Internal vs. External Frame Backpack - Your...

Hello to all,

The question is do you prefer the "old school" external frame pack with all the pockets and places to hook and hold on to - or, the "new fangled" internal frame with the slick profile and ease when bushwhacking.

I'll start it off: GIVE ME MY TRUSTY KELTY EXTERNAL FRAME! My first one lasted fifteen years. My new one is on its third. I dig the convenient pockets, ability to balance heavy loads and my prayer flags look great fluttering from the back.

Your turn!

Namaste, Wayne

Comments: 7

Jeanne Nelson Mar 14, 2007, 2:33am EDT

external, naturally.

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Donald H. Mar 14, 2007, 7:23am EDT

Havaing used both I prefer the external frame. No question except for travelling in aircraft. The internal; frame has an advantage there but only there!

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J. Clifford C. Mar 15, 2007, 10:58am EDT

I'd like to know what you think is insufficient about the internal frame.

Namaste, J. Clifford.

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V. Hughes Mar 15, 2007, 11:20am EDT

Hello J. Clifford,

Packing and unpacking. No matter how logically Mary (my lady uses internal, I use external) packs stuff there is something that is on the bottom when she needs it on the top, and vice-versa.

Know that I see the value of internal frames. Bushwhacking with a external frame is frustrating to the max.

Namaste, Wayne

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Mary M. Mar 15, 2007, 9:11pm EDT

I have an internal frame and it feels great. I like the close fit, it helps when the terrain gets rough. Wayne has a point with the top loading feature of some internals. No matter how logically you pack, you end up having to pull a few or lots of items out. All that really matters is getting out there and enjoying it!

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Jessie L. Jun 11, 2007, 8:47pm EDT

My husband and I both hike with internal frame packs. There is the problem with having things being on the bottom that you want, but if the pack is designed well you can get around that problem. My husbands pack has two compartments a large on top, and a smaller on the bottom which are connected internally so it makes it easy to get things from either end. Plus I really like the comfort of the internal frame, I find it fits more snuggly to my body and is great for long hikes. And like many said above, it is nice to have in internal frame when bush whacking, which often happens when hiking trailess peaks in the Adirondacks!

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Erick H. Jun 16, 2007, 2:48pm EDT

I have used both types of backpacks over the years. I hike a lot, mostly in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. I personally use an internal frame pack, because, as a photographer, I'm not always certain where my path will be. External frame packs are more stable, and better balanced, but they are really designed for hiking on a trail. When it comes to cross country (leaving the trail), you can't beat the internal frame pack. It was designed for this purpose. The internal moves with you better over rugged terrain. While it is less stable, it will allow you to get through thick brush, and over rugged rocks with greater ease. This is why I usually use my internal frame pack, though I keep my external frame pack just in case I want to use it again.

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Internal vs. External Frame Backpack - Your thoughts.

Comments: 7

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