Pack question - external vs. internal frames

[Niko]

I inherited a nice old school external frame pack form my Pops, still in great condition, that he used when he went on his thru hike back in the day. I see that most of the packs that are made now are internal frame and seems that most people prefer them to the external. Was wondering why they so common to use the internal frame packs nowadays. I'm sure there is good reasons other than it being just a new trend or something. Is a better design, or just personal preference? Or is there any advantages / disadvantages for one over the other? I just wouldn't want to go ahead and use it if it was going to end up being an issue or burden on the trail. Would be great to have your thoughts on the subject.
Thanks - Niko

[RodentWhisperer]

I seem to recall it being said that internal frame packs "hug the body" better than external frame packs, keeping the load from shifting (and thus, preventing one from losing balance).

I grew up with external frame packs, and never had a problem with them. I loved being able to lean my pack up against a tree when I got to camp, and keep it there all night. Very convenient. And I could carry massive weight-- my first trip to Isle Royale NP involved 52 lb of gear/food, and it worked like a charm! I remember always holding the shoulder straps, though, to pull the pack's weight closer to my back, and keep me from "tipping."

There are times I feel like going out "old school" for a weekend-- external frame pack, full-length CCF pad, white gas stove, wool sweater, the whole shot. Just like we all did "back in the day." Ah, memories...

[moldy]

Generally speaking the internals are lighter, more comfortable and today more available. Weigh the thing and compare it with internal frame packs. I have seen thru-hikers with them. My opinion is that unless you are a thru-hiker where 2 pounds matter, you should use the thing until it's either "used up" or you can pass it on.

[FarmerChef]

Generally speaking the internals are lighter, more comfortable and today more available. Weigh the thing and compare it with internal frame packs. I have seen thru-hikers with them. My opinion is that unless you are a thru-hiker where 2 pounds matter, you should use the thing until it's either "used up" or you can pass it on.

+1. If it's not that heavy, external fram packs are still an excellent choice and built with more quality than some internal frame packs of today. However, how it fits you is perhaps the most important criteria. Take it out for a day hike and load it down with 25 - 30 pounds of stuff. See how it feels. Then go to your local REI or outfitter and try on some packs with weights in them (they'll provide them) and compare the fit and feel. If you're lucky, they'll have a treadmill in the store and you can try "hiking" for a bit with the pack on. Sometimes, the first mile or two can feel fine but then that annoying "something" turns into a painful something. With hiking experience, you can more quickly tell where something doesn't quite feel right as soon as you put the pack on and where it will cause you a problem later in the day.

[Lyle]

Used external frame packs for MANY years. They are great. Comfortable, cool, easy to pack, can be used as a shelter support or backrest. They carry heavier loads more comfortably then internal frames. Short of dropping them while loaded, they are built to be pretty bombproof, unlike today's lightweight options that require more care.

That said, I now use internal or frameless packs. My overall load, even on extended trips, is a fraction of what it used to be. This is a function of more experience, carrying fewer "extras", more money to spend on better gear, and most importantly, lighter weight gear available today.

Absolutely no reason a frame pack wouldn't still work great for a thru hike. My one caution would be that nylon deteriorates with age and exposure to ultra violet. I may question how durable the old nylon packbag may be.

[Feral Bill]

Give the old man's old pack a try. My son borrowed my old external for a week's trip last summer and loved the comfort and the convenience of the many pockets.
For a high capacity pack, externals are generally lighter. For bushwhacking and skiing, internals have the edge.

[Son Driven]

I have been using an internal for my training in Minnesota's single digit temps. In order to wear the right amount of clothing to keep from getting chilled, my back is getting all sweaty. I am concerned about how uncomfortable the internal might get in the heat of the summer.

[MuddyWaters]

As was said, internals ride closer to back, making your balance better. This is important in some situations.
As also said, your back is typically hotter, sweatier than the old externals that were well off the back.

But, most externals today are also too heavy and huge by long distance backpacking standards for most to consider them. You dont need a pack made to carry 70 lbs, unless you plan to carry 70 lbs.

The Osprey exos series are actually external frame pack, the 58 weighs under 3 lbs and a lot of people use it. The Zpacks arc-blast is a 13 oz pack and its external frame.

[Likeapuma]

What about something like a Deuter bag, if you're concern with an overly sweaty back?

I just picked up a Deuter Spectro 32 for day hikes & possible weekends... Nice air flow, but forms well. Obviously, that packs isn't large enough for long distance, but maybe something similar?

[Pendragon]

I carried something like 70 lbs of camping and camera gear into Denali National Park with a Camptrails external back in 1987, and I am planning on using that same pack on my upcoming section hike from Springer to Damascus. Only this time I am doing my best to lighten my load below 30 lbs total because these old bones are not holding up quite as well as this pack is. And it weighs no more than many of the internal packs I see being sold online, with much better capacity and versatility (pockets galore). Of course, if you intend to go ultralight, then yea, since every ounce counts, you'll end up using a tiny, thin little bag with tiny straps that will blow out if you put anything in it. Viva La External!!!

[HooKooDooKu]

I've been using an external frame pack for the last 15 years. I only just last year decided to try an internal frame pack to see if I could save on some weight.

The main fundimental difference I've noticed is that I could carry a lot more on an external frame pack because I had all sorts of places to lash stuff. For years, I comfortably lashed the tent, sleeping pad (LE version, so it was a full 20" wide) and sleeping bag to the frame of the external frame. With the new pack, the only place to lash anything big is the bottom. I've changed to a NeoAir for sleeping pad, but now I'm stuck putting the sleeping bag or tent INSIDE the internal frame pack... eating a LOT of space.

The other thing is that because internal frame packs hug your body better so that you don't need a much space to walk. This is why internal frame packs are recomended if you're going to be taking it off trail so that you don't need as much open space to get the pack through. In a crowded, you're also less likely to whack someone when you spin around while wearing an internal frame.

[swjohnsey]

You can do Route 66 in a Model A. Obviously, the external frame packs work. Technology marches on.

[Tuckahoe]

You can do Route 66 in a Model A. Obviously, the external frame packs work. Technology marches on.

Hogwash! When discussing internal or external frames both have advantages and disadvantages. Neither is worse or less advanced than the other. Additionally any modern technologies that can be put into an internal frame can certainly be used in externals.

[swjohnsey]

Hogwash! When discussing internal or external frames both have advantages and disadvantages. Neither is worse or less advanced than the other. Additionally any modern technologies that can be put into an internal frame can certainly be used in externals.

I like external frames. I occassionally carry my large ALICE. We are talkin' thru-hikin' the AT. Point me to the externals that weigh 18 ozs.

[MuddyWaters]

I like external frames. I occassionally carry my large ALICE. We are talkin' thru-hikin' the AT. Point me to the externals that weigh 18 ozs.

Zpacks arc blast. Oh wait, it weighs 13oz. Sorry.

[MDSection12]

I grew up using an external and lashing almost everything to the outside... Once I got an internal and could keep all my gear in the pack, close to my back, and away from snagging branches, I never went back. I still keep the frame packs around as loaners though.

[Niko]

I think I'm going to give the old man's pack a shot, and least test it out and see how it feels with some weight in it and traversing different terrains. First, most definately looking into some replacement straps and a new waistbelt.

[Double Wide]

I love me some external backpacks. They keep my back from sweating, they're comfy, and they'll carry a load. The only time I've cursed it was on a long downhill on a not-so-developed trail. It snagged every branch on the way down.

Still using it though...

[moytoy]

It's great to listen to all the opinions but in the end you will have to decide for yourself which you like better. What type of hiking your doing and location of hike make a difference as to what pack will work best. For me I love my external frame but I also love my frameless

swjohnsey--I don't have a model A but I'm going to try to follow the old route 66 with a '73' GMC MH.

[swjohnsey]

Zpacks arc blast. Oh wait, it weighs 13oz. Sorry.

I like Zpack's stuff but everything I carried made from cuben was trashed before Maine.