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Post by darthmusturd on Dec 4, 2021 22:37:45 GMT -8
Hi, y'all. I just bought a Bullpac "Leader of the Pac" combo with an added rifle mount. I was wondering why I can't find many records at all of people using external frame packs for backpacking. I would think they would be great considering that they often offer more breathability, as much space as the pack will allow you to carry, and also you can configure your gear however you need. I've heard about how they aren't the best for rock climbing, but I'd think you could just tighten all your straps and tie your gear down extra tight to negate the pack shifting around too much. However I don't have any experience with external frame packs. This is my first purchase of one, and first true camping backpack. Any contribution is appreciated, and pardon my ignorance. God Bless, Darth Musturd
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Dec 4, 2021 22:51:11 GMT -8
Internal packs are closer to your body which helps more with balance. It is more "one with you". It will sway less and in general ride more comfortably. That is the reason you'll see primarily internal frame packs for backpacking.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Dec 5, 2021 5:00:49 GMT -8
I had an external frame pack about 40 years ago, before internals were the main option. It was a much heavier pack, and also encouraged my youthful dumbass to overload it. I am much happier today with an internal pack that limits me to around 35#s.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 5, 2021 7:33:34 GMT -8
There are a few out there who still backpack with external frame packs, especially, I think, those who carry really large loads. For most of us, it does come down to weight and comfort, though I admit my last external frame pack was very light. Of course, it was a Jr. size REI “Cruiser” from, um, 1974?
I also prefer a pack where everything goes inside, especially my sleeping bag. The external-frame design usually has that strapped on the bottom, or did the last time I looked. Which might be about 1985?
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Dec 5, 2021 7:35:08 GMT -8
I would think they would be great considering that they often offer more breathability, as much space as the pack will allow you to carry, and also you can configure your gear however you need. Well, I can get all that in an internal frame pack that's a fraction of the weight (the specs on your pack says it weighs 30 lb -- am I reading that right??) and half the price. I think the concept of "versatility" in packs has evolved. I think it used to mean configurable packs with add-ons, a lot of pockets, and a frame where various things could be lashed on. My "versatile" pack is one large sack, spec'ed larger than what I typically need. I organize my gear by packing it in a systematic way; everything fits inside. It can be cinched down to be used as a 25L daypack, as well as expanded to fit a bear canister, but only weighs 2lb empty. The only zippers subject to failure are on small hip-pockets. I can easily pack it inside a duffel for plane travel. As for breathability, I guess it's not a priority for me. Having the weight close to my back is, for me, much more advantageous for balance and comfort.
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 5, 2021 8:30:31 GMT -8
I hike almost exclusively with an internal frame but I will never part with my Kelty Super Tioga external. Too many great memories. Once in a great while I’ll take it out for the memories and just to enjoy the looks I get.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Dec 5, 2021 8:52:07 GMT -8
It took me a while a long time ago to give up my Jansen D2 external frame mostly holding on for pros you cited for externals. Also in my youthful exuberance I also over loaded it. I went to internal frame eventually and was very glad. Unless I find the fountain of youth I very unlikely want/need an external frame for any of my back country trips. They do have their place like when doing trail maintenance but just not on me anymore.
Hunters are in the minority here but I believe some do use external frames when hunting but more like a freighter pack for bringing home big game from the field.
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Post by bradmacmt on Dec 5, 2021 9:56:24 GMT -8
Assume you meant Jansport D2?
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Dec 5, 2021 10:33:14 GMT -8
I haven't hiked with an external since my old Boy Scout pack from ~1971, but I've crossed paths with a few external frame hikers on the trail. They were mostly folks in their 70s. The exceptions were hunters, some of whom still use externals to haul out game.
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Post by darthmusturd on Dec 5, 2021 11:04:59 GMT -8
I would think they would be great considering that they often offer more breathability, as much space as the pack will allow you to carry, and also you can configure your gear however you need. Well, I can get all that in an internal frame pack that's a fraction of the weight (the specs on your pack says it weighs 30 lb -- am I reading that right??) and half the price. I think the concept of "versatility" in packs has evolved. I think it used to mean configurable packs with add-ons, a lot of pockets, and a frame where various things could be lashed on. My "versatile" pack is one large sack, spec'ed larger than what I typically need. I organize my gear by packing it in a systematic way; everything fits inside. It can be cinched down to be used as a 25L daypack, as well as expanded to fit a bear canister, but only weighs 2lb empty. The only zippers subject to failure are on small hip-pockets. I can easily pack it inside a duffel for plane travel. As for breathability, I guess it's not a priority for me. Having the weight close to my back is, for me, much more advantageous for balance and comfort. The pack is about 5 pounds with just the frame, which is the main selling point. The pack with both bags is 30 pounds, but I've always carried heavy and/or bulky loads since I first got my hands on a backpack. Thats not my bragging, but I am a natural pack mule. As far as breathability goes, I had been looking at the Osprey Aether 100l for a while now, before deciding on this pack. The Aether is an internal frame pack with some mesh to keep you cool, as well as a ton of other great features. It has a hip pad that forms to you, front and top opening, removable top, and a bunch of other cool things to make it adjustable. My original plan was to actually buy the aether 100l and strap it onto the bullpac to get a good pack on a great frame, or take it off when need be, but realized that for the same price I could get a great bag that is actually meant to fit the frame. The Aether plus the Bullpac frame is actually about how much I've spent already. I ended up spending 700 dollars on the pack, since I didn't realize that they didn't sell the 20" extension anymore, so I should've gone with the combo which is cheaper. Anyhow, it would've been about the same. Again, why don't people just cinch down external frame packs to use for backpacking, though. I've heard they're great (and very comfortable, since you cant feel your gear through them) but that they do tend to move around a bit on super rough terrain. Aren't most hikes on relatively even terrain, unless you're in the rockies, and even then most of those hikes should be alright. I've been to Colorado and done a short day hike there once (somewhere near Fort Collins) and the terrain was relatively like Appalachia. I also did a horse trail at Moose Lodge (I think the one in near Evans). I know that isn't all of the rockies, but even still, the terrain wasn't extremely harsh at all. I've actually been on rougher terrain in my home state of Mississippi, and the toughest terrain was in Alabama of all places at Oak Mountain outside of Birmingham. Buggered my ankle going down a "canyon" of sorts. I don't know what else to call it, but I don't know if it was a true canyon or not. Either way, beautiful day hike. Want to go back soon, hopefully sometime this winter, later in December or January sometime. Anyhow, I'm not worldly at all as far as hiking goes. I'm actually pretty new to this. My Colorado adventure was a couple years back. My Oak Mountain adventure was near Labour Day. (I actually hiked that in cowboy boots. I went back the next day in tennis shoes and messed up my ankle, but did fine in my boots.) So again, I've been in Appalachia hiking. I've hiked in Birmingham. I've hiked in Mississippi. I've hiked in Colorado. I haven't hiked a lot but in those places, there wasn't much terrain that I'd call extremely rocky. Of course I haven't gone on any 5.11 hikes or anything but for the average hiker I'd think they'd be great.
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swiftdream
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Post by swiftdream on Dec 5, 2021 11:42:54 GMT -8
I’ve done many backpacking trips with an external and they are very suitable. After finding internals fit me in a very pleasing way and added a lot to my balance over the rough terrain of the southwest I’ve just kept with them. They make them in all sizes for big loads to ultralight. So that’s the trend now. In the 70s you would see a bunch of externals in the gear shops but now maybe one or at the most two models. There are many choices for internals. Maybe that’s why we don’t see or hear about externals much these days.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Dec 5, 2021 12:06:39 GMT -8
For that kind of $$$, you could've had a custom McHale pack. 5# for just the frame is insane.
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Post by darthmusturd on Dec 5, 2021 12:17:00 GMT -8
For that kind of $$$, you could've had a custom McHale pack. 5# for just the frame is insane. McHale? I haven't heard of them. I checked the site and it looks pretty much unusable. The bullpacs site is not very well maintained, but I can't even tell what is happening on the McHale site. Do you have to call to get a pack and the site is just for the gallery or??? Also, the frame is only 200 dollars. It's still a lot, but most of the money is going to the actual bag part. How good are the McHale packs? Do you have any experience with them?
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Post by dayhiker on Dec 5, 2021 12:25:14 GMT -8
It has been awhile since I have used an external frame pack. Had a Boy Scout one, and then in 1980 bought a Jansport for a trip to Alaska. If worked fine for me. In some ways it was better for strapping a foam sleeping pad onto it.
Osprey Aether 65 was the pack I got for winter ski camping around 2000. I think it was under 4 lbs back then if I remember right. I think you can cinch the external frame pack down, but the weight being away from your body would pull your balance off. Not as big of a deal if you are on a nice trail. And I often loosen the hip belt anyway tires my legs out. Though not when skiing down!
As most. people have said they used to use an external frame pack, so there isn't a reason they cant be made to work. I did stop using it, I think it was a pound or so heavier, which doesn't sound like allot , but it you are looking for a way to cut weight there isn't a much easier way to do so. (Tent and sleep bag being the other 2?)
I got the GoLite 70 after that it weighs about a 1 lb. A review said they use it in winter for extra clothes which are lite. I on the other had put a foam pad inside, and a large but light sleeping bag as well. All very light, Good for a couple of nights anyway. Pleasure if your total weight is low, short trip not carrying water (very far).
Oh my Osprey broke carrying skis, I got a replacement for free but it doesn't carry skis. it carries more but heavier. I also got Mtn Hardwre waterproof pack but haven't used much, while it rains allot here I don't tend to go then.
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Post by darthmusturd on Dec 5, 2021 12:34:40 GMT -8
It has been awhile since I have used an external frame pack. Had a Boy Scout one, and then in 1980 bought a Jansport for a trip to Alaska. If worked fine for me. In some ways it was better for strapping a foam sleeping pad onto it. Osprey Aether 65 was the pack I got for winter ski camping around 2000. I think it was under 4 lbs back then if I remember right. I think you can cinch the external frame pack down, but the weight being away from your body would pull your balance off. Not as big of a deal if you are on a nice trail. And I often loosen the hip belt anyway tires my legs out. Though not when skiing down! As most. people have said they used to use an external frame pack, so there isn't a reason they cant be made to work. I did stop using it, I think it was a pound or so heavier, which doesn't sound like allot , but it you are looking for a way to cut weight there isn't a much easier way to do so. (Tent and sleep bag being the other 2?) I got the GoLite 70 after that it weighs about a 1 lb. A review said they use it in winter for extra clothes which are lite. I on the other had put a foam pad inside, and a large but light sleeping bag as well. All very light, Good for a couple of nights anyway. Pleasure if your total weight is low, short trip not carrying water (very far). Oh my Osprey broke carrying skis, I got a replacement for free but it doesn't carry skis. it carries more but heavier. I also got Mtn Hardwre waterproof pack but haven't used much, while it rains allot here I don't tend to go then. How did you like the Aether overall? The pack I was looking at before this was the Aether 100. I haven't heard bad things about it. Ultimately I heard that Osprey sold a few days ago, so that convinced me to go to bullpacs. The biggest thing about the Osprey for me was the size, warranty, and also the hip pads/mesh back, as well as a few other minor things. One day I might look at one if I ever get into mountain climbing, depending on if the company still keeps the level of quality.
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