| Every backpacker needs a good backpack. They | | | | carry less, though. They also do not have as many |
| need a sturdy and durable backpack to carry their | | | | pockets as an external backpack. |
| gear. In addition, the choice of a backpack is essential | | | | When making the choice between an external frame |
| to a good backpacking experience because | | | | and internal frame you really should focus on a few |
| differences in design can affect the weight and ease | | | | factors. First you need to determine the average |
| of carrying a backpack. The backpack you choose | | | | load you carry. If you're likely to carry a larger load, |
| should be comfortable and able to hold all your | | | | then it may be preferable to use an external frame |
| essential gear. There are two basic types of | | | | backpack. Also, if you have a miscellany of items for |
| backpack construction - external frame and internal | | | | which you require a lot of pockets or compartments |
| frame. | | | | for storage, then the external frame would probably |
| External frame backpacks are backpacks that have | | | | be better. |
| the frame on the outside. The actual pack bag is | | | | The final consideration concerns the type of |
| hung on the frame. They are usually rather large and | | | | backpacking trip and the type of terrain select. If |
| extend above the head when worn. They usually | | | | your trip is of the on-trail type, and you need the |
| have a lot of pockets and allow for space between | | | | extra capacity, an external frame backpack would be |
| the back and the pack for excellent ventilation. An | | | | appropriate. On the other hand, if you go off-trail, |
| external frame is suited to carrying heavy loads, but | | | | you may find it easier and more comfortable to use |
| should be used on-trail only. They have a high center | | | | an internal frame backpack. |
| of balance so they make falls very easy if a person | | | | In summary, internal and external backpacks each |
| is on uneven ground or tries to bend down. | | | | have their own good and bad points. The choice will |
| Internal frame backpacks have the frame on the | | | | really depend on the type of hiking a person is going |
| inside. They fit snug against a persons back which | | | | to be doing. External backpacks are good for heavy |
| makes them easier to carry than an external | | | | loads and trips on trails and smooth terrain. Internal |
| backpack. A person will have a natural sense of | | | | backpacks are good for smaller loads and for more |
| balance with an internal backpack so they are good | | | | diverse and rough terrain. |
| for both on or off trail. The smaller size means they | | | | |