Over the years, backpack design has shifted away from external frames toward sleeker internal frame varieties. Learn the pros and cons of each to see which best suits your backpacking needs.
External frames are easy to spot by their squarish packbag and visible frame elements that offer great spots for lashing bulky gear, which is why trail crews and hunters often choose them. They excel on well-maintained, graded trails but are suboptimal for rugged terrain and off-trail scrambling.
Comfort
Over the past two decades, pack design has largely moved away from external frames to internal frame packs. These are sleek and form-fitting and carry the weight closer to your body for more comfort.
Internals also tend to have a gap between the frame and packbag that allows air to flow more easily through your back, cooling you down. Some offer ventilation channels and suspended-mesh back panels for even more airflow. Internals vary from ultralight packs with few outer pockets to deluxe designs with tons of storage.
Most internals are more compact than externals, making them easier to stash in your trunk or check as luggage for a flight. However, they're usually pricier.
Ventilation
Properly framed interiors contribute to consistent indoor temperatures and reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling, resulting in lower energy costs and a more environmentally conscious building. Carol’s integrated production model optimizes cost efficiency by handling complex metal frame manufacturing and utilizing an in-house electroplating facility.
External frames sit farther away from your torso, increasing air flow between the pack and your back, reducing sweating and making it easier to access gear. However, this also exposes more of your gear to the environment, which can be a drawback when bushwhacking or scrambling. In addition, they’re more top-heavy and offer less stability for dynamic activities. This makes them better suited for trail walking than dynamic hiking. However, their sleek internal aesthetics are a favorite among many backpackers.
Weight
There was a time when external frame packs were the backpacker’s workhorses. But today, sleeker internal frame options rule the trails. Nonetheless, you can still find the older styles, which are easy to spot by their squarish packbags and exposed frame elements that make them a good choice for lashing gear on.
The frames on these packs transfer the weight to your hips and allow for a more upright walking posture, which makes them good for trail walking. They’re less stable, however, when scrambling off-trail. Plus, the top-heavy design exposes more of your gear to potential snags from branches and brush.
Internal frame designs offer a wide range of capacities, from ultralight to super-full, and come in a variety of aesthetics. They also vary in the way they access the main compartment: From minimal pockets to deluxe designs, some offer access through either the front or top of the bag. Some even have modular add-ons for tech integration.
Aesthetics
As we’ve seen, there are pros and cons to each frame type. The most important factors are comfort, load management and versatility.
Internal frames are sleek and body-hugging, providing a lower center of gravity for agility. They also offer exceptional ventilation and a better fit to avoid shifting or swaying.
External frame packs, on the other hand, can be more squarish and bulkier. They often feature lashing points to securely fasten gear outside the pack, which can be convenient for things like a large tent or ice climbing equipment. But this leaves your gear exposed to the elements and potentially to sharp rocks or branches.
Both are fine options for backpackers, and the choice depends on what kind of hiking or camping your customers will be doing. Weighing up the pros and cons can help your team find a backpack that meets your customer’s needs canvas without making it too heavy, which is what we all want.
