I need a new backpack. What’s better: Internal or external frame?
- Confused Carl, Aptos, Calif.
Dear Confused, you must be a mind reader because thousands of other guys are wondering this same thing. Then again, if you really were a mind reader you wouldn’t need to ask me questions because you’d already know exactly what I was thinking, right?
I digress.
So, backpacking packs come in two types. External frames packs are those with a framework on the outside. These old-school-style packs are the best choice if you’ll be hiking mostly on groomed trails carrying lots of weight. They’re especially good at transferring the load so you can hike in a more comfortable upright stance. They’re also about half the cost of an internal frame pack, which has its support hidden inside like a skeleton.
Internal frame packs are usually more form-fitting, so they are better for guys who’ll be hiking rugged trails that require freedom of movement and balance. Most internal frame packs have one huge compartment with a couple of zippered access points, whereas external frame packs usually have lots of smaller compartments that make organization easier. You can also easily attach extra gear – such as a sleeping bag or fishing rod – to the frame.
Which type of pack is better is really up to you and your needs.
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Everyone talks about how external frames let you “strap on a lot more gear” remember you are supposed to cary only 25-35% of your body weight. The more stuff you can carry the more stuff you will carry. Even if you don’t really need it.
my external pack has lasted 13 years its great
It’s all a matter pf preference. Although this is not always true, internal frames tend to be lighter, narrower, and more flexible than external frames. External frames, however, are better for carrying more gear.
i NEED HELP I WANT A CHEEP EXTERNAL FRANE ONE WITH LOTS OF ROOM FOR A GOOD PRICE.WERE SHOULD I LOOK? HELP
Get an Outdoor Products Firefly or Trailhead. Costs little and carries a lot.
I bought a new internal frame pack, but abandoned it and went back to my old Jansport External frame pack because it took me forever to find my stuff, and then to put it all back in compared to the external frame pack, and because the internal frame pack made my back all sweaty.
Steve-272,
Most of the new internal frame backpacks have at lease two access points so that you do not have to remove everything to get at the things at the bottom. The newer ones also have designs that keep air space between your back and the pack. Try some of the backpack from Osprey.
thanks for helping me on my camping merit badge
I use an external frame pack and like how I can fasten a mountain of gear to it. I backpack with wife and 3 small kids and need a pack to strap tons of stuff to. I have not seen an internal pack that can do that nearly as well as my external frame and it is comfortable. Although 80-90 lbs gets hard on the hips at times… Time for the kids to get bigger and haul their own stuff.
I have all internal frame packs for hiking. I like the way that they fit your body. Also I hike allot of not very well groomed trails with my troop so the internal is good for that. Also I life the load more on my hips than my shoulders. At one time I was carrying so many textbooks in my normal backpack that it killed my shoulders so I ended up using my smallest internal frame pack I had. That really saved my shoulders. I also really like the adjust-ability of an internal frame pack.