Ah, the great outdoors. The fresh air, the scenic views, the sounds of nature, and the sore back from carrying a heavy backpack.
Wait, what?
Hiking can be a fantastic way to exercise, explore the wilderness, and get in touch with nature. But let's face it: carrying a backpack for hours can be a pain in the, well, back.
Enter the external frame backpack - an old-school solution that still has a place in modern hiking.
Advantages of External Frame Backpacks
External frame backpacks are designed to sit farther away from your torso, which increases ventilation and reduces sweat against your back.
The frame of the backpack, typically made of aluminum or another lightweight material, is visible on the outside and holds the backpack away from your body.
This design allows for more airflow, which can make a big difference on a hot day. Also, you won't have to deal with a sweaty back when you reach your campsite.
Another advantage of external frame backpacks is the improved weight distribution.
By positioning the weight higher on your back, external frame backpacks transfer the load to your hips, allowing you to carry heavier loads with less strain on your back and shoulders.
This can be especially helpful if you plan to carry a lot of gear or if you have a long hike ahead of you.
External frame backpacks also encourage a more upright posture.
The frame of the backpack provides support, helping you stand up straighter and walk with better posture, according to Ken Knapp from Rei.com. This can help reduce fatigue and prevent back pain on longer hikes.
External frame backpacks are typically easier to access than internal frame backpacks.
Because the frame is on the outside, you can attach gear to the frame itself or store items in external pockets without having to dig through your pack.
Advantages of Internal Frame Backpacks
While external frame backpacks have their advantages, they are not always the best choice.
Internal frame backpacks, which have a frame built into the backpack itself, carry the load closer to your body and lower down.
This can be beneficial for climbing mountains or navigating technical terrain, as the lower center of gravity can help with balance and stability.
Internal frame backpacks are also more versatile and can be used for a variety of activities beyond hiking.
Choosing the Right Backpack for Your Needs
If you plan to do a lot of hiking in hot weather on well-maintained trails or want to carry a heavier load, go for the external frame backpack. But if you're climbing or scrambling off-trail or hiking on rugged terrain, an internal frame backpack is more stable.
If you're flying, an internal frame backpack is easier to stow away in overhead lockers. They're also more compact and sleeker.
On the other hand, if you need more ventilation and want to reduce sweat on your back, go for the external frame backpack. They sit farther away from your torso.
And if you need to carry supplies to a remote location or pack out after a hunt, then an external frame pack might be the better option.
Tips for Using External Frame Backpacks
External frame backpacks are great for carrying heavier loads and keeping you cool with better ventilation.
When packing an external frame backpack, start with the lighter items at the bottom and work your way up. This will help balance the load and keep you from feeling wobbly.
Don't forget to tie down any items on the outside of the pack to prevent them from swaying around.
When wearing an external frame backpack, be sure to adjust the straps correctly. Start by loosening all the straps, then tighten the hip belt first, followed by the shoulder straps and load lifters. The ideal frame height is based on your torso size and weight carried.
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