Back pack choices

“Thinking of breaking down buying backpack for camping.
the choices are down to 2 based on cost.
1 Rokk iron top 70$
2 outdoors dragon fly frame pack 40$
i have camped out the truck the last couple of years. so not sure if the internal or external frome is best for my needs. at most will only do 1-2 day overnighters. i know my tent wontbe much in way if wieght or space. but the sleeping bag is another matter. would it be best to strap it to a frame or pack it in the bag?
wih LBL so close and so many trails to choose. its time i see some of them.”

“Does anyone use external frame packs anymore? I'm not even sure what their purpose is or was.”

“sodbuster, don't base the packs on cost. Go to a gear store, try some on, walk around the store with 35 lbs in it for a while to see how it feels. Packs need to be fitted for ya to be comfortable.

make sure your sleeping bag is in a dry bag/trash bag which I know you have. I put mine inside my pack in a trash bag.”

“lh, Kelty still makes external frame packs. I have seen other ones but don't remember the brand”

““Does anyone use external frame packs anymore? I'm not even sure what their purpose is or was.”
lipstick hiker
8:47:56 PM
12/08/04
ignore this user

I still use my external frame pack from time to time if I want to carry a lot of weight (over 50lb). I think it transfers the weight to my hips better than an internal frame pack.”

“lumber, thanks for the answer.

sod, according to lumber, it's for carrying really heavy weight, which you won't be doing for a weekend of camping. Hubby's pack averaged 50+ pounds and that included non essentials.”

“They both felt pretty good to me.”

“I still use an internal frame pack for trail hikes in the spring/summer/fall. I've always felt it gives better weight transfer, and its definately cooler. Internal frame packs are great for off-trail scrambling and in winter, but I've found they are a pain to keep adjusted.

BTW: My 20 year old external frame pack has outlasted two internal frame packs. The internal frame packs I've owned have always failed due to degraded plastic parts, while the external frame (all metal and nylon fabric) just keeps on going and going and going . . . .”

“There are some good cheaper packs out there. Also check on sales, and find one that's a good fit.”

“I used an external Dana Designs pack a couple of years ago, thinking it would work well for longer trips. Couldn't stand the fit, balance or the constant squeaking of the frame, so I returned it for an Osprey internal frame pack. Muuuuuuch better. I'm guessing my problem was just with that Dana style, not with all externals, though.

If your sleeping bag is bulky, it might not fit into an internal frame back.

Like Ynami said, you can probably find better deals with a little patience.”

“I have that Flat Iron, and so does Walkindude, which is who I learned it from. I like it. Its a bit inferior to my Jack Wolfskin, but then again thats the difference between a $70.00 pack and a $300.00 pack. It still is a GREAT pack though and should do you well. I'd reccomend it to you as an entry level pack. If you start to do longer hikes where you'll be carrying greater loads, then it will do for you for a while. Get it! and then I'll come up and we'll tear into LBL. I'll drag the Dutch up and we;ll all hike together.”

“I was leaning toward the flat iron myself.of cours i helps that it was wrong on price(54$not 70)
Would love to hike and camp some more remote areas of LBL with anybody frome this board.
of cours i could use a few lessons on properly packing and navigation.”

“I have a reputation to live down to, and usually manage to do it...hehehe...we;ll talk”

“Before I give my dos cents, first I'd like to know how can you go on a one-day overnighter?”

“I agree with those who said that the core issue of external vs. internal is that the external lets you be cooler in the summer (since it moves the fabric off your back), while the internal gives you more manueverability for scrampling. You can also get to a lower weight with internals, but you might as well just look at the weight for the specifc bags.

I got externals for my kids when they were growing, since they can be adjusted to people of different sizes better than an internal can.”

“river guide in the warmer months...so, like me, the times spent backpacking in the summer will probably be limited...its water that one spends time near, here in the midwest...although...its not really mid...Hey...sb...if you want, I can ship you my flatiron and let you try it or hold off till after we hike together, and then you can try mine on the trail. I think I said the same thing two different ways...sheeesh...madness sure does get in the way of posting serious conversation...freakin voices in my head!”

“Got my pack today.outdoor products saturn external frame. may be more than ineed now but leaves room to grow with my needs. and alows for the packing errers i will surely make just starting out.
Got with the money my grandmotherleft me.(Died in october while i was on a paddling trip) ifigured since it wasn't much 100$ why not buy something that will have real meaning instead of wasting it. this way when i am doing what i have come to love, i will always remeber her in the proces.(with 8 kids over 10+ grandkids and great grandchildren ther wasn't much expected money wise. but each person got somthing that had meaning between us and her)”

“i am gonna get the kelty red cloud 5600, it rides well and holds i like it better than most I have seen in that size...”

“thats a big pack! you'll like the kelty.”

“I like my Kelty, Roam. I picked up the Pacific Crest 5000 a couple years ago and love it. A little on the heavy side (external frame), but it fits me like a glove and I feel I can haul anything with it.”

“I have to many packs!”