Comments on: Internal or external frame?

By: soaringeagle

soaringeagle — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 06:19:03 +0000

I have used a External since late 2003 early 2004 and I love it. Sits comfortably and it holds plenty of stuff. I have taken my Kelty Trekker 3950 to Philmont (83 miles) and 43 miles in a canoe with very few problems. Never have had a problem packing it and it has never caused me to fall due to balance issues. This pack has also gone with me to the Sierra Nevadas where we did some rugged trails which was a bit difficult but nothing to serious. In the end I would definatly recomend External Frame Backpacks over Internals and yes I have used an internal and I hated it (not comfortable at all).

P.S. I would recomend Internals if you are looking at doing alot of canoeing easier to get in the bottom of the canoe. Otherwise Externals ALL THE WAY!

By: ASMinUtah

ASMinUtah — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:12:45 +0000

Seems like the sporting good stores have tons on internal frame packs and only a few choices with external frames. I recommend that scouts get external frame packs for non-technical hiking. I like them because you can tie bulky (not necessarily heavy) items to the frame like a closes cell foam pad and a tent. Look for a pack that you can tie something on top and something on the bottom.

With a lot of internal frame packs your only going to fit it all in if you buy a new tent, a new sleeping bag, and fancy air mattress. Better to spend your money on red licorice.

By: loken1860

loken1860 — Sat, 30 May 2009 05:14:51 +0000

I own a gregory Z55 a smaller internal frame pack. It distributes weight very well and is very comfortable. I have used several other recent models of internal frame packs and found this to be a trend. I have looked at several external frame packs and found them to be good all around packs. I have also found them to be heavy. Not all internal frames are lightweight my other pack which is an internal frame alps pack is 5 1/2 pounds. But the lightest packs with frames on the market are internal frame packs. The most important thing is fit. Buy what feels the best and fits your needs.

By: jackm

jackm — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:33:31 +0000

Thanks for all the imput, really helps when trying to make a decision between the two. I guess the bottom line is what kind of hiking you are planning on doing

By: Drake

Drake — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:01:08 +0000

i was using a kelty jr tioga and it is external and i hate it.
every time i trip i hit my head everytime i trip.
so i got a new pack a kelty coyote 4900 and i love it
so i would go with internal, but thats just me

By: newscout 101

newscout 101 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:06:23 +0000

i didnt know what backpack to get but now im getting an external frame

By: Lionel

Lionel — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:22:17 +0000

I have recently heard about the Universal S-curve fit. Is that something better than an internal or external frame or is just another marketing gimmick?

By: cool backpacker 101

cool backpacker 101 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:34:16 +0000

i like the internal frame packs because they are more comfortable,, and they allow more movement

By: philmont 09 75

philmont 09 75 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:01:14 +0000

I going to philmont in 2009 with scouts and I been backpacking and I use and exyernal framed kelty pack. One of my friends tells me how great internal frames are for philmont im not sure what to use

By: ret-sm

ret-sm — Tue, 13 May 2008 02:31:11 +0000

Several of the perceptions of the internal frame pack “downsides” are no longer valid. Todays internal is more of a hybrid between the two styles than ever before. Osprey, Gregory, Kelty, Deuter, and most other brands are now producing internal frame packs capable of carrying a reasonable load with an eye to backpanel ventilation, external pockets, lash points, and other organizational perks.You only need to look at how few external frames are on the market to see which way the trend is going.

I used an external in my 17+ year scout career and have now switched to an internal as I am active with the local Search and Rescue team. I prefer todays internal for weight to load bearing capacity, comfort, stability, and ease of use. While one of the primary reasons given for preferring an external frame is load capability. I think I would prefer to teach a scout to purchase gear and pack “smart” rather than heavy. There are several good internals that can be found for around the same cost as an external, including those with adjustible torsos that will grow with the scout.