What are the pros and cons of external frame packs vs. internal frame packs?
Externals in general:
1. Are cheaper, in many cases below $100.00
2. Are easier to pack, separate compartments and lots of exterior pockets make packing easy.
3. Are cooler. The external frame keeps the pack bag away from your back.
4. Transfer load to your hips better, and thus easier on your back.
5. Work great for hiking on trails, which is where 99% of all backpacking is done.
6. Stay upright when taken off and leaned against an object.
Internals in general:
1. Are more expensive, though consequently of better quality.
2. Require more experience to pack. Fewer pockets and balancing the load is critical.
3. Give you better balance for off-trail, skiing and climbing. It feels more like you are wearing an internal, rather than merely carrying it.
4. Will not stay upright when taken off. They need to be hung on a tree.
5. Mostly top loading.
Which is better for me, an internal or external frame?
Unless you are skiing, climbing or bushwhacking, this really is an esthetic choice. Most beginners prefer an external because there is less hassle and easier to pack.
How do I adjust my pack?
Externals in general:
1. Are cheaper, in many cases below $100.00
2. Are easier to pack, separate compartments and lots of exterior pockets make packing easy.
3. Are cooler. The external frame keeps the pack bag away from your back.
4. Transfer load to your hips better, and thus easier on your back.
5. Work great for hiking on trails, which is where 99% of all backpacking is done.
6. Stay upright when taken off and leaned against an object.
Internals in general:
1. Are more expensive, though consequently of better quality.
2. Require more experience to pack. Fewer pockets and balancing the load is critical.
3. Give you better balance for off-trail, skiing and climbing. It feels more like you are wearing an internal, rather than merely carrying it.
4. Will not stay upright when taken off. They need to be hung on a tree.
5. Mostly top loading.
Which is better for me, an internal or external frame?
Unless you are skiing, climbing or bushwhacking, this really is an esthetic choice. Most beginners prefer an external because there is less hassle and easier to pack.
How do I adjust my pack?
1. Loosen all straps before you start.
2. Put the pack on your back and tighten the hipbelt first. It should rest squarely over your hipbones and be sure it's tight.
3. Adjust for torso length. Your shoulder straps should curve back down over your shoulder by about 1-1/2"-2". A weighted pack will sink lower, so either use a weighted pack for fitting or allow for this. Now tighten the shoulder strap so that some of the weight is put onto the shoulders.
4. Adjust the load lifting straps. At the top of the frame and running to the shoulder strap are the load lifting straps. Both ends of this strap should be adjustable by the tri-guides that run along the webbing. The load lifting strap should leave from the very top of your shoulder to form a 30-45 degree angle with the top of the frame. By pulling on this strap you pull the weight closer to you, but you also put that weight more onto the shoulders. If you let this strap out, the pack will sink back a little but more weight will go on the hips.
5. Adjust the sternum strap. The sternum strap is attached to the shoulder strap and is designed to keep the shoulder strap from peeling off your shoulders. This strap also can be adjusted by moving the tri-guide along the webbing. The perfect position is in the middle of your sternum, or breast bone.
6. The hipbelt has some side stabilizing straps that should be tightened next.
7. Always follow the same order: hipbelt, shoulder strap, load lifting strap, sternum strap, hipbelt stabilizer.
