating. I saw one of his backpacks with a telescopic adjustable frame, on ebay and was blown away by the absolutely superb precision craftsmanship, which reminded me of that 1960's and 70's "apollo space ship" precision engineered vibe, almost over engineered, but created with a conscientious attention to detail, which sadly is all too often missing today. I thought to myself theres some sort of connection to the aerospace industry, that is SUCH fine quality work! So I was not surprised that Mr Kelty actually WAS in that industry at one time! Its the same when you see old UK built Karrimor packs before they were made in "the far east", they have quality and character too.
As a matter of fact you can still buy updated straps and belts on the Kelly website to update these packs for those who still love the external frame packs. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
I checked mine out. It only has four cross members, and no internal compartments. The pack attaches to the frame the same way, except instead of one long wire, mine has independent circular wires on each pin. It looks like there used to be some kind of liner in the pack that has disintegrated over the years. I had to brush it all out. It is very light. I don't use it, but for $20.00 I couldn't pass it up!
Hey Chris. The frame with 4 cross members was the standard backpack frame. If you freeze frame the old Kelty ad in my video you can see in the 60's the frame by itself sold for $7.00. Wild huh ? I know the key wire was not very popular and split rings were used on the belt and shoulder straps, so maybe someone converted yours to split rings to get away from the key wire. I still use mine on occasion if I'm just doing an overnighter, and it's more comfortable than it looks like it would be. For $20.00 I think you picked up a nice piece of history and a keepsake anyway. Thanks for commenting.
"Retro or Retrogrouch Backpacking" ...I read this in a add on the internet...talking about Backpackers that primarily used vintage backpacking gear...now is this a real thing...is there a new fad called Retrogrouch Backpacking? I know Vintage backpacking gear is becoming more in Vogue. . .then it was... Some call this ("Retro" (Grouch) Backpacking)...for short. Retrogrouch -noun 1. One who is skeptical of technological developments until their usefulness and reliability have been proven. 2. One who insists on minimalist equipment that may be user-serviced, and has proven its usefulness in the past. . . 3. He is such a retro Grouch he still uses a camera that takes film. . .
Thanks Mike. I appreciate you taking the time to watch. I have an old print of that Kelty ad that I scanned. If you message me through RUclips messages and send your email address I'll scan it again and send it to you
Hi Floyd. I have to admit you have me stumped on the Denali Racer X. I know Gregory had a Denali pack but I don't remember the Racer X. You have me curious now. Thanks for watching ✌
@@BluecollarBackcountry I made a little boo boo. The Racer X was made by Dana Designs. I found one for sale, but it's no longer made. Dana Designs is now Mystery Ranch.
As a matter of fact I'll be doing a review on that very soon. I picked that up for less than half of the price of the same chair with a big brand name on it.
Wow ! That would be hard to say. They moved to Sun Valley in 1968. I know they were bought out in the early 70's for a few years and Dick stayed on as chairman, but I don't know if they moved. In 1998 the headquarters moved to Boulder, Co but I don't know about manufacturing. I bet if you called Kelty, with a little info and a pic or two, I bet they could nail it down for you. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Let me know what you find out.
@@BluecollarBackcountry Maybe there was a store in Sun Valley. The major one was in Glendale, a short drive from Sun Valley. One day years ago I went there to shop and the store was gone.
Great Stories I have a old Kelty Mountaineering Frame and XL kelty pack that was mine when I was teenager I am now 62 and still use it moose Hunting in Alaska.
It’s vintage like me love that old well used Kelty!
Thanks for sharing your story. Stuff back then was built to last wasn't it? Atb, Tony
I love hiking with an external frame. Thanks for the history lesson.
Stephen Hill Thank you Stephen. I appreciate the comment. I think people would be surprised how comfortable an external frame pack can be. Seems these days they are almost phased out. Thank you for watching and good luck in the outdoors
Loved the video! Thank you for the history, really cool
Thanks for this review and history of not only Kelty company but of the pack. Really amazing. I started with a external frame and they always have a special place in my heart lol. Amazing condition, well loved. Great video.
I still get this old pack out once in a while but the material is showing it's age. I don't want to ruin it since my oldest daughter has laid claim to it. Lol It's just kinda cool to hang on to a piece of backpacking history. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
I just learned so much. Thank you for making this video. I just bought 2 kelty packs at a flea market for $15 for the pair
Sounds like you got a very good deal. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Best of luck with your adventures.
Thank you sir! Hopefully the weather will allow me to try them out this weekend! 🤞🏻
Very cool old-school backpack. I bet it rivals many on the market today.
It's cool to see old gear external frames are very comfortable, but I'm from the old school I still use a camp trails camo pack from 92
That's pretty cool ! I still get mine out once in a while but the material is showing it's age now and I don't want to ruin it at this point. One of my daughters has laid claim to it. 😆 Thanks for watching James I appreciate it.
very interesting story, love to hear stories about how small businesses began, love Kelty...great gear....and I still prefer the external frames over the interior frames, but I am just old school I guess!
Thanks Mike. Kelty & Gerry's have so much more to their stories. Cool thing is how light and comfortable a 50 year old pack can be. Thanks for the comment and watching.
Super cool. Love this bit of history you shared. I see people wearing Gerry jackets quite a bit...never knew they made backpacks once upon a time.
Have one myself, pre 63, thrift store find in great shape. Love the pack, comfortable a packs a ton. Thanks for sharing the info and great video.
Doane Turner Thank you Doane. It's pretty cool having a piece of backpacking history that is still usable equipment. With all of the advancements in today's stuff it's surprising how comfortable the old packs can be. I hope to do a video this summer on old backpacking stoves. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment, and best of luck with your adventures.
Really enjoyed this bit of history I've never heard any of this. If you ever get more it would be great. Thanks. atb Opal
It's pretty cool knowing a little of the history and origins of the equipment we love as hikers and backpackers. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.
Tony
Great story! Love that old gear. I had a Gerry scout tent, down jacket and vest from 1974. I sold that stuff at Cullum & Boren sporting goods in Town East Mall in Mesquite, TX. when I was in high school. The tent has been long gone and I wore out the jacket and vest about 10 years ago. The jacket made me look like the Michelin man!
+TheGoatMumbler That would be cool if you had any photos from back then, Michelin Man. LOL
Great video full of good information!
My parents gave me a kelty backpack for christmas when I was 13. I passed it down to my son when he was 15 to hike with friends in Big Bend. He is now forty years old.
That's great. Thanks for sharing. My oldest daughter (who is 43) years ago said, Dad, I don't want to sound morbid but when you die can I have your adventure gear. Hahaha
Love vintage gear. Due to space issues I had to shed some of my collection.
I enjoyed learning the history as that is something I don't always know about the old gear I collect. I would love to run into one of these while garage sailing.
Its an awesome pack. Great upload!
I just picked one up for $20 my first pack ever and it's the same frame you have, except for the fact that I have a top riser bar that telescope up and down to add a sleeping bag or something like that. no dividers. My waste buckle is a two Metal peace's that hook to each other. Last my bag has no red lacing all green, the label has red stitching with yellow mountains and it reads Kelty Owner only, no city or zip code. I thank you for sharing your knowledge on this video.
I bet you can call Kelty customer service and describe it to them and find out more info. Sounds like you picked up a piece of history. Thank you for watching and the comment.
That's what the plan is, I need to order a couple of pins and the keyway wire for one side. Other then that I can't wait to put it in use. Thanks for your reply
Thanks for this good history and explanation. I have been trying to decide what to do with my dad's Kelty from the early 1960s. He and my brother hiked the John Muir Trail with his Boy Scout Troop many summers. It is actually quite comfortable and I think I will keep it.
Hi Sarah. Thank you so much for watching and I think it's really cool that you have your dad's pack, that I'm sure took him places that brought him great pleasure. That's definitely a piece of gear to cherish.
Iove history and love the outdoors
So I'm loving this video
Thank you Johnny. I haven't used this old pack in a few years but I'll never get rid of a piece of backpacking history. My oldest daughter has laid claim to it when I pass away. (She said, not to be morbid or anything ) Hahaha Thanks for watching and commenting
It's a year later, and really enjoyed watching this again. Glad your blog is still running.
Thank you ✌
Wow. History flashbacks for me and my Kelty. Got mine for a Christmas gift in 1972, was 10 years old and wanted to have that pack. Got it and never looked back. Hikes all over the plains and mountains of Arizona. Finally had to trash it a few years back, just to much damage from years of service but wish I had kept it anyway. Well hindsight is 20/20. Thanks for the look back. Think that I might just have to replace it with another one. External frames rule.
Jerry Bartlett Thank you for the comment Jerry, pretty cool memory.
What an amazing history of a beautiful vintage pack! I LOVE it!! ~Dawn
Thank you so much ! Out of all the things I've saved this is one of my favorites. I used this not long ago on an overnighter and it's suprising how well it sits and carrys. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
Tony
interesting history, thanks for sharing, enjoyed.
A fascinating piece of outdoors history, and I thank you for it.
Thank you Jack. It doesn't get much use these days but I'll always have it until my oldest daughter gets it. She's already claimed it. Lol Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it 👍
@@BluecollarBackcountry Good to know that the heirloom will be passed along., whether entirely voluntarily or not ;-). You have a very friendly, approachable demeanor, and I'm most happy to have just subscribed.
@@jackkennedy_1963 Thank you very much Jack. Your kind words mean a lot !
Very interesting! Thanks for posting this.
Awesome video!!
Neat bit of history and some really cool vintage packs Tony! Pretty cool how Kelty got their start in business. That Kelty pack you have there is in excellent condition. I am surprised you have not heard from Kelty wanting to buy it off of you. I have the old aluminum frame Sunbacker brand pack (I want to say it was sold by J.C. Penny in the 70s and 80s) that I used backpacking in the Boy Scouts. I have no idea why I have hung on to it all these years. I just can't stand to part with it for some reason. I enjoyed the video! Thanks for sharing!
Kentucky Woodsman Thank you Chris. That's why my room is so full, not wanting to part with stuff that I've used in the past. I told a lot of folks after my 10 question tag video, that I may have to have a sale one day. Lol That is a nice old pack that one of my daughters will probably wind up with one day.
Thanks for sharing I really enjoyed it and learned something new.
Jeff Davis Thank you Jeff. I'm no expert but I like to share a little of that stuff from time to time. There are lots of people new to backpacking so a little history helps. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
Great video.. Thanks for taking the time to make it.👍
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment Adam B. I appreciate it.
I just acquired one of those. picked up at a flea market for $8. And it's in great condition. Says Glendale California but no zip code. I thought it was a 1970s bag. but wow pre 1963! Nice.
I just picked up a red kelty after 68...mine has the sun valley tag...but she is a 5 bar v frame. I cant wait to get it out on the PCT this summer! Mine has the waist belt as well! Love the video!
Oregrown Budman Thanks Budman. Pretty cool 😆 It's surprising how comfortable the old pack is. Have a blast on the PCT
So glad to have found this video! Cool pieces of history on both packs. I have three external frame packs , one is a vintage model with no patches or names and looks to be home made. The frame is black paint on aluminum with a black pack and I would estimate the capacity to be 60 liters. The black nylon bag has red piping sewn on the edges of each pocket and the main flap. A simple cord runs from each outer edge of the main flap and is secured by two formed wire hooks on either side of a large front pocket. I found it at a Salvation Army thrift shop stuffed in a barrel full of golf clubs...cost me $7. I took it home and "revitalized " it and it is a beautiful pack. On an outing I stuffed it with 35 pounds of gear and it performed well beyond my expectations. The other two are a current day Field & Stream pack and a Norwegian Army Rucksack made famous in the Kirk Douglas movie, "The Heroes of Telemark." Consequently, the NAR is also referred to as the Telemark Rucksack. This pack is also steeped in history: designed by the Norwegian, Ole Bergan, in 1908, first used in 1909 and still used in training purposes by the Norwegian Army until 1999 or possibly 2012. I was lucky to find one in a Pennsylvania military surplus store for $45. It's a great bushcraft backpack and many will disagree with me that it outperforms the Swedish LK35, a tremendously popular bushcraft pack that is extremely hard to find. I tried for several months. Anyway, I use both internal and external frame backpacks. My planned adventure determine what backpack I use.
Alexander Weaver That's a great story on your pack. It's amazing how comfortable the old packs can still be. Kelty even offers upgraded shoulder straps and waist belts for the old external frame packs. Thanks for watching and commenting and best of luck with your adventures.
I love the old ALICE packs.
Nice detective work on the age of the pack. That old ad is amazing. The waist strap innovation info is news to me. I can't use a waist strap anymore due to a back issue, but the majority of the population is happier.
great story i love it
just found a pre 1963 for $4.00 at a yard sale, I feel lucky!
That's a very cool find. I see stuff like that as backpacking history while others just want to get rid of it. 👍 Thanks for watching and best of luck with your adventures.
Informative and beneficial video
Days gone by: Kelty store in Glendale, CA near Griffith Park. The original Sport Chalet in La Canada, CA. The old guy that worked in sleeping bags knew his stuff. When the S.C. first opened it sold poor climbing gear but over time sold quality stuff. I don't know if Adventure 16 stores or West Ridge in West L.A. still exist. One of the West Ridge partners was Don Lauria who climbed with icons of Yosemite: Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard, Warren Harding. I still have Patagonia catalogs of the 1960s when it sold climbing equipment. And I also have my Kelty external frame pack from the 1970s showing scars of my trips. I just bought one of the last Kelty 5500s (6/24/2020).
That was a terrific bit of backpack history. Thanks so much. My hiking buddy in the early eighties had a Kelty with that Key Pin you're showing, don't know the model. When I was backpacking in Jasper Alberta (CANADA) in the early seventies, I had a Camp-Trails external. BUT, once I saw a Gerry Pack just like the one your talking about but each section had an alternating colour scheme. I never saw one again. It was just so cool...
That's cool about the Gerry's with different color compartments. I've never seen that one. I love the history of some of the old school backpacking gear. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate it and Atb, Tony
@@BluecollarBackcountry We were young and full of awe, eh??!! haha. Thanks again for the time warp.
I'm from Canada pretty hard to pick up a Kelty pack in stores very expensive in Toronto have to go online for a simple 120 $ Kelty pack goes for twice the price here thanks allot for part history
This was awesome, ty!
Thank you very much. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
Great video
Great video, thanks for posting. I have a Kelty Mountaineer that I've had since the late 70s and it is still in great shape. Interesting fact: I'm tall and have the XL frame with a top extender bar and I just weighed this thing and it is 4.2 pounds. That is less than many internal frame packs of today (e.g. the Osprey Atmos)! Yes there are ultralight internals that will be considerably less but there are a lot of internals that weigh more.
Blessed Armadillo Thank you for watching and commenting. There's just something really cool about having vintage gear that's still worth using today. Make me wonder if today's gear will hold up that many years. I appreciate it 😆
Blessed Armadillo, I think that most people do not realise that little detail that these old packs are lighter than they appear and in fact lighter than a lot of modern packs. Kelty packs are near impossible to find in the UK but being an external frame fan since the eighties I have accumulated a few of the European types, some average 3lbs. Even better if carrying 50lb+ loads. Such versatile devices, long lasting and hard wearing, none of these modern packs will be in use in thirty years.
I have one pack dismantled at this time a Karrimor and the frame itself is just at the 1lb mark or slightly over, my intention is to rework the belt, shoulder harnesses and bag over with modern materials, hopefully it will be a sub 2lbs pack and still have the ability to carry 50lbs as and when required.
Blue Collar Back country, thank you for an excellent and informative video, hopefully like fashion, these things will go the full circle and come back into vogue. It blows my mind every time I pull out my still functional hirty year old external frame and rock with it on the path, they are comfortable and tough and I have more than my money's worth out of them.
Hi I actually picked one up at an antique store for twenty bucks mine's red I customize it so it would be clips instead of draw strings
Sounds like a nice score. The red was really popular In the 70s. You might like my video from about 7 months ago "Must watch video 1972" Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
I love my Kelty Trekker.
Kirby Hill That's a good one. 65 liter ??? Best of luck with your adventures and thanks for the comment.
Bluecollar Backcountry 65 litre
Great video! I just scored an old school Kelty at a thrift store...subbed 👍
Great find John. I get mine out once in a while but being 50 yrs old the material is showing it's age. I'll never part with it though just because of the history of it. Not to mention my oldest daughter has already laid claim to some of my old gear. Lol Best of luck with your adventures 👍
@@BluecollarBackcountry when the video started, I first thought you were the guy Tim, from "Moonshiners". 😁
@@johnemerick5860 Lol, I've been told that I look like a few different people..........All handsome young men. Bahahahaha
I have the exact same pack, including the color.
That's really cool. Because of the age, the material is getting a little thin so I haven't used it in a while, but I'll never get rid of it. I just see it as hiking history 👍
Remember Holubar, Camp Seven, Class Five, Snow Lion? Another very popular external frame brand was Camptrails.
I've got this exact pack with dividers and extra pockets on sides. I found it on eBay for $35 w/$25 shipping. It also has American, Canadian, Mexican and Brazilian Flags sewn on rear of top flap. I expect the previous owner hiked the PCT. I hope to earn this badges myself one day. Have taken it on early spring Virginia 3 day hike on AT with 30+ lbs. I've since lightened the load but it set nice and balanced. Highly recommend this pack!
That's pretty cool ! Makes you wonder about the history of that particular pack with the flags sewn in doesn't it. Crazy how comfortable those old packs are. You can order updated shoulder straps, and waist belt from Kelty by calling their customer service and describing the pack, and sending pics. I prefer to keep mine original because I just think It's cool. I still assume it's the model A with extra pockets sewn in, and no one has ever offered any different suggestions. Neat story Jason. Thanks for sharing, and good luck on future hikes and backpack trips. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
Thank you for responding! I'm happy now to know what model I have. The shoulder straps are in perfect condition and the belt is a preadjusted buckle that clip into place-I have another pack that has your style of buckle also with the wires that run through pins.
Pretty cool stuff. I'd like to see that in a video some time.
Been thinking of uploading-will do on next hike after Thanksgiving.
Hi there! I just bought a extremely similar pack from St. Vinnies for 10 bucks...it is my first pack and I could tell it was vintage. I am excited to see what kind of adventures I'll take it on :) Mine has slightly different tag that looks more modern, as well as a section at the top that slides up and down on the top of the frame, which yours appears to not have? The waist strap is also padded andhas a different hook style belt at the front instead of the jaw type. Thanks for sharing!
Andres Herrera Hi Andres, Sounds like you have a little newer model but it's still cool having some vintage gear isn't it ? If you ever need anything for it you can call Kelty customer service and you can still get replacement parts if you need to replace anything. Thanks for sharing and commenting and I hope you have great adventures with yours my friend.
I have a 1967 or 68 Kelty (Mountaineer frame, pack bag model B with the extra pockets). I have been using the original shoulder straps and hip belt all these years. I was about to buy new ones from Kelty early in 2020 but they went out of stock and haven't come back since. Has anyone been able to make a hip belt with or without straps from another manufacturer work with their Kelty frame?
fascinating. I saw one of his backpacks with a telescopic adjustable frame, on ebay and was blown away by the absolutely superb precision craftsmanship, which reminded me of that 1960's and 70's "apollo space ship" precision engineered vibe, almost over engineered, but created with a conscientious attention to detail, which sadly is all too often missing today. I thought to myself theres some sort of connection to the aerospace industry, that is SUCH fine quality work! So I was not surprised that Mr Kelty actually WAS in that industry at one time! Its the same when you see old UK built Karrimor packs before they were made in "the far east", they have quality and character too.
👍👍👍!!!
I hot my eyes on one of these at a shop near the AT , the belt is different
As a matter of fact you can still buy updated straps and belts on the Kelly website to update these packs for those who still love the external frame packs. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
I checked mine out. It only has four cross members, and no internal compartments. The pack attaches to the frame the same way, except instead of one long wire, mine has independent circular wires on each pin. It looks like there used to be some kind of liner in the pack that has disintegrated over the years. I had to brush it all out. It is very light. I don't use it, but for $20.00 I couldn't pass it up!
Hey Chris. The frame with 4 cross members was the standard backpack frame. If you freeze frame the old Kelty ad in my video you can see in the 60's the frame by itself sold for $7.00. Wild huh ? I know the key wire was not very popular and split rings were used on the belt and shoulder straps, so maybe someone converted yours to split rings to get away from the key wire. I still use mine on occasion if I'm just doing an overnighter, and it's more comfortable than it looks like it would be. For $20.00 I think you picked up a nice piece of history and a keepsake anyway. Thanks for commenting.
"Retro or Retrogrouch Backpacking" ...I read this in a add on the internet...talking about Backpackers that primarily used vintage backpacking gear...now is this a real thing...is there a new fad called Retrogrouch Backpacking? I know Vintage backpacking gear is becoming more in Vogue. . .then it was...
Some call this ("Retro" (Grouch) Backpacking)...for short.
Retrogrouch
-noun
1. One who is skeptical of technological developments until their usefulness and reliability have been proven.
2. One who insists on minimalist equipment that may be user-serviced, and has proven its usefulness in the past. . .
3. He is such a retro Grouch he still uses a camera that takes film. . .
Great video, do you have a link to the pic of the vintage advertisement?
Thanks Mike. I appreciate you taking the time to watch. I have an old print of that Kelty ad that I scanned. If you message me through RUclips messages and send your email address I'll scan it again and send it to you
I paused video and screen shot it. Such a cool find! I found this exact pack on eBay. Really enjoy it.
Have you ever run up on, or used, a Denali Racer X? Would love a review.
Hi Floyd. I have to admit you have me stumped on the Denali Racer X. I know Gregory had a Denali pack but I don't remember the Racer X. You have me curious now. Thanks for watching ✌
@@BluecollarBackcountry I made a little boo boo. The Racer X was made by Dana Designs. I found one for sale, but it's no longer made. Dana Designs is now Mystery Ranch.
Model D4 did not have the vertical dividers in the top compartment.
Rainmaker here,
You are correct. The A4 is the model he is showing in the video.
What chair is that your sitting on?
As a matter of fact I'll be doing a review on that very soon. I picked that up for less than half of the price of the same chair with a big brand name on it.
+Bluecollar Backcountry SUHWEEET, can't wait!
Mine says Sun Valley, Calif. 91352. Do you have an idea what year this was?
Wow ! That would be hard to say. They moved to Sun Valley in 1968. I know they were bought out in the early 70's for a few years and Dick stayed on as chairman, but I don't know if they moved. In 1998 the headquarters moved to Boulder, Co but I don't know about manufacturing. I bet if you called Kelty, with a little info and a pic or two, I bet they could nail it down for you. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Let me know what you find out.
Thanks! Will do!
@@BluecollarBackcountry Maybe there was a store in Sun Valley. The major one was in Glendale, a short drive from Sun Valley. One day years ago I went there to shop and the store was gone.
And yyou say youre no expert...Lol proceeds to give 12 minutes of detailed history
Nathaniel Betteridge 😆 Lol Thanks Nathaniel. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.