I’ve a new backpack coming in the mail today. I’ve been eyeing the Kelty Red Cloud for many years and the latest tracking check told me that it had left Grand Rapids and is now out for delivery. Just last winter I told myself that I was OK to stick with my Kelty Super Tioga frame pack that I’ve been carrying for the past twenty-one years. I thought who cares if I look like a relic from the past…I’m not ashamed…I’m an old timer. But the other day at the new Cabela’s in Grand Rapids my wandering eye got the better of me. It’s OK to look right? Well…a day later I was back and actually took it down off the hook and held it...tried it on and looked at all the convenient innovations of the past 21 years. My Super Tioga did not seem so super anymore. I have many packs for many different types of outings but have only had three packs for extended backpacking trips since I bought my first one in 1974. I don’t remember the transition being this hard the last time. It will be a bittersweet day when we head for Colorado this summer with the Red Cloud and leave the Super Tioga in the closet.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:36:38 +0000