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Second to your hiking boots, the most important pieces of equipment for backpacking is the backpack. It's what we carry all of our gear in and it's what's on our backs for the entire trip. Therefore, it's very important that we select one that can carry everything we need, can survive the journey and is comfortable.
| Backpack Frame Types
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Backpacks come in a few different flavors:
External Frame Backpacks
These are the classic backpacks of old. They have a sturdy frame capable of carrying large loads comfortably and the packs are easy to modify or remove allowing for many carrying options.
Internal Frame Backpacks
Plastic, aluminum, fiberglass or other structural support is mounted directly into the back allowing for a closer fitting pack that should conform to the backpacker's back. These tend to be more stable than external frame packs where shifting of loads may be dangerous, such as with mountaineering. These packs can be surprisingly heavy and may not be capable of carrying the loads an external frame backpack can. Some feel that internal frame packs much more comfortable than external frame packs, but this quite debatable.
Frameless Backpacks/Rucksacks
These backpacks may simply be a formless ruck or can be quite complex in construction. Many are designed to use a sleeping pad to give sufficient structural support to allow for comfortable backpacking with light loads. These packs tend to be extremely light and are generally considered unsuitable for anything greater than 30 pounds or so.
Backpacking.net - Backpack Comparison Matrix Sorted by Manufacturer
Backpackinglight.com - Internal Frame Backpack Review Summary
REI - How to Choose a Backpack
External Frames
Kelty Trekker 3900 ST
External frame backpacks have a rigid frame generally made of aluminum tubing, but can also be made of steel, wood or plastic. These are the classic packs of days old and where the pack of choice for backpackers and mountaineers prior to the introduction of the internal frame packs in the late 1970s. The external frame allows for much greater loads than an internal frame pack and carries the load more squarely on the backpacker's hips.
Outdoor Products Saturn External Frame Pack
Advantages of External Framed Backpacks:
Able to carry heavy loads without sagging.
Allows for placing heavy items up higher for a higher center of gravity, which allows you to walk upright.
Rigid frame allows for load transfer to hips and decreases strain on your shoulders and back.
The frame allows for space between your back and your pack. This allows for some air circulation and and dryer and cooler back.
External packs generally have more outer pockets and compartments than internals allowing you to pack items so that they are easier to find, easily assessable or to allow you to separate./isolate noncompatible items such as fuel and food or wet tarps and dry clothes.
External systems allow for easy pack modification since the pack is separate for the frame. This allows of custom systems that allow for carrying wood, game, large boxes, etc.
You tend to get a lot more for your money with an external system.
Camp Trails Freighter Frame
Disadvantages of External Framed Backpacks:
External frame backpacks tend to be more cumbersome when traversing uneven terrain. This can make mountaineering difficult or even dangerous.
External packs make poor carry-on baggage (airplanes, busses, trains, taxis, hitched rides, etc) and the frame and straps may get damaged if checked in at airports if your backpack isn't protected with a layer of cardboard.
Norrøna Sport Recon Pack 125l
Popular external Framed Backpacks include:
Kelty - most popular eternal frame company in the US
Outdoor Products - produces a simple and economical EnduroFlex plastic framed pack that works surprisingly well. This is the same frame (with a different company name) as Coleman's Ram-Flex synthetic frame used in their old Peak 1 packs, used by other outdoor companies (such as custom hunting equipment companies) and by individual US airborne troops needing a frame that can withstand repeated impacts. The smaller version of this frame can be easily modified to be used in packs designed for the US Military ALICE frame. A pack with the small frame version can be purchased for less than US$ 40.
Evernew - Makes several pack frames and even ones in titanium (sold in Japan).
LuxuryLite - ultra-light external?
US Military ALICE and MOLLE Pack Frame - neither is a personal favorite, but they are easy to find, cheap and a custom pack for one is a pretty straight forward project for even an armature DYIer with a sewing machine. There are several packs made to use the ALICE frame made for the military and SWAT teams which tend to be overbuilt, heavy and just look mean.
Jansport - a couple of options
Camp Trails - From scout size to heavier duty packs such as the Moose Bag and Freighter Frame (Moose Max pack and Max Freighter) frame.
Mountain Hardware - Exodus series with Fit-Lock harness, U-Bar and pivoting waist belt
Norrøna Sport - Scandinavian Outdoors/Military Equipment Company
Bergans - Another Norwegian Military Equipment Company
Aruc Systems - durable tactical frames
US Military ALICE Pack Frame
Internal Frame Backpacks
The most popular and most common type of packs these days. Like a unibody automobile design, they integrate their framework inside the pack in the from of aluminum, fiberglass or plastic stays (flat bars 1" x 1/8"), tubes or sheets. The internal frames are often removable and can be shaped or adjusted to conform to your back. These internal frame systems can be quite complicated and highly engineered or quite simple in design.
Mountainsmith Ghost
Advantages of Internal Framed Backpacks:
Internal packs more flexible than ridged external frames and move with your body. This is a big plus for climbers and skiers who need to move their upper torsos a lot.
Internal packs hold gear closer to your body so that the center of gravity is more conducive to moving around things, like negotiating over a large log or rock.
There are generally more compression straps on internal packs which cinch things down so that your pack doesn't shift around when you more around things. This helps with balance.
The sleek design of most internal packs allow backpackers to more easily squeeze under branches in into tight spots. This is another big plus for climbers.
The more complex internal frame designs allow of almost unlimited adjustment of the suspension system so that it can better fit just about any backpacker. A properly fitted pack should fit like a worn pair of leather gloves.
Disadvantages of Internal Framed Backpacks:
Most internal pack have a single large compartment and possibly a top pocket and some small side pockets for small items like a bottle of water or snacks. Those accustomed to the many pockets of externals with really notice this when they need something that's at the bottom of their internal framed pack.
There is no ventilation between an internal framed pack and the backpackers back. This mean you will be much hotter and wetter with an internal vs. and external pack.
Internal framed packs can be very expensive, especially when what you end up with is a highly sophisticated duffle bag in many instances.
Eagle Creek Grand Voyage 90L
A subcategory of internal frame packs are Travel Packs. These packs are intended for international and urban travelers who need a pack that can be easily checked in at airports, packed on top of busses, carried on trains, etc and are intended to be used more in hotels and hostels than in the backcountry. They often are designed more like luggage than than pack and often include stowable suspension, large zippered main compartments, lockable zippers, detachable daypacks and sometimes even wheels. Almost all of these packs incorporate an internal frame to accommodate the loads they are designed to carry while avoiding the pitfalls of external frames that often get damaged and/or caught up in the airport luggage shuffle.
Popular Internal Framed Backpacks include:
Mountainsmith - Ghost
Granite Gear - Vapor Trail
Kelty - Cloud 5250 Specs
pre 2006 Osprey Aether 60
Popular Travel Packs include:
Frameless Backpacks
Ultralight options for those planning to only carry the minimal equipment in temperate environments. They tend to be a bag made of ultra-lightweight material such as silnylon with flimsy shoulder straps attached to them. More sophisticated version have built in pockets and hipbelts.
Equinox Katahdin Frameless Backpack
Advantages of Frameless Backpacks:
You can find or build one large enough for backpacking that only weighs about a pound.
These should be simple enough for newer DIYers to construct.
Disadvantages of Frameless Backpacks:
Requires a sleeping pad for some support of padding against your back.
Support is minimum at best and are not suitable for loads greater than 30 pounds.
These packs are not as durable as other commercially built packs which tend to be over built.
Popular Frameless Backpacks include:
Kelty - Breeze
Mountainsmith Ghost
JanSport - Body Wrap
Moonbow - Mithril packs
A big part of the pack are the features that it comes with. Each feature may prove to be useful for certain backpackers, but my be a superfluous addition that only adds weight and complexity to your pack.
Suspension system:
This includes your shoulder straps and other straps and buckles that pull everything together. Each suspension system is slightly different as are each backpacker's back and shoulders.
Hipbelt:
A good hipbelt is an important feature. With a good frame, it can transfer almost all of the weight of a pack to your hips - sparring your shoulders a back. These can often be upgraded or interchanged for different sized backpackers.
Lumbar pad.
An option on some internals and externals.
Framesheet:
Some internal frame packs have a sheet of plastic sew into the back so that objects in your pack don't poke you in the back.
Extendable/spindrift collar: A nylon skirt with a drawstring closure that allows the main compartment to hold extra gear.
Detachable pocket:
Many internal framed packs have a removable top that converts to
a fanny pack or daypack. This allows you to ditch your pack at base camp
for a day hike or cache your pack and just carry the raw essentials for a
technical section such as up to a peak or to explore a cave.
Water-bottle holders:
Most external framed backpacks have pockets on the outside of their packs for water bottles and hydration systems. Internals tend not to have outside pockes, but several have elasticized mesh pockets on the side for small water bottles or food
Hydration pockets:
hydration systems such as Camelbacks and other types are "in
fashion" and many of the the more expensive packs will incorporate a special
pocket for these a an opening for the tube.
Extras and attachments:
Lash points - single, multiple or daisy chained allow of tying down extra equipment to the outside of packs. This can be very useful for climbers and those wanting to all on extra gear such as snow shoes, skis, extra pockets, etc.
ice-axe loops - very useful if you are using ice axes for part of your travels. Drop the handle thought the loop, flip up the axe and secure it to your pack.
crampon patches - extra protective patches on the outside of the pack to either hold down sharp metal objects that would otherwise cut your pack or its straps.
Shovel pocket - for a shovel
Loading options:
"Top-loaders" Most internal frame and frameless packs tend to have a single opening at the top that allows you to stack and stuff your gear like a military duffle bag.
"Panel-loaders" Most external frame packs tend to have both an opening at the top and a "U" shaped zippered opening at the bottom with a zippered in panel inside your pack to separate your sleeping bag from the rest of the pack.
"Side Loaders" A few packs brave an extra zipper along the side of their packs. This allows for better access to their gear than a single top opening, but adds a weak spot in the pack with the potential of a major failure should the zipper fail during an extended journey.
External frame bottom shelf - protects the pack when you set it on the ground al well as provides a tie down point for sleeping bags and sometimes of carrying heavy bulky items (firewood, game, generator, etc.) with the pack removed.
External frame top extension - allows for stacking and tying down equipment to the top of your pack. Also adds points to grab onto low hanging trees that a backpacker may venture under.
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