Internal Frame Backpacks

“BUYING TIPS”

Welcome to the Internal Frame Backpacks website. Hopefully, we can help with your buying decision for your next backpack.

The first thing to decide upon when buying a backpack is what type you will need. There are three basic backpack categories and each one has its advantages. The three types are: daypacks, external frame and internal frame backpacks.

Daypacks

Of the three different types, the daypack is probably the most recognized. Visit any school and most students will be carrying a typical daypack for books and/or laptops. Compared to external or internal frame backpacks, daypacks do not usually have any frame at all. They are the smallest of the backpack types and the least expensive. Daypacks, as their name suggests, are designed for simple daily tasks or an afternoon hike. They are perfect for carrying books, school supplies, and maybe a small lunch bag. If using a daypack for a hike, you can usually fit a sweater or jacket, a limited amount of gear and enough food for daytrip in good weather. You could probably use a daypack for an overnight trip in a pinch, but it would take some creative packing and cooperative weather. There would be no room for foul weather gear.

 

External Frame Backpacks

External frame backpacks are exactly what their name indicates. They are usually large and have a lightweight metal frame surrounding them. Unlike internal frame backpacks that require everything to be carried inside the pack, the external frame pack allows you to attach things to the frame. Although tying things to the frame can save space in the pack, it can also be a disadvantage in certain situations, like climbing. The external frame backpack is designed for the serious hiker and works well on flat and gentle terrain. These types of backpacks are also uncomfortable. They are big and bulky and somewhat awkward, and do fit well against your body. Although external frame backpacks are great for carrying a lot of gear, they just don’t measure up when it comes to comfort.

 

Internal Frame Backpacks

Basically, internal frame backpacks were designed to eliminate all the drawbacks associated with the external frame backpacks. They say that necessity is the mother of invention. This certainly holds true for the creation of internal frame backpacks. There are a few design features that give this backpack a definite edge over the external frame model. Internal frame backpacks are built with the frame on the inside of the pack. This frame is flexible and allows the backpack to fit the contour of your back and resulting in a much more comfortable fit. Internal frame backpacks are also wider at the bottom. This feature lowers the center of gravity making it much easier to balance. You do not have the outer frame to tie things onto, but depending on your needs this can be an advantage or a disadvantage. The fact that everything has to be carried inside internal frame backpacks is a plus when you want to avoid sagging or snow. You also do not want anything hanging off your pack when you are doing any off trail hiking or climbing.

Internal Frame Backpacks Features

When buying external frame or internal frame backpacks, it is important to look for all the features you will need. Keep comfort and weight mind, and be sure to look for plenty of padding. Other features that should be present in a well built pack are curved shoulder pads, hip belts, a back that breathes, and adjustable suspension.

Internal Frame Backpacks Prices

You should expect to spend up to $300.00 for a decent external frame backpack. Quality internal frame backpacks will usually cost between $100.00 and $400.00.