Outdoor Backpack frames, Internal or External?

When you are searching for a new outdoor backpack, you will find that they can have 2 sorts of frames, internal frames and external frames. They both have their advantages and disadvantages so let’s take a closer look at that and find out which one is best for you.

External framed outdoor backpack

This is the type of outdoor backpack that you don’t see much these days,however you can still find them here and there. The external framed backpack has a rigid frame most of the time made of aluminum tubes, which is attached to the pack. These backpacks can carry a lot of weight, but the weight is carried high which makes it harder to keep your balance because of the higher gravity point. This also effects your maneuverability , so it’s not the best choice for climbing or other outdoor activities that require some sort of freedom of movement and balance. The external framed backpack is not carried directly against your back, which makes it less sweaty and better ventilated, some use this type of outdoor backpack in hot climates for this reason. They are also cheaper then internal framed backpacks.

Internal framed outdoor backpack

The internal framed outdoor backpack is the most common one. This backpack has a frame of flat bars integrated in the pack that makes it more compact than the external framed one. The gravity point of this type of outdoor backpack is centered in the middle so it’s easier to keep your balance. It also lets you carry the weight on your hips which is very good for your back and shoulders. Internal framed backpacks are mostly front or top loaded, nice when you need something that is stored on the bottom of your outdoor backpack. They are also more compact than the external framed ones but do make you sweat more because you wear them directly against your back.

So which one is best for you? I would say that most people are better off with an internal framed outdoor backpack. Not only are they more comfortable and better balanced, there are also a wide range of models that you can choose from because it’s the most common used backpack. The reason i can think of that you would need an external framed outdoor backpack is that you need it for an outdoor trip of more then 4-5 days and need a lot of storage space. But there are a lot of internal framed backpacks that have a lot of capacity (even from 70-110L) but they will be more expensive.

I hope this information makes the choice a little easier, take care and have a great outdoor trip!