I am planning on just doing two months of the Appalachian Trail. I am trying to buy a backpack, and I didn't know which is better, internal frame or external frame.

If I bought an internal frame, I would probably buy a Jansport Klamath 78 (tall). It weights 5 lbs. 11 oz. It is 4750 cu. in.

If I bought an external frame, I would probably either buy a Jansport Carson 90 (tall) or a Kelty 50th Anniversary. The Carson 90 weights about 5 ibs. 6 oz. It has 5500 cu. in. The Kelty 50th Anniversary weights either 7 lbs. or 4 lbs. I have heard both of them. I don't know which is better and all.

If anyone could please tell me what bag that would recommend, I would greatly appreciate it.

Kevin

I would tend to go with the internal frame pack, but there are many people who use external frames as well. A few generalizations that are not always true:

1) Internal frame packs are more stable when moving across uneven terrain. The weight is carried lower down and the pack will tend to feel more like a part of your body, increasing mobility. People think this means you sweat more.

2) External frame packs carry a load better across flat ground. The weight is carried higher up and
a little off your back. People think this makes you sweat less.

3) You can lash lots of stuff to the frame of an external frame pack. People who carry a lot of stuff like this. Of course, most internal frame packs have lots of loops and do-dads for trying stuff on the outside.

What you buy depends a lot of what sort of gear you will need to haul. Either will be fine if you have a traditional load. Don't worry too much about trying on packs. Most are well enough designed to be comfortable in the strore. You can't really tell how well a pack fits you without using it for a few hours (or days). If you are going to use a lighter load, think about something like a Golite Gust, which is just a bag with straps and a hipbelt. But, it is pretty cheap, very light, and durable.

OOps check out my response on a new thread called internal vs. external. Hit the wrong button:eek:

I used external Kelty packs from the early 70's until 1999, when I switched to an internal (Dana Designs Terraplane). Since I tend to hike in the Autumn, I have not had to deal with extremely warm and humid days. However, the Dana was much more comfortable given the same amount of weight. I just purchased a Nimbus Ozone from Granite Gear since my base weight is down to about 17 pounds, and I hope that this will also prove very comfortable.

i think there is quite a division between those that go internal vs those of external. myself an an internalist. i picture externals as large, cumebrsome, snagging on things, heavy and of little use :) whereas my intenal is sleep, light (4lbs).

channels in the back paneling help keep the sweat down. where there is contact from pack to body, you will sweat regardless of itnernal/external model.

the two models your offering up for externals seem VERY heavy, and very large. do you REALLY need a 90 litre capacity?? thats a hell of a lot.

i'm going to plug osprey packs :) check out the osprey aether 60+75 (3.something + 4.1lbs repspectivly). (i think, www.ospreypacks.com )

remember, you will be carrying this for 2 months. think 3lbs verses 7lbs for one you mentioned... thats 4lbs spare. thats 4lbs extra empty. 4lbs is a lot! that is going to be riding on your hips+shoulders...

the best thing if you can is go to the store, get them to stick 30-40lbs in it, and stand around in the shop talking gear and getting opinions. get them to fit it properly and see how it carries the weight.

i'm bias to internal as you can tell, but i'm sure someone will post some experience on external packs...

i went to osprey packs the other day and it worked, now i'm gettnig some tax sight?? how bizarre!! hahah i think someone stuffed up on their end

I am also getting the tax sight when I try to log into Osprey, so I am glad to hear its not just me.

I also have to plug osprey packs. It took me some tries to get a pack that fit me appropriately--what feels good in a store with weight in it may not feel so hot climbing straight up on rocky terrain for your 14th mile of the day...however, my Osprey pack is like a turtle shell--just part of my body. It moves with me. Wouldn't go to another brand now for all the money in the world.

I believe that Baltimore Jack uses an Osprey Pack. Sort of celebrity endorsement, I suppose. Then again, I didn't check this with him first, so perhaps I will be on the receiving end of another angry post from him.

I don't mean to give you a non answer, but the facts of the matter is that there is no clear consentious on any piece of gear. There are those who use externals and those who use internals.

It's something that is best figured out for yourself. Do your research, and then take all your other equipment plus water plus food, and go to your local outfitter. Be prepared to spend plenty of time loading your equipment into different packs and trying them on.

Generally speaking, externals are cheaper than internals. In the past, internals were heavier, but that is now changing. Currently, fewer and fewer firms are making externals.

So, see what works for you.

Kelty seems to be the only one seriously making them and even they are blurring the lines since the external frame is basicly inside....

One big aspect many people forget (or don't know) is that an external frame carries weight much better than an internal. Meaning at the end of the day you will do less work in a frame pack than any internal, regardless of price or make.

Of course there are drawbacks...they squeak, shift, are bulky etc...But external packs carry 100% of the weight to the hips, meaning your legs do all the work. Even the best internal packs will put weight on your shoulders and lower back...causing you to work more muscles and fatigue quicker.

Also keep in mind that many people who use internal frame packs have never used a solid, properly fitted and adjusted external frame pack. Try them both, with substantial weight, before buying.

It seems that Stranger is claiming that those who use external packs are deluded in their thinking and using a substandard piece of gear. Having used an external frame pack during my youth, there is no way I would return to one now. I do not think the claim that externals carry 100% of the weight on the hips is an accurate one. Besides, who would want that? After a day or two, your hips would be bruised and sore. Distribution of weight is better than exclusively centering the weight chore on one part of the body.

External frame packs ride much higher on your back, which provides, probably, a higher degree of comfort than internals if you keep your hiking limited to the paved running track at your local high school. However, once you have to shift around, change body positions, or general hike on a trail that isn't generally described as a highway, an internal frame pack will give you more mobility and you won't have a ton of weight high up moving you around.

All that being said, on something like the AT, I think either would be fine. I don't use a frame anymore and think that is the way to go. I did see one person on the PCT with an external frame, but I may have been seeing things in the mid day heat.

go frameless

There are plenty of merits to internals...I am not saying that external frame packs are better or worse...but worthy. I haven't used an external since 1994 But that doesn't mean others won't appreciate them.

I see. Sorry I took your post the wrong way.