Hi-Tec Tioga 65

Nice looking pack that doesn't hold up.

Bought this pack new from Big 5 Sports for $45. Has lots of pockets and room for all my overnight gear. The first time I took this backpacking was a three-day trip.

The pack was adjustable and I could make it fit comfortably to my body. During this first trip, the pack weighed out to about 35 lbs. I was backpacking with friends who don't have equipment so I was carrying a lot more stuff then I normally take with me for an overnight trip.

The pack did quite well the first day. Hiking from about 9000 ft to nearly 12000 everything stayed intact and when we got caught in a heavy downpour, the rain fly came in handy and kept everything dry. On the second day of hiking on more level terrain, I set the pack down for a break. While trying to pull it pack on both shoulders simultaneously, I heard heard some stitching pop. I took a quick look but didn't see anything.

After a a couple of miles I noticed the pack shifting. Turns out one of the straps holding one of the shoulder straps in placed had given out. Luckily I was able to finish the trip without needing to make repairs to the pack.

When I got home, I stitched up the torn strap with some heavy duty thread and for good measure added some stitching to the other side of the strap. It was here I began to notice that the stitching was pretty poor in places where it should have been either reinforced or used a better quality of material.

After looking over the pack more closely I noticed one of the bars in the lower waist belt had come loose through the fabric so I sewed this up as well.

Just this past summer I took the pack out for another 3-day solo hike. Unfortunately the same tear happened to the other shoulder strap. This time I only had about 28 lbs of gear on my back. Apparently this pack is not made for heavy loads. I've since repaired and reinforced both shoulder straps but I will be looking for a new pack in the future.

I was sorely disappointed in this backpack.

About a mile into my hike without and strenuous activity, I shifted my pack and the waist buckle on this pack snapped and broke. I have never had that happen before.

As you can imagine, my weight shifted from my hips to my shoulders. After that the cheap chest strap pulled off of the shoulder strap.

The shoulder strap is anchored by a "C" shaped tube of plastic which slid onto a piece of fabric. You can pull it off without much effort. So, you will not be able to cinch your chest strap too tightly. If your waist belt buckle breaks, then you are screwed like I was. It is difficult to cinch the chest strap and keep pressure off it when your waist belt is broken.

Take my advice, avoid this pack like the plague if you are really backpacking.

I'm Eric, the owner and primary trainer of Training Buddies. I use a variety of packs in my business. I take individuals and groups and show them the art of camping and backpacking. This pack is just the right size for those weekend type of hikes. I would trust this pack in most terrains except the thick jungle. Too many straps to get tangled and snagged.

Otherwise, cold weather, rainy, general forest and plains back packing can be performed quite easily with this pack. It is light weight at only 5 pounds and can carry enough food and equipment to last an individual four to five days to a week or longer, depending on the experience and training of the individual.

I really like the pack. It can hold more than I can carry. I had about 25-30 lbs in it on a three day venture. It was very comfortable to use. The best I've had. Most of the weight was on my hips and my shoulders never got sore.

I've used the fanny pack and it's great. I also used the rain fly, very nice. I would like a couple more small pockets.

The only problem I've had is with the chest strap. It's helpful but can't take too much stress. It came off one of the shoulder straps not a big deal since its not vital.

It has lots of room. I highly recommend it.

A large pack that carries three days or more of equipment.

I used this $50 internal frame pack that I bought at Big 5 to train for a one-week outing. For a three-day dry run I carried 38 lbs and the pack was comfortable. However when I took it loaded on a trip to Hawaii the baggage handler broke a buckle. Still I was able to tie the strap and continue my outing with no problem.

Best money I've ever spent!

Background

I've always carried an external frame pack. However on this recent trip I wanted to try an internal frame for the control of the hike.

This backpack looks very impressive with its bright orange fabric and a ton of gray loops that make you feel like you could attach all kinds of things to them. I liked how the top cover comes off and turns into a fanny-pack. Also the two side zipper pockets are nice for quick accesses. Just over those pockets are netted pockets that hold water bottles quite nicely.

I could not get this pack adjusted right for nothing. The consequence was sore shoulders and a hurting back. I told it back to Big 5 and traded it. On to the next review...

This backpack sucks. My chest strap came off, and its almost impossible to get back on.

I climbed Mt. Ritter with this backpack and was miserable the whole time. It seemed like every half hour I had to stop to adjust the straps. I never got it to fit right. If someone were to cut the straps off and weigh them it would be like 4 pounds.

Is a sturdy pack, but don't waste the money, buy a better one.

Lots of zippers, pockets and straps. Large compartments and a place for a hydration bladder. I have not used it yet, but I bought one for me and one for my son to use in Boy Scouts.

Built in rain fly, detachable fanny pack. Nice straps, well padded and breathable. Room for the tent, pad and tent on the outside with plenty of room on the inside for all your gear.