Backpacks- Internal or External Frame?

I think it really depends on fit. I tried a zillion internals, and never found one that was comfortable, I just go back to my ALICE pack that I was issued a long time ago. When they made them, the model they used must have been exactly my dimensions. YMMV.

I also like externals for the numerous lashing points in case you want to carry something heavy and made out of metal... ;)
 
Lambertiana, it's funny because I was looking at that same backpack that you have:D. I really want to go in July and I'm going to try real hard to make it.
My old lady backpacking buddy used a Jansport external. I'm not sure of the model but I remember it was big. I know her pack was heavier than mine with all that she had in it. What I was trying to say is that it felt lighter, better and easier for me to carry despite actually being heavier. It could also be that my pack doesn't fit me properly. I don't know. The last time I went backpacking was in 2006. I'll have to try a good quality internal too.
 
Wow

My first back pack was an external - but after that ....

I don't think I have seen an external frame pack here in Oz for more than a decade.

It is a bit different here in that we often have dense bush/understory and in any walking on small or ill kept trails (most) an external frame gets caught up a lot more.

My current pack was actually very cheap Jansport- but it suitied my back was well shaped and a travel pack!! it has been dunked snowed upon walked some rough trails and bush bashed without - and travelled the world a number of times over 20 years. I have replaced the zips twice - and it is still going strong. I have had the option of others - but this one suited me.

It wasn't expensive and surprisingly it was also a travel pack which has been a very nice feature
 
For years I used a really comfortable Adventure 16 external frame pack on trails and an excellent Gregory internal frame for rough stuff. [The A16 was considerably lighter.] I now use a frameless Go-Lite Gust. It's made of spectra fiber and weighs only 20.4 oz. You have to pack it more carefully than either an external/internal frame pack but I really like the light weight. I've used it on a number of 9-day pack trips and it is sufficient for trips of that length ONLY if you have ultralight gear.

DancesWithKnives
 
Ray,

Don't forget to check out the Mystery Ranch NICE system (by Dana Gleason, former owner/designer of Dana Designs packs, among others). It's kind of a hybrid internal/external modular system. I have the Crew Cab and have only used it once, lightly loaded, but I really like the way the NICE frame fits me so far. If I really like it, I'll buy one of the larger bags for it later on.

The only drawback is the price....

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I got a sick deal on a carson a few weeks ago, and I can't wait to put it through it's paces this summer. I've always preferred external frames, and for the price I got the carson for it can't be beat.
 
I have both, and it just depends on where I am going as to which one I will take. Down here in TX, it gets so friggin' hot that you will do anything for relief. An external is a blessing for its ventilation. I also like all the pockets, compartments, etc. on my old external to keep everything perfectly organized a lot. I carried it comfortably for about 10 days once in pretty different weather systems, so I had a ton of gear. Still, it was pretty comfy. It has seen plenty of 2-3 day trips where I am the pack mule for two when camping with the LOML, and it has been my pack of choice for that role.

To me, it seems quicker to unpack and pack up the externals as well. My external is a web of compression and attachment straps that connect to hard plackets sewn into the pack. The attachment straps don't ever come off, so all I do is roll up the bag and click it on the pack. Same with the tent. Once you get your arrangement down, it's almost modular.

As for the internals, I hate having soaking, sweaty shirt material scrubbing on my back with every step when I have my internal on. If the load shifts, the pack shifts, or a strap slips a bit, it seems like that sweaty bag of nylon mesh riding on your back is almost easy to leave behind.

That being said, since it is just a big bag, I like the convenience of throwing everything in it, and in moderate weather (just two short seasons here) it is great. Since I tend to keep things in little stuff sacks, compression bags, and little boxes, I don't need all the compartments. In cooler weather, I like the internal. It sucks in summer time S. Texas heat. If the weather is cooler and I am packing just for me, I like the internal.

I have a newer internal I am going to be trying out pretty quick, and it actually has lumbar pads for the sides of your back as well as an adjustable pad for the small of your back. It looks like it might do a good job of keeping the pack from laying like a sweaty bag of sand on my back. Guess I'll know soon enough!

Robert
 
I think if you are mostly on level areas and need to carry a large load an external frame is good.

But I have used internal frames for quite a while and prefer them especially in hilly and uneven terrain.

Last Season I got a Gregory Baltoro 70 and I really like it a lot.
 
I must be strange. internal packs often annoy me. I have ad a couple good ones that didn't, and were just huge for storage, but I prefer external frames most of the time. My kelty has a big enough main bag, but the real joy is being able to pack ALL the bedding and tenting outside the pack in one solid bundle.

I find externals to fit better and be more easily repaired. I also have made load frames (bare external frame harness with a shelf) for taking large bulky items to long term group campsites and it's much nicer that way.
 
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