In the backpacking community, there is some debate about the benefits of an internal frame backpack versus their external frame counterparts. What is Hiking Lady’s take on the matter? Internal frame backpacks are far better, and that is what you should be using.
External and Internal Frame Backpack
External frame backpacks are the historical go to backpack for carrying heavy loads. If you look at old military photos (ie, the U.S. Civil War) the soliders wore external frame packs. The pack is constructed with a frame made of aluminum or metal tube with a sack that is attached.
An internal frame backpack has only been around since 1967, when it was invented by Greg Lowe (he’s famous in the hiking community for founding the company Lowepro). The supportive frame made of plastic or metal is integrated into the fabric. If you head to your local outdoors store, all of the packs are likely to be internal frame backpacks.
Why Internal Frame Backpacks Are Superior: An internal frame backpack will distribute your load better. They fit more snugly to your body, so it moves with you as you hike up hills and over rocks. The only real benefit to external frame backpacks are that they are “cooler” – meaning that your back tends to sweat less when your lugging your gear. However, many of the new designs, including my Gregory Deva 60 backpack, are designed ...
