Does anyone use external frames anymore??

**Bearbag** · 03-11-2011, 14:32

I consider myself somewhat of a "traditionalist". My kids say im just old. But i am seriously considering going back to an external. I'm looking for input on the newer externals. Anyone have any experience with newer models?

I gotta have more cowbell!

**Sergemaster** · 03-11-2011, 15:20

Hey Bearbag,
If you do a search on "external frame packs" you will find a slew of information on the subject including the external vs. internal debate..

Personally I prefer an external for various reasons over the internal but that's just me..

Cheers,
Serge

**CrumbSnatcher** · 03-11-2011, 15:27

Originally Posted by Bearbag

I consider myself somewhat of a "traditionalist". My kids say im just old. But i am seriously considering going back to an external. I'm looking for input on the newer externals. Anyone have any experience with newer models?

I gotta have more cowbell!

you bet ! nothing better IMO

**CrumbSnatcher** · 03-11-2011, 15:28

What kind of external did you have

**Cookerhiker** · 03-11-2011, 15:29

Last used mine in '04. But I still have it!

**Sickmont** · 03-11-2011, 15:32

Yep. Just bought a Kelty Trekker 3950 a few weeks ago. I love it.

**hikerhobs** · 03-11-2011, 15:50

I also have a kelty trekker 3950 nice pack plenty of pockets i use it all year around

**leaftye** · 03-11-2011, 16:13

**skinewmexico** · 03-11-2011, 20:28

Originally Posted by leaftye

OK, I'll bite. What is it?

**leaftye** · 03-12-2011, 23:08

Originally Posted by skinewmexico

OK, I'll bite. What is it?

It's by KUIU

http://kuiu.wordpress.com/2011/01/24...n-fiber-frame/

The price is better than I thought it would be.

**Fiddleback** · 03-13-2011, 11:13

Usually, I sweat copiously and soak through my clothes quickly when I'm on the trail. Rightly or wrongly I thought a close fitting internal wouldn't be as comfortable as an external. I've never used an internal...what have I missed?

FB

**Whartz04** · 10-31-2022, 10:45

Hello,

Pretty sure the pack frame illustrated is from KUIU.com https://www.kuiu.com/collections/hun...ack-components

Seriously considering this frame for a 2023 Thru Hike. I’d be curious if anyone has any experience with the carbon fiber frame, corresponding suspension system, quality, durability, loading strategies and company customer service. Thank you-

**LoneStranger** · 10-31-2022, 15:26

Originally Posted by Whartz04

Hello,

Pretty sure the pack frame illustrated is from KUIU.com https://www.kuiu.com/collections/hun...ack-components

Seriously considering this frame for a 2023 Thru Hike. I’d be curious if anyone has any experience with the carbon fiber frame, corresponding suspension system, quality, durability, loading strategies and company customer service. Thank you-

Seems heavy even for a framed pack. Have you looked at Seek Outside? More $$ by far, but the Unaweep 4800 is around a pound lighter. I have a Unaweep 6300 I use as my Winter pack on most trips.

**Whartz04** · 11-01-2022, 07:21

I am very impressed with backpack options available at SeekOutside.com (a new resource to me!)

https://seekoutside.com/

Thank you!

**ChrisFol** · 03-11-2011, 18:17

Originally Posted by Bearbag

I consider myself somewhat of a "traditionalist". My kids say im just old. But i am seriously considering going back to an external. I'm looking for input on the newer externals. Anyone have any experience with newer models?

I gotta have more cowbell!

My father-in-law still loves and uses his decade old Kelty Trekker, I still don't know why he doesn't purchase a new pack but one thing is for sure, that Trekker is a work horse.

Just last year when we backpacked into the La Garita Wilderness he must have loaded that dam thing up with nearly 50lbs of gear-- full chest waders and everything and he never complained once about it hurting him.

**CrumbSnatcher** · 03-11-2011, 18:40

Originally Posted by ChrisFol

My father-in-law still loves and uses his decade old Kelty Trekker, I still don't know why he doesn't purchase a new pack but one thing is for sure, that Trekker is a work horse.

Just last year when we backpacked into the La Garita Wilderness he must have loaded that dam thing up with nearly 50lbs of gear-- full chest waders and everything and he never complained once about it hurting him.

probably because the external carries the weight so much better!, gets the weight on the hips more than the shoulder.
kelty super tiogas are my favorite pack. also just picked up a dana designs k2 shortbed.

**Joey C** · 03-11-2011, 19:09

There are a lot of folks who dearly love their external frame packs. Heavy or not, they tend to carry well and last. I don't think they'll ever disappear from the hiking scene. As for me, my Cuben fiber 7 oz pack works just fine. To each their own!

**Zeno Marx** · 03-12-2011, 04:27

Originally Posted by CrumbSnatcher

also just picked up a dana designs k2 shortbed.

Some of the ones made just there at the end were made like utter crap. Waterproofing peeling and getting all over everything. Fabrics bleeding at the first sign of getting wet. Cut-corners stitching, and with really wimpy threads. The frame and harness remained good quality, but the pack body was really a slap in the face of a company known for its high quality and overkill materials.

**skinewmexico** · 03-11-2011, 19:18

My Kelty 50th Anniversary model is lighter than a lot of the internals that are worshipped here on WB. Still heavier than I want to use, unless I'm carrying 4-5 gallson of water.

**moytoy** · 03-11-2011, 19:45

Kelty trekker here also. Although if I could have got a golite at the sale price a few days ago I would have just to see how I like it.

Thread: Does anyone use external frames anymore??

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Display

Hybrid View

Does anyone use external frames anymore??

Posting Permissions