What are some advantages of an external versus internal frame back pack (or the other way around)?

Question

My wife and I have recently decided to take up hiking after going to amicalola falls state park in North Georgia. We went to the "hike Inn" near the park, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The only backpacking experience I've had was while I was in the military, and that was limited, but I had an issue LC-1 A.L.I.C.E. pack, with an external frame, and I don't think it fit me well, althgouh the basic design of the external frame has been around for a very long time, and has been tried in nearly every outdoor condition, I am thinking that that particular one just didn't fit me. Any thoughts? Preffereably those that have used both, although all answers are appreciated.

Answer 1

I prefer an external frame pack but the internal frame is much more popular.

External vs. Internal Fame Packs

EXTERNAL FRAME PACK:

For people who use packs principally for backpacking on established trails.

Proper loading is accomplished more easily.

More weight can be carried more comfortably while allowing the wearer to walk more erect.

External frames allow for more ventilation, thereby, allowing you to remain cooler and more comfortable.

Directs the load evenly around the hips, where it can then transfer down to the legs.


INTERNAL FRAME PACK:

For people who carry loads while doing activities that require independent arm movement.

For anyone who plans the bulk of their trips climbing, skiing, or hiking across rough trails.

Internal frames have a lower center of gravity thereby allowing you to do these activities that require delicate, balanced movement.

Answer 2

I'm glad you enjoyed the Len Foote Hike Inn. A real nice place, isn't it? By the way, if you haven't settled on a camping guide for the area [I'm going to get to your question eventually], I very strongly suggest Tim Homan's book. It's excellent. And, an excellent complement to that is the one put out by the Georgia Conservancy. [I have absolutely no financial interest in either.]

I strongly suggest an external frame. Bottom line, one reason: much less sweat. You'd be miserable with an internal, and your wife would be beyond miserable. And--and here's the biggest joke--the "reason" for the internal is ridiculous. The way that packs are designed these days, you don't have to worry about any "movement" issues with an external. I started hiking 40 years ago this summer. I've done long hikes, short hikes, and I've hiked all over the world. I've been in every condition, terrain, jam and situation you could imagine. I've always had an external--again, 'cause of the sweat factor; that breeze between your back and your pack is so pleasant--and never had a problem with my pack not staying right with me. Yes, every once in a while, a branch will get between your back and your pack. So? Just back up or shift sideways, and it's gone. No big deal at all.

There's a larger issue here. Beware of what I call the "tyranny of the camping store employee." Get what's sensible, and don't get what you don't need--which is most of the stuff on the REI, etc., shelves. One of my favorites is this contraption that is three small stacked plates connected at one end by a pole upon which the plates can rotate. The "purpose" is to provide a level place to put your stove! I swear! It weighs maybe 10 oz. or so, I don't know.

Some improvements, engineering, products, etc., are excellent and well worth the weignt and money, a recent example being the improvements in headlamps. Many are absurd. I swear, I wouldn't be surprised to see camping stores some day selling rocks!!

You'll get a pack to "fit" you "well." Everything is made so well and comfortable these days. The technology, fabric and engineering is so outstanding. Daniel Boone would have killed for the cheapest Kelty, because it would be such an infinite improvement over what he had.

I envy your just beginning to explore and discover the north Georgia [and, I hope, North Carolina] mountains. If possible, try not to get caught up in all that equipment stuff. Enjoy yourself and become one with nature. You and your wife will be fine. Have a good hike.

Answer 3

External Vs Internal Frame Backpack

Answer 4

Pro's & con's for both; I used to use a Jansport Carson 90 (external), but I got tired of the squeaking/creaking of the frame every step I took. I used silicone spray & lithium grease, and still couldn't stop the noise. With the placement of the hydration bag pocket, I never had any room between my back & the pack (see others' comments about cooling.) Now I have an internal frame. No noise at all. The pack is a little lighter, but not much, because I substituted frame weight for a beefed up hip-belt/suspension. Even though I don't go off-trail, the internal is a lot more comfortable for me. I'm guessing that you may be able to find a great external pack that fits you right, and is a lot cheaper than the internals, but the internal is the flavor of the month, and the selection is a lot broader.

Answer 5

The main reasons for an external frame pack are:

1) You can carry more weight comfortably
2) It is cooler (more ventilation between you an the pack)

The main reasons for an internal frame pack are:

1) They are lighter
2) They sit closer to your center of gravity
3) They are less likely to get tangled in underbrush

Number 3 for the internal frame pack should not really be an issue unless you are a serious bushwhacker which from your description I assume you are not. The others boil down to comfort and weight . An external frame pack (or a heavily framed internal framed pack) will transfer the pack weight onto your hips. This will allow you to carry the maximum load without putting any of the weight on your shoulders which can lead to back aches after a long day. If you are going to go as light as possible or confine yourself to short trips an internal frame (or no frame pack) will serve you well. If you have a few heavy luxury items or want to extend your between resupply times you should consider an external frame pack.

For reference, I am a 40 year veteren backpacker who has "thruhiked" the Appalachian trail twice, I have used an external frame pack almost exclusively and the style ("wraparound") is particularly good at transferring the pack weight to the hips but, unfortunately is no longer manufactured. (It's good for people with big buttocks and in those days most long distance hikers were guys so I was an exception.) I did one short trip with an internal frame pack and it worked out OK but I always felt like I was carrying the load on my shoulders and, yes, as a summer trip it was warmer than I liked.

Actually, people like REI rent equipment so you should consider renting packs and see how they suit your hiking style on short trips before investing in packs of your own. You can read all the advice from "experts" like me that you like but there's nothing like trying it for yourself.

See you on the trails

Answer 6

The main differences are that external is cooler because your back is against mesh rather than material, while internal is preferred because it has a slimmer profile which hugs the body, better for bushwhacking or for hiking that requires better balance or freedom of movement such as alpine climbing or cross country skiing. If I had to buy a pack right now, I'd pick the lightest internal I could find that would hold all my gear, with the least amount of pockets, zippers or other "extras".

Answer 7

I've been backpacking for about 40 years and have always used external frame packs which I think are more comfortable and easier to pack.

Answer 8

I like external frame because I like to tie stuff right to the frame like the tent, sleeping bag, pot/pan, etc. Stuff that's hard to pack.