On wide, well-maintained trails external frame packs are in their element, but on narrow, uneven ones they can be prone to snagging on branches and throwing you off balance. If you plan on covering steep, exposed ground or doing any scrambling while wearing your pack, moreover, the high load positioning of external frame backpacks is the last place you want to have it.
Internal frame backpacks , in a nutshell, are those with integrated suspension systems enclosed inside the rear of the pack, either in the form of aluminum stays, plastic frame-sheets, foam panels, or Dyneema webbing.
Usually, these packs are lighter and roomier than their external frame equivalents and are designed to conform to contours of your back, thus enhancing mobility and maneuverability, but also forcing you to bend over to balance the weight and restricting ventilation.
External frame backpacks are built with a rigid, usually aluminum or graphite frame on the exterior of the pack, as seen in these pics of the Kelty Trekker They sit higher on your back but position more weight on your hips and lower body.
The frame also provides airflow between the pack and your body by leaving a small gap between the two. Like any gear item, they have their advantages and disadvantages:. They might not be in fashion these days, but external-frame backpacks have a number of things going for them that might just tip the scale in their favor for some users. The most notable of the pros and cons are as follow:. As with any item of hiking gear, the selection process with backpacks will ultimately boil down to how you plan on using it and personal preferences.
Do you know how to pack a backpack for hiking or backpacking correctly? Adjusting the fit of an internal frame pack can overcome this difference to some extent. Internal frame backpacks tend to push the center of gravity slightly forward, while external packs pull the body slightly backward.
The slight nudge of an internal pack makes it easier to maintain balance on uneven terrain, but the pull of an external pack allows you to walk more naturally upright. External frame packs are bulky and have a wider profile than internal frame backpacks. The shoulder straps are generally narrower on an internal frame pack, leaving the arms entirely free.
If you plan to participate in activities such as skiing, rock climbing, or hiking through heavy brush, internal frame backpacks provide better maneuverability.
Internal frame backpacks have fewer individual pockets and compartments than external frame packs. This can make them much harder to pack. It can also be more difficult to get to needed items quickly. Most external frame backpacks have a wide assortment of storage spots on the outside of the pack, allowing you to quickly pack, unpack, and reach the things that you need.
You can adjust the straps and the bag to fit your frame, and this prevents the bag from swinging or moving while it is on your back.
These factors can be a huge advantage when it comes to doing activities that cause you to move in irregular positions. To put this in perspective, try to think that you are hiking on an uneven path. You will need to run and climb the road, and with that, it will cause the insides of your backpack to shift whenever you move.
But, if you are using an internal frame backpack, all of your belongings will be tucked away, and the bag will stay upright instead of falling off your shoulder or moving from side to side. Another advantage of internal frame backpacks is that they have vast amounts of space within them, allowing you to carry more items on your trips. So, if you would go on a hike or a camping trip that requires you to bring all of your needed gear, the internal frame backpack will have enough space to accommodate those irregular and larger shaped items and equipment.
In addition, the shoulder straps on internal frame backpacks are simple to adjust, which makes it easier to fit any type of body frame and people of various heights. They are also very compact, which means it will be a lot easier to pack them in the trunks of your car or when you have to check in your luggage for your plane ride.
Lastly, internal frame backpacks are designed to have two aluminum stays, which are long bars that are entirely flat and located against the back of the bag; these will provide you with extra support when you need it. The stays can bend to shape your back or can be changed to accommodate whatever it is you are packing into the backpack. Here are some of the drawbacks that we have noted from people who do not like internal frame backpacks.
First, internal frame backpacks make your back sweat more because they have a very tight fit, which means they can get uncomfortable in high temperatures for extended hikes.
They also tend to run higher in price than external frame backpacks. Likewise, they end up distributing the weight lower than other pack designs, which means you will be transferring the weight onto your lower body and back instead of your upper back and shoulders. Additionally, it is also complicated to strap items to the outer part of the internal frame backpacks and have them fit comfortably. They also do not usually come with the option to store your smaller items in easy-to-grab compartments like other backpacks.
This means that you will have to reach inside the bag every time you need to get an object in the bag. This can help increase ventilation and reduce the heat on your back. The weight is distributed at a higher position, which means you would use your upper back and shoulders to help support the weight.
These factors are excellent for people who want a backpack for walking trails, camping, and hiking. They also tend to run cheaper than internal frame backpacks and are easier to strap gear to the frame or the outside of the pack.
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