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External frame backpacks?

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
8,250
I was wondering if anyone here uses any and what they think of them. What I want is to get a frame so that I can have a more modular pack system. Are there any out there that are both light weight and molle compatible? I read this ultralighter who did what she called a 'packless' setup where she used a light frame and then lashed her stuff sacks directly to the frame. Her thinking was to be ultralight by getting rid of the extra fabric but I also like the modular capacity of the idea.
 
Aren't external frames heavier than internal frames? And why does "modular" equate to attaching things to the outside of a pack? Can't you still change the inside contents by how much you put in it? And you can still put things in separate containers, stuff sacks, bags, etc.

Also, and external frame is going to be that size no matter what you strap to it, while an internal frame can be cinched down quite a bit if you have less stuff in it, in fact some even convert to frameless, hoodless daypacks.

Just my opinion of course, but you can save weight and still have the same versatility, if not more, with an internal frame pack. YMMV.
 
I guess modular isn't necessarily the right word. I want to be able to strap the tent and sleeping gear on without having to stuff everything into a single large pouch with all my other clothes, food, and gear.
 
I have the Mystery Ranch NICE frame, Crew Cab bag and some of the accessories. The NICE frame accepts modular add-ons from a simple load sling to an 8000cui bag. It's very expensive, and a little on the heavy side, but made for heavy hauling and the quality is top-notch.



Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
PayetteRucker said:
Mystery Ranch has a beautiful external modular system that is unrivaled in quality and performance.
Click to expand...

desmobob said:
I have the Mystery Ranch NICE frame, Crew Cab bag and some of the accessories. The NICE frame accepts modular add-ons from a simple load sling to an 8000cui bag. It's very expensive, and a little on the heavy side, but made for heavy hauling and the quality is top-notch.



Stay sharp,
desmobob
Click to expand...

+1 for Mystery Ranch. I have a Big Sky (internal frame) and the quality is top notch.
 
I have a mystery ranch crew cab that I use for work. Just like others have said, the thing is bomber. It's HEAVY, and 80 pounds on a good frame is still 80 pounds, but I really enjoy the thing just the same, and it's quite nice for what I do.
A friend who does a lot of long distance ultralight stuff just started using a Luxury Lite pack frame. They combine carbon fiber rods with customizable load cells. It could be compatible with the MOLLE system and though not the best for scrambling, is reported to be great for trail hiking.
 
I have an MR Rats Pack which I can use with or without the external frame. Mostly, I go without it. But for me, this pack is perfection. :thumbup:
 
I have a Jansport Ranier that I purchased from REI on the early 90's. They don't have it anymore, but there is one called the CArson that is available.

I really like the pack. I find organization easier and I feels cooler on my back than the internals I have. Not ultralight though.

Not sure about the MOLLE thing though. If you have an REI around, you can go there and wear the packs loaded(The pack, not you) around the store.

Good Luck.
 
I have two older Camp Trails Freighter Frames that I bought for me and my wife with the intentions of Elk or Mule Deer hunting and using them to pack out the meat.

But I have never used them for that, in fact one of them has never been used or had a pack attached to it. Both are in like new condition.

The one that I used about half a dozen times has had about 50 lbs on it and it rides nice.
 
Shotgun -- Internals do hug the body better... But even the best padded internals won't match the airflow along your back that an external frame provides. For deployments I trust my Kifaru internal... But growing up timber cruising in northern WI and the UP I got along just fine with an army packboard and either a canvas tarp holding my kit, or with earlier versions of dry sacks (generally three) segregating my gear. I see luxurylite markets a very similiar concept, and have no doubt it would work great for a lot of people. That said, when visiting the old cabin I still grab the packboard... and grin.
 
What about the ALICE pack frame? You can get three different sized packs to attach to it, and there is a neat metal shelf you can attach to the bottom, for hauling things like gas or water cans (or firewood, etc...). They are also relatively cheap...

The only external pack I've ever used is my vintage 70's aluminum tube frame. It's a bit antiquated now, and the straps aren't very comfy. Some of the modern external frames look super comfy though, with really thickly padded hip belts and shoulder straps.
 
ALICE packs aren't nearly as nice as the civilian stuff out there. I wore one or a long time and will never go back.
 
I wouldn't recommend strapping sleeping gear to the outside of a pack. If it rains, your bed is now wet. If you do any offtrack bushbashing, you risk losing it.
 
If you actually compare features vs weight, external frame packs are not any heavier than internals. My Jansport Carson is light compared to most internals with the same features. And it allows better ventilation on my back than internals do, which is important for me. Internals are better for rough off trail because they carry closer to your body, but otherwise they do not have any advantages over a good external frame.
 
Dana Design made some of the best external frame packs out there. You can still pick them up off ebay occasionally. I have a Longbed, Shortbed, T-1, and Terraframe, which is the entire line. They are the most comfortable packs I have ever worn. They do weigh more, but it is a trade off for comfort, load handling capacity, and air flow.

There are tons of places on the outside of the packs to put your tent, sleeping bag, etc. Or, you can put them on the inside if you want. They were/are highly versatile.
 
I have a Kelty of some kind. The pack bag is 3600 cubic inches and covers only about 2/3rds of the frame, so there is room to lash on other stuff.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Dana Design IS Mystery Ranch...
Click to expand...

Actually, it isn't. Dana Gleason, the founder of Dana Design, started Mystery Ranch. He sold his stock in Dana Design to K2 many years ago. K2 purchased Marmot a few years back and now Marmot carries a few of the Dana Design packs under the Marmot brand name.

Myster Ranch uses a lot of the same design concepts that made the Dana Design packs so popular. Mystery Ranch would be the company I would buy from if I buy a new pack in the future.
 
Looks like Mystery Ranch just updated their website. Still partly under construction but I see a few new ones up.
 
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