When Are External Frame Packs Better Than Internal Frames for Camping Trips?
The camp trails external frame backpack is an excellent example of an external frame backpack design.
External frame backpacks have come a long way from the old-fashioned images of towering packs strapped to your back.
Modern external frame packs provide unbeatable ventilation and weight distribution when carrying bulky loads on long treks.
Let's explore why advanced external frame packs can be the optimal choice for multi-day camping and hiking trips.
When External Frame Backpacks Excel?
External frame packs stand out when:
You're carrying a heavy, bulky load
The rigid frame displaces pack weight widely onto your hips rather than shoulders alone. This prevents back strain when hauling lots of gear.
Ventilation and breathability are essential
The pack frame lifts the main bag 6 inches or more off your back, allowing air to flow freely. Your back stays cooler and drier during summer hikes.
You'll be trekking long distances
Shifting loads onto your hips rather than shoulders reduces fatigue from straps putting pressure on nerves and blood vessels in your traps, neck, and shoulders.
Stability and balance matter most
External frames position weight distribution closer to your natural center of gravity for superior stability compared to top-heavy internal frame packs.
Next, let's do a feature-by-feature comparison of where external frame packs win out over internals.
External Frame Pack Advantages
Ultimate Ventilation & Breathability
An external frame pack is your best bet for keeping a breeze flowing across your back during steamy summer hikes.
Instead of having a padded back panel directly against your shirt, an external frame suspends the main pack bag 4-8 inches away from direct contact. This leaves ample space for air to flow freely and wick away sweat.
The framing rods also conduct body heat away from your back as you walk. Altogether, you stay cool, comfy and moisture-free even on scorching 110°F desert treks.
Carrying Heavy, Bulky Gear & Loads
Got lots of loose tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, tools, and other bulk to haul? An external frame helps manage unwieldy, oddly-shaped loads that would throw off an internal frame pack.
The external frame's rigid supports and lash points let you easily secure awkward gear. Once lashed on, the weight disperses widely across the frame and hips so no one point bears the entire burden.
Your shoulders avoid strain even with 60-80 pound loads. The robust frame also protects gear by absorbing impacts if you fall.
Ideal Weight Distribution On Long Treks
Heading out on multi-day thru hikes covering dozens of miles with a full pack? An external frame distributes pounds across your skeleton rather than muscle alone.
The vertical supports shift weight off strained shoulders and onto the hipbelt and pelvis instead. This relieves painful nerve impingement and pressure on surrounding muscles. Blood flows easier as shoulder tissue stops constricting veins.
You avoid soreness, numbness and injury over long distances. Your body handles the mile-after-mile stress when pounds ride on skeletal strong points able to bear high loads all day.
Greater Balance & Stability On Uneven Terrain
Crossing endless roots, rocks and ravines? External frames place weight distribution lower and closer to your natural center of gravity than top-loaded internals.
The frame supports hang weight down your torso rather than stacking it above your shoulders. This creates superior front-back and sideways balance for confident strides across uneven ground.
With the load leverage centered over your base, your balance stays aligned even down steep descents. The external frame moves in harmony with your body for superior stability.
Highly Customizable Organization & Storage
Are you ultra-meticulous about how all your gear integrates and organizes? External frames allow endless custom layouts.
You can lash on supplementary bags and connectivity features to create the perfect storage ecosystem. Hang stow pouches, water bottle sleeves, helmet carriers and walking stick attachments anywhere on the exterior framework.
External frames adapt seamlessly as you accumulate more goodies and gadgets over a lifetime of trips. You build exactly the gear-hauling machine you need.
Key Takeaways: Pick External Frame Packs When...
Hitting triple digit summer heat on long treks
Toting unwieldy, oddly-shaped gear
Multi-day thru hiking over 50+ mile routes
Traversing steep, uneven terrain with unbalanced loads
You crave ultra-customization to organize every gadget
Comments
Post a Comment