Boy Scouts buying a camping backpack which is better, an internal or external frame?

Question

Selection for youth seems to be mostly be internal packs.
But I've read external frame is better for trail hiking, which is mostly what scouts do.

Answer 1

IMHO external frames are better for most uses. internal frames were developed for climbing and traveling. they make pretty fair luggage and go through baggage handling a lot easier. thay may be better for boating also. for trails the outside frame is better. it rides better, is cooler to wear, allows you more options in packing, carries the same load easier, and is more adjustable. finally there are several low priced outside frame rigs that will work fairly well for those not born rich, never seen a decent internal frame rig worth carrying under a $100 and most are over that. internal frames are a compromise between good carrying and non interference with climbing or in tight places. external frames can be designed for the best carry without any limits.

Answer 2

Ah... the great backpacking debate: internal vs external frame packs.

Basically, the advantage of an internal frame is that it is less likely to get caught on branches, is somewhat less noisy, and is somewhat easier to manuver in because the center of gravity is closer to your body. The advantage of external frame is that you can carry more weight comfortably, it is easier to strap on things, and because it is not hugging your back, it is easier to stay cool and reduce 'sweaty back' when hiking in warmer seasons.

External frames were the standard for many years, but that has changed over the last 10 years or so and now Internals are all the rage. In fact, as you have probably already noticed, if you go in an outdoor store, you will typically find twice as many internal options as external (if not more).

As to which is better... if you are going to be going through heavy brush or doing a lot of climbing with the pack on, than internal is probably better. Otherwise it is really a matter of personal preference and there is certainly no major disadvantage to using an internal on a trail hike. I have both an internal and external frame pack and I personally prefer the external for serious trail hikes. But that is me. I know others who prefer internals for everything.

The most important thing is finding a pack that feels right for you. Good outdoors stores will help you find a good fitting pack and make sure it is adjusted right. They should also have weight bags that you can put in the pack and wear around the store to get a feel for it. I would recommend going to a place that specializes in hiking/camping equipment rather than a generic sporting goods store. REI is a good national chain for this, but most outdoor recreation towns will usually have a good local spot or two.

Answer 3

1. How much backpacking is he really going to do? Most Scouts do very little other than maybe once a year. This helps determine the costs you want. In our troop, I recommended our guys use duffle bags with shoulder straps for most of our camping since we did little hiking with all gear. Duffle bags are better for car camping, summer camp, etc.

2. In any backpacking situation, weight trumps. The heavier the bag, including the bag itself, the worse it is. Lightweight bags are the goal, but GOOD lightweight bags are more costly.

3. Growth potential- how much more will the guy grow? If possibly a lot, get a bag that can grow.

4. Bigger is better... sometimes. Here- extra size means extra weight. How much bag do you really need?

Ok, none of that helps with the internal/external debate- except that you probably won't have much choice when you narrow things down this way.

Answer 4

Internals will cost more. But they work well if you have to deal with bad weather. Externals are just fine. You find that with externals you'll have lots of stuffed strapped on to it. Internals keeping thing compact and close to you. Stay with a brand name and one that is fitted to you hight that can adjust a bit. I spent $250 on one when I was 13 (that was 15 years ago) used it all through scouts. Got my Eagle and I still have it a use it. So spend the money to get a nice one

Answer 5

Do your back and your troop's backs a favor and go ultralight. An ultralight backpack looks kind of like an internal frame pack, but actually makes double duty of one's sleeping pad for frame and padding, and thereby reduces one's pack weight to a minimum. Instead of a five pound backpack with either internal stays or external frame, my "frameless" backpack with Ridge Rest pad inside weighs a mere 14 ounces.
Here are some excellent ones:
http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/ultralight-backpack.html
http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/G4-Standard.html
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=37
http://www.ula-equipment.com/conduit.htm
http://www.ula-equipment.com/catalyst.htm
http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/vapor_trail/index.html

Or you and your troop could make your own UL packs:
http://www.ray-way.com/backpack/index.shtml