X-TERNAL FRAME PACKS

“Coupla years ago gave away my ancient (but still highly functional) Kelty Super Tioga to an inner-city boy scout. Since I've gen'lly been usin' my Dana D. Alpine Overkill, a great pack (7000+ cubes even before I added on the full-length optional side pockets). Got that coupla years ago and was professionally fitted at Campmor in NJ. Phenomenal deal! Because my torso is long enough to be considered an oddball size (XL-- and the weird thing is I'm a stocky 5' 10"), scooped it for 179.

Also wanna have a good high-capacity external.
Have read raves about the Dana Design models, but because they're new, it'll be coupla years before I can get an important discount on 'em. How'z about the Kelty Pacific Crest or Continental Divide? I can git either at deep discount at Campmor. BTW, my buddy's got the new-generation Super Tioga. I don't like it.”

“Camp trails Omega?”

“I've also read some of those positive reviews of the Dana Design external frame packs. It made me curious enough that I borrowed one from a friend a couple of months ago to try it out. I ended up with mixed feelings about it, and decided to keep looking for another alternative.

My overall impression was that it was tough, big, and generally comfortable. However, I did struggle for awhile getting it to fit well for me. You should also know that it's a heavy monster, with my scale showing it to be 8-9 lbs. empty. Then there's all that creaking. It's pretty noisy going down the trail.”

“Thanks, Hyperpacker. The Omega is a sturdy pack worthy of consideration. Just looked thru coupla catalogs, however, and couldn't find it. Campmor usta have it (180.). Maybe it's discontinued and I can find it cheap on line somewhere.

Anyway, would buy one of those Kelty's if I had confidence in 'em holding-up (zippers, seams, etc).”

“I have the Kelty Klondike..Havent had any problems zipper wise..You just need to know how to hold your mouth right when working them..I like all the neat pockets it had and the way it fit my short stuff torso..

Its a great summer time pack..

I didnt care too much for the Tioga either, it is near the same to the Klondike (which I dont think is made anymore)..
I have come to realize that all this gear is strictly opinionated..whats right for one is hell for another.

Try justpacks.com for the Omega.”

“I have a Coleman external frame that I really like when I have to play sherpa for a group of kids or newbies. It was only 40 bucks and has held up great for three years so far. I have used it probably 30+ times. It keeps gear more organized than an internal frame in my opinion. Also makes it easier to lash a bunch of extra junk to the outside of the pack.

I think Cabela's (www.Cabelas.com) sells a giant external frame pack too. Their gear is always reasonably priced and extremely durable although it tends to be heavy.”

“OMAHIKER

What kind of material is your Colman frame made out of..a friend of mine is looking at one that has a plastic (?) type frame.”

“You can get the Dana externals at a good discount at Northern Moountain Supply. Mountain Gear has some too. I had a Shortbed and it carried very nicely, but it was heavy. I prefer internals myself, but think the Dana externals are as much of a big load carrier as you can find.”

“Don't buy any pack without trying it on first to see if it fits right. I bought a Longbed by mail order thinking I would like it. It was the worst pack I ever put on my back and I hated it. It cost me 25 dollars to send back. There is no substitute for going to an outfitter and using your own judgement to choose the right pack by trying on as many as you can. I wound up with a Gregory Shasta. Be sure to try before you buy.”

“I've been using a Gregory Evolution (flexible extermal frame) for 4 years or so and I love it. Its not a top loader. Fits like a glove. I believe they still make it.”

“X-Ternal FRAME PACKS.... SUCK !!!!!!!”

“Evergreen - the frame on my Coleman pack is metal, I assume aluminum but I don't know for sure. I've never seen one with a plastic frame.”

“Look at Dana Design/K2. They have a pack that is more of a hybrid. It has an external frame with lots of strap on points but the main pack is constructed like an internal. It also has a nice load lifting system that runs carbon fiber rods from the load lifting straps to the hipbelt. It's an awsome pack.”

“I tried the K2 on and hated it. It just didn't fit right and didn't carry weight well.”

“I wouldn't give ya a nickle for an external frame pack.
*cha-ching cha-ching* (My 2 cents.)”