Internal Frame Packs???

“Ok Y'all, I'm thinking about buying an Internal Frame Pack.
What are y'all carrying?
I will have to go to a larger city to try some different ones on...but I would like some suggestions .
I'm looking for something fairly light that will carry a 2 to 8 day load with ease. Comfort is a BIG plus of course. It will be kinda hard to change from my old trusty framepack ....but I'm willing to give it a go!”

“Nevermind... I just found some threads regarding the same thing. Like PedXings
Lighweight backpacks thread. I'll do some reading so y'all don't have to repeat yourselves :)”

“Wind, we are in the same boat. With my 14 day thing I'm looking into a new pack. Many people have surgested Gregory, Dana, or Ar'terix.

Heres the pros and cons, Dana and Arcterix are expensive. Arterix packs wiegh alot. Dana packs don't look cool. And Gregory makes good comfy packs with nice lookin outside.”

“And don't forget...

It's better to look good, than to feel good!”

“Don't forget kelty, You get a good durable pack that is cheaper then most others”

“my gregory forester is mighty comfy, 4900 ci, i can cinch it down to about 3500 ci, and it weighs the same as the reality.

the arcteryx and danas that i tried were comfy, too, but like tea said, quite heavy.”

“the last 6 times that i went to REI (since getting this pack), i haven't even drooled over packs.

THAT is how groovy it is!

i bought new shorts last night! whoo-hoo!”

“My wife bought me a dana last year.I agree, quite heavy. I try to sneak out of the house with my old kelty from time to time.”

“I have a Gregory, Love it. Best hip belt setup I've ever had.”

“Dana's may be 3lbs heavier than most packs, but if it takes an extra 3lbs to make a pack that is waaay more comfortable when carrying heavy loads, then give'em to me.”

“I love my Osprey Finess. I'ts only good for 3 or 4 days but it is light and comfortable.”

“I agree with Buddar about the weight thing...a heavy pack will usually carry a big load better then a light pack (asumming the weight is in the suspension system) My partner noticed that with internial's, for every pound of pack weight they usually carry around 10 pounds well...8 pound pack carries 80 pounds well (u know what I mean) and a 4 pounder carries 40 well............”

“I haven't noticed a difference between the kelty and Dana as far as comfort level. Maybe I don't have the Dana fitted right.
The kelty is very simple and basic; the Dana has a ton of straps, clips, etc.”

“Kelty: commfy, easy, roomy. Is that enough ee's? LOL”

“Am I reading this right? Y'all are talking about choosing a pack design based on how long you'll be out? And whether or not it looks cool? Gimme a break.

Whether to go with an internal frame or pack frame is determined by your use. Internal frames, because they ride closer to the body, and tend to bend and twist with it, are better for off-trail use and for climbing.

External frames are better for on-trail use, because they tend to slip & slide on the body more, and the frames (on some models) can really get in the way when going off-trail.

For those who carry and regularly use cameras, binocs, etc., the frames are nice tie-off places, so you can have the optics handy without haveing them in your hands all the time.

Used to be that external frame packs could carry more weight, but that's no longer true.

In my experience, internal frame packs tend to have better suspension systems all around, and therefore make a more comfortable load.

Hey, if you really want to start an argument, get in an assembly of internal-frame pack users and loudly proclaim one of the following:

1. Packs without external pockets are stupid.

2. External pockets make absolutely no sense on a pack.

Either way, the sparks will fly.”

“I don't think trip length is such a bad thing to consider. Food can add a lot of bulk and weight, so you may need to lean toward a different pack to accomadate the larger load.

The one thing I would add to your comments is that as far as your camera gear goes, from my experience the best shot is rarely on the trail, and a bit of bushwacking may be required. For this reason I like a panel load option internal frame pack. But I know this isn't all that important to most backpackers. For your average hiker who is using a small digital or point & shoot camera, you can stuff these cameras just about anywhere, and belt mounted accessory pouches are ideal for this.

I like the new Osprey and Mountainsmith packs because they fit me so much better than the other brands I have tried (I tried out a Gregory Forester earlier this year, and it felt like a torture device in no time). It's all about comfort IMO. If it feels good on your body, its the right back for you.”

“Wind Walker, do you remember the pack I had on our Jennie Lakes hike? It was a PackLite Backcountry, 4200 c.i., weighing in at 3# 11.8 oz. Five external pockets, cavernous, easy to get at interior, held my Garcia bear can easily.

Pepperdog just got one too, though I haven't any idea how it's working out for her - yet.

You can find it at www.packliteoutdoorgear.com or some such address. Mine was $159.99.”

“http://www.packliteoutdoorgear.com/catalog.htm

There's the address, maybe somebody will help with the html.

I have the back country and high country and they are the most comfortable packs I have ever worn!

I have an extra, one was a gift, if anyone is interested. It is the biggest one (high country) and I will sell for 110.00.”

“I'll be glad when my Peak 1 Rush wears out so I can get a Gregory!”

“colonialmiss, why do you need to have internal frame people hear to say that? I'm an exturnal user that is looking into internal and I don't care if there are pockes or not, just aslong and it is hybride loading (top and plannal) has a sleeping bag compartmet, light, 4000-5000, comfy, looks kewl and has the colors of black and yellow, and can lash stuff on to it.”

“You want a pack that looks like a Bumble Bee?”

“Does it have a Pittsburgh Steelers logo?”

“is it "caterpillar" brand?”

“bumble bees are cool”

“tea, tea, bumble bee
everything that he carries
is in fruity bag”

“>If it feels good on your body it's the right pack for you.<

Absolutely, BobK. That, when all is said and done, is the only criteria that really counts.

IceTea: What exactly are you trying to ask me?”

“I personally hate Externals since I started using Internal. I did buy on since and used it in the Grand Canyon. Didn't much like it so I sold it.

As far as the pocket arguement; I like pockets on internal frame packs. I hate digging through the main compartment during the day. I like to keep snacks, map, camera, water filter, ect handy. Pockets Rule!”

“I'm asking, why do you need internle users hear to say "External pockets make absolutely no sense on a pack. "

I guess I'm asking, what is an internal user going to say about it?”

“I just did.”

“internal backpack
some think more cozy than an
external backpack”

“Is Nectar Yellow and Black... close enough Tea?

”

“If you have near infinite $$ McHale is the way to go. A huge pack when you need it. Yank the "bayonets" out and compress it down for the weekend. Not lightweight ~8 lbs, but built to last and most comfortable.”

“As for the weight of the pack correspondence to the weight it can carry comfortably, my pack (I know, I'm an oddity here with a Vaude Grand Canyon) weighs about 5 lbs. and can comfortably carry 50 or more pounds -- it's my knees, ankles, feet, etc. that are the problem, LOL.

Light or ultralight packing tips help reduce the need for a large heavy pack, but more importantly reduce the burden on your own "frame," which BTW is "internal."”

“IceTea: What I was pointing out is that whether or not to use external pockets is a _very_ controversial topic among internal frame users.

If you are in a group of hikers, and drop _either_ of the lines I provided, you will start an argument.

Personally, I like pockets for several reasons. And I use a wet rib as well, which gives me an additional pocket and a sleeve to hold a water bottle. But I have lot's of friends who feel the opposite, and we pass many an hour on the trail argu....eh, discussing the pros and cons.”

“why would you argue about something like that?

if it works for you, let it be.”

“i have plenty of other things to do for "many an hour", like enjoying my trip.”

“God bless! Militiaboy, is that the kind of soldier we've got in the military now? Spam, I wanna join up!”

“Ok...bpbaby the check is in the mail!

Light, Comfy, fully adjustable, roomy and Cheap....everything I wanted in a pack :)”

“yeah that pack looks good”

“It's only $259.00 you should go for it Tea!
and it only weighs 3 lbs. 3,700 cu. in.
Osprey Aether 60”

“REI has the Lowe Alpine Netherworld 90 and 70 (narrow dimension for women) on sale $149”

“3 lbs, thats great. If they sell it a campmor I can get 10% off.”

“Let's hope they don't ask you to compute the 10%, Tea. That could be a real brain teaser.”

“Ice Tea...
See Backpacker Magazine "Packs for Weekend Warriors" June 2001 The Osprey Aether 60 had a final grade of 4.0 ...which was the best score in the group of packs that were tested. It is one of the packs I was considering.
REI has a 20% online coupon offer.
REI-Outlet has Mountainsmith packs on closeout and many other name brands.
Good Luck!”

“Bacpac, I wouldn't challeng my math skills, 790 PSAT score (on the math section).

Windwalker, thanks, I'll go check it out. So fare I'm going but the 2001 gear guide (march)”

“MATT I told you I'm having troble loging on. Look it doesn't even show my name.




post from Ice Tea”

“Wind, I checked that mag, I think I want a pack that is top/pannel loading.”

“Stealth mode ...there Tea? You shouldn't have said anything and trolled for a couple of days ;)”

“I use a Gregory Forester also - it rides well and carries what I need. Wrt external pockets it carries four 1 liter bottles in the two side mesh pockets and the snacks go into the bonnet for easy access. Other than that its a panel access system - I am as yet not sure the panel access is all that worthwhile when adding up the weight it adds but it is convient for getting things stuffed in.”