Comments on: Internal or external frame?

By: Tman

Tman — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:15:31 +0000

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.

By: caca

caca — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:46:27 +0000

i NEED HELP I WANT A CHEEP EXTERNAL FRANE ONE WITH LOTS OF ROOM FOR A GOOD PRICE.WERE SHOULD I LOOK? HELP

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:00:35 +0000

I know this is to late (because you made the comment in May) but I would go with the TETON explorer 4000 I youed that thing for our no-trail 25 mile hike. I works GREAT!!! at sportsmans warehouse it is only $70! great pack!!

By: Steve-272

Steve-272 — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 00:14:08 +0000

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.

By: soon to be eagle scout

soon to be eagle scout — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:07:59 +0000

thanks for helping me on my camping merit badge

By: Rugrat Hauler

Rugrat Hauler — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 02:27:09 +0000

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.

By: A.S.R.

A.S.R. — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:49:49 +0000

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.

By: LewCaptLWS17

LewCaptLWS17 — Fri, 13 May 2011 01:16:41 +0000

Hello everyone! Im going on a 10 day very soon. can anyone please give me a good pack reccomendation. Im looking for a cheep, durable internal frame. Thanks

By: BS Luvr 2

BS Luvr 2 — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:11:29 +0000

I would seiriosly go with a external frame backpacking pack!!!!!!!!!

By: owns many-a-pack

owns many-a-pack — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:11:01 +0000

The absolute best pack i own is a military issue large alice pack. They are no longer used, so it was very cheap, its external frame, but has a small and inconspicuous frame. Take the frame out to haul wood, etc/ Love it.

By: pegazpegasus

pegazpegasus — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:33:41 +0000

i have both….and do must agree they both look great….but i would say that i prefer the external…..the reason is that when arrived at shelter time…my kelty come easly appart and the aluminium frame is a great harness to carry heavy loads with not much effort….attaching timber….water….anything with paracord…and eventually a harness modified with cordage for:example….and the kelty…by itself can be a food holder to be hung in tree to prevent scavengers been interested in it….etc…..the internal has all moderne “appliances” and thats all

By: zMarko

zMarko — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:26:13 +0000

I am going for the external back pack because my son needs to clamp attach a tent, a sleeping mat and a sleeping back to it. To me these reasons alone would point to an external pack.

By: Valcour

Valcour — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:38:13 +0000

External frame packs tend to be heavy at 6 lbs or so. Getting the weight down is the best way to have more fun hiking and camping so I found the LuxuryLite external frame pack that weighs only 2lbs and it works great for me. And it automatically stands upright when I set it down.

By: TheyCallMeSam

TheyCallMeSam — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:58:21 +0000

I have a Kelthy 3950 external frame pack and have summited many mountains including Ranier and stuart. The only problem i have had with my pack is in climbing up steep rocky sloaps, dirt gets into the pins and makes a squeeky noise…..which i kinda like actually:) but overall i have no problems with hiking rugged trails. Just dont hike like a subaru driver and you will have no problem handaling one of these packs.

By: Wandering Willie

Wandering Willie — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:17:30 +0000

I am thinking about getting an external backpack, because they seem cheaper and being in the Texas heat it allows air to flow threw your back so you don’t get all sweaty.

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.

By: dave

dave — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:49:56 +0000

From what i have read more like the internal frame.

internal-good for canoeing, rugged trails, you won’t get snagged on things, have a lot of room, and LIGHT WIEGHT, but it’s hard to strap things directly to the pack, and it’s a BIT PRICY.It keeps in heat wich could be good or bad depending on the weather.

The external frame is balenced out, well organized, and is durable, but it’s bad for canoeing, it restricts movement, and it’s HEAVY. it also lets the air flow.

Thanks for readin.

By: BSA Scout

BSA Scout — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:41:48 +0000

If you are looking at canoeing or going on rugged trails, I would recomend the internal frame. External frames tend to be heavier, but balance out better, and are good for the heat of Texas. I once went camping in northern Michigan, and I liked the way my friend’s internal pack worked in that kind of weather.

By: camper

camper — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:37:10 +0000

i have a internal frame High Sierra Sentinel 65, it has served me well on my past few camping trips. i personally prefer an internal frame. but the problem is that it’s harder to strap stuff to the pack itself. i got it on sale so it was only 80 bucks!

By: sup

sup — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:41:07 +0000

INTERNAL FRAMES ARE BETTER THEY ARE EASY ACCESS YOU DO NOT GET SNAGGED ON SRUFF AND LOTS OF ROOM WORKED GREAT FOR ME ON PHILMONT IT WAS LIGHT WEIGHT AND HAS LOTS OF ROOM LOOK AT REI THEY HAVE GREAT SERVIC AND FIT PACKS WELL THEY CAN BE A BIT PRICY THOUGH BUT THEY HAVE SALES AND THAT IS HOW I GOT MINE FOR CHEAPER

By: matt123

matt123 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:41:42 +0000

i am going to philmont in august 2009 it will help THANKS

By: Hiker

Hiker — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:43:08 +0000

i had think it can be hard to strap and even fit certain external frame packs into canoes one boy in my troop had to strap it onto the gunnels wich isnt very desirable just somthing to think about

By: T829

T829 — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:59:30 +0000

I personally think Internal Frames are better

By: scouterDad

scouterDad — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:11:12 +0000

Internal frames will ride snug against your body which can be great in tight spaces. The drawback I have noted on internal frames is that they DO ride snug against you…which means they trap heat against you….and you sweat more. That means you will need more water to drink, and if there is not a source you must carry the extra water weight making the pack weight potentially substantial. If you are cold weather packing…the extra warmth can be a real good thing though…

So consider the type of hiking you plan…cold weather and caving or tight confines do lean toward the internal..hot wether and long trips, the external with the air flow acrtoss the back and the extra capacity of hanging stuff outside the frame is very handy.

By: Mr.Everest

Mr.Everest — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:17:55 +0000

I have an external frame kelty youkon 2900. It is good for open trails and long-term camping trips, and has a good amount of freedom to carry alot of gear. But however it has a down side, it doesn alow you to move in certain ways, such as if you need balence on the trail it does not move with your body and is rather stiff and makes manuvering difficult wich doesnt mean its bad but it would be nice to have alittle more freadom.

By: Backwoods_Traveler

Backwoods_Traveler — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:02:37 +0000

I have used both an internal and external frame. Having the opportunity to do guidework through NC in the Blueridge parkway area, I have had the opportunity to stay on the trail and do some fantastic bushwhacking, with both an external and internal frame. It is true that external Frames carrying weight fantastically and at times can be well organized. With that being said, I have a Kelty Stormcloud 5600 and it is fantastic. Well organized, carries weight well, excellent durabiltiy. The internal frame sits much closer to my back and allows me to do much more maneuvering, especially in tight bush areas or water scenarios. The internal frame pack also seem to be the lighter of the two. It all comes down to preference, however in certain conditions, the internal has always proved invaluable.

By: dude

dude — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:22:40 +0000

I have a kelty coyote and its awesome. its internal

By: caspian991

caspian991 — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:45:21 +0000

I have the scout external frame, but personaly, i think internals are better,

By: eagletrail

eagletrail — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:15:59 +0000

I’ve have a Kelty Sierra Crest, witch is a external frame, And I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With some space on the inside and sides, you can put some importent gear in it, like food and stuff, and on the out side you can hang pot’s, tie fishing kits to it, and if your like my little brother, a helment.

So I’d go with an External pack.

Yours in scouting

Eagletrail

P.s. Kelty arn’t selling Sierra Crest’s any more.

P.s.s. I’ve had my pack for four years now.