Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Backpacking Packs, Internal or external Frame??
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butthead |
A well fitted external can carry more weight and weird shaped/bulky gear than an internal, comfortably and cooler in warm weather! Well used trails and warm weather are where they work best. Internal framed packs work better on more technical/difficult trails. They can be more streamlined and fit closer to your body, allowing better balance and maneuverability. Bag and pocket layouts are as personal as the suspension, so you should try out a few types/brands if you can. Your bag is out there, have a good time finding it! butthead |
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buz |
+1 or 2 on the used route. |
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mc2mens |
quote tonyyarusso: "quote mc2mens: "You should try on your pack before purchasing it." zacktly. |
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tonyyarusso |
quote mc2mens: "You should try on your pack before purchasing it." And by "try on", he means put it on, have the sales clerk adjust the fit, load it up with some gear or dummy sandbags, and walk around the store for an hour. :) |
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ozarkpaddler |
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msrw |
For general backpacking on a 4-5 day trip like the one you have in mind, I prefer external frame packs because: * they carry larger loads more comfortably * have much better ventilation to the back than most internals * are lighter in weight (speaking generally) * are simpler in design * are easier to load/unload * have external pockets that are convenient to use What's interesting about internal/external backpack choices is that if you visit any backpacking store, you'll find tons of internals and few externals, if any. However, out on the trails, external backpacks seem to outnumber internals, at least in my experience. |
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butthead |
A lot of info here. butthead |
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mc2mens |
You should try on your pack before purchasing it. Every pack feels a little different and you should find a pack that fits your body and frame well. |
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tonyyarusso |
quote ozarkpaddler: "But, for me, the BIGGEST reason was they were cooler to wear. My back just sweated too much every time I tried an internal pack, even that 3 day winter trip. " This is one of the things I like about my Osprey packs. They have this raised mesh suspension thing that keeps the real back of the pack off your body, with air space in between. |
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tonyyarusso |
You may also want to check out the REI Expert Advice article, "How to Choose a Backpack". For what it's worth, these are the two I'm using currently: Osprey Talon 44 Osprey Atmos 65 |
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dprochef |
Just not sure which is overall better. I'm not really looking to use it ever for a trip to the BDub. i have those packs already. Thanks for any help with this question. |
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tjburns1 |
I think it's all about what you are comfortable with. I loved the Osprey Atmos, but ended up buying a REI Flash 65 on price and reviews, than fell in love. There's not a whole lot of suspension on the Flash, but it's comfortable for me and carries well. I just looked on their site and apparently they are no longer carrying it. I also have a NF Terra that I use for overnights and day trips. About $85 |
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jwartman59 |
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